Nov-Jan Magazine (pdf) - Tibetan Buddhist Institute

However, Ilia noted that calm abiding is notfor people with mental health issues.film, Exploring the Mandala, which I amyet to see.In his second presentation, Ilia contrastedthe Indo Tibetan tradition of meditation(calm abiding/analytical meditation toachieve emptiness), with the Ch’an systemof meditation, i.e., clearing the mind toreach enlightenment. Ilia concluded bynoting that we are all here to improveourselves, but need to be honest and onlytake on what we can manage - old path,white cloud. Initially there is intellectualexcitement about another way of thinking,but there comes a time to move on.However to progress spiritually, we needto rely on a teacher, otherwise there won’tbe ‘realisations’. For me, another highlightwas the pictorial representation of thenine stages of Taming the Elephant Mindleading to Samatha, together with Ilia’stranslation - this picture is definitelyworth a thousand words.John, who had just flown in from Alaska,gave really stimulating presentations,with an excellent PowerPoint (BuddhistMeditation: Theory and Practice) which,together with an accompanying documenton Buddhist meditation, was madeavailable electronically to participants.With respect to attaining enlightenment,meditation is one of three ways, the othersare study or faith, or a combination ofthese. The issue with meditation isn’twhether or not to give up meditation,but what sort of meditation is mosteffective. John also recommended aRalf spoke about Buddhist Economics,providing a succinct lesson covering profitmaximising, marginal analysis, marginalutility, the value paradox and marketing,to mention just a few. With respect tomarketing, it is interesting to note thatduring a recession, fear sells best, while inthe good times, desire and sex sell best.However, for Buddhists, contentment isthe ultimate wealth, with detachment beingthe final achievement. Being mindfuldecreases both fear and desire, helpingto promote the perception of having‘enough’ (Brown et al., Journal ofResearch in Personality, 2009). Ralf alsogave a fascinating presentation on luciddreams on the second day, and provided acommentary, The Subjective Side of LucidDream Research, by Janice Brooks & JayVogelsong. Certainly an intriguing subjectalso warranting follow-up. Ralf suggestedExploring the World of Lucid Dreaming(Stephen Laberge), lucidipedia.com andsnoozon.com as starting points.So a big thank you to the speakers forexcellent presentations, handouts andpanel sessions and also to the participantsfor their interesting and thought-provokingquestions – it all goes to a make yetanother memorable symposium, whichwas well worth attending. For myself, I nowI need to do some of the follow-upresearch and practice what I have learnt!Dedications andRequests for PrayersRequests for prayers for lovedones who are sick or haverecently passed away can bemade at the office. Optionsinclude:• Prayers can be requested ofKyabje Khensure Rinpoche atSera Jey Monastery, as well asGeshes and monks inRinpoches’ Khangsten.• Recitation at Pujas held at TBIfor close relatives or friendswho have recently passedaway.• Prayer request for recitation atPujas held at TBI for closerelatives or friends with a currentillness.• Prayer request for recitation atMedicine Buddha Practicesheld at TBI for close relatives orfriends with a current illness, orwho have recently passedaway.