The Avatamsaka Sutra...

Studying the Avatamsaka Sutra (華嚴經) is about expanding the capacity of our minds. However, in practice, it is about opening our hearts. 

But because of the heavy weight 0f our attachments, we lose focus and forget the selfless spirit of a Bodhisattva. Selfishness fills up our hearts, leaving no space for the world. 

Our hearts are originally vast enough to encompass all the Dharma Realms. We must train our minds and hearts to stay open and practice kindness and generosity regardless of causes and conditions. Then, all universes are created and contained within our hearts, and the karmas arise accordingly.

 The Teaching of Impermanence:

Sometimes, it takes great loss to realize how fragile and how precious this life and the people in it are. Even in our most mindful and conscious daily living, we can forget how tentative and temporary all things are. 

          Impermanence is Real 

This can be painful...and... empowering at the same time. We don't want to avoid the feelings or the tenderness of the heart after loss. These are important experiences for the human heart. As painful as it might feel this is the true nature of life. However, this provides us with a potent teaching:

Live and Love fiercely, NOW... while you can.

 Root Confusion:                                                         

Beings are confused about the difference between spiritual bypass and skillful engagement. One is disconnecting and checking out, and one is being discerning about how you dial-in. There are times when there are some things you just can't do anything about and you have to be okay with that. Then we can dedicate and focus our energy on solutions and what's possible instead of wasting energy on what's not.

It is actually the practice of "right understanding and seeing clearly". Many small efforts can add up to a great transformation. Just because we refuse to buy into the external chaos doesn't mean that we're not interested in being part of the solution and making a difference.

However, discernment and discrimination are key practices here. Once we assess a situation correctly, then how do we apply that newfound clarity directly to the situation ?

It is not a bypass. It is living wisdom and skillful engagement.

Do not let the world challenge your integrity or shake your belief in your core values.

Stay clear, stay focused, and stay flexible... And always be kind in the process.

This is the Transformative Way.

 The Way of Presence: ( in life and practice)

“At every stage, there are some questions...

This is the way of inquiry. It is the appropriate response to curiosity while seeking knowledge on the path of self-development.

Then all the questions fall away...

This is the way of presence. It is the release of seeking.

It is powerful yet wordless. It is solid yet indescribable. It is palpable yet formless.

Nonetheless.... Presence is potent, impacting, and formidable. It is the first energy that arises and the last one to go. It is actually the greatest gift, as it demonstrates full attention and a commitment to the moment.

When there is no more attachment to external response one settles. Then there is a relaxation and a surrender to the moment.

This is the Way of Presence.

 Fundamental Steadiness:                          

As all things change and fall away, there has to be a fundamental steadiness underneath it all.

This steadiness is powerful as it is a reliable source of safety.

This is what beings recognize as your true nature and genuine character.  It is visible and trustable.

It is a solid example of one’s intention, one’s heart, and the dedication required to make it real in the world. 

Then, when steadiness combines with consistency there is a strength that is obvious and powerful beyond words.

It is rooted in devotion, compassion, and kindness yet requires strength and loving perseverance. It is very powerful to observe, and it inspires others to believe in their own potential and have faith in the fundamental goodness of things. This is very important.

Beings want and need to trust and believe in the goodness of humankind, again.... And so...      Steadiness and Goodness need to live together in the same practice.            

This is the "medicine " that is sorely needed right now...and always

 Cutting Through:

There is so much misdirected energy and deception going on in this world that beings actually start to believe that crap...

Garbage...

Half the world says they're enlightened, and the other half creates all the suffering without owning it and without even blinking an eye.

This is the Darkside of manipulation and deception. These are the demons of toxic government, society, and social media. No one has the willingness to be wrong and see the truth clearly.

Most beings don't have any self-discipline and their lack of consideration for others is appalling.

At some point, there must be a reckoning and a purification.

First, there must be clarity about what is true and proper and what is false and unjust.

However, The Revolution first starts on the inside... Often, we have to cut through the bullshit, get honest, get a little messy and handle the obvious and uncomfortable.

Thats Radical.

That's what the true realized Masters did back in their day. They came to terms with the harsh reality of what was and were fully present for what was to come.

Thats Revolutionary.

 

 

 The Path to Peace:                                              Everything in the world has a cause and a reaction starting from somewhere. (causes and conditions). As we view the outer world and its situations they all come from some circumstances (root cause) and beings' response to them. Our responses either come from a deep place of understanding and clarity or from a place of fear and attachment.

There is nothing in this world that we ourselves don't have a part in. 

Good or bad, all decisions and actions arise from our belief systems and are influenced by the inner lens with which we view things. So the the path of balance and benefit is to see things clearly and act as skillfully and gracefully as possible in the middle of it all. This comes from the inner work of the heart and a healthy benevolent spirit. 

Until inner transformation happens all external actions will be based on fear, misunderstanding, and confusion. 

The Path to Peace is based on the Inner Freedom of the heart and mind.  May we all be kind to each other on the way.