"What is Spiritual Practice?" POWERFUL and THOUGHT-PROVOKING

[scaryethan]

This is one of my favourite video of Rinpoche. This is so motivating, there is no excuse to learn and practise the Dharma anymore... ... :)

[Dungkar80]

I understand what Rinpoche is talking about because that is the real world. All of us have suffered from our own hypocritically spiritual ways. We really need to hear this from time to time because that is how we really practice spirituality.

[frozbyte23]

I guess the best practice would be contemplating the eight verses and applying it into our lives. All others are merely subsidiary or complementary practices.

[bhusukumode]

Buddhist spiritual practice is taking refuge in a Lama, practice the 8 verses, study the Lamrim and take on a Yidam practice while supplementing it with Dharma Protector practice. Also, we must follow the advice of our Lama. That is my interpretation of Buddhist spirituality.

[frozbyte23]

Heheh I am starting my monologue now. What Rinpoche is saying is so sad because I know quite a lot of wealthy people are like that. This is when many become happy even by just listening to such powerful teachings!

[frozbyte23]

Grophrane1337: What a lengthy monologue! What you saying is very interesting but and good for you if you practice what you preach. Personally I like H E Tsem Tulku Ripoche's talks because he talks on a level where everyone can relate to gauge ourselves and apply antidotes or self-restrain.

[Grophrane1337]

There are millions of people who think they are 'a good person', but at the same time they're committing atrocities to humanity by going to war. The soldier might justify his rampage. 'For the sake of peace', and so on. The concept 'good person' is as diverse as there are minds available, because the mind is the perpetrator. It is the mind, the voice in the head, that you THINK you are, that makes these atrocities possible. But what about no mind? Does the solution not lie in curing the disease.

[Grophrane1337]

The mind is the source of all these ridiculous conceptions, it's inherited by the next generation, imparted by the former. And so continues the wars. In 2000 years, 5000 wars. 'Good person' will not help. Completely destroying the disease helps. Meditation comes from the same root as medicin. Meditation is for the inner, Medication is for the outer. Not that there is a distinction ultimately, but materially there is. (Mind).

[Grophrane1337]

Continued from before.(Mind). It doesn't matter if you try to be a 'good person' or 'rule the world/money/power whatever'. BOTH are TEMPORARY because of the MIND. Very simple thing to understand, but fundamental it is. It has no meaning if you're a 'good person' for awhile, then you lapse back into your 'unliked' side when you are insulted, or in another way your ego is hurt. At the root of all anger, sadness etc, is MIND, is EGO. Your ego is hurt, that's why you suffer. Get rid of it, and then.

[Grophrane1337]

Continued from before before (Mind,ego). If your ego is no more, then who are you? It becomes a feeling instead of a collection of impermanent things like 'teacher' 'guru' 'follower 'worker'. You weren't born as a 'teacher' HOW can you say you're a teacher. You weren't born as a human being, this is a concept in your mind. Human being is a concept. You live in a conceptual reality, not an actual reality. Thus it's not really reality, you just think it is. That's the illusion to break.

[Grophrane1337]

Once you cut the root of the problem, it will never reappear. But you go on pruning the leaves, they grow back, perhaps even stronger than before! Can't you see the stupidity of this effort of being a 'good person'? It implies you're not a good person, becoming. You have to become something you are not in order to be good. How is this possible? How can you become something you are not already? Please understand a very simple thing. You are what you are NOW, no becoming is possible.

[Grophrane1337]

Realizing this, is meditation. There are many methods (Vigyan bhairav tantra 112 methods book, very ancient). ALL to break the illusion, to realize the non-existence of ego, and to take control over your mind (as the tool it is), instead of letting the tool run you, ultimately leading to these lapses I mentioned before. 'good person' becomes 'bad person' becomes 'good person'. Utter stupidity. I laugh at many of these stupidites that occur DAILY to everyone around me. Great entertainment, but..

[Grophrane1337]

Start reading my comments from the bottom one.

But. It makes me sad aswell, to see people are still living with a blindfold. When they can see perfectly with not problem. Why do they go on groping in the darkness instead of turning on the light? Go inwards, explore your own being, come to terms with the thinking, blabbering mind. Look at the ego as it is, and it vanishes. (How can you actually be an ego if you can observe it, try it yourself, observe it, and it disappears). That is all.

