Dalai Lama Foundation Study Circle Montreal

Our fundamental nature–what we term ‘the buddha nature’, the very nature of our mind, is inherently present within us as a natural attribute. This mind of ours, the subject at hand, has been going on throughout beginningless time, and so has the more subtle nature of that mind. On the basis of the continuity of that subtle nature of our mind rests the capacity we have to attain enlightenment. This potential is what we call ‘the seed of buddhahood’, ‘buddha nature’, ‘the fundamental nature’, or ‘tathagatagarbha‘.

We all have this buddha nature, each and every one of us. For example, this beautiful statue of Lord Buddha here, in the presence of which we are now sitting, is a representation that honours someone who attained buddhahood. He awakened into that state of enlightenment because his nature was the buddha nature. Ours is as well, and just as the Buddha attained enlightenment in the past, so in the future we can become buddhas too.

…In any case, there dwells within us all this potential which allows us to awaken into buddhahood and attain omniscience. The empowerment process draws that potential out, and allows it to express itself more fully. When an empowerment is conferred on you, it is the nature of your mind–the buddha nature–that provides a basis upon which the empowerment can ripen you. Through the empowerment, you are empowered into the essence of the buddhas of the five families. In particular, you are ‘ripened’ within that particular family through which it is your personal predisposition to attain buddhahood. (p.29)

–from Dzogchen: The Heart Essence of the Great Perfection by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, translated by Thupten Jinpa and Richard Barron, Foreword by Sogyal Rinpoche, edited by Patrick Gaffney, published by Snow Lion Publications

Dzogchen • Now at 5O% off
(Good through March 4th).

The position of the body [during meditation] is very important because the channels within the body will follow the external disposition of the body. The way the body is placed will set the channels; and the winds, of course, flow inside the channels, so if they are properly set, the winds will flow properly. Mind follows the wind. To focus the mind properly, the winds must also be functioning properly. (p.39)

–from The Practice of Mahamudra by Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche, trans. by Robert Clark, ed. by Ani K. Trinlay Chodron, published by Snow Lion Publications

The Practice of Mahamudra • Now at 5O% off
(Good through March 4th).

Once again, as Losar (Tibetan Lunar New Year) approaches on March 5th, it’s time to clear out the old and make space for the new–making room for meditation, compassion, and deepening your own particular practice. No matter how small, any mindful action has merit.

March 10th marks the 52nd anniversary of the Lhasa Uprising in Tibet. During these many years of struggle, Tibetans have continued to hold out hope for a peaceful resolution in their quest for freedom, in spite of the great difficulties they have faced.

Tibetans throughout the world are also grateful for the support and encouragement they receive from you, and supporters across the globe, who help to keep their cultural and spiritual heritage alive.

In the attached article, author Glenn Mullin writes of the passing of a great lama, virtually unknown to practitioners in the West. Little known outside of Mongolia, the great Baasan Lama passed away on January 30th, 2011. He is famous for courageously leading a movement that ushered in democracy in the region, working tirelessly to rebuild Buddhism in Mongolia, and assisting Mongolian lamas in rebuilding after the Communist destruction. Read more about his extraordinary life…

In recent years we have lost the great benefit of many lamas and teachers, known and unknown, who worked tirelessly and dedicated their lives to our spiritual enlightenment. During Losar, please find time to remember these great beings who have shown us such great kindness, and pray for their speedy return.

* * * Look for a special message by the Dalai Lama on his site after March 10 at www.dalailama.com.