Wednesday Sangha Practice

Sangha,

Interesting Dzambhala practice we had on Saturday. On the face of it, the prayers seem like "gimme, gimme", but a further look into it clarifies it's deeply felt compassion for all sentient beings. The following blog excerpt (from: http://tribes.tribe.net/buddhadharma/photos/81ee7c97-581b-41b6-9bab-d143e087b9de) while not the final word, gives some sense of the less apparent and deeper aspect of the practice:

In order for the meditations and/or Dzambhala rituals to work, one must already have a sincere feeling of compassion for others in their predicament. One must send-out selfless vibes of good fortune to all beings. At first, it seems unfair. Why should I care so much about others when I am suffering so much, and so are those who depend on me! But Karma is like a naturally occurring phenomenon. It's like the wind or rain, or the universe itself. And this universe, this phenomenon, DOES NOT CONFORM TO OUR WISHES. Good people die in hurricanes, good people miss opportunities, good people suffer while others do not. It just happens. When we create a feeling of selflessness, and we send that energy out with sincerity, in effect, we are actually taking care of ourselves by this process. Sending this energy/thoughts/deeds out into the pond will send back ripples of karma (karma similar to what was sent out) right back to your doorstep!

So in this way, caring what happens to others helps steer what humans call "Good" or “favorable” Karma back in your direction. YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE. Period. It's that simple.


Please come for our regularly scheduled White Tara practice:

Wednesday the 19th, any time after about 6:30 for informal discussion and tea, then practice around 7:30:

Chicago Ratna Shri Sangha
5337 West Cullom Street
Chicago IL 60641

Thanks,
Bill Pope

"if you wish to seek the Buddha, you ought to see into your own Nature,for this Nature is the Buddha himself."
- Bodhi-Dharma