Archives

by Michael Jolliffe

Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Practices to Mitigate Harm from Hurricane Sandy

FPMT News Around the World

Satellite image of Sandy, Monday, October 29, 2012. Image by NOAA.

FPMT students on the Atlantic coast of North America are hunkered down as hurricane Sandy make its way across the eastern United States and Canada. The powerful storm has already passed through Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Cuba and the Bahamas, claiming many lives and creating much destruction. 

Over the years, Lama Zopa Rinpoche has offered several practices to mitigate the potential harm from the elements and made them available online on mandalamagazine.org and fpmt.org. Students are able to do these practices in order to benefit those impacted by natural disasters. 

The July-September 2011 issue of Mandala shared Rinpoche’s translation of a collection of practices to control earthquakes and the four elements which Rinpoche dictated shortly after a devastating tsunami that killed thousands of Japanese in March 2011.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Advice page offers further instructions on how to dispel the disasters of the elements, including five common practices recommended by Rinpoche during a visit to New York City in 2007. Also on Rinpoche’s Advice page, you can find a 2002 letter to concerned students from Rinpoche regarding natural disasters; a downloadable PDF of the protective Heart Mantra of Arya Vairochana, which can be printed and posted around one’s home; and a story from Ven. Holly Ansett about how the Heart Mantra of Arya Vairochana was revealed by Buddha and made public. 

In addition to flooding, destroying property and leaving communities without power or access to necessities, storms like Sandy can profoundly impact vulnerable and overlooked populations such as people who are homeless or in prison as well as animals not able to find appropriate shelter. Mandala wishes for the safety and well-being of all sentient beings affected by the storm.

With 158 centers, projects and services around the globe, there is always news on FPMT activities, teachers and events. Mandala hopes to share as many of these timely stories as possible. If you have news you would like to share, please let us know.

If you like what you read on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

by Michael Jolliffe

His Holiness Spreads Wisdom of Universal Human Values and Religious Harmony

July-September 2011

DHARMA IN THE MODERN WORLD

His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo by Piero Sirianni.

Gathered from news updates from www.dalailama.com and FPMT affiliates

His Holiness the Dalai Lama traveled extensively during April and May. On April 13, he began his three-country European visit in Dublin, Ireland, where he told people to not lose hope despite the financial crisis faced by the country. It was his first visit to Ireland in 20 years. His Holiness spoke on “The Power of Forgiveness” to a sold out crowd at the University of Limerick. On April 15, he traveled to Sweden for a three-day visit to Stockholm and Lund.

FPMT center Tong-Nyi Nying-Je Ling in Copenhagen participated in welcoming His Holiness to Denmark, providing volunteers to help at his two public appearances on April 18. His Holiness taught on “Seven Point Mind Training” in the morning followed by a talk on “What Life is all About” in the afternoon. Tong-Ni Nying-Je Ling also had a stand at the event with publications from its group Dharma Wisdoms Publishing as well as materials from Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive and FPMT.

At the end of April, His Holiness visited Japan to express his sorrow for the lives lost to the March 11 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis. He told the Japanese that he is confident that they can “overcome tragedy and move forward to rebuild what has been lost in this disaster. You should not lose heart; you need to face the reality with determination.” His Holiness presided over a mass prayer for the 49th day of mourning at Gokokuji Temple, where over 4,000 had gathered.

From Japan the Dalai Lama was to travel to Long Beach, California, arriving on April 30, but due to a sore throat, he stayed in Japan to rest and arrived on May 2. Unfortunately, this meant the Yamantaka initiation and the public talk scheduled for May 1 were canceled. Gaden Sharse Thubten Dhargyeling Center, the event’s sponsor, however, arranged for Khenrinpoche Jangchup Choeden of Gaden Shartse in India to teach during the morning session and for Professor Robert Thurman and Geshe Thubten Jinpa, His Holiness’ translator, to speak in the afternoon. “Jangchup Choeden gave an incredibly clear impromptu teaching on Lama Tsongkhapa’s Three Principles of the Path. And Bob Thurman and Thubten Jinpa had a delightful talk on the context of His Holiness’ work on secular ethics. Even though I didn’t see His Holiness, it was a wonderful event to be at,” said Mandala editor Laura Miller.

On May 3, the Dalai Lama picked up his United States tour at the University of Southern California where he spoke on “Secular Ethics, Human Values and Society” to an audience of 5,000. The next morning he received the Shine a Light on Human Rights award from Amnesty International at California State University, Long Beach and then in the afternoon spoke at University of California Irvine on compassion and global leaders. He then traveled to Minnesota.

