MindNewsletter of Sakya Losal Choe Dzong, Tibetan Buddhist Society of Canberra Inc.

Issue #101January 2015

H.H. Sakya TrizinA new way forward for the Sakya Lineage Page 2

Going GreenNew Solar Panels at Virupa Retreat Centre Page 3

TeachingsThe Window of Right View to Life Page 7

Pilgrims meet with H.H. The Dalai Lama and other Lineage Holders

Lama Choedak Rinpoche

I have been leading bi-annual pilgrimages to the sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal and India since 1985. I have seen how people grow, learn and discover new things about themselves on a pilgrimage by being able to accept other people’s way of doing things. On a very subtle level, pilgrims receive many blessings and teachings just by going to those places. We also witness poverty, generosity, comfort, discomfort and the different ways there are to relate to such things. Unceasing Buddha activities can be observed through undertaking such a sacred journey. It breaks the closed mindedness and helps one to em-brace all beings with loving kindness, as the virtue of all virtues.

Seeing an elderly Burmese lady being car-ried by porters and constantly attended to by her children, is the signature of the strength of Dharma in those people and its culture. An old man sweeps the fallen bodhi leaves with a broom as his daily chore, but when a pilgrim offers him some rupees, it empowers him with humility in his simple task. On the other hand the man who profits by sell-ing things and makes 20 times more each day, displays no satisfaction. On pilgrimage there is an unceasing teaching coming from everyone, including the beggars, fellow pil-grims, street vendors and their behaviour. It is the power of the places that transforms one’s attitude and reveals the emptiness of appearances. As a pilgrim inspired by Xuan Tsang and many others, I salute all who are

Pilgrimage to India, Nepal 2015

on the path without any judgement. With the careful timing of this pilgrimage,

we were able to attend the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the founding of the Sakya Centre (13-14 Nov) in Dehra Dun, visit holy places, meet the most important people in Tibetan Buddhism, attend the 23rd Sakya Monlam Prayer Festival (4-13 Dec) in Lum-bini, and attend a prayer ceremony known as ‘Lom-chod’ (1st anniversary) of my late sister-in-law in Pokhara. There were 13 pil-grims, most were Australians except a couple from Singapore and one from USA.

This pilgrimage had two sections: the first section included Delhi, Dehra Dun, Tso Pema, Dharamsala, Bir and Chauntara. The second section included Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Kushinagar and Lumbini: the main Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. Visiting the first section enabled us to witness the thriving Tibetan Buddhist

community in action by having an audience with HH the Dalai Lama, Karmapa, and Sakya Trizin. The second section took us back to the life of the Buddha by visiting the old and desolate ruins and ancient temples, guarded by armed men. Here is my account of the first part of the trip (part 2 to follow in the next edition).

10 NovemberThe pilgrims and I met in Delhi on the

10th and took a flight to Dehra Dun. We stayed at Songtsen Library Guest House, founded by HH Drikung Kyabgon Rin-poche. My brother Thutop, the American Tibetan who would join the 1st section, ar-rived ahead of us. There we all had a room to ourselves. After a quick vegetarian lunch, we drove to the residence of HH Sakya Trizin and his family (he has five grand-children). We were served tea while waiting outside

continued on page 4

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama with pilgrims led by Lama Choedak Rinpoche

2 Mind January 2015

MindA quarterly newsletter of

Sakya Losal Choe Dzong, theTibetan Buddhist Society of CanberraDesign: Greg O’RourkeEditors: Greg & Rachel O’RourkeContact: (02) 6238 2088 mail@sakya.com.auwww.sakya.com.au Printing: Black Rainbow

Printed on recycled paperDeadline for submissions to the next edition: 20th March 2015

