The Equality of All That Lives
When KPC established a center in Sedona, Arizona, ten years ago, the town was a center for New Age thinking. In a teaching on "Interfacing with Our World," Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo, KPC Spiritual Director, commented on some of the ideas then prevalent in certain circles, especially that "UFOs are going to come, and they are going to break down all national barriers--because we are all going to have to band together and realize that the 'others' are out there."
But why should it take enemy aliens to bring us together? "I don't think we should wait for that," Jetsunma said. "Has this occurred to any of you? I think we should start without them!" Of course it's necessary for the people of the earth to come together in support of each other . . . and then, once we do that, what about those aliens?
 In our delusion, we perceive a distinction between self and other, and classify as "alien" those "others" who are least like us. "We all seem to think we are the center of the universe," she said. But as Buddhists, "I would hope that the extension of our attention would be more than that."
The Buddha teaches that all sentient beings are equal, and Buddhists take vows to work for "the liberation and salvation of all beings." Unfortunately, Jetsunma pointed out, "We tend to think mostly of that kind of person that is so easy to pray for. The one that looks like your people, you know."
We need to develop a different view. She says, "We are world citizens, and even more, we are universal citizens. . . . According to the Buddha, in our nature we are the same."
Buddhist teaching is that our apparent individuality is a delusion. As Jetsunma points out, "If somehow we could shed individuation and delusion and see with spiritual eyes, rather than the way that we are perceiving right now, we would not be able to determine where one ended and another began."
The problem is the limitation of our perception. Jetsunma acknowleges the dilemma: "How in the world is that going to happen--when our own fundamental perception tricks us out of it every time? How are we going to do that?"
She reminds us, "It probably isn't going to happen accidentally."
We have to change our minds, and that isn't going to happen just by going to a church service, or, as Buddhists say, a puja. "The Buddha's path is really useful in that way because it is a continual method. It's not hit or miss. You don't just do it one day a week."
In fact, it takes practice. Vajrayana Buddhist practitioners progress through various levels of practice, because, as Jetsunma describes it, "There are certain qualities that you must obtain in order to function as a Bodhisattva," that is, one who is motivated to work for the liberation and salvation of all sentient beings. "It is a living method. It is a living path."
And it is a path for living. Jetsunma says, "I'm concerned that we as Buddhists practice this universality and do so diligently and well, so that, within our minds, piece by piece, brick by brick, we are able to knock down the walls of distinction between oneself and others. So that our compassion and our concern is not partial and not limited. So that we understand the depth and breadth of the samsaric condition. So that we have an empathy for all creatures that live. So that we do not allow ourselves to remain in a supremacist, central, isolated, or ivory tower position, where we think of ourselves as the most important factor."
This development is what's required to change the world, and, Jetsunma says, "If it's going to take such a radical change, doesn't it seem reasonable and logical that the radical change has got to start with you?"
 We need to get to know the human race in all of its manifestations, as well as the animal kingdom, and the planet on which we all live. "Understanding the condition of all sentient beings is the foundation for everything that comes after on the spiritual path. This allows us to give rise to compassion, finally and fully."
So that in the end it becomes a way of life--and it takes practice.
 For a video presentation of this teaching in its entirety, click here and scroll down to the entry for December 31.
For a free download of a teaching on the same theme, click here. |
KPC staff in Australia would particularly like to hear from from anyone who can help with Konchog's visit to Sydney--or who would simply like to make contact with Konchog while he is there. 
