Training the Mind with Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo Artwork
Season 1 - Episode 19

The Supreme Method

5 min - Talk
20 likes

Description

The Supreme method is to be natural. It is important to be genuine and natural rather than playing some kind of role or pretending.
What You'll Need: No props needed

About This Video

(Pace N/A)
Feb 08, 2019
(Style N/A)
(Log In to track)

Transcript

Read Full Transcript

OK. The supreme method is to be natural. So again, as we were dealing before with the mind, leaving the mind as it is, sometimes when people come, they join the spiritual clubs, spiritual centers, then they read all these texts which are designed for high-level bodhisattvas. And they think, all right, this is how a spiritual person acts. And so everybody's ever so nice.

So a teacher is saying, be natural. Don't pretend. Of course, we are trying to be more kind, more mindful. Of course, we are trying to uproot our negative qualities and replace them with positive ones. Of course, we are trying to improve.

Of course, we are trying to tame our mind, transform it, and transcend it. But at the same time, we are all on the path. And so it's important to be genuine, to be natural, not to be playing a role of the spiritual aspirant. This is especially true for people who join the order and become monks and nuns, because they're wearing the robes of monks and nuns, and people assume that they're highly advanced, haha. And many of them assume themselves, especially Westerners, that once they get ordained, somehow everything's going to change.

And they're going to be like little arahats. And then they discover the next morning when they wake up, whoops, mind is just the same. I say sometimes for mind nuns, the mind doesn't shave its head and put on robes. The mind is just a mind. And so again, yes, you're representing Buddha Dhammasanga, so there's a certain rule of conduct which has to be observed, but at the same time, not to pretend to be who you're not.

And for all of us, this is true. We shouldn't pretend like you're acting a role. We should be who we are. And at the same time, of course, trying to develop and cultivate the goodness within us and uproot the negative within us. Of course, we are striving on that level, but at the same time, to do it naturally and without trying to pretend to be what we're not.

This is very important, I think, for all of us just to be who we are and not pretend. And that gives also an inner relaxation because you don't have to worry about, you know, that sometimes the mask is going to slip and people are going to see who you really are. Mm-hmm. So just be. Just be.

And yes, we are trying to observe the mind. Yes, we are trying to cultivate good qualities and eradicate negative qualities slowly, slowly, slowly. But meantime, here we are.

Comments

Kate M
3 people like this.
This is so refreshing to hear. Such a relief - ! - not to have to carry that, not to have to play a role. As a teacher of asana, this strikes me: not one of us should be trying to COPY the way another person does asana, but rather to discover our own authentic expression of a pose.
Jenny S
3 people like this.
Yes, Kate! My first reaction was WHEW. I have throughout my life gotten very down on myself for my sometimes quick temper (just one example.) However, when I try to fake a pleasant reaction when something piques my anger, I somehow feel even worse. Fortunately, I’ve reached that wonderful mid-point in my life where I don’t worry so much about how I’m perceived by others. It’s quite freeing to be one’s natural self!
Hoda G
2 people like this.
This is so valuable for me to hear. Straight Walki g my Path, requires honesty and integrity.
Aileen B
1 person likes this.
from the website "What you'll need.  NO props needed."  That sums up the natural state of awareness.  Love to all, Venerable Tenzin Dasel

You need to be a subscriber to post a comment.

Please Log In or Create an Account to start your free trial.

Footer Yoga Anytime Logo

Just Show Up

Over 2,900 yoga and meditation practices to bring you Home.

15-Day Free Trial