Visit the new website at:www.sakya.com.au

Lama Choedak Rinpoche

On 11th December 2014, H.H. Sakya Trizin announced that the role of Sakya Trizin will be offered to a suitably qualified senior Khon family member, at the 23rd Sakya Monlam Prayer Festival in Lumbini. This will become effective in 2017. The duration of the role will be for three years, when the next qualified candidate will be enthroned accordingly. H.H. Sakya Dagchen Rinpoche has also endorsed this proposal. It comes at a time when both Sakya Houses enjoy a very pure bond and respectful relationship. At the an-nouncement, His Holiness read a two-page memorandum signed in August 2014, as well as an official letter from HH Dalai Lama. The announcement is a positive move to maintain the tradition without ignoring the changing reality of the contemporary world. It is a creative response to the anticipated vision for leadership in the future. This will consolidate the stable and smooth leadership of His Holiness Sakya Trizin, contrary to the concern of some traditionalists. It also

intimates to the Khon members to become worthy of the position through qualities and earned respect – not by virtue of family con-nection alone. At a time when the elitism of hereditary families is becoming less relevant, this change heralds a warning to review old traditions and their relevance to the 21st cen-tury. The merit of equal opportunity is also the essence of Buddha dharma. Becoming less dependent on an old system can launch a new cause of growth for the lineage. •

News In Brief

Donation for Sakya MonlamOur centre donated $1500 towards an offering of $4600 made by the Australian pilgrims at the 23rd Sakya Monlam World Peace Prayer Festival in Lumbini in December 2014. This covered the cost of a Mandala offering, 4500 colour photographs of the Shakyamuni Buddha image at Bodh Gaya, a Mangja tea offering with bread, lamp offerings and monetary offerings of 100 Rupees to each of the 4020 strong congregation of monks and nuns. The offering was dedicated for the health, hap-piness and long life of all Dharma masters and so that people turn to peace and non-violence by coming into contact with Dharma through ever-growing centres around the world. The list of our centres was read out to include in the prayer.

Release of a New BookLama Choedak Rinpoche is hop-ing to release his new book this year. The long awaited translation of Rongton’s commentary of Kamalashila’s Stages of Meditation I, II and III is nearly complete. It will be welcomed by the Buddhist world and all who are interested in meditation. This effort has taken seven long years. We request an-yone who is interested to assist in the final proof reading, financing and distribution of the publication to contact the centre. It is a very worthy cause for all to become involved.

Rinpoche to teach on Bodhisattva’s Way of LifeStarting on Tuesday 10th February, Lama Choedak Rinpoche will commence offering oral teachings on Shantideva’s classic text the ‘Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’. (continued on page 5)

Change in the System of Sakya Trizin

Featuring large collection of recordings of teachings for download

Ven. Jampal

SLCD recently launched its new website at the conclusion of the Vajrayogini Blessings given by HE Luding Khen

Rinpoche in January 2015, in which he gave his blessings and a talk on how the new web-site will help us to more effectively spread the precious teachings of the Dharma.

As well as a better system for sharing news from the Society and improved event booking facilities, the website features a new members’ area dedicated to recordings of teachings by Lama Choedak Rinpoche and other visiting teachers. There are complete courses available to download as audio or watch via video right from the website. This new initiative is free to all current members of SLCD. If you are already a member of the Society, by the time of this publication you should have received your login details for how to access the teachings. Please let us know if you have not yet received your login so that we can set that up for you. When

you log in it also enables you to update your contact details right from the website. If you are reading this and aren’t yet a member of SLCD, now might be the perfect time to think about signing up!

We had a lot of fun putting this new website together; check it out and let us know what you think. A special thanks goes to Katy and Oliver from Northbridge Digital, the UK-based web developers, who did such fantastic work on this pro-ject. Have a look on our Youtube channel for a video of the website launch with His Eminence, as well as a short tutorial on how to use it and find what you are look-ing for. Cheers! •

SLCD Launches New Website!

January 2015 Mind 3

Virupa

Calendar Upcoming classes, retreats and workshops for the Tibetan Buddhist Society of Canberra

Going GreenVirupa Retreat Centre’s new solar panel system unveiled during New Year’s Celebrations

Greg O’Rourke

It was a great to see so many of our com-munity members at the New Year’s Day cel-ebrations on 1 January 2015 held at Virupa Retreat Centre. We were also joined by spe-cial guests from the Bhutanese community, Yeshey Tsheten and family, who made some delicious sweet rice and traditional Bhutanese tea for the shared afternoon tea that was contributed to by attendees.

