I CAN AND I WILL BECOME BUDDHA VAJRAPANI

After granting the blessing empowerment of Buddha Vajrapani, Gen-la Khyenrab reminded us that we need to maintain the blessings of the empowerment by regularly engaging in the practice of The Yoga of Buddha Vajrapani.

Venerable Geshe-la said he considers this particular sadhana to be one of our wishfulfilling jewels within our tradition. How fortunate we are to be able to practice this sadhana prepared by our Guru for us!

Gen-la then explained the common and uncommon practices of the sadhana. He said that “Getting enlightened is a process of cause and effect. Each meditation is a cause for the next meditation, which is its effect, and then there’s another cause. So if we miss out some of these causes, we can’t expect the effect to come.”

I am inspired to apply effort in the practice and also I am confident to practice it by myself following the sadhana as explained by Gen-la.

I have the wish to become Buddha Vajrapani for the benefit of all living beings but I am not able to accomplish this by myself. With my Guru’s powerful blessings and his step-by-step clear instructions guiding me on the spiritual path, I know I can and I will become Buddha Vajrapani.

Margaret, Hong Kong

INNER EXTREME VIEWS CAN BE BENEFICIAL

What a beautiful and powerful empowerment of Buddha Vajrapani!

I am still enjoying going back in my mind and revisiting all the points Gen-la Khyenrab made when introducing Buddha Vajrapani.

I was very happy to receive a teaching on beneficial "extreme views". It explained so well how to skilfully be a modern Kadampa practitioner. Most of even basic Buddhist view is in some context of modern society regarded as extreme and unusual. The belief in the existence of Buddhas everywhere, the law of karma, past and future lives and many other meaningful objects that we know through Buddhas kindness and the kindness of our present Teachers.

But we can hold these beneficial beliefs and views inside. They give our life direction, protect us from mental pain and help us to be peaceful. We do not need to openly share them unless it is appropriate and welcome. We do not need to openly carry them into society.

In traditionally non-Buddhist countries, when we first come to Buddhism and immerse ourself in the teachings, we often fear to lose our old friends, because now we do not share common ground any more - but with this way of practicing we can maintain our relationships.

We can be with our friends and families as normal; just maybe a little bit different. A little bit better. And in the future a lot better.

Gen Khandro, Switzerland

VIEW FROM MY ROOM AT MANJUSHRI KMC

From my window here at Manjushuri KMC I can see no external signs of the Spring Festival - no marquees, no people laughing, no meeting with Sangha and discussing Dharma.

But here I am taking part in the Festival with everyone else! Although we may be thousands of miles apart we are all together in Venerable Geshe-la’s heart.  

MY FIRST INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

C'est mon premier festival international !

J'ai adoré les méditations guidées par Guèn Rabten. Il a une manière d'aborder les choses très claires.

Habituellement j'ai des difficultés à méditer sur la vacuité. Suite à sa présentation, je pense que je n'ai jamais abordé une méditation sur la vacuité de façon aussi légère. Juste se dire que tout ceci est comme un rêve, ne pas chercher à aller plus loin... J'ai vraiment été surprise de ne pas perdre le fil lors de ces deux méditations.

This is my first international festival!

I loved the meditations guided by Gen Rabten. He has a very clear way of approaching things.

Usually I have difficulty meditating on emptiness. After his presentation, I think I have never approached a meditation on emptiness so lightly. Just thinking that this is all like a dream, not trying to go any further. I was really surprised that I didn't lose track during these two meditations.

Catherine, France