Food for the mind nature, a spiritual directive (understanding of the true nature of reality), in contrast to lower bound conscious awareness, or habituation in ignorance, to material, physical attachment to the body (one’s karmic action debt) and possessions. Such self-imposed traps, of fettered consciousness awareness is described in some texts- likened to cattle being led about through a ring in the nose.
Until awakened, sentient beings have a mixed bag of karma both good and negative action. Good conditions born of helping others (using our inner qualities), is the soil of goodness from which the lotus of awareness realisation grows- out of the mud of samsara.
An unmistaken path of practice is required for the awareness to evolve ultimately – totally liberated from the attachment to dualistic delusion of the mind.
Next section: Applying dharma as medicine
Awakening- unification of compassionate method (skilful means) and wisdom emptiness – which realised within one’s mental continuum or mindstream, antidotes the afflictions in the mind: (ignorance, aversion, attachment, pride and jealousy).
These are purified through the practice path of inner awareness recognition that leads to realisation, liberating mind at its root, from attachment to its own reifications. Releasing dualistic clinging to samsara. Awakening to true nature of reality; non-dual realisation of the selflessness nature of all phenomena self and other.
Revenge is not part of the Dharma path — only awakening through humility and compassion. Pride and vengeance block the way, while humility opens it.
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The purpose and point of inner dharma practice is to awaken to one’s own innate wisdom awareness that we all share.
The teachings of the true nature of reality are truly most precious and rare; even more so to be correctly understood and practiced. This demands commitment to truth, reflective awareness and practice of heart and mind. With the intention to awaken for the benefit of all, liberate mind from the grip of samsara’s suffering, (attachment to dualistic mind states).
With a calling to share the wisdom teachings, seeing the incalculable benefit – decided to take a role as a signpost editor; and encourage seeking out and cultivating the deep wisdom awareness within.
Afflictive Mind States
Nothing can harm you but your own mind; and unruly emotions arising afflictive states of mind and then attaching to these in distraction of mind. This is due to a mind that is not at ease, when it has not yet learned to be housed in its own inner awareness calm, recognition and realisation path of practice.
Nothing can happen to us that we have not brought about the cause for at one time or another. Negative action requires purifying.
Birth and death are not separate. The quality of our life is in awareness of our moment to moment practice, (this is meditative awareness or mindfulness, with deeper meditation on truth).
His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa reminds us, that we already have everything that we need. The problem is that we do not know that.
It is an education, awareness and practice issue.
… when continuing to create and operate from a lack or limited mentality, (that is still subject to the conditioning and afflictions in the mind). The narrow (or self-grasping) thinking arises from a lack of true awareness of reality and the true nature of all phenomena (of self and other).
Remembrance and gratitude for kindness
Recognition of loving kindness and compassion to help beings is felt and treasured and not forgotten. Such action for the benefit of others, can involve those out of the usual place where they feel comfortable. Personally I feel truly grateful as a recipient of such kindness and willingness of that learning and practice to help others. May the sacred dharma and altruism continue to flourish in the hearts and minds of all beings.
Understanding karmic action (of body speech and mind)
Understanding of karmic (action) law on the spiritual level, and the natural law of phenomena is necessary; as no being is exempt from their own actions of the three doors of body, speech and mind; in a cause, effect and conditions universe.
Truly recognising this, one will understand why daily reflection and purification of any misdeeds, (through sincere confession of that, in the mind, (in one’s mental continuum) in order to learn from, and plant greater seeds of awareness and continuing in that way going forward- is key if you wish to overcome the mental afflictions and not have them use you like a puppet, when activated by internal or external forces-energies.
The following poem balances playfulness imagery with reflective Dharma themes: humility, awareness, mindful action, and the shared wish for happiness.
In the hall of dancing song,
minds collide and jostle along.
Yet wisdom smiles, serene and clear,
stillness shows the way to hear.
No one thinks the same each day,
and people walk different ways.
But all seek joy, gentleness and light,
not endless quarrels, noise, or fight.
Humility softens pride’s loud call,
Awareness lifts the veils that fall.
Mindful action, calm and deep,
Raising awakening, once asleep.
Throw no mud, nor claim to hone,
entitlement leaves hearts lone.
Consumer storms may shout and spin,
but peace begins by looking in.
Letting go is an inner art,
to clear the mind, to cleanse the heart.
The ego is dropped- that game released,
and wisdom blooms in inner peace.
Checking the ground of thought/ thinking
For Western educated people and those brought up in the belief of ego-self, to see to one’s whole life on this basis- there is another option of stepping off that roundabout of suffering and confusion. [It does not mean that one does not have an ego-self. It is understanding that continuation of the belief in that perpetuates the suffering of the six realms of samsara or mind states].
One cultivates a healthy inner command of one’s faculties.
We can learn to understand and operate through inner dharma and look at situations compassionately, help wherever we can and if not, not cause harm- that is understanding. (If we cause harm, that comes back to us as the generator of that particular action).
Learning to work by, use this principle in practice, helps us work with our own mind in a direct, kind and compassionate way. It is only by each of us developing the wisdom from using our own mind correctly that we can help others (in this way).
[N.B. In the Tibetan Buddha Dharma- there is the understanding that there are people of all differing levels of awareness and capacities. For practitioners on the path, for those that it is suitable for them; there are various skilful means that can help beings to awaken more quickly, if they have the conditions for that. All the practice paths (for example Theravada, Mahayana or Vajrayana share the same foundations)].
The seeds of awareness need to be introduced, continued to be sown and cultivated, just as a farmer tends to their fields. The disciplines or training of the mind require practice.
Our precious teachers of the dharma help guide us to continue to plant the causes and conditions, (or inner path of dharma practice that takes care of the mind), to develop in inner awareness that leads to awakening. [In Tibetan Buddha Dharma, the bodhisattva path is the Mahayana journey of compassion and wisdom aimed at liberating all beings. Peaceful nirvana (personal liberation) is the cessation of suffering and samsara for oneself, while complete enlightenment (Buddhahood) is the full awakening that transcends nirvana, embodying perfect wisdom and compassion for the benefit of all beings].
Bridging the gap
Whether one believes in a religion or not, is atheist, agnostic, whatever the belief or none at all-it is necessary to have a basic understanding of mind and how it functions. This is sometimes referred to as mental and emotional hygiene within oneself- and is needed for our own wellbeing, health and happiness, and to contribute positively to the wellbeing of others, which sows the seeds of our future inner and outer happiness and wellbeing.
Typically our schooling includes literacy for reading, writing and speaking for example. It is necessary to include mental and emotional literacy in our education system throughout; which we can then continue to apply to for the duration of our lives. It is crucial, to learn to take care of our own mind. This is directly related to the quality of the life experienced.
Your mind is with you all the time, even when you are asleep in bed at night, it continues 24/7. Until the point of awakening, in recognition of its own wisdom awareness, non-dual nature and realisation of the true nature of reality of all phenomena of self and other.
(to be continued…)
IN THE INTERESTS OF TRUE EMPATHY! 