Buddhism holds that all physical phenomena, such as cobblestones, are arising and ceasing every instant. Our senses perceive differently. But the truth of the physical world seen through a microscope corresponds to the Buddhist view point. Thus, we must acknowledge that physical senses are mistaken.
~Depicted from the Seasonal Quotations of Khenpo
Karma (or cause) is kind of a unique ability. Although our naked eyes cannot see how rice seeds will germinate, they do have within themselves the capacity to do so. Likewise, when a karmic seed is planted in the Alaya Consciousness, it will yield fruit when all the right conditions come together. This fruit is also called karmic effect. And this particular capacity of the Alaya Consciousness to yield karmic fruit is the inherent nature of cause.
After a person has killed a being or stolen things, the karmic seed of such action will remain in this person’s Alaya Consciousness. When it will germinate is uncertain, however. The scriptures often used the analogy of harvesting crops to illustrate the timing of karmic effect. There are great varieties of grains and vegetables and the length of time for them to ripen varies. Some may ripen in only one to two months, others five or six months, or even longer. The types of seeds, the geographical location and the climate are all contributing factors to this disparity.
~ Depicted from Luminous Wisdom Book Series 1
Do not fight the reality with weak mind, because the more you do, the more you suffer. Instead, one should first cultivate a strong mind before taking on all suffering in life. Only then suffering be transcended and possibly transformed into happiness as well.
~Depicted from the Seasonal Quotations of Khenpo
During the period when Bodhidharma came to China to give Dharma teachings, Emperor Wu of Liang asked him, “I did many good deeds, such as being vegetarian and reciting the name of the Buddha, just like a monk. How much merit have I earned?” Unexpectedly, Bodhidharma exclaimed, “No merit!” Why? Because all the good deeds that Emperor Wu of Liang did may have no connection and is irrelevant with liberation as well.
~ Depicted from Luminous Wisdom Book Series 9
The Buddha was a human, not a god or a deity. However, his supreme wisdom had surpassed all known human knowledge. The Buddha based his judgement not an conscious perception but transcendent wisdom. As a matter of fact, we can all transform our own consciousness into such wisdom.
~Depicted from the Seasonal Quotations of Khenpo
We may often think to ourselves: I am not really willing to generate bodhicitta, as I am only interested in my own benefit. But I will force myself to do it. Because if I don’t, whatever I do will not be considered practicing Mahayana. This is called “contrived” bodhicitta.
~ Depicted from Luminous Wisdom Book Series 1
Buddhism, certainly Tibetan Buddhism, places great importance on happiness. However, the emphasis in Mahayana Buddhism is not on one’s own happiness; it is the welfare of all sentient beings which is important. When we strive to bring joy to all beings, we can be sure of attaining even greater happiness for ourselves. This well — being ultimately surpasses any that material enjoyment can bring. Such is the Tibetan Buddhist view on happiness.
Buddhism, certainly Tibetan Buddhism, places great importance on happiness. The emphasis in Mahayana Buddhism is not on one’s own happiness but rather that of all sentient beings. When we strive for the welfare of all beings, we can at the same time attain even greater happiness for ourselves. This well-being ultimately surpasses any that material enjoyment can bring. Such is the Tibetan Buddhist view on happiness.
~ Depicted from Luminous Wisdom Book Series 9
Every sentient being is endowed with wisdom, but our wisdom is limited in depth and scope because we lack proper training of the mind. Zhi hui du refers specifically to the training of the mind, to cultivating the wisdom that allows us to reach the unsurpassed state of attainment — Buddhahood. From the view of an outsider, the process appears to be mysterious and connected in some way with religion; however, a true practitioner knows this training of the mind is very real.
~ Depicted from Luminous Wisdom Book Series 9
People are all afraid of suffering, want to avoid suffering and adopt every possible means to prevent suffering, but they only succeed in bringing more suffering upon themselves in the end. The Buddhist way is to know what suffering is, face it, overcome it and finally eradicate suffering altogether.
~Depicted from the Seasonal Quotations of Khenpo