[frozbyte23]

I think such Dharma talks like this is excellent yardstick to gauge our own spirituality. Also it gives us good understanding of other people's behavior so we can help them or at least not retaliate in a bad way.

[Dungkar80]

Spirituality is not just doing sadhanas, going for puja, going for class and volunteering at one of the departments in Kechara House. We have to positively challenge ourselves to remember people's kindness and repay it. Challenge ourselves to lower our negative habits and points by remembering and repaying the kindness of our loved ones. That is spiritual.

[Dungkar80]

Real Spiritual practice is what is delineated in the 8 verses of thought transformation. Short but powerful. Check out Compassion Conquers All by HE Tsem Tulku Rinpoche on kechara(dot)com 's eshop.

[bhusukumode]

A lot of people bring their cut throat ways into spiritual practice. Over time their habituation thwarts progress due to their worldly ways. Always reflecting of our motivation with lamrim will be the key.

[frozbyte23]

Spiritual practice is shifting our focus from ourselves (source of all suffering) towards others (source of all happiness).

[zootsoot2006]

Our true selves are the source of all happiness, it's only our illusory selves that cause the suffering. And one can only be truly happy when there no longer are others.

[ntadk]

Religion is the result of your practise.

[frozbyte23]

I really like Buddhism as delivered by H E Tsem Tulku Rinpoche because he does his best to deliver the message that Buddhism is a transformative religion. I think Rinpoche elucidates the best in his book Nothing Changes Everything Changes.

[bossanova168]

If we do our prayers and chanting everyday, doesnt mean that we are Spiritual, but if we practise sincerity, generosity, kindness, that's what i call spiritual practise, we should transform our mind and our thinking, and not always think about ourselves.......

[nerokrusell]

Recognising our own negative energies, we strive to eradicate them. By listening to lots of dharma, reading lots of dharma literature and then contemplating on them. Good way to practice.

[TashiChodrak123]

At 3:11Tsem Rinpoche said that: "Religion is the RESULT of your practice, not (the) practice. The RESULT of your practice, e.g tolerance, patience, endurance, compassion..."

Sad to say some people are religious, but they do not embody the qualities that are promoted. So Tsem Rinpoche's reminder is timely, for us to not grasp on to the external activities that looks like we engage in religious practice, but the REAL religious practice is transformation.

[MoiraKelly1]

Thank you Rinpoche. Your explanation about our non-stop unhappiness that was caused by ourselves is really simple to understand.

I also like your view that religion is not just about "being a good person".

[thedharmaprince]

Thank you very much Rinpoche! This are words that I always wanted to tell the people around me but I wasn't able to find these words.

[LTashi123]

T'oo-je-che Rinpoche. Your video really tells modern people what religion is about. Please continue to turn the wheel of Dharma.

[teliael]

the only way to transform your mind is when you listen and learn about Dharma because they provide a systematic approach to deal with your own mind because if you try to do it on your own, chances are you would not get it right or take many tries before you reach your goal. why not save time by tryinig out something that has already been proven? neonlama[dot]com

[marinkun99]

Real spiritual practice isnt just prayers or mantras or offerings or some weird practice that involves sacrifce. real spiritual practice is benefitting others and changing the way you look at things. neonlama(dot)com

[teliael]

these days, everything is very cutthroat. Very little people are sincere and would initiate something sincerely without expecting something back. There is always a catch somewhere and real spiritual practice is to actually get out of this loop and being able to benefit others sincerely. (neonlama(dot)com)

[kyorantenshi]

getting the best clothes, the best gadgets, the most expensive cars, the nicest friends all mean nothing when you cannot even face yourself. When you are all alone by yourself, can you listen to yourself and your conscience? It would be better to listen to yourself than to try and deny the voice inside. That is spiritual practice. neonlama(dot)com

[kyorantenshi]

true spiritual practice is the transformation of the mind from a self centered, egocentric one to one that benefits others. Religion is only the transport or a roadmap to that and nothing more.

