[Erric Solomon]

That’s a great idea to have all the exercises handy in one document.

 

Dignity is similar to Vajra Pride (or Vajra Confidence). In the context of Vajrayana it means complete confidence in that the nature of our mind is the same as Buddha, primordially pure and possessing all the qualities of enlightenment.

When you have that kind of confidence, which isn’t based on a comparison nor judgement, then you exude a humble dignity. So in Radically Happy, we explain how to begin to discover Dignity. First gaining confidence in the exercises, then having confidence in the veracity of the experience that is the result of the exercises. Ultimately, finding an unshakable resolve that we already possess everything we need to be well, to progress on the path and to gain realization of the fruit of the path. That is Dignity.

[Erric Solomon]

Dear Karel,

What you wrote makes me feel joyful! It’s wonderful that the teaching are touching your heart and mind in such a meaningful way.

There is no set answer to your question about progressing through the book. Each of us will respond to the material in a different way. Generally speaking, I suggest you read the whole book, so that you know the roadmap. It sounds like you’ve done that. Then both Rinpoche and I, imagined that people would go through the book slowly and experience each practice in turn. How long for each depends a lot on you. When you feel like you are getting the hang of a practice, then perhaps it is a good time to move to the next. It is also ok, if you find one of the exercises doesn’t speak to you or you feel like you aren’t getting anywhere, then put it aside and move on. But maybe revisit it later on. Sometimes when we drop something, that is when the magic happens.

Also, sometimes when life throws an obstacle in our path, it is ok to jump to an exercise that seems tailor made for our situation.

If I were to make this into a course (something I do think about). I would spend 8-10 weeks on basic happiness. 10 weeks on interconnected. And maybe 5 weeks on Radical Happiness. But it’s always better in self study to go at your own pace.

I am easily available through instagram and facebook. You can use the messaging app to speak to me, if questions arise. Or if you don’t use that you can reach me through samye.

Best Wishes, erric

p.s. I live in France so coming to Belgium (covid permitting) should be easy 😉

[Erric Solomon]

Yep, in 2018…

[Erric Solomon]

Hi Marvin,

Thanks for your question. In one way, you can say that the purpose of Buddhist practice is to interrupt our habitual way of interpreting and reacting to the world, including our thoughts and emotions. When we are able to this our own innate nature is “experienced.” This nature is wisdom and it’s expression is a kind of compassionate responsiveness to the needs of others.

In the video, I mention that the more we can “come into the present moment”, the more we are able to interrupt our habitually conditioned (karmic) way of reacting and instead are more easily able to respond through the insight and wisdom of our naturally compassionate nature.  So any practice you do will facilitate transcending our habits.

By practicing shamatha meditation, we become more familiar with being present and less judgmental. Building on the stability of shamatha practice we can practice toglen (giving and receiving) or metta (loving kindness) which will deepen the process. Ngondro, Sadhana and Ati yoga when properly practiced will accelerate this process further.

In our tradition, the best method is to cultivate our devotion to our teacher. This can profoundly change not only how we relate to our teacher, but how we relate to ourselves and everyone else. It is like throwing gasoline on a small fire. Our wisdom nature will blaze and interrupt & purify subtle and stubborn forms of clinging that we have been cultivating for lifetimes. As this process matures in our mind, bodhicitta becomes predominant in our thoughts and deeds.

Hope this helps!