Sunday, January 27, 2013

On being Well

This is a drawing from my Lama Karma of the Tibetan word for "well." His photo is below. Lama K is the younger monk being hugged by one of the senior Tibetan lamas Karthar Khenpo Rinpoche. Anyway, his message seems obvious, but as I mentioned in the prior post, we don't always do what makes sense or what might be most beneficial. The lamas teach "Four Thoughts that Turn One's Mind to the Dharma."

First, a human birth is precious. It's hard to obtain and easily lost. I must make this life meaningful. Secondly, this world and everything in it is fleeting. Our life is like a water bubble. Thirdly, our time of demise is uncertain. Finally, at our time of passing, the only thing that can help is the dharma, therefore it is urgent I practice now.

The dharma means "the way things are" aka the revelations of the Buddha (once he woke up and could see clearly.) Dying without regret, living and dying consciously, and a means of clearing our karma and freeing our minds. When the student is ready, the Teacher will appear. Or as Ram Dass once said, "You cannot rip the skin off a snake, but it will shed its skin naturally when ready." You are so right, Lama Karma: To be well resolve the causes that make us unwell. Namaste!

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