[nekoboy86]

spiritual practice is also about acknowledging what other people did, and in this case the kind soul who worked hard to post this video also deserves recgonition! please post some comments and get your friends to do so as well to encourage him!

[dabeisyin]

that's how i feel about my job, but then i have to make other people happy and they won't like me the way I am just sitting around in my sweatpants watching dharma talks. Am I just being lazy today? I told my job I was going to quit, going to quit, but then I keep thinking about work and money.

[marinkun99]

this talk can be applied to so many diffrent people..even to aethists...all those people who are too busy quoting sutras in some places should watch this!! :P

[EKSEGAL]

Thank-you Rinopche!!!

[okostosvevidi]

well, if you study geology, you do get rox in school ;)

[imamyt1]

pearls of wisdom fall from this masters lips.

May we be blessed with many more teachings and for you to have a long and happy life!

[YingYangChing]

There is always someone trying to sell spirituality through religion. You cant buy spirituality, its a personal path so why follow the path of another? To each their own.

[teliael]

well then, how can you be sure if you are doing is really spiritual or just a lie, or just something to cover up your ego? There are so many questions, since you're setting standards for yourself, which most probally will be low...

[YingYangChing]

first off teliael you presume too much that my standards may be low, this video doesnt answer what spiritual practice is but camply talks about religious practice. The two are worlds apart. Studying the teachings of dhama and repeating parrot fashion will not enlighten you or anyone else. I know my spirituality is real as it comes from the source but at least its not from a you tube video. I dont think you fully understand the concept of what the ego is.. see Freud!

[teliael]

how do you know if Freud is right? I am merely investigating your really intresting theory. If you can, define what Spirituality is and dont just keep promoting your ideas by putting down others and not even explaining them. Because that only shows that you're but an empty vessel.

[YingYangChing]

Your not merely investigating at all, you were questioning my spirituality and making presumptions. Freud invented the concept of the ego the id and the super ego, thats how I know he is right and you took it out of context to imply that I was masking my ego. The ego is when we are balanced FYI and to say I am an empty vessel is also a compliment I will take with thanks, it means I am an open source for spirituality instead of being full of crap. You have a lot to learn, ask but never presume.

[teliael]

I never implicated you. what is there to defend? why are you so defensive? what are you defending?

all I wanted to know is what made your intepretation of being spiritual different than what TTR has said, not attack your beliefs. Many people fall into a trap where they use "spirituality" to hide behind. What I really want to know is: are you one of them?

[YingYangChing]

I think you need to read what you wrote before making silly statements. And then you want to know am I one of them? One of what exactly? Gay, Buddhist?

I am what I experience, spirituality to me is the understanding that brings us closer to each other and closer to enlightenment, we don't need religion to do that and it doesnt even come into the equation because religion divides us as everyone thinks their religion is the one and only true path. As we grow so shall we blend. Im a truthseeker

[teliael]

sounds nice. you should write a novel or start an online game: the TruthSeekers Online =D

looks good on paper. but how about in daily applications?

[teliael]

I'm sorry for the online games pun. it was just so funny and tempting. Religion is just a medium for spirituality to manifest. It is true that religion is not spirituality just like acrylic the medium for the paint pigment and not the paint itself.

there's no right or wrong in religion. its just how you use it.

[YingYangChing]

I see a lot of wrong in religion hence why I dont follow it, there are free thinking prophets and everyone who follow them are just sheep. maybe there is no right or wrong path to spirituality we will all get there in the end and no prizes for being first. Some use martial arts or yoga, some religion. I am fortunate to be one of the few who experience deep trance and out of body states where I have visions. Maybe you should title your game The Daily Prophet. We can all be prophets or sheep.

[teliael]

you're losing your cool. I never supported religions nor go against it, if you read my statements. You cant even dicuss properly and keep falling into anger and self defense. This is so entertaining. To say that just because there has been people abusing religion means that religion is evil is pretty shallow dont you think? It has worked for so many people, so why are you so angry at it?

[teliael]

honestly, YinYangChing, if being "spiritual" leads me to debating needlessly with someone I dont even know like some evangelist putting down other religions, I really do not want to be spiritual if it causes me to be hot headed like you. In fact the last thing I wanna do is to run around and tell people they are wrong and I am right because I had visions, as it would definetly make other people unhappy. If being spiritual is making others unhappy, why should I be spiritual in your sense?

