Dharma Movie: Unmistaken Child

UNMISTAKEN CHILD
Written and directed by Nati Baratz
Winner–Special Jury Award–Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
Starts on Friday, July 3
Check Landmark’s website for show times.

Landmark E-Street Theatre
555 11th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001

UNMISTAKEN CHILD
follows the 4-year search for the reincarnation of Geshe Lama Konchog, who passed away in 2001 at age 84. The Dalai Lama directs the deceased monk’s devoted disciple, Tenzin Zopa, who had been at Lama Konchog’s side since the age of seven, to search for his master’s reincarnation. Tenzin sets off on an unforgettable quest by foot, mule and even helicopter,through breathtaking landscapes to reach remote Tibetan villages.

UNMISTAKEN CHILD is a beguiling and touching window into this intricate process.

Disturbing Emotions

Just as a physician is not upset with
Someone who rages while possessed by a demon,
Subduers see disturbing emotions as
The enemy, not the person who has them.

~ Aryadeva, Four Hundred Stanzas on the Middle Way

Question of the week: Long life mantras

Each week we will ask a question related to Buddhism. Please share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment. We welcome your response to earlier comments, or you can post new ideas. Comments are moderated, please be supportive and respectful of others.

Please share your experience in reciting the White Tara mantras on behalf of Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche. Has it been blissful? Difficult? Do you think saying the mantras is truly beneficial and if so, how?

Shantideva Suggested Readings

If you know of other good books about Shantideva, please pass them along via a comment. Thanks!

Shantideva. translated by Alan Wallace. A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life. Snow Lion Publications: 1997.
The Way of the Bodhisattva: (Bodhicaryavatara), Revised Edition (Shambhala Classics). 2006
His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A Flash of Lightning in the Dark of Night: A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life. Shambala: 1994.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Practicing Wisdom. Wisdom Publications: 2005.
Geshe Yeshe Tobden. The Way of Awakening: A commentary on Shantideva’s Bodhicharyavatara. Wisdom Publications: 2005.

Attachment to the Body

Buddha taught us to renounce our attachment to our bodies. Our bodies are like ships helping us cross the ocean of suffering to the shores of everlasting peace, Enlightenment. Once we arrive, we discard them, so strong attachment can not be justified.

What does this teaching mean to you? Does it mean giving up cosmetics and going to the gym or spa? At the other extreme does it mean sacrificing yourself to feed a hungry tiger the way the Buddha did? What if your boss asks you to work 80 hrs a week because your store is understaffed? What if you are a policeman? What if your daughter begs you to carry her, and you might hurt your back because she’s too heavy, do you do it anyway?

Meditation subject: the antidote to physical attachment — the mindfulness of the body. Strip off each layer beginning with the skin then the blood vessels, and so forth down to the bone marrow.

Saka Dawa 2009 Golden Light Sutra Reading

Uniting around the world on Sunday, June 7, we will join our hearts, minds and actions to read Chapters 10, 11, and 12 of The King of Glorious Sutras called the Exalted Sublime Golden Light.

Please begin your reading by saying this mantra 7 times: OM DHARE DHARE BENDHARE SVAHA.

For more information and to be placed on the group email list, please contact Ven Tenzin Lhamo: anitenzinlhamo@msn.com

An act of kindness

Here’s something to rejoice in, it took place at the Tibetan Buddhist Center, Kunzang Palyul Choling in Montgomery County, MD.

In Case of Snake vs. Man, One Shows a Little Respect

Sharing the Dharma Through Martial Arts

Shaolin Ulysses: Kungfu Monks in America

SHAOLIN ULYSSES explores the stories of five immigrant kungfu monks from China’s Shaolin Temple: the legendary birthplace of kungfu, Zen Buddhism and today’s contemporary kungfu mecca. They share their lives, ambitions and visions of building American temples, doing Las Vegas shows and producing Olympic sport champions. From New York to Texas to Las Vegas, their stories reflect a unique version of the American Dream—Shaolin style.

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/shaolinulysses/index.html?gclid=CMWs8ojP85oCFQE0xgodX1aZcw

or:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/69774/global-voices-shaolin-ulysses-kungfu-monks-in-america

Six Yogas of Naropa Retreat 2009

This year Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche will continue his fascinating teaching on the Six Yogas of Naropa. Time permitting, he intends to review inner fire, and then move on to the illusory body and dream yoga. Last year, he covered the preliminary Mahayana practices (developing the correct motivation etc), the physical exercises and inner heat yoga.

I found last year’s retreat very worthwhile because it helped me integrate and deepen my understanding of Highest Yoga tantra — not to mention that it was so magical to be together with Khensur Rinpoche for a few days! Mornings and evenings the gompa was open for silent meditation. We took turns making water bowl offerings every day. The retreat grounds are beautiful for long walks through the woods and camping. This year, Fabrizio Pallotti, our translator and long-time practitioner, will lead our afternoon meditation sessions.

Dates: June 30 – July 5, 2009
Location: Am Kolel Sanctuary & Renewal Center, Beallsville, MD

For more information and registration, please visit our website. Last year we filled to capacity, so please register soon. If you have questions, please email Lorne Ladner: RetreatRegistration “at” guhyasamaja.org, do not use the blog comment feature as he will not be checking it.

Guarding the Mind

Review of Chapter 5 verses 16 – 25.

What is concentration? What role does concentration play in our spiritual practice?

What are some of the benefits of guarding the mind?