#46 Virginia

This morning I live-streamed the meditation and talk by Lama Tsony of the Virginia Chapter of Bodhi Path Buddhist Centers, founded by Shamar Rinpoche (1952-2014).  

From Lama Tsony's picture below, it is clear that his Sangha that he leads really likes him, and so did I.  I have great respect for anyone completing the traditional Tibetan three-year retreat (think sleeping for a couple hours a night sitting up for three years), and Lama completed two of them.  

Lama gave some excellent instructions prior to a twenty-five minute meditation, including starting by simply sitting with no particular intention in mind, perhaps a 'date with your mind', kindly.  "Think of a tree trunk moving gently in the wind", and "Outstretching shoulders to prevent caving of the body," were both helpful. 

Lama then discussed several points from the book Path to Awakening, Shamar Rinpoche's commentary on the Seven Points of Mind Training (Lojong) by Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje (1101–1175). 

Lama's discussion of Chapter Seven of the book was concise, pointing out three important commitments to the Buddhist Path; pursuing enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, relying on the teaching of the Buddha and paying attention to spiritual (Sangha) friends (Shamar Rinpoche was decidedly supportive of the lay life). 

I was particularly struck by the relevance of 'noticing the mind under the influence of neuroses (klesha), how we say "yes I did it but you made me do it" or "what I did was not SO bad...", and some tips on how to overcome them.  Lama suggested the 'Nancy Reagan' method of 'just say NO', like telling oneself you really don't need to go there after noticing a bad habit, then meditating on the insubstantiality of self, you know 'what is this thing that believes so strongly in itself it has to hold on or push things away?', and cultivating loving kindness and gratitude, with mindfulness, attentiveness and conscientousness. 

Lama noted the work involved in the practice.  His mother, he said, would tell him "For you, if the corners don't come to the broom, they aren't going to be cleaned."

Mothers push us kindly, don't they?  Perhaps there is this kind of support in many places in our lives.