[YingYangChing]

you send two replies to my one so who is losing their cool? Religion is a choice, none of them are perfect so why should I tie myself to a religion that I cant agree with 100% because that would be less than I am. I am not so guillible to be a sheep but religion is perfect for those who are. You just dont like my views so you presume or make judgements. How spiritual is your behaviour? If you dont want to debate then dont reply :)Your a wanna be, nothing you say has any value or substance!

[teliael]

I never said I was spiritual. I just wanted to know more and show it not just for myself but also for everyone else. The world is our stage, my dear :D

[YingYangChing]

You have already shown your spirituality but your point is? The man on the video is saying we need religion and to follow the teachings of dhama and I merely disagreed. He cannot speak for everyone and nor can I, it is right for him and maybe many others but there are many paths. I don't need to claim to be a master, teacher, prophet or guru so who is pampering to who's ego? If you want to be a drama queen then the world is your stage.

[teliael]

haha then what are you defending? I wasnt the one who snapped :P

yep, I'm a drama queen. But one that's out to reach out to others.

[YingYangChing]

I am defending my first statement with sound logic whilst you make yourself look bad by making presumptions you can't back up. I don't need to justify anything but its for your benefit.

If your trying to reach out to others then what is your message? Enlighten me and humble me, I am listening. If your message is that your a drama queen then we already know. Seems like your reaching out for help ;)

[teliael]

the answer's already in one of the replies. If you have a calm mind you should be able to read what I wrote regarding religion and spiritual practice. no need to repeat what I post, right?

Unless you're still trying to prove that you're superior.

[YingYangChing]

There you go presuming again. Shame that I have to keep repeating myself. If you dont work as a seedy newspaper reporter then you should as thats the kind of mentality you have. Your hoping that if you can make enough presumptions something may stick. Very boring (yawn) but its a kind of defence mechanism for someone who feels inferior. zzzzzzz

[teliael]

talking about yourself? the replies clearly show you using circular logic: you keep using my arguements as yours. Is this the way you debate? how shallow. ha ha ha.

cmon, show me something I havent seen before instead of repeating my techniques.

[YingYangChing]

zzzzzzzz same old rubbish and more childish than ever. You dont like my comments? tuff titty its no skin off my nose. I dont think your doing yourself any favours except looking very childish and dumb, you dont need to keep proving it ask Freud!

[redseb86]

and the spiritualist shows his true colors. We'll let the readers decide who's the more matured one shall we? Keep posting. I love seeing you throw fits and incoherent comments at me. thank you :D

[teliael]

that was actually me. was in the cybercafe and the previous guy forgot to log out it seems lol

[YingYangChing]

A likely story, some people will do anything to seem credible. At least you were honest about it but your still a plonker.

The moral of the story.. get your own PC

[YingYangChing]

Same idiot, diff name. Aint my fault you dont understand English. Thanks for telling me I am now spiritualist. Go one better and ask god what he thinks, being as my fits are in your head I dont see why god cant be there too.

[CesarBrauer]

Tsemtulku, this is wonderful! Thank you both very much!!! I will subscribe to you.

[cradlemountain]

Check out Archeology's Surprising Revelations on google video. The guy is pretty amazing too in a different way. Give the vid 6 minutes..it's worth listening to.

[mickglasto]

wonderful to hear this young authentic teacher - thanks for the wake up call

[shopwreckin]

great video. the message really hit close to home. it made me realize that the blindfold i've been wearing for so long wasn't a blindfold at all. it's been my own hands this whole time. thanks again.

[lamarapten]

Thank you so much Tsem Rinpoche. Help me a lot and lot

[peacefullmind]

thanks you, tsem tulku Rinpoché. you are the buddha...

[mjmsisco]

Everyone should watch these videos, buddhists and non buddhists. Thanks

[Vajraelch]

Fine to watch, not boring at all...thanks.

[sangye2006]

Thank you ! Thank you so much for your inspiring words !

I cannot thank you enough !!!

Thank you !