Hilary Herdman
Forum Replies Created
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Hi Stanislav,
Thanks for asking a great question–and also Kris for a thoughtful and helpful response. As Kris suggested, as long as we have some sort of support community–even if that is virtual, we can indeed practice authentically. We do benefit from discussing our practice, sharing our experience, and asking questions of more teachers and more experienced practitioners. So please join in global discussions, and reach out to share thoughts and raise questions.
It is always wonderful to practice together in group situations. But these days that is not always possible in person. That’s why we encourage you to join group and course forums here on the Samye Institute site. In our courses, we also offer some videos and audios of group practice sessions so that you can have a taste of that experience when you practice alone.
And, please know that if you need to speak with an instructor, we can also help set up a Skype call with one of our senior students.
Warm wishes for your practice!
Hilary
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Hi Kristoffer!
Welcome to the Samye Institute site. We’re glad that you are interested in contacting more with the Dharma via this platform. Take some time to explore the website–we’re just about to launch a more user-friendly version soon, so stay tuned! You might wish to explore our large archive of video, audio and blog teachings found in the Wisdom Blogs category! And by browsing the Guru Rinpoche Day posts, you can access almost 10 years of Phakchok Rinpoche’s messages to practitioners.
Again, we’re delighted you’re on board–and please let us know if you have questions!
Best regards,
Hilary
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Hi Annie,
Yes, it is very good to practice Vajrasattva on its own–we’re purifying all karma and residual tendencies so often our teachers suggest we do at least 21 of the long mantra on a daily basis. As you know, we generally recite the long mantra 3X after reciting other mantras during a practice to purify any mistakes we may have made.
Here’s a link to a very complete discussion of the different levels of this practice. https://studybuddhism.com/en/advanced-studies/prayers-rituals/tantric-practices/how-to-practice-vajrasattva
All the best,
Hilary
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Hi all,
We’re preparing a post to answer your questions–including a short video clip from Rinpoche. Coming shortly on a wisdom blog. Thanks to all of you for your enthusiasm and interest in this topic!
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Hi Dharma friends,
Phakchok Rinpoche confirmed that Guru Rinpoche himself taught this magnifying mantra and it is found in the Chokling Tersar tradition.
There is no visualization necessary. Rinpoche also said that you can recite this before you begin your mantra recitation, or before any other prayers-such as the Cloud of Blessings as Kelly asked above–or before the 7 line Supplication if you are reciting that supplication prayer as Diana asked.
When Rinpoche recited in the course of a sadhana practice session such as the Concise Daily Practice, he inserted it directly before the mantra recitation.
We will work on getting you a clear audio recording of the mantra!
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Non-self is a very profound topic in Buddhist philosophy. Here, Erric Solomon suggests that for most of us, the key question has to do with our constant preoccupation with the self. He describes the looping pattern that we develop when we replay events in our minds–and asks if that is really productive. He suggest we learn to relax our sense of self and also our self judgment– thereby developing a saner perspective on life.
How do you relate to this looping pattern? Do you recognize this in your own life? Have you practiced relaxing the sense of self–and if so, what changes have you seen from that?
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Hi Phil,
Below, I’ve pasted in an adapted version of the shrine set-up info from the Śrāvakayāna Handbook that is applicable for a simple home shrine. We use a shrine as motivation and inspiration for our practice. Rinpoche often reminds us that just seeing the shrine can give us incentive to do our practice–and this is especially helpful if we are not surrounded by other practitioners.
You may use a simple but high-quality photo image of the Buddha as a support for your practice. It is important to begin with the perspective that the Buddha and the Three Jewels are actually present in the room, on the shrine. We keep in mind that the image is not just an object, but that the Buddha is actually present in front of us. This is the best way to provide support for your practice.
If there are particular Buddhas or bodhisattvas that inspire you, it is also wonderful to incorporate their photos or images. And, if you have a teacher, or if you find particular teachers very inspiring, you may wish to add their photos to your shrine. Our visual sense is very strong, so having the physical support of a shrine keeps us from feeling lonely and empty. Taking the time to set up and care for a shrine, also increases mindfulness, and helps us to develop pure perception and a sacred outlook.
