HH the Dalai Lama Offers His Blessing to 'Candle for Tibet'

As many of you know, I fullly support the Candle4Tibet cause. I will be erecting a picture of a candle in our window to SHOW my support on the actual local 9pm August 7th, because I sleep (locally) from 5pm-midnight. I shall burn my 'actual' candle to GIVE my support in the Californian time zone's 9pm, taking time out to contemplate the situation in a country I have read much about - and owe a lot to.

If it were not for Ralph talking about a Dalai Lama book a couple years ago, I might never have discovered Buddhism and remained the always disattisfied, angry, hateful being I used to be. Over the past couple of years, I have read much of both Tibetan Buddhism and Tibet - This very week I completed a book by the Dalai Lama and another about Tibet...
Tibetan Dzogchen-Vajrayana is one of the two Buddhist pathways I follow the teachings from, Thai Dhutanga being the other.

From my involvement, I pass on to you this message from a group supporting Tibetan freedom, now with the Dalai Lama's blessing - in the hope that you will also take peaceful and positive action:

Candle for Tibet, the biggest single action in the world for a free Tibet,
--Scheduled to begin on eve of Olympics opening ceremony--
Is now officially supported by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

(Tel Aviv, July 29, 2008) - His Holiness the Dalai Lama acknowledged today the importance of the Candle for Tibet (CFT) campaign for Freedom in Tibet and for all mankind.

"We hope your Candle for Tibet campaign will inspire the Chinese authorities to appreciate the value of freedom of all mankind and the importance of the Tibetan Buddhist culture that is benefiting millions of people and has the potential to serve humanity as a whole, including the Chinese people," said Tsering Tashi representative of HH the Dalai Lama.

The CFT action, called "The Greatest Light Protest on Earth," will start on Thursday, August 7th, 2008 at 9:00 p.m., when at least 100 million people all over the world are expected to light a candle in public, with friends, or at their homes..

The event will then continue with world-wide light shows performed by light artists.

CFT organizers also encourage all freedom lovers in the world to drive their cars with headlights on during the entire day of Friday, August 8th, 2008-the day of the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony-in appreciation of their own freedom.

CFT is additionally calling on all people attending the opening ceremony in Beijing to light candles, lighters, flashlights and cell phones at the moment the Chinese delegation enters the Olympic stadium.

Synchronized with the beginning of the opening ceremony, teams from "Sad Smoky Mountains" will flare the skies with red smoke from skyscrapers, monuments and major buildings in major cities internationally, and from the summits of more than 100 mountains on three continents. (For more information on Sad Smoky Mountains, visit www.sadsmokymountains.net/.)

"Like you, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile is not against the coming Olympics to be held in Beijing," added Tsering Tashi. "We are also not against the Chinese people, who also do not enjoy genuine human rights and freedoms that the people in the free world take for granted."

"We are elated to have the blessing of His Holiness," said David Califa, who created the Campaign for Tibet four months ago. "It strengthens the values on which our non-violent action is based."

Candle for Tibet main web site:
http://www.candle4tibet.org

CFT Social Network:
http://candle4tibet.ning.com/

CFT Press Room:
http://www.erichopr.com/releases/c4t.htm

BUDDHIST PRACTICE: Karma 1

I recently experienced a period of what some might call bad luck, a bad run, or difficult times. In the past, if life seemed to be unfair, society treated me wrongfully, people were rude, cruel, or nasty towards me, or events and plans did not work out, I would have called it 'sucky old life' or perhaps just the injustice of modern society expectations. These days I recognize it as the result of my karmic residue.

Some people question the unfairness of life. Maybe their baby has died from a fatal disease or a friend has been wrecked in a car accident that was not their fault and is in critical or damaged condition. Maybe a loved one develops cancer or however hard they try cannot find the right job or partner. Whilst experiencing these problems, we can look in two directions.

Whether we are optimistic, realistic, or pessimistic, we can usually find problems coming and going in our life on some level. Whether they are petty problems such as being five dollars short for that fancy new dress we have our eye on, or serious such as facing homelessness, it is often how we view them that matters.

