15th March 2009 - On the way back to Singapore

Right now I am at the airport lounge writing this update for my blog. I am going to fly to Singapore soon. By the time I finish, I think I should have reached Singapore. My stay in Nepal was really wonderful as I met many friends, disciples and other people. Recalling what I have done in Nepal, I did not do anything great but I led many activities. So overall, it was a fruitful stay. I managed to write some articles which may be interesting for you or very long winded.

I am happy that our monks and nuns are doing well and that they all are committed to their work and study. During this New Year holiday, I saw that most of my monks are busy buying books for their study subjects in the institute and books on related philosophy teachings. Those who did not come to Kathmandu are staying in Pokhara and taking care of the monastery. They still do their morning and evening pujas as well as whenever there are people who request pujas. The nuns (Tibetan: anis) are busy as well with buying books and some are helping with incense making. Very soon school for the monastery and nunnery starts and the monks and nuns will be back to their monastery and nunnery.

The incense making process seems to be difficult but it is also a kind of practice and just like meditation. Our Anis are really putting in a lot of effort, both in planning and in action, for making the best incense. They feel very happy and encouraged that I support them and assist to provide all the precious substances.

Now I am think of coming events, which is a program in Malaysia about Avalokiteshvara's teachings and recitation of the Avalokiteshvara Dharani. I am very happy with all the preparations that the Vision Journey people have done and it seems like a very unique and wonderful event. I think people in such a busy city as Singapore really need time to feel relaxed in a good environment and also time need to make some spiritual developments. So this program will be perfect for them to keep away from busy home and work commitments and rest their body and mind. When I say rest or relaxation it doesn't mean going to the beach or lying in bed not doing anything. The main problem with us is the causes of defilement arising everywhere and we tend to become distracted by them. Our minds then get no rest but become full of tension.

So in order to relax, we need to avoid the causes of defilements and acquire the causes of gaining wisdom, loving kindness and compassion. Actually loving kindness and compassion with wisdom is the sole remedy for our attachment to self and that attachment to self is the main cause or root of our problems. There are many different types of problems we experience over time but if we try to do a little bit of contemplation on how problems arise and where every problem begins, then we can clearly understand the ultimate cause is only attachment to the self and that is the root from where problems generate and grow.

So if we try to avoid a busy and confusing environment and go into retreat for a few days, it can be a great relief from problems, provided that we understand the real purpose of the practice. So if you know the value of training your mind to overcome defilements then that itself is the great relief now and in the future as well. Not taking the practice as hard work physically and mentally but as a way of being free from worldly tension.

I am in the plane now. I usually can't sleep in the plane so I just write whatever comes to mind. I am not a writer but I started enjoying writing very recently. Earlier on I wanted to start but had no courage to do so as my knowledge of English is very poor. This time, I simply mustered up the courage and determination to write and some disciples encouraged me to do so and are helping with grammar correction so that at least you can understand what I meant to say.

I know this blog is enjoyed by my disciples, friends and well wishers mainly and to them they understand what I am writing or trying to deliver in my message. No big deal about delivering a message but the main purpose is to reach you from where I am and I feel comfortable with that. Maybe to some people, a Rinpoche should not write such things and become active in blogging. I am sorry that to them, I am unable to meet their expected standard for a Rinpoche. I think blogging is not against Dharma as a whole and this small act comes along with good motivation to benefit people in whichever corner of the world they are so I am happy with that. Now the plane is about to land in Bangkok for transit so I have to stop here. Thanks for reading such a boring article.