Phakchok Rinpoche kindly offered a Question and Answer session for students of Rangjung Yeshe Institute on April 4 at the RYI campus at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery in Boudhanath, Nepal. Rinpoche kindly offered advice and guidance on a variety of topics, from dealing with the agitation in meditation, to developing one’s practice of compassion, how to assess if one is improving or making progress on the path, as well as how to gradually train in developing devotion.
The first question posed is about dealing with lung, or wind imbalance. Rinpoche offers very practical suggestions for dealing with lung which can be brought on by mantra chanting or meditation—reminding us of the importance of caring for our body and mind holistically. He recommends checking with a Tibetan doctor as Tibetan medicine has a long history of treating this condition which is not discussed much in western medicine. Rinpoche points out that lung is often increased by stress or too much thinking. But he also points out that lung manifests in many ways, so it is good to check with a medical practitioner.
When we practice or meditate, we will face difficulties, of course. Rinpoche explains that much of this is due to karma from our previous lives. If bad conditions arise, he says—”Don’t be discouraged! And don’t compare—my friend is doing so good—everything’s perfect. Look at me—I’m so stupid. Don’t do that! Don’t do this comparison. You are unique—there is nobody in the world like you—exactly like you—nobody!…Just go on the path and practice. “
Phakchok Rinpoche also answers a question about training in pure perception by tying it back to the very core of Buddhist teachings—the four noble truths. Pure perception really means, he points out—”giving the chance—many, many chances—countless chances—for everybody to be able to change”!
We rejoice in the opportunity to share this video teaching which is relevant for anyone interested in transformation and realization. Samye Institute will also be highlighting excerpts of these teachings on the Student Pathways pages by topic in the coming month for easy reference.