We can see ourselves as worse off compared to someone with fame, fortune, and a happy family; we can view that neighbor's car as superior to our own model; we can grumble because we do not make as much money for doing the same job as the girl across the road. Otherwise, we can see how well off we are in comparison to others. We might whine that we haven't enough money to go on vacation every single summer, but then we see that some people do not have enough money to buy food on a daily basis. We could complain because our neighbor's dog poops on our lawn, but then we might recall that some people have no house, with or without a yard.

Until a year or two ago, I spent much of my life expecting it to be fair, and criticizing, becoming angry, or sulking when it was not. I had this attitude because I felt that life was unfair, people were not being fair, society was not treating me fairly, or some other body or being was in the wrong. I would carefully judge the situation neutrally, to make sure it was not just my expectation that was unfair, but I always lay the blame on someone else.

Then I encountered karma. A brand new theory that I had not properly understood before.

BUDDHIST THEORY: Triple Gem - Taking Refuge

If one is not born into a Buddhist family setting, or spent much time rejecting Buddhism before accepting it, one generally reaches a point where one stops being a non Buddhist and becomes a Buddhist. This stage is often marked by taking refuge. Some schools recognize this as officially becoming a Buddhist, whilst others recognize it as actual practice and study, as opposed to mere acceptance and temple worship rituals.

In Tibet, the chant to offer is written as:

sangye chudang tsokyi choknam la
jangchub bardu dakni kyabsu chi
dakki jinsok gyipay sunam kyi
drola penchir sangye druppar shok

(taken from lesson provided for free download by A.C.I. - http://www.acidharma.org/aci/index.html)

In English this translates into:

I got for refuge to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha until I achieve enlightenment. By the power of the goodness that I do in giving and the rest, may I reach Buddhahood for the sake of every living being.

‘Taking Refuge’ is usually the first step for a Westerner, symbolizing that they are now concerned with Buddhism and practicing it!

For me, this is very important. I stopped being a 'reader with interest' and became a 'Buddhist' when learning this Tibetan chant. I realized that what it meant was valid for me, so really mean it when I say it.

BUDDHIST THEORY: Triple Gem - The Sangha

Now often referent to any community of those who learn and practice the Dharma, the Sangha once referred only to monastic practitioners. Some voice the opinion that only those enclosed within a monastery can practice sufficiently and correctly, whereas others regard practice possible amidst laity. Another viewpoint in terms of who can and cannot be included as Sangha is to include those that have mastered spiritual attainment to a certain standard, for example Sotapanna.

The majority of Western practitioners prefer to connect with a specific teacher, temple, monastery, or leader. The other followers or community involved often become known as their Sangha.

My own Sangha is somewhat unusual. I am connected to a best friend who led my interest towards Buddhism originally, several online Buddhist groups and the practitioners within these, the teachings from the teachers in the books that I read - although not given to me in person - these come mostly from qualified teachers of Buddhism. Additionally, through downloaded lessons, the teachers from ACI are also a connection loosely labeled Sangha.

I also claim the birds and bugs as my Sangha, as they have greatly assisted me with the practice of compassion, equanimity and equality, acceptance, and the understanding that EVERY living being seeks similar needs and wants from its life.

BUDDHIST THEORY: Triple Gem - The Dharma

Whether you look upon Dharma purely as the words of the Buddha, or as the natural truth and wisdom within every being that generally lies unseen and unused, or simply as the teachings of The Buddha offered by learned monks in sermons and commentaries, it is a very valuable understanding.

Sometime after the Buddha passed into Nirvana, the words he had spoken to his disciples were discussed and set at a special council. These words were eventually written in local script, translated into varying languages, and finally given to the Western world in an English translation. These teachings are used either straight, or more usually understood through commentary. Originally memorized, understood, and practiced within monasteries, these words are now available in printed book and at online sources for anyone interested, anywhere.

Whereas most serious Eastern students will study in a monastic setting, in the Western world today it is more common for Buddhist students to attend study retreats, education centers, or simply connect to a temple or qualified teacher. There is also a growing trend towards online activity and personal study by a combination of reading and meditation. In the past, Western scholars of Buddhism were expected to travel to the Eastern regions to learn directly from the teachers situated there.