Lama Choedak Rinpoche led prayers in the gompa, which was then followed by the unveiling and blessing of the new solar panel system at Virupa Retreat Centre, with speeches from Rinpoche, Siegfried Werner who funded the project, and myself as co-ordinator of Virupa.

The power output from the 10kw system will meet the daytime power consumption needs of Virupa, which will reduce SLCD’s

carbon footprint and will also help to reduce the costs of running the retreat centre.

We applied for a grant from the Federal government last year to install solar panels at Virupa, however at that time we were not successful in our application. Luckily our karma has given us a second chance and we were approached a few months ago by Sieg-fried Werner (partner of long-term student Eva Steiner) who, following Eva’s suggestion, was interested in donating funds for a solar panel system at the centre. We were overjoyed

that this was once again a possibility, and we would like to thank Siegfried for his generous donation and also for his work in helping to coordinate the project. A special thanks also to Mark and Andy from Captain Kilowatt who installed the system.

The solar system is ground mounted as there was a lot of shading from trees on the roof, and we obviously wanted to keep these beautiful trees standing. We were a bit con-cerned about the placement of the system as we needed to run a long trench to the meter

continued on back page

■ Saturdays Feb 7 - 28

4 Week Course: Conscious Wisdomwith Jaki Forbes3pm-4pm, Rongton Buddhist Training College, Evatt, ACT

■ Mondays Feb 9 - Mar 30

Meditation Classes in Tuggeranongwith Greg O’Rourke7.00-8.30pm, Tuggeranong Community Centre, ACT

■ Tuesdays Feb 10 - Mar 31

Calm Abiding Meditation Coursewith Lama Choedak Rinpoche6.00-7.30pm, Rongton Buddhist Training College, Evatt, ACT

Tuesday Night Buddhist Teachings: Bodhisattva’s Way of Lifewith Lama Choedak Rinpoche7.30-9.30pm Rongton Buddhist Training College, Evatt, ACT

■ Thursday February 26

Public Talk: Understanding Anxiety and Depressionwith Lama Choedak Rinpoche7.00pm, Belconnen Community Centre Theatre, ACT

■ March 5 - 9

Retreat: 9th Annual 4-Day Calm Abiding Meditationwith Lama Choedak RinpocheSIBA Retreat Centre, VIC

■ Saturday March 14

Workshop: Introduction To Meditation With a Tibetan Lamawith Lama Choedak Rinpoche9.30am - 5.00pm, Virupa Retreat Centre, Carwoola, NSW

■ March 20 - 23

Annual Vajrayogini Retreat(empowerment holders only)Starts 6pm, Virupa Retreat Centre, Carwoola, NSW

■ April 2 - 6

Retreat: 9th Annual Easter Health & WellnessSIBA Retreat Centre, VIC

■ April 2 - 6

22nd Annual Easter Weekend Ngondro Retreatwith Lama Choedak RinpocheStarts 6pm, Virupa Retreat Centre, Carwoola, NSW

■ April 24 - 26

Retreat: 9th Annual Medicine Buddha Meditationwith Lama Choedak RinpocheSIBA Retreat Centre, VIC

4 Mind January 2015

before the audience. I felt a bit sad as people at the house seemed unfamiliar. Much loved Sangye-la and the jolly Drakpa-la have passed away. The elderly Somo-Dolkar la and Gen Rinchen-la are there, but not in their best form.