On May 9, His Holiness arrived in Dallas, Texas, where he received an honorary degree from the Southern Methodist University and gave a talk on democracy and human rights to a sold out crowd of 2,500. His Holiness said his approach to promoting human values like compassion and forgiveness is not based on religious belief but developed out of common sense, common experience and through scientific evidence. The next day he met with former Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues Paula Dobriansky and Mary Beth Markey, president of the International Campaign for Tibet. His Holiness also visited with George W. Bush and Laura at their Dallas home, gave an interview with PBS, and spoke at the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

On May 11, the Dalai Lama visited the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. In the morning, he participated in the panel discussion “Turning Swords into Ploughshares: The Many Paths of Non-Violence.” His two co-panelists were Sister Helen Prejean, the nun and death-row activist who is known for her book Dead Man Walking; and African American historian and scholar of religion and society Vincent Harding, who is also known for his civil rights activism and work with Martin Luther King, Jr. In the afternoon, His Holiness received an honorary degree and spoke on “Non-Violence in the New Century: The Way Forward” to a crowd of over 12,000 people who gave him a standing ovation.

From Arkansas, His Holiness traveled to Newark, New Jersey, where he participated in the Newark Peace Education Summit. In a press conference, where he was introduced by Robert Thurman of Tibet House (a co-convener of the summit), His Holiness continued to emphasize his commitment to the promotion of human values and promotion of religious harmony.

As part of the Newark Peace Education Summit, the Dalai Lama sat in on panel discussions that included Nobel laureates Shirin Ebadi and Jody Williams; author Dr. Deepak Chopra; Buddhist teacher Roshi Joan Halifax; Rabbi Michael Lerner, editor of Tikkun magazine; 93-year old yoga master Tao Porchon-Lynch; former death row inmate and writer Wilbert Rideau; and many other human rights activists and service providers for communities in need. His Holiness also visited the Newark Museum, which is celebrating the 100th year of its internationally acclaimed Tibetan collection.

Photos of His Holiness’ recent appearances are available on His Holiness’ official homepage.

by Michael Jolliffe

The Hidden Toll of Australia’s 2011 Floods

July-September 2011

TAKING CARE OF OTHERS

By Tania Duratovic

Damage from Australia’s historic 2011 floods. Photo by Tania Duratovic.

The start of 2011 saw the Australian state of Queensland experience some of the worst flooding in history, resulting in three-quarters of the state, an area the size of France and Germany combined, being declared a disaster zone. Stretching from remote farming communities to the state’s capital, Brisbane, the floods killed 35 people and affected the lives of more than 200,000. The hidden toll, as in many disasters, however, was the thousands of injured, orphaned and deceased animals.

An orphaned possum joey being examined, 2011. Photo by Tania Duratovic.

I was asked by an international animal welfare organization to head to Queensland to lead a veterinary and rescue team to help surviving wildlife, companion animals and farm animals. Although Brisbane was badly affected, I had decided to head to the country where I knew that help would be thinly spread and, in relation to wildlife, virtually non-existent. Finding willing and competent veterinarians to treat wildlife, particularly in the country, is very difficult. Over the next week, we worked on the ground with local animal carers treating a variety of species ranging from birds of prey to koalas to horses to various reptiles.

While driving around, the damage from the water was clearly evident: brown grass and debris clinging to fence lines, flooded paddocks with ruined crops, washed away roads, scoured-out creeks, destroyed bits of furniture and household goods piled up on roadsides. In some parts the road was too muddy and steep to pass, even in our well-equipped 4WD.

Buddhism and Animal Rescue

Our work in Queensland focused largely on wildlife, a specialist area and one in which hardly anyone does anything during disasters. As a Buddhist, rescuing creatures in a disaster is a real challenge. There are so many creatures you know have died, so many you see that are injured, and many you know will die. But how do you help them? Quietly and secretly, is how I do it. Here, I am referring to giving them Dharma, not medical treatment, although doing that quietly is also advised!

 

Tara, the koala.

Tara the Koala

Take, for example, Tara (yes, I named her!), a koala we rescued. She was found sitting on the roadside making no attempt to get away, a good indication that something was badly wrong. She was old, had a fracture to one of her wrists and was suffering from malnutrition. She also could not see well and was probably blind. Our immediate concern was to give her some pain relief and to get some fluids and food into her. I was also desperately trying to figure out a way to keep her alive beyond our time with her.

In Australia, when a wild animal is discovered to be blind, it often means a death sentence imposed by the authorities. Because Tara was one of these animals, if she had stumbled into the hands of one of the local vets, I am sure she would have been killed.