There is a growing concern that the modern ‘online/book’ Western methods of understanding the Dharma can lead to the wrong answers, and to practice becoming detrimental rather than of value. Many Buddhists still therefore recommend finding a teacher as a guide to learning, in order to ascertain that you are securely on the correct path.

I personally combine much reading of various styles, sources, schools, and teachers with personal practice, online group activity, and am taking the courses available at ACI (http://www.acidharma.org/aci/index.html) - which are available either by download, correspondence, or in situ.

BUDDHIST THEORY: Triple Gem - The Buddha 2

Having found his solution, he had another important decision to make - whether or not to spread the word and teach what he had discovered. After a reported 49 days, he decided to relocate five former friends he had traveled with, who had also been seeking answers. Once they acknowledged his changed aura, they allowed him to speak, after initial reticence due to his having seemingly abandoned his practices. The Buddha, as he was now to be called, summarized his findings and gave his first teaching known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta.

Gradually amassing a large collection of seekers who became his devoted followers, he gave many teachings based on the truth and answers which he has found. With the omniscience he had attained, he was able to offer teachings to cover people’s needs at every stage of their learning and help many to learn the practices leading to Arahantcy.

Many stories and texts are available to Eastern and Western reader alike, which relate to the teachings given, referring to who was taught, what was taught, and to the results of these teachings. The Buddha did not hold his understanding for only his personal students, but offered his wisdom to householders of every level within society, which at that time was poorly organized and restrictive of some classes.

After more than 40 years of giving his teachings to the world about him, The Buddha passed from this style of life in this realm of being. Various understandings teach differing accounts of the Nirvana he then entered.

BUDDHIST THEORY: Triple Gem - The Buddha 1

The word Buddha refers to an ‘awakened one’ - one who has awoken their awareness of the Dharma. Siddhartha Gautama, a prince of the Sakya clan, became the being we generally know as ‘The Buddha’ on achieving enlightenment. The word Buddha can be used to refer to this prince born in an Indian district (now situated in Nepal), or can refer to any being who has perfected their experience and understanding of the Dharma - generally during times when it remains hidden and they have personally re-located it. It may refer to a past or future Buddha, or a Buddha in a different realm within the universe, as well as the one we commonly call ‘The’ Buddha.

Born into a royal family, the prince grew up with the best of food, education, pleasure, and life. Sheltered from the negativities of the common people, once these were within his sight, he began to question his own life, and life in general. Leaving a much-loved wife, a new-born son, and his parent’s royal palace, the prince departed to find the answers to the questions raised having sighted ill, old, dead, and priestly men.

Traveling in search of teachings to satisfy, he learned various ascetic practices and still could not find the solutions he sought. After experiencing both the rich lifestyle of the palace, and then the starving, homeless lifestyle of the wandering religious seeker, he found not his answer. Eventually, he made the decision to sit down and not budge until he found his answer. He sat below a Bodhi tree, where he spent many hours battling through the mental and spiritual realms within, before the truth and understanding he sought was discovered and experienced.

BUDDHIST THEORY: Triple Gem - Introduction

When going beyond an initial interest and ‘becoming’ a Buddhist, it is usual for one to take refuge in the triple gem. The ‘triple gem’ referred to in many Buddhist texts, as well as in Buddhist practice and theory, refers to The Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

The Buddha referred to has a variety of nomenclatures, inclusive of Gautama (Gotama), Shakyamuni, & Siddhartha. Formerly a Prince, the ‘current’ Buddha left a comfortable lifestyle and loving family to find answers to questions he encountered. After several years of asceticism, he sat determinedly to meditate below a bodhi tree and decided not to budge until the answers he sought had been located. Having found his answers and become enlightened, he spent a period contemplating whether or not to spread his findings, wondering if others would/could understand his learnings. Eventually deciding to relocate former friends, he spoke his message and began over 40 years of teaching, approximately 2500 years ago. There have reportedly been former Buddhas, and more are expected. Sources do not agree on the where, when, how, etc of former and future Buddhas.