HH received us in a cosy audience room. This is the first time that I saw no construc-tion activities at the residence. As we paid our respect, I offered an eight-spoked wheel of Dharma with a khata and renewed our request for him to bestow the Lamdre teach-ings at SIBA. His Holiness graciously agreed but gave no specific date. His Holiness then asked me a number of questions about what the other Sakya monks and Lamas are doing in Australia. We received a ‘Ka-go’ from His Holiness with His Vajrakilaya dagger in his hand. He held the dagger on my head for much of the time and invoked all the names of lineage masters, sending a wave of tingling through my backbone. I imagined all beings with me and especially some people that my heart was concerned about in recent months. Faith and bond was renewed. Then, we visit-ed the Sakya Centre which was busy with all the preparations for the celebration. There we were greeted by Ven. Sonam Choegyal-la, the secretary General of the centre. Then we visited Ven. Chiwang Tulku Rinpoche.

11-13 November On the 11th, we visited Ngor monastery

in Manduwala and paid our respects to HE Luding Khenchen, Khenpo and Thartse Khenpo. We also visited the Sakya College for Nuns. There we met Ani Dechen Wangmo, the principal, the Khenpo and my niece Ani Lekshe Sangmo. We paid our respects to His Eminence Asanga Rinpoche who has begun his Buddhist dialectical studies.

On the 12th, we were took part in the rich Golden Jubilee celebration. The scale and massive organisation that had gone into the celebration highlighted the important role the Sakya centre has played over the last 50 years. They offered top quality food for all guests on both days. The morning was filled with many (rather monotonous) speeches in three languages. The anticipated arrival of the

Pilgrims with His Holiness the Sakya Trizin.

Chief Minister...did not happen. They show-ered everyone with many gifts, including a Sanskrit translation of Sapan’s Elegant Say-ings. The Professor translator talked for more than 45 minutes about his work and praised Sapan’s scholarship. When he tried to read some verses in Tibetan, even His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche could not help but break into laughter! (Most philologists are known for their woeful pronunciation). The afternoon was all entertainment, much to the delight of the young monks and nuns. A fellow pilgrim remarked on the secular nature of the celebration with little emphasis in spirituality, except lighting of lamps at the beginning. In the evening, we visited the Sakya Academy under construction where a dinner was hosted by Dagmo Sonam-la as her husband Gyana Vajra Rinpoche was ill. The outdoor event was warmed by songs again in spite of a very cold evening. The academy is situated at a beautiful location overlooking Doon valley with spacious surroundings.

14-15 NovemberOn the 14th, His Holiness Sakya Trizin

gave an empowerment, which attracted 6,000 people. He sat on the throne for 6 hours blessing all, one by one. I felt that the Sakya Centre definitely needs to be relocated somewhere more spacious as it is too crowded where it is now. In the afternoon, we had an audience with His Eminence Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, who has just returned from Bodh Gaya. We renewed our standing invitation for his return visit to Australia.

On the 15th, we visited the first historic

continued from front cover

Pilgrims in an audience with H.E.

Ratna Vajra Rinpoche

January 2015 Mind 5

Rinpoche with His Holiness

the Dalai Lama.

Tibetan temple in Mussoorie, where the Dalai Lama stayed for a while when he first arrived as a refugee in 1959. I always visit this tiny place. I feel sad but equally inspired by how HH Dalai Lama has led us to great heights from such a humble beginning. Only a few orphans roam there, as they have no-where to go for vacation. On our way back, we visited Sakya College and the new Khen-pos, who showered us with endless cups of tea and biscuits. We quickly arranged an offering for a dinner for all at the College.

16-17 NovemberOn the 16th, we visited Mindrol Ling

monastery in Clement Town, one of the main seats of Nyingmapa lineage, the huge Buddha statue and a large stupa. It is a good tourist destination. We stayed at Devaloka guest house. On the 17th, we drove early through a scenic mountainous route to Tso Pema, ‘Lotus Lake’. This is a famous site where Padmasambhava transformed a big fire ball into a lake, then escaped unharmed floating on a lotus flower with his consort Mandarawa. She is the cause of the unbeliev-able story of Padmasambhava being set on fire by her furious father. A massive statue of Padmasambhava overlooking the small valley, along with several Tibetan temples and hermitages around the hills, adds more value to the place.