Offerings
It is appropriate to offer seven (or five or three) bowls of water as symbolic offerings to the Buddhas each morning. Other offerings such as flowers or a piece of fruit, are always appropriate. We may also offer light, symbolizing wisdom. This can be done with a butter lamp, a candle, or a battery or electric light.
In the evening, water from each of the bowls from left to right, is poured into a clean container; each bowl is then wiped dry and turned upside down. Lights should be extinguished by fanning or snuffing; they should not be blown out. The water can be used to water plants, the earth, return to a water source like a river, pond or stream as a blessing. Flowers and food offerings should be changed regularly to keep the shrine looking as fresh and beautiful as possible.
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In the current climate, we all seem to be experiencing collective stress. Phakchok Rinpoche and Erric Solomon are currently working on a new book and project called “Radically Happy”. One goal of this project is to help us to develop a new narrative that will allow us to flourish in even a stressful environment. In this short clip, Erric discusses the need for new approaches!
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Yes, Kelly–we’ll get good quality images posted soon!
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Kelly,
We have posted the Twelve manifestation photo and the identifying map in the Mahayoga forum! Thanks for that request!
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Dear Dharma friends,
Thank you all very much for your feedback–and please do use this forum to keep it coming!
We are in the process of adding many of the elements you have requested already, and your specific requests have been most helpful as we prioritize our plans and discuss development. We are very excited about new offerings in the new year, so please stay tuned here to see additions, changes, streamlining, and a facelift!
And again, if any of you are interested in helping on Samye content and especially if you have skills in web design, layout, writing, video and audio editing, please write to me at hilary@samyeinstitute.org. We have plenty of opportunities to help!
Warm regards,
Hilary -
Hi Chris!
Could you be more specific about your question regarding the Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche Long Life Supplication?
You can find all the concise long life prayers at https://lhaseylotsawa.org/assets/texts/Concise-Long-Life-Supplications.pdf. The Tulku Urgyen Supplication written by Kyabje Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche is the first one.
Phakchok Rinpoche has suggested that we might want to deepen our connection to Guru Rinpoche by doing the supplications and mantras. He did not give specific instructions how to structure that session, but Matthew’s point that “efficiency” should not be the motivation seems to be a very reasonable guideline! In his recent teachings at the seminar in Nepal (which we will upload to Samye shortly) Rinpoche has again emphasized the importance of checking our motivation and our intention rather than focusing on numbers of mantras chanted or hours of sitting done.
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Thank you for sharing that, Kelly; it is an inspiration as well to remind us not to expect all sorts of wonderful experiences!
In another recent teaching in Indonesia (notes just added to the Global Forum) Rinpoche also gave some more advice to deal with the very common situation that you mention. Obviously, you are not the only person who has had this experience, and it is so important to remember the point you made!
Here is the quote from Rinpoche’s Introduction to Vajrayana teaching:
In Vajrayana, we supplicate and have devotion. Then samadhi becomes easy. Without Vajrayana, you have to fight with yourself when you meditate, when you have anger and you still don’t improve. In Vajarayana you can keep your devotion alive. This is what I told myself. “I fail in many things in my practice. In one thing I won’t fail, in devotion, in supplication, and as a result I do not feel lonely. Let me say, when you are feeling lonely and depressed it is because you are not taking refuge. Supplicate!
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Dear Anne,
That is wonderful! And Tulku Migmar has just reminded us (see the post in the Ngondro group) that the new year is a very auspicious time to re-set our motivations–so don’t think it is just a cliché!
Warm regards,
Hilary -
Happy Holidays to all!
As Matthew observed, any time that we can inspire ourselves (and others, as Alan suggests) to practice more intensively is cause for rejoicing. The structure of the on-line mini-retreats simply provides a global retreat period where we can feel inspired by the fact that others in our sangha family are also engaged in more intensive practice sessions. We all have different responsibilities and circumstances, so any time, even if it falls outside the “scheduled” time, that you can dedicate is worth celebrating. And please do use the forum to post about your experience, to ask questions, or to look for encouragement!
Warm wishes,
The Samye Team