The Dharma generally refers to the truth The Buddha found. A natural reality and inner wisdom he discovered the existence of, and pathway to. Some schools of Buddhism practice the teaching of Dharma in text form, whilst others prefer to offer a little text and much personal experience and practice, generally meditation based, enabling one to attain discovery through experience. Some forms of Buddhism tie themselves closely to the words of the actual Buddha, whereas others go with commentaries on his words, or practices to help us discover the same knowledge and understanding within ourselves. All these varying located truths can be referred to as Dharma. When one locates it, one is expected to use what one has learned, to live from.

The Sangha can mean either only monastic practitioners, only those who have personally experienced enlightenment, or include all those truly striving to study, learn, locate, and practice the Dharma. In some circles only Monks and Nuns will be acknowledged as the true Sangha, however, with the spread of Buddhism into the Western world, more practitioners remain lay-people. It is now quite common to call lay-practitioners Sangha, providing a ‘family’ of fellow Buddhist practitioners with which to share progression and understandings.

EVENTS & ESTABLISHMENTS:The World's Greatest Light Protest

One day prior to the commencement of the Olympic Games, a worldwide event is set to occur. Known as ‘The World's Greatest Light Protest’ private homes all across the globe will be lighting a candle on August 7^th 2008 to show how they feel about the situation in Tibet.

Many protests have occurred during the torch relay, both peaceful and disruptive, but they have failed as yet bring a solution to the Tibetan people. The world is beginning to notice, but China merely removes the situation from view and pretends it is not happening, saying that all is well except for a few troublemakers. It has reportedly detained many peaceful monks, whilst removing others from sight and contact with outsiders. Many citizens of Tibet have been detained or warned for holding to their personal belief at an inconvenient time for China.

The world has seen and does care despite China continuing to cover it up, pretending that there is no problem. Some of the Tibetan people who have managed to get their message to the world prior to the Chinese crackdown have reported that they want a complete break from Chinese rule, not just the compromise the Dalai Lama hopes for; they hope the world will fight with them, peacefully or otherwise, for their complete freedom.

It should be possible to fully practice the faith of one’s choosing, whether a Buddhist or not. Yet in Tibet, some religions are now restricted. The alteration of their farming system is another cause for concern. Prior to the Chinese invasions of the 1950’s, Tibetan farming was a system that worked well. Crops were chosen and grain was harvested in such a way that there was enough surplus to provide for an off year, ensuring no hunger amongst the Tibetan people prior to the Chinese dictations upon land use and farming control. A third factor of concern to many of the Tibetan race is the overcrowding of their land by Chinese immigrants. Many Chinese are fed up of the ruling to allow only one child per family in China, and have therefore chosen to migrate to Tibet in order to be allowed a larger family. The education system is now preventing the teaching of the Tibetan culture within many schools. There are many factors in play.

These are not China’s only faults. The cruel persecution of certain cultures and beliefs within their own country makes many people question the validity of choosing China as host for the Olympics. China’s maltreatment of moonbears is another matter that many people feel strongly about. The cruel way they can be milked for bile can be upsetting to animal and bear lovers alike.

Some Buddhists and others who care about the situation in Tibet have chosen to boycott the purchase of Chinese products until after the Olympics, or until China releases its hold over Tibet. They are choosing to not support a country which maltreats humanity. From the viewpoint of Buddhism, peace is better than violence. This may be a peaceful way of showing support for Tibet, though if continued long term, it could harm the everyday innocent citizen of China as much as the Chinese government.

The way many who are opposed to China’s dealings with Tibet and other places within the world under its control are going to be showing their support is to participate in The World's Greatest Light Protest. Estimates are that 100 million people will be joining in. All one needs to do is to light a candle at 9pm on August 7^th and then look out of your window, and see how many other people CARE!

If you are interested in becoming involved, further details concerning participation are available at http://www.candle4tibet.org/

BUDDHIST THEORY: Death 1

There are three stages discussed pertaining to death in many Buddhist readings. The actual procedure of dying, the rebirth, and the intermediate connection between the two. The karmic residue passes from the death of one life into the birth of the next. As the body elements (earth, water, fire, and wind) cease, consciousness is no longer supported within the body. This is the first section of death. The next section is also fourfold.

