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Dorje Shugden Sadhana
The following short, but powerful sadhana dedicated to the Great Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden, patron of the Contemplative Order of Compassion, does not require a formal Tantric Empowerment, and may be performed with a sincere heart by anyone who wishes. SHORT SADHANA OF DORJE SHUGDEN To be performed for the welfare of all mother sentient beings after the Gaden Lhgayama or one’s Yidam practice PRAISE Before myself, as yidam deity, Amidst a wind swept dark red fire, On lotus, sun, and splendid, frightening Lion trampling enemies and obstructers, Is the supreme heart-jewel of Dharmapalas, Mighty Gyalchen, Dorje Shugden, Body, beautified by robes of a monk, Wearing the golden domed hat on his head, Razor sword and enemy heart in his hands, In a manner, pleased with the practitioner, Fierce expression destroying enemies and obstructers, Surrounded by oceans of retinues Of attendants such as Kache Marpo, Light rays from … Read entire article »
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Dorje Shugden Sadhana
The following short, but powerful sadhana dedicated to the Great Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden, patron of the Contemplative Order of Compassion, does not require a formal Tantric Empowerment, and may be performed … Read more »
Daya ka Dharma Sampradaya
Since 1983, it has been my practice to take a few days each year, on the anniversary … Read more »
On the nature of the Bodhisattva
The Bodhisattva is one who connects the inner practice with the compelling mandate of compassion to serve … Read more »
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Daya ka Dharma Sampradaya
Since 1983, it has been my practice to take a few days each year, on the anniversary of the attack, in which I was savagely raped and beaten, left for dead, and ultimately infected with the AIDS virus, to contemplate and evaluate my life. For me, it’s about assuming 100% responsibility for every experience in my life, including the events … Read entire article »
On the nature of the Bodhisattva
The Bodhisattva is one who connects the inner practice with the compelling mandate of compassion to serve others, in an engaged and ethical involvement called “Living Dharma”. It requires more commitment than reposting clever posters, videos or pictures on Facebook. It takes us beyond the cushion and into the streets. It is a living expression of the compassion of the … Read entire article »
Cultivating Awareness
When we bring our awareness to the present moment and allow ourselves to become still, that moment-to-moment awareness makes our experiences richer, more vivid, and brings to them a sense of greater peace and calm. The purpose of our spiritual practice is to continuously bring us back to this point, in which we recognise that everything we need to alleviate … Read entire article »
In the company of madmen…
In India, there is a group of people known as the Bauls. The word ‘Baul’ comes from the Sanskrit root word, vatul, or “affected by the wind”. In other words, “insane, mad, crazy”. Throughout India’s rich history, the Bauls have been extraordinary people. They were profound mystics, who saw the world as it truly is, and because of that, … Read entire article »
The Wrathful Path is Not for Everyone
I did not sit at the lotus feet of my Root Guru because I wanted her approval or validation. Nor did I ex The Contemplative Order of Compassion draws deeply from the Tibetan Buddhist path of transformation, which transforms negative emotions into positive, enlightened ones. Likewise, drawing on the wisdom of Kali Natha Yoga, ours is a tradition we consider to … Read entire article »
Spiritual Immaturity and Broken Samaya
Earlier this week, unfortunately, many of you witnessed what happens when one allows the ego and an unhealthy ego-driven need for recognition and attention to dominate one’s spiritual practice. Despite my attempts to protect the anonymity of a former student and former junior monastic, who became enraged by the suggestion that she might not be well suited for the senior … Read entire article »
Why a Contemplative Community?
Karen Davis, of Stone Mountain, GA writes: “Dear Khenpo: I hope I am not out of line for asking, but you said no question was off-bounds, so here goes. I’ve noticed you seeming to distance yourself from certain individuals and groups with whom you seemed to have worked very closely for some years, from what you said. And as that happens, it … Read entire article »
Discovering the Highest Form of Devotion
Stop for a moment, right now, and listen to the chatter in your mind. Just observe… no judgement… no need to try to stop it or redirect it… just listen. What is the condition of your mind in this moment? Is it somewhat chaotic, frenetic, jumping all over the place? Whenever we experience that sense of confusion and disconnection, we need … Read entire article »
Sexuality and the Punk Monk
I wondered how long it would take for those who do not like what the Contemplative Order of Compassion stands for – who see us as a threat to the orthodoxy of traditional Buddhist monastic life – to begin making derogatory comments, insinuating that my tsawa lamas never really approved of what our Sangha had become, over these past thirty … Read entire article »
Why Struggle?
Dogen Zenji, founder of the Soto School of Buddhism, reminds us that a flower withers and dies, even though we love it; while a weed grows, even though we consider it unwanted. So why do we struggle to control those things which ultimately are beyond our control? Take time today to worry less about those things beyond your control. If … Read entire article »
Beyond the grip of fear…
“The flute of the Infinite is played without ceasing and its sound is love.” ~ Kabir There is a poignant scene in the Broadway play, RENT, in which a young man addresses the HIV/AIDS support group, of which he is a part, stating that he finds their reliance on positive affirmations “suspect”, telling them that his t-cell count dropped that month, … Read entire article »
On the Passing of my Root Guru
The picture to left of this text was taken twenty-one years ago tonight, at Neem Karoli Baba – Kashi Ashram, in Sebastian, Florida. It was taken just after the conclusion of Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati’s weekly darśana (live public teaching). Just 20 minutes earlier, Ma would, in what I was told was rare form, bestowed on me my Dharma name, … Read entire article »
Amitayus Sadhana
Today, I want to share with you the story of Jikten Wangchuk Gyalpo, an Awakened One who existed before the time of Buddha Sakyamuni. Actually this is the story of one of Jitken Wangchuk Gyalpo’s closest students and attendants – a monk named Gelong Chöchi Londro – whose Bodhhisattva Vows were so pure and sincere that he desired to create, … Read entire article »
The Easter Mythos: Interior Resurrection and Awakening
“Easter signifies the miracle of transformation,” Marianne Williamson writes, “that which occurs when someone’s consciousness is raised so high that the normal laws of time and space as we understand them are superseded.” While members of the Contemplative Monks of the Eightfold Path do not subscribe to a literal interpretation of the Resurrection Mythos, our path is dedicated, in part, to … Read entire article »
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