18-19 NovemberOn the 18th, we arrived in Dharamsala, the

seat of HH Dalai Lama and the Central Ti-betan Administration. We stayed at Zambala, a Tibetan hotel. I received the good news that an audience for our group with HH the Dalai Lama was confirmed. On the 19th, after having bread, boiled eggs and chai for break-fast, we went through security checks before being ushered into the palace grounds. Soon His Holiness appeared at 10:30am. When I offered a khata and touched his smooth hand, I felt like I was lifted into the space by His amazing presence. His Holiness was leaving for Delhi at 1.00pm but we were rewarded with such blessings. After I asked him a few questions on some issues, His Holiness patted my back and said:

“The appointment of the next Chogye Trichen should be decided by Dagtri Rinpoche (Sakya Trizin). I received a letter some time ago asking me to give direction on this matter and I asked Dagtri Rinpoche to decide it. Everyone will

respect his decision. And if there is any prob-lem in deciding it, then maybe rolling of the dough (zen ril dril) may be used, or whatever. It should be decided without further delay. This is all I can say.

So, you are neither a lay person nor a monk. Anyway, I am glad about what you are doing. Yes, I have also read Rongton’s commentary on the Stages of Meditation. So, please go ahead and finish the translation. By the way, consult some of the root Indian texts mentioned in it. Please keep up your work. See you.”

After the audience, I felt satisfied as if I had nothing else to do on that day. Such was the effect of seeing His Holiness. All in the group could not believe such an honour and happiness could be found in being close to His Presence. In the afternoon, we visited the famous Tibetan library and the new parlia-ment building escorted by Geshe Tse Ringpo, a member of the Sakya lineage.

20th NovemberOn the 20th, we visited Norbu Linka, a

Tibetan cultural centre and Dolma Ling nun-nery. Then we tried to visit Gyuto monastery, but we could not get into the main temple as the caretaker had no key on him. He strange-ly said, ‘This is not Karmapa’s monastery.’ After a quick visit to several monasteries in Bir, we met HE Abhikrita Rinpoche, Abhaya Rinpoche and Ven. Khenpo Choying Dorje at Dzongsar Institute in Chauntara. I had lunch with them, while Tsewang Rigzin en-tertained the group. We witnessed the vision of the late Khenchen Kunga Wangchuk being carried out by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche with unique style and precision. Then we drove all night and reached Delhi, taking our flight to Varanasi on time. Incredible India!

To be continued in the next edition...

News In Brief (continued from p2)Regarded as the Bible of Mahaya-na Buddhism, this text touches and heals the heart, mind and soul of all who hear and read the text. It will be taught every Tuesday night during each eight-week term for the whole year. Anyone who wish-es to introduce friends and people to the Dharma, hearing oral teach-ings on this classic from Rinpoche will be the best thing you can give. All are welcome. Please visit the website to book.

Visit Of His Eminence Luding Khen RinpocheMany blessings were received by the recent visit of His Eminence to Canberra, where he bestowed the Hevajra Cause empowerment and Vajrayogini Blessings at Virupa Retreat Centre. The event went very well and a special thanks to all the volunteers and organisers that made this very special event possible. If you would like to see photos of the event, check out the photo galleries on our website at www.sakya.com.au.

Vajrayogini Retreat RescheduledThe annual Vajrayogini retreat is scheduled for 20-23 March 2015 so that it does not clash with HH Dalai Lama’s visit in June. This is also to help those who recently received the Vajrayogini blessings from HE Luding Khen Rinpoche to be able to quickly receive teach-ings on the practice and learn the Sadhana properly from Rinpoche, which is of great benefit. So, this retreat is strongly recommended for all who attended the Vajrayo-gini Blessings in January 2015.

6 Mind January 2015

SIBA

by SIBA resident Joseph Frawley

Hello Clear Mind Readers! My name is Joseph Frawley, and I am writ-ing to tell you about the amazing

opportunities and experiences I have been involved in over the past 7 months whilst volunteering at SIBA Retreat Centre, East Gippsland, Victoria. I wrote a piece for the last online edition of Clear Mind, and re-ceived very warm responses about it from people who met me at retreats here at SIBA. Thank you to all who read it.