In the fifth stage, thought vanishes, but consciousness remains. It is likened to a whiteness. The next stage is when an orangey-redness comes about. The penultimate of the eight stages of the dying process is that of blackness. Awareness leaves at this point. Finally, the totality of clear light exists. The four final stages can take any length of time from minutes to weeks to occur. To know when the stages of dying are ended, you need to observe the body for signs of decay. Until it begins to smell and decompose, the former being may still be in the process of dying, if already clinically dead according to a doctor.

The best known source of information concerning death from a Buddhist point of view is the Tibetan book of the Dead. This not only explains the stages in great depth, but gives a commentary, suggested speech to offer to the dying person whilst in the act of dying to assist them, and explanations of each stage. Some versions are written especially for the Westerner trying to understand from a non-Buddhist viewpoint and leave much of the Buddhism and detail out. Other versions give the full Buddhist account and do not center their offering towards the Western market. It is therefore a good idea to check to see which version you are obtaining, if planning a purchase.

BUDDHIST PRACTICE: Death 3

My experience 3

As I developed my Buddhist practice, I found an automatic compassion dwelling inside of me. It naturally arose and issued out towards the pigeons which we regularly feed who live on our roof. When one became sick, I had to face death yet again. This was just last year, and Buddhism was fairly new to me. However, I laid the poor fellow onto soft towels in the laundry basket in our entryway, and I whispered Buddhist chants to him in Tibetan. I then played him some music. (I will add that the pigeons often snuck inside and therefore he was not frightened of being indoors, and also that the pigeons seem to enjoy listening to my music selections.) I wrote the ending chapter of a book concerning local ornithology about this particular pigeon, as we were exceedingly close. The chapter was read aloud by me on a live radio show last December. (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lamontcarey - 2007 Dec. 3^rd)

Death was still appearing in my life in 2008, when we lost a second black and white pigeon in the same way. By now, Buddhism had led me to an even deeper understanding of death. Additionally, I had read the Tibetan book of the dead. The local library has a copy, written predominantly for a modern Western audience. Not being either typically modern or typically Western in my outlook, I recently purchased an older version that is more complete. It is less condensed and goes into further detail from a Buddhist point of view. I have yet to finish reading this version of the book, as I had been chugging my way through a 300-pager on Buddhist history on loan from the library, hence due to be returned on a specific date, unlike my own copy of the Tibetan book of the dead.

Over the past few months, I have noticed that a lot of cockroaches come to die in our home. I believe that they recognize the attitude I have managed to develop of compassion and acceptance, seeing them as living beings equal to myself and other humans. We never used to get as many come in to die, only to crawl all over the kitchen sink at night. Now, they seem to understand that I will send them on their way with a Buddhist blessing. Something in the unspoken language of the heart speaks to them and lets them know they will be loved as they die, then be spiritually offered towards the Buddha in visualization for their blessing when dead. At first, I thought it a coincidence, but this happens so often now that I am convinced the cockroaches can sense my peace and compassion for them. Most people hate them, so it would seem natural for them to want to die surrounded by love. Maybe they picked up my caring for the pigeons that passed on.

BUDDHIST PRACTICE: Death 2

My experience 2

When my mother died a few years ago, I shed no tears. At first, I felt there must be something wrong with me. I felt clean and clear, as if wiped free of anger for a few days. I had by now developed a strong belief in reincarnation, and this allowed the death to pass by without excessive weeping or emotion on my part.

Vince Welnick died a year or so later. I had spoken to him online from time to time, but was neither a close friend nor a family member. However, this was the first death after my grandmother at which tears were naturally shed. Whether it was the shock or sadness of so peaceful a soul passing, I am unsure. I wrote out my sorrows in the form of poetry and made a decision to personally do something of benefit on this planet, so that when he reincarnated, he would find it more to his liking. Peace and love were values he stood for, so I intended to widen my love and peace. Formerly, I had directed my love all to a partner, or to my son and closest friends. Due to Vince's death, I planned to extend this to a wider circle of friends.

