Beautiful morning, birds are singing the Sontseng Library, spring flowers are blooming. A new day for the Lineage has been assigned by His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche. Yesterday, last day of teachings on the Heart Sutra, Holiness clearly stated what is to be in the 21st century for monks, nuns, and Khenpos. Here some of the points he made: There is much that we need to changed! -All teachings must be related to the Buddhas teachings, all citations must be checked with the original Buddhist Cannon to make sure they are correct independent of lineage or school. The priority is always the words of the Buddha not this or that teacher; second then you uphold the Lineage. -We cannot think locally any more, now communications are global even between individuals, we have to think of society as a whole. Isolationism is not acceptable any more. -Since 1987 reconstructions and new constructions of monasteries and temples have taken place, now it is time to serve the community. We are here to serve sentient beings, for that we have to work for the community. In the past, the Tibetan way was the lay community to serve the monks, now it has to be the other way around. We monks and nuns must participate in all work needed, also to improve life in the villages. -Khenpos are living majestically in Indian Pandits style but must learn from Western monks and do all work in monasteries participating in all work needed. -The Kagyu College should create a committee to check all text books to make sure quotations come from the Buddha or not. This days is very easy through the computer. I was given the complete Buddhas Cannon in a single pen drive. We have to check everything because if it is not right it is an embarrassment. -Now we have many Meditation centers around the world, we should not relate Buddhist teachings to Tibetan Culture, only to the teachings of the Buddha. -Chanting tunes should be changed to adapt to the culture of the country and costumes where the centers are located. The Vinnaya says that we can adapt even rules to the costumes of the times and region. Buddha gives permission in the Vinnaya. -I have a 5 year project of planting trees in Ladakh starting this April, I am planting trees myself and am inviting all khenpos to come with me and do the work. -The Tulkus, Rinpoches and Teachers are responsible to promote the changes necessary to adapt to the country and costumes where you are. -Our methods of teaching also need to integrate modern technology and methods of teachings. Our style of teaching is outmoded. This is my own recording of Holiness works, we hope there will be some form of official statement and recordings should be made available. Ani Chime
Posted on: Sun, 09 Mar 2014 02:44:19 +0000