A lot has happened since May, when I last wrote! A large group of people came to the Nyung-Ne retreat, based on the deity Chenrezig: the embodiment of Compas-sion. As we were in strict silence and fasted on intermittent days, this was an incredibly powerful and heart-opening experience for me. The residents here, and some very beau-tiful and committed participants, all became very strongly connected to each other after finishing.

Not ten days later, Jampal and Rinpoche (along with other volunteers Odin, Tarnia and Angelique) helped myself and six other residents complete a five-week retreat, medi-tating on the deity Vajrapani, the subduer of Demons. I (and all the participants) gained so much from my time in retreat; what changed in me cannot be put into words. What can be put into words, however, is that I could not have completed such an endeavour without the kindness of those people who helped

me: whether through making me food or through keeping me in their prayers (both are equally important!). Each helped me so much in different ways. I truly want to take this moment to thank everyone, but espe-cially Rinpoche, Jampal, Odin, Tarnia and Angelique. I am in debt to you all.

The day we came out of retreat, Rinpoche arrived and closed the retreat with a glorious Fire Puja and then led a Medicine Buddha Retreat. I was very happy to be helping pre-pare food and answer questions for people here. It was lovely to have some human con-tact again!

One may think that volunteering at SIBA is just lots of retreats... which it mostly is!

However, after this time in retreats we were all very committed to improving the centre: we built (and planted) a new vegetable garden close to the kitchen, we re-built the floor-boards in the golden house, we built lots more play equipment for children, and also bound hundreds of books. On top of this, Jampal and Robert always have something on the back-burner that can use an extra pair of hands. The more people here, the more beautiful SIBA becomes. What a joy to be a part of that.

Late in October, the 10-Day Calm Abiding retreat was upon us. Many people come to this retreat to gain some solid practice time in this conducive space. I was lucky enough to sit in on many sessions, experiencing Rin-poche’s warmth, humour and vital energy. It is a favourite time on SIBA’s calendar, both for the staff and for participants.

Three weeks later, the beginning of the two-week Ngondro retreat began. We prepared diligently for our visitors, lots of

mowing, food preparation and making sure we had enough rice for all the mandalas. As I arranged my volunteer commitments accord-ingly, I could be a part of the daily sessions, practicing and experiencing the profound wellness of the Ngondro practices.

Then, Jampal and some residents left for pilgrimage with Rinpoche, and SIBA effectively ‘closed’ for the summer. I spent a wonderful Christmas-New Year period with family and friends.

Now? I am writing to you from SIBA, a few days out from the White Tara/Family week retreat. The centre is buzzing with ac-tivity, each volunteer has a list a mile long of jobs to do, to make sure everything runs smoothly and the place looks wonderful for our guests.

At the conclusion of the White Tara re-treat, I have to return to the ‘real’ world, completing my degrees in Canberra. How-ever, this year at SIBA has changed my life, and I am to carry the calm, clear and kind mind that I have been developing here into all my activities.

In conclusion: what a year at SIBA! I feel so blessed to be a volunteer here. The major blessing is being able to be a part of so many retreats. I have met some fascinating, warm and friendly people, both participants and fellow volunteers: too many to name. But, know that, if you have met me at SIBA this past year, I am referring to you!

I cannot recommend being here highly enough. It is so wonderful to be alongside other Dharma friends, without phone recep-tion and the noise of the city miles away. If you are remotely curious, I urge you, pick up the phone and ask Jampal when you can stay, even for a week. You will never regret a moment being here. What are you waiting for?

Thank you Rinpoche, thank you to every-one at SIBA, thank you to everyone in the Tibetan Buddhist Society of Canberra and thank you to you, the reader. By reading this, you have been a part of an incredibly memorable year. But don’t take my word for it, come to SIBA and change your own life.

Your fellow Dharma friend, Joseph Frawley. •

Volunteering, Retreating, Learning

I feel so blessed to be a volunteer here...I have met

some fascinating, warm and friendly people, both participants and fellow

volunteers: too many to name.

