Ask MysticSang'ha anything (Buddhism, disciple, doctrine, experience, pray)

[MysticSang'ha]

I might as well.

My purpose for this thread is two-fold. I feel a need to "test" myself to ensure that what I am learning is authentic Dharma according to the Vajrayana school of Buddhism, and secondly, not much is noted here at RF on what exactly Vajrayana is about. I feel a responsibility to act as a representative of my faith-practice, and therefore, this thread will hopefully act as the go-to for how and why I do what I do.

Since this thread is in the DIR section of the forums, any and all questions must be sincere and thread-specific.

Also, keep in mind that there are 4 distinct schools in Vajrayana Buddhism: Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Geluk. It is without question that I will be approaching answers from the Geluk perspective and method. Consider that each of these four schools are siblings in a family. We're very close, but there are certain things that set us apart.

Another thing to consider - I am a part of the laity, and not a member of the monastic order (no duh, Heather). Vajrayana is notorious for keeping it's esoteric doctrine secret from the uninitiated, and therefore the more mystical and phenomenal the question gets, the more likely you'll receive speculation from me, and I will admit to my lack of authority on the issue. I hope you will understand this.

The RF overview is quite good: Vajrayana Buddhism Overview

Thank you to RF for allowing this opportunity. I would like to close, if I may, with some prayer:

May all sentient beings have happiness and the causes of happiness.
May all sentient beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.
May all sentient beings be inseparable from the joyful happiness that is free from suffering.
May all sentient beings abide in equanimity, free from the desire for friends and the hatred of enemies.

Idam Guru Ratna Mandalakam Niryata Yami

May the supreme jewel Bodhichitta that has not arisen, arise and grow; and that which has arisen not diminish but increase more and more.

Om Vajrasattva Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum




Peace,
Mystic

[doppelgänger]

Why do you think the monastic order keeps its teachings a secret from the uninitiated?

[Scott1]

What happens to a person when they die?

[MysticSang'ha]

Originally Posted by doppelgänger

Why do you think the monastic order keeps its teachings a secret from the uninitiated?

Vajrayana claims to have the path to a quick enlightenment. Not a "sudden" path that perhaps Zen advocates, but paths like the Lam-Rim and Dzogchen (Nyingma school) that pushes it's practitioners to walk a graduated path to full realization.

In steps the Tantras, and this is only offered to those who have taken the monastic vows. We understand that reality is freaky enough, but "ultimate" Reality is mind-blowing to say the least. And for those without a proper guide, one that is engendered by a guru-disciple relationship, the experience can drive one to madness.

Also, since the Tantras are such a powerful tool, our Geshes are extremely protective of them in order to ensure they don't fall into the wrong hands. Only those dedicated to the Bodhisattva way, who has proven their intentions after years of devotion, study, and practice, are considered equipped and trustworthy to take on further responsibility of the Tantric Vehicle. Putting this information in the minds of the self-serving or the delusional/ignorant is like putting an armed nuclear warhead in the hands of a terrorist.

I'd like to quote Uncle Ben, "With great power comes great responsibility."

It isn't easy being a Bodhisattva.




Peace,
Mystic

[MysticSang'ha]

Originally Posted by Scott1

What happens to a person when they die?

Ooooh! We can break this down, since death is quite the fascination in our studies! The short answer, though, is that death is considered a journey in the Bardos, which is described and guided in the Bardos Thodol - or more commonly known as the Tibetan Book of the Dead.

A free e-book for your enjoyment:
The Tibetan Book of the Dead - Ebook

A personal footnote, though........although physical death is the most profound miracles beside birth and re-birth, death is noted as one of greatest teachers. The reason for thus is that we die every day, every hour, and every moment. We are constantly changing and evolving.........this "I" that I call "me" is not the same as yesterday. My cellular structure is not only changing with the billions of cellular deaths and new generations, but my perspective is constantly changing, too.

RE: Law of impermanence

At it's most basic, here are the three states of transition after death:

The Bardo Thodol actually differentiates the intermediate states between lives into three bardos (themselves further subdivided):

1. the chikhai bardo or "bardo of the moment of death"
2. the chonyid bardo or "bardo of the experiencing of reality"
3. the sidpa bardo or "bardo of rebirth".

Bardo Thodol - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (excerpt)

Is there anything more specific you had in mind, Scott?




Peace,
Mystic

[YmirGF]

Originally Posted by MysticSang'ha

It isn't easy being a Bodhisattva.

Yeah, tell me about it, hon. It's a dirty job but SOMEONE has gotta do it, lol. I love this thread and most definitely will be back. I must tread out to the gardens for a day in the sun, weeding, nuturing ad infinitum ... I look at it as my microcosm to the macrocosm.

[Scott1]

Got some reading to do... I'll let you know .. thanks.

[YmirGF]

Originally Posted by MysticSang'ha

It isn't easy being a Bodhisattva.

Mystic Heather, do you think you could describe to our home audience the role of the Bodhisattva? It might be quite informative to some. I remember the first time I heard the expression in this life, it was an age old friend who commented to someone else, "Paul here is Bodhisattva". I just smiled but didn't understand what he meant. Some time later I was reading the Tibetan Book of the Dead (Evans-Wentz version) and came across the meaning. To say the least I was a bit taken back, lol.

I guess what I have come to understand after being on my journey into consciousness for over 33 years now is that there isn't really a better label for me. Perhaps I will change my Religion tag to read: Bodhisattva

Do you think Buddhist would be offended, like it's not like I haven't been a Buddhist "before", lol. If the truth be told I have quite a number of Buddhist incarnations.