Generally, when I work in disasters I work with others who are usually non-Buddhists. As I do this in a professional capacity, I have to behave “professionally.” Having me loudly reciting mantras and prayers at animals and bopping them on the head with holy objects does not look good when a major aim is to keep things calm and quiet. And the topic of euthanasia is always high on the agenda: many animals brought into care are simply killed, and not always because they have no chance of survival, but because it’s cheap, easy and the problem is quickly over.

Luckily, we found Tara a home and arranged to build her an aviary hidden up in the hills [of the property] of a wildlife rehabilitator so she would not be visible to people. All week I would steal some time alone with Tara and say mantras to her and bop her with a little consecrated Buddha statue I carry. I sprayed blessed water onto her eucalyptus leaves, of which koalas eat a lot. I would do the same with all the animals that we came across.

I have found that this is the simplest and most meaningful thing you can do for animals during a disaster. Sadly, Tara died not too long after we left (by then I was up in far north Queensland dealing with the result of cyclone Yasi and more animal victims). But I am happy she came my way as I was able to give her some Dharma, such a precious gift. Tara was actually one of the fortunate ones. Had she had her life cut short with a needle at some veterinary clinic or died quietly at a wildlife shelter, she would probably again be reborn to suffering in the lower realms. Thanks to the kindness of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and all his advice on how to benefit animals, she now will definitely reach enlightenment.

 

An orphaned kangaroo joey, 2011. Photo by Tania Duratovic.

What to Do in a Disaster

Over and over again we hear about the tragedy of people losing their pets in a disaster. If a disaster is approaching, please remember the animals. There are things you can do to help them even if you have no veterinary skills and particularly if you keep animals yourself.  Make sure you have a disaster plan which includes your animals.

Some things you should consider beforehand include:

  • Getting a rescue alert sticker. This sticker, when placed somewhere visible like your front window lets rescue workers know what species and number of animals you have.
  • Arranging a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation prior to it occurring. Call your local veterinarian, shelters, friends, family, etc.
  • Keep a clearly labeled pet emergency supply kit handy. It should include a blanket (to wrap a fearful pet); an extra leash or harness; about a week’s supply of pet food and water; disposable litter trays and litter; recent photos (in case you are separated and need to make “lost” posters); photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires; blessed water; a copy of the mantras beneficial to animals; and Recitations for Animals, a CD by Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
  • Store your emergency kit close to an exit in your home along with a labled pet carrier.
  • Ensure your pet is wearing proper identification. Your pet’s ID tag should contain his name, telephone number, and any urgent medical needs. Better still, get your pet microchipped in addition to tags (which can come off easily during a crisis).
  • Keep up-to-date vaccinations and veterinary records (many shelters will not accept unvaccinated animals).
  • Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm, disaster, or fear-producing event (this includes fireworks celebrations). Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.
  • Find out which local hotels and motels allow pets and where pet boarding facilities are located. Be sure to research some outside your local area in case local facilities close.

The floods in Australia were a terrible tragedy. While the media focused on the few human deaths and huge economic cost, very little was said about the huge loss to animals, particularly wildlife. With climate change well and truly upon us, the number of animal victims will only increase proportionally with the occurrence of disasters such as floods. While not all of us can rush out and physically rescue animals, we can at least say prayers and follow the advice for disasters given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. And in relation to our own animals, be prepared. Most importantly, however, is to make sure your animals receive lots of Dharma imprints before there is any obvious risk to their lives.

For more information, please visit Enlightenment for the Dear Animals.

by Michael Jolliffe

Protection from Radiation

July-September 2011

PRACTICING DHARMA IN DAILY LIFE

 

White Umbrella Deity

One serious result of the tsunami that hit Japan in March was the damage to several nuclear reactors. Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave a list of advice for those concerned about the effects of radiation:

  • Wear protections of White Umbrella Deity and Lion Faced Dakini. (These need to be made correctly and blessed.)
  • Wear White Umbrella Deity text (This text can be reduced in size and worn respectfully on the body, such as in a small pouch around your neck. It could also be put on microfilm and worn like an amulet. If the text is reduced, the letters should still be clear.)
  • Take the initiation of White Umbrella Deity.
  • White Umbrella Deity practice. (Note: Without empowerment, one cannot do self-generation, but instead can visualize deity in front of oneself.)
    A4 Version
    Letter Version
    E-Reader Version
  • Sadhana ombrelle blanche en français.
by Michael Jolliffe

Practices to Control Earthquakes and the Four Elements

July-September 2011

PRACTICING DHARMA IN DAILY LIFE

Buddha Shakyamuni. Image by Jane Seidlitz.