January 2015 Mind 7

Teachings

A Teaching by Lama Choedak Rinpoche

If you live in a house where you have a nice view, you are probably happy as far as the location of your house is concerned. The hap-piness of living in the House of Life depends on what kind of views you have to your life. In this issue you will read my thoughts about ways of applying one’s understanding of the Dharma and meditation practice in every-day life by developing the right view to life. Those who have genuinely taken refuge in the Dharma and have developed self-discipline through meditation would have discovered a view which provides a clear understanding of what is going on in their lives and why. The teachings of the Dharma make a lot of sense as it shows how to see things in a cor-rect manner without being obscured by any distorted views of life’s confusion.

The Buddha taught about eight interrelat-ed techniques that were essential to provide as a guide to sustain one’s spiritual inspiration and practice. Practicing the Dharma accord-ing to its teachings depends on how much understanding we may have of the Eight Noble Paths. Just as we use the prescribed ingredients to prepare a meal according to a recipe, we must combine and integrate correctly all the eight skilful techniques. In this issue we will discuss two Buddhist prin-ciples which constitute the main factors to developing the right view.

To understand anything and life as a whole, one must not be influenced by any narrow and limited views. If you have strong views, they will bring problems whether you believe them to be right or wrong. The views we hold have no substance in themselves for any change of the circumstances upon which the views were based will prove them unsub-stantiated. While we don’t like to be misled by others, we do not want to be troubled by our own wrong views. Wrong views produce frustration and bring pain and suffering upon those around us. In fact all the sufferings are caused by our own ignorance. Our views or perceptions of any event or our existence in this world mould our attitudes, behaviours and experiences. Regardless of the correctness of our views, they create deep pain as long as we cling to them. So, it is essential to cultivate the right view. If we can associate

ourselves with the following principles, we will live a full and wholesome life. In order to be able to see things in a correct manner, one must not forget the four basic and universal principles which constitute correct Buddhist views, known as the Four Seals of Dharma:

1) All living beings are subject to experience pain and dissatisfaction2) Everything is impermanent3) Everything is empty of inherent existence4) Nirvana (going beyond suffering) is peaceIt is important to understand sufferings

and difficulties of living since they are part of your everyday life. If you can fully un-derstand the meaning of pain, you will not reject it. The best way to overcome pain is by accepting it. The non-acceptance of pain makes you believe that you are the only one who is having a hard time and as a conse-

quence, you do not have concern for other people. Skilful means of handling suffer-ings gives birth to compassion, but struggle against it intensifies sufferings. The pain of non-acceptance is far more detrimental than the actual pain itself. It may sound unfair to have only pain and suffering when every effort of your life is made to avoid pain. It is natural for everybody to expect happiness, but it is unobtainable by merely avoiding pain. The destruction of pain can be fully realised when you overcome the fear of pain. The purpose of life remains confused until you overcome the fear of pain.

The reason why people find it difficult to accept pain is just because they think it is bad, and so therefore think they shouldn’t have it. If there is going to be pain whether you do this or do something else or do neither, the very purpose of any action is to accept its

consequences. Being responsible for what you do and being able to accept its consequences makes for a harmonious and productive life.

Do not think that you did something wrong when you were undergoing some unexpected difficulties. What would have happened if you didn’t do it at all? You would have had a problem of a different kind. Do not consider yourself to be unsuitable to whatever you are doing when difficulties per-sist, but remember the saying: No pain, no gain. Try to cultivate a positive view of pain and its benefits. Do not reject it for it is there for a reason. Your seriousness and sincerity of engaging to do something is being tested when you face difficulties, which derive from your own effort, and you should not blame your effort. The meaning and purpose of the difficulties seldom become clear until you learn to accept it. Rejection of pain and fear of it give you real trouble and you will not find freedom.