Just a year or two later, Buddhism has enabled me to do this. Because I am now able to live without hatred, I can stop cringing and putting up barriers against certain beings. Because I have learned compassion and loving kindness, I am able to wrap the entire planet in a veil of such, envisioning a desire to offer such to all.

Looking back, I wonder if it might be that tears come to me only if a death means the rebirth occurring elsewhere, rather than a reincarnation here, upon earth. It is a theory that I intend to contemplate. My grandmother and Vince were both very peaceful beings, full of love. Maybe they have both moved to better places and this 'parting' stings more than those who rebirth in locations on earth, where I could easily reconnect to passed loved ones.

BUDDHIST PRACTICE: Death 1

My experience 1

My own attitude towards death has naturally changed over the years. I have experienced the death of a much-loved grandmother, a young school friend, a companionable grandfather, a distant aunt, several pets, Vince Welnick, and my own mother. As these deaths touched my life, my attitude changed. Additionally, both exploring the different beliefs of various faiths and finding my own understanding have also changed my viewpoint on death.

The first death that I experienced was that of my grandmother. I was barely four years old when she passed away, and for months afterwards I used to point to the clouds in the sky and inform my mother that I could see Grandma up there. Whether I actually could, or whether I merely wished to and had a partially formed view of the Christian Heaven, I am uncertain, for this was a long time ago now. The next death was that of a young boy who lived across the street named Paul. We knew each other from school for a couple of years before he died in hospital of a disease. I merely knew that he was not going to play the Ludo game with me, which he had given me for my birthday.

I thought very little about death again, other than when a pet goldfish passed on, until my grandfather died. I was aged thirteen at the time. My grandfather was the only funeral I have personally attended to date, other than informal burials for pets in the yard. I found it hard to maintain a respectful neutrality or sadness; instead, it felt natural for me to giggle at the ridiculousness of the formality and rigmarole of the service. My grandfather had been a jolly soul, and the black clothing and stern forlornness of the occasion just did not fit. Happiness seemed far more appropriate, as that is what he had meant to me.

CD REVIEW: Ravenna Michalsen - Dharmasong

Ravenna's second album, Dharmasong, is available from either www.RavennaM.com or www.CDBaby.com/cd/RavennaMichalsen. The musical instruments politely await their turn of song, rather than all bursting forth together and overcrowding each tune. This allows for the prominence of Ravenna's clear and versatile vocals without the distraction so often caused by excessive instrumentalization.

The meditative and contemplative lyrics cover various understandings and famed personages from within the world of Buddhism. Whereas most of the lyrics are from Ravenna herself, some are taken from Milarepa, an 11^th century, cave dwelling, Tibetan of note - and possibly the best-known historical Buddhist to write in verse.

Ravenna spent several years working towards becoming a professional classic-cellist, prior to turning to the study of vocals & lyrics due to arising health problems. Ravenna's first album, Bloom, contains her first collection of dharma crossed with music. In this second album, Ravenna continues her inspiring mixture of the world of Buddhism with that of music. You do not need to be a Buddhist to enjoy this album, because the music is professionally crafted and the vocals flexible, offering a relaxing listening pleasure whatever your persuasion.

KI KI SO SO: Rippling and floating vocals ride over this pace-changing song, whispered chanting and thunder providing the musical accompaniment.

THE CONTEMPLATION SONG: The vocals play in Irish-folk style in a variable paced track. Meditative boom-drum style percussion accompanies these words of Milarepa that are brought to life by Ravenna. This is personally my favorite track from the album.

MARPA: A strong drum focus underlies the slower vocal undulations in what sounds akin to a new-age march.

GURU RINPOCHE: This track will stick in your head with its meditative crawl of strong vocals over muffled drum. It sounds like background temple music, a flavored prayer.

OM TARE: Starting with festive-style tinkling bells, this is a celebratory, wavering chant.

A-DRON: A cross between a new-age opera and a medieval chant, with bursts of drum-backed pacy zing.

YESHE, YESHE: A piano intros this tune, which sounds akin to a film score for a movie pertaining to nature or love. It drifts pleasantly like the breeze created whilst swinging amidst summer warmth.

THE DEPARTING ASPIRATION PRAYER: The final track features guitar with climbing vocals in a folky tune.