On March 11, 2011, a massive earthquake hit Japan, triggering a devastating tsunami killing 14,704 (with 10,969 still missing) and severely damaging several nuclear reactors on Japan’s coastline. Shortly after, Lama Zopa Rinpoche translated and dictated a collection of practices to control earthquakes and the four elements, commenting that these practices are also beneficial as protection against radiation. Rinpoche advised that these short practices be done from time to time.

by Michael Jolliffe

Don’t Stop! Go Now!

July-September 2011

A DHARMA FRIEND TELLS US WHY

Reader Question: l keep seeing on the news new tragedies, natural disasters, wars, food scares, etc. How can I take this on as part of the path and keep composure even if the unthinkable happens in front of me?

Answered by Tim Burress

The Tibetan sage Milarepa is often depicted with one hand held to his ear, as if listening. There are many explanations for this, but the one I like best is that it represents how he took every experience in life as a lesson, as practice. We can do that, too. All of life’s ups and downs, great or small, joyful or tragic, can be transformed into effective practice because it’s mostly our minds that go up and down, not phenomena out there.

In fact, pleasant events are often the most difficult to take into the path. We want to enjoy the moment, not practice! Unwanted events are easier. Consider the three principal paths [renunciation, bodhichitta and wisdom]. Disaster, tragedy, sickness, etc., unmask the suffering nature of samsara for what it is. So think of your precious human life, all you can accomplish with it, and then see how quickly and unexpectedly it can end. Watch video of towns destroyed by tsunami and think about what the people there were doing just minutes before. Talking with friends? Shopping? Planning their weekend? Where are they now? Nobody knows. Yet how were their final actions on that day any different from what we are doing now? If such thoughts make you feel, even slightly, that there is no time to waste, that you must use this very minute in the best possible way, then mediate strongly on that. Fuse your mind with this realization until it is the only thing you perceive. Renounce grasping and aversion toward transitory objects or feelings now, and concentrate on what is of true, lasting value. A tsunami is coming for us, too.

Events like these can definitely inspire bodhichitta. Who could look at such things and not feel compassion? Sometimes it seems like we feel too much! Shantideva (Bodhicaryavatara 6:10) advised that if there is something we can do to remedy a situation, then do it. But if there is nothing we can do, then we must accept it. Religious people are often very empathetic, but we have to look carefully, and distinguish between emotional, attachment reactions – craving for things to be otherwise – and responses that are realistic and wisely compassionate. Earthquakes, tsunami, wars, hunger, illness, etc., once they arrive, they are here, and we must accept the pain they bring. But acceptance doesn’t mean sitting idly. If there is something we can do to help, we must act. Bodhisattvas vow to free all beings from suffering. There is no “this is their karma so we shouldn’t interfere.” And interestingly, there is always something we can do. Even if we can’t change the external circumstances, we can still act internally. There are many practices to help exchange self for others, and Lama Zopa Rinpoche often makes very specific recommendations. Even the smallest act of self-sacrifice, setting aside the self-cherishing mind for just a moment, is powerful practice. And when our practice ripens into buddhahood we will spontaneously act in the way that is of greatest benefit for all. Won’t that be blissful? So start taking steps toward that now. Don’t make suffering beings wait.

We can even take these events into our practice of wisdom by examining them and our reactions to understand how it is that something so powerful can occur without even the slightest trace of inherent existence. Really challenge yourself. Tsunami waves are huge, powerful. How can it be that the people, the towns, and the event itself have no inherent existence? What does that mean? Accept nothing wishy-washy here. Be fierce, be fearless. This is reality, ultimate truth. Push yourself to comprehend it all the way down to your bones. Come to a definite, unshakable conclusion, and meditate there. We must do this, and break through to a clean-clear understanding now, before it’s too late.

We lose composure when we’re overwhelmed emotionally, or don’t know what to do. But if we use these practices and others offered by our teachers to ripen our minds, then we will be composed and know what to do, and more and more it will just be a matter of doing it. On March 11, when the tsunami was coming, Japanese radio announcers shouted, “Don’t stop! Go now!” We should heed their advice!

Tim Burress started studying Buddhism formally in 1999, in Tokyo with Ven. Karma Gelek Yuthok, then several Geluk teachers in Japan and India. His first introduction to the FPMT was the Discovering Buddhism program in 2003. Since 2005 he’s been exchanging letters and ideas with practitioners in prison through the Liberation Prison Project. In 2008 he cooked for Lama Zopa Rinpoche during his visit to Tokyo in 2008, and reports that “just being in the same space with him for that week was extraordinary. Tim lives in rural Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island.