#guru devotion

[kadampalife]

The role of faith in Mahayana Buddhism

What do Buddhists like me have faith in? I’ll start with what I try not to have too much faith in. If we have faith in our Buddhist religion as a inherently existent system, and holy beings as saviors who are inherently different to us — “I am over here inherently unworthy and you are over there inherently pure! Save us!” – we could run the danger of falling into an ancient trap. Some good karma…

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[inpursuitofthebuddha]

[inpursuitofthebuddha]

What a wonderful story of Guru Devotion

I saw this on Facebook, shared by Wasfia Nasreen. I found it moving. Guru Devotion. 

A personal tribute. 26th May 2012. Top of the World, Tibet side. 2007. When I was kicked out from Tibet by the Chinese authorities, my “fault” was that I happened to have a book in my backpack with a photo of the Dalai Lama on the cover. I can still hear the harsh voice of the officer saying “You can NEVER step into Tibet again!” Since then, I applied four times for an entry, every time, in vain. 2012. Five years later, with prayers of my country people and friends across the world, I was blessed to reach the top of the world from Nepal side. On the summit, I crossed the Buddha statues, stepped over to the other side, stepped into Tibet and held up a pic of our Kundun with much joy & pride.  Note: this is not a protest- rather, I would call it an “Act of Love” for my beloved teacher HH and a small token of appreciation on his 77th Birthday!  Also I was taught to respect ancestors of every land… through him the first ever expedition to Chomolungma/ Sagarmatha/ Everest had began in 1924 from an independent Tibet. This is the least one can do while being in Tibet- remember the Tibetans (and their continuous struggle against tyranny.) Having said that, this is also about my own dignity. I don’t think any other human being on earth has a right to tell me who’s book I choose to read, who’s thoughts I subscribe or don’t subscribe, regardless of my geographical location. This is about my BASIC Freedom and RIGHT TO BE.  I could’nt have made it to the top of the world without the kind help of my Tibetan & Sherpa friends, soul families, and of course my dearest friend, the 14th Dalai Lama. So this one is for you ♥ Mere words will never describe the level, length and intensity of gratitude I feel towards you. But still: Thank you, for showing me your world and nurturing me with your strength. Thank you, for helping me recognize the path when I was sinking in darkness. Thank you, for teaching me the power of walking with mindfulness.  When I stepped onto Tibet’s soil, I stepped for all of you, remembering all of you ♥ And ofcourse Kundun was, is, with me - throughout. Zillion windhorses took the messages of Freedom deeper into Tibet’s land, your beautiful HOME, pictured here beneath and behind where i'm standing. Humblest most Salute!!!  Moral of the story: Anything is possible, never say never. Big fat Bho Gyalo from Bangladesh!! .:: བོད་རང་བཙན། ::. *** Here’s a song that played non-stop in my head during many of the crucial moments of my expedition~ War Lyrics by Haile Selassie I Sang by Bob Marley  "Until the philosophy which hold one race superior And another Inferior Is finally And permanently Discredited And abandoned - Everywhere is war - Me say war. That until there no longer First class and second class citizens of any nation Until the colour of a man's skin Is of no more significance than the colour of his eyes - Me say war. That until the basic human rights Are equally guaranteed to all, Without regard to race - Dis a war. That until that day The dream of lasting peace, World citizenship Rule of international morality Will remain in but a fleeting illusion to be pursued, But never attained - Now everywhere is war - war. And until the ignoble and unhappy regimes that hold our brothers in Angola, In Mozambique, South Africa Sub-human bondage Have been toppled, Utterly destroyed - Well, everywhere is war - Me say war. War in the east, War in the west, War up north, War down south - War - war - Rumours of war. And until that day, The African continent Will not know peace, We Africans will fight - we find it necessary - And we know we shall win As we are confident In the victory Of good over evil - Good over evil, yeah! We don’t need,  No more trouble What we need is LOVE."

[iamathought-blog]

Excellent teaching by Tsem Rinpoche.