This view that the pain is unavoidable and it is a fact of life, is one of the most cru-cial elements in being able to maintain the right view even in extreme conflicting con-ditions. If you fail to accept things that are at hand, you will become unable to control your thoughts and speech, and will commit unskillful actions which you will regret later. Even if you meditate every morning, you must not forget this principle that suffering is the very nature of existence. Sustaining this view prepares you to cope with the problems and you can remain at ease.

Learn to smile in times of trouble to prove changeability of the trouble and let go of attachment to happiness. Even if you found what you were looking for, it does not last long, so be prepared to let go. Even if you can make it seem last longer through attachment, you will not be happy by holding onto a thing that will inevitably part you.

Suffering will not go away unless you honestly accept that parting is the ultimate outcome of all meetings. Basic acceptance that pain is the nature of life enables you to lighten your mental worry and anxiety by reflecting on the impermanence of all things. You were born alone and will die alone. You will also learn to stop blaming others and be responsible of your experiences since they are the result of your own making. If you have a good recollection of the past after so many

The Window Of Right View To Life

PO Box 3430, Manuka ACT 2603Australia

Mind

years, why don’t you try to remember some good and happy experiences derived from such meetings and then see whether it is going to be the same experiences of the past that you were so upset about. If you do this in relation to sufferings, you will find that you yourself are creating the sufferings based on your inability to let go of the past. You will not be aware of the best moment - the here and now - if you are anticipating the future. Even if you have obtained something pleasant without facing some pain, examine how long would it last.

Appreciate everything when it occurs before it vanishes, and do not expect things to stay unchanged as you want them to be. The acceptance of the law of impermanence will enable you to be free from clinging and it provides a swift and smooth parting into freedom. You do not have to make deliberate attempts to change things, but accept the changes that are occurring in and around you effortlessly and respect this course of nature’s law. Do not try to stagnate your growth by holding onto things that are no longer part of you. You cannot have control over other people’s actions to make you happy if you have difficulty controlling your own. Set yourself free from clinging, bitterness and unforgiveness as soon as the parting takes place, and do not wait for anything to occur that is not yet due.

Although it may not be obvious, part-ing is not only inevitable but it is extremely necessary as much as the meeting. Learn to see the movement and change of things when they occur and do not assume what should or shouldn’t happen to it. Do not be hard on yourself; take care of yourself. Do not appreciate only when good things come to you, but also when they go away from you so that you remain receptive. You

will also set others free if you would let them go. Observe the fleeting nature of your own thoughts and attitudes which projects things onto changeable objects, even while you are trying to make them stand still.

Do not have doubts of the result of an action if you are doing it right. Even if you did something wrong, why should you be upset if you can understand that it is not happening now, and will not happen again? If you have helped somebody in the past, do not think when and how they should repay you since he or she may be busy help-ing someone else. If friends have become something otherwise, check what the foes will become if you don’t hold them to be so. When trees grow taller to provide you with shade, energy and coolness, examine what you are giving to the world as you grow older. When chopping wood, do not hold an axe tight unless you do not want to use it again. Do not try too hard in the beginning, for you may lose interest in your goals. Do not speed for a short distance as in a race to exhaust yourself, but walk slowly and steadily to energise yourself wherever you might be going. •

continued from page 3box for the cables (the ground at Virupa as many of you know is quite hard and rocky). However we got the trench laid with no problems. Already the system is generating its peak output of 32 kilowatts and everything seems to be running without a hitch!

Being environmentally responsible can be considered a Buddhist practice, as it is a form of kindness to other beings and their environment. If we all make efforts to take more care of this delicate planet in which we live, we will reap this benefits of these posi-tive actions and collectively all live happier, more peaceful and healthier lives.

Seeing the solar system installed is a very hopeful symbol and we are very happy that we are contributing to a more environmen-tally responsible future. Once again, a very special thanks to everyone that attended the celebrations and we look forward to seeing you again soon! •

Check out the program of upcoming classes and retreats on our website:

www.sakya.com.au

Siegfried Werner, sponsor of Virupa Retreat Centre’s new solar system, giving a speech with Lama Choedak Rinpoche