I so appreciate you sharing Buddhist knowledge and perspective in these polarizing times even within the Buddhist/mindfulness communities.
There is a big community of Tibetans in Western Mass. I was always inspired by the Tibetan monks who visited us in town council by their inner calm and kindness even when they spoke about the violence being committed by the Chinese government and kidnapping of Tibetan children to strip them of their Tibetan culture and language.
I am not sure I understand or fully agree with what you shared in the last paragraph but I am curious to learn more: But if we build strong, resilient communities in isolated “hidden lands,” based on Mahāyāna Buddhist principles, then it is possible there is some hope for the Dharma, and likewise, humanity.
In order for the Dharma to remain in the world, sentient beings need to have a baseline of merit. The Buddha predicted that eventually the Dharma would sputter out, largely as a result of lack of realization, immaculate prajna, amongst followers of the Dharma. At that point, due to general lack,of merit, there are more wars, disease, etc. The notion,of hidden lands is related to this idea—hideouts for the Dharma when things in the world are generally no longer conducive to Dharma practice.
Thanks for this! It answered many of the questions I grapple with on a daily basis. Especially now, given the discord that seems to be permeating everything and everyone.
Very good! Your writings are always provocative, informative, and skillful.
How is a hidden land opened?
Traditionally, by going to its entrance and doing a lot of ganapujas. Or in the case of Sikkim, practicing Riwo Sangcho,
Thank you for this - affirming and sobering in ways I need. Are there stories or resources on the opening of Sikkim?
You can find this in the accounts of Rigzin Godem (14th century) and Lhatsun Namkha Jigme (17th century).
I so appreciate you sharing Buddhist knowledge and perspective in these polarizing times even within the Buddhist/mindfulness communities.
There is a big community of Tibetans in Western Mass. I was always inspired by the Tibetan monks who visited us in town council by their inner calm and kindness even when they spoke about the violence being committed by the Chinese government and kidnapping of Tibetan children to strip them of their Tibetan culture and language.
I am not sure I understand or fully agree with what you shared in the last paragraph but I am curious to learn more: But if we build strong, resilient communities in isolated “hidden lands,” based on Mahāyāna Buddhist principles, then it is possible there is some hope for the Dharma, and likewise, humanity.
In order for the Dharma to remain in the world, sentient beings need to have a baseline of merit. The Buddha predicted that eventually the Dharma would sputter out, largely as a result of lack of realization, immaculate prajna, amongst followers of the Dharma. At that point, due to general lack,of merit, there are more wars, disease, etc. The notion,of hidden lands is related to this idea—hideouts for the Dharma when things in the world are generally no longer conducive to Dharma practice.
Appreciate the additional explanation. My sister in law is from Sikkim. Good to know that's one of the locations.
The Tibetan name for Sikkim is Dremojong,”valley of rice.”
Thanks for this! It answered many of the questions I grapple with on a daily basis. Especially now, given the discord that seems to be permeating everything and everyone.
This was refreshing. I very much appreciate the clarity. Or should I say, wrath? 🙂