Rinpoche on Reaching Beyond: Words of Wisdom Series 2

Words of Wisdom 2
February 2021

Rinpoche on Reaching Beyond

Photo above: Rinpoche in Taiwan, Jan 2021. Photo credit: Pawo Choyning Dorji

Many of us found solace in the numerous opportunities to see Rinpoche online in 2020; teachings, pujas, online gatherings, and other happenings were livestreamed from India and Taiwan, and people were able to join Zoom events from all over the world. Even though our physical access to each other has become limited, thanks to technology we have boundless opportunities to connect.

At some of our online events, Rinpoche talked about Khyentse Foundation and his aspirations for the organization. We started the Words of Wisdom series in December of 2020 with the aspiration to share Rinpoche’s words with you. We invite you to consider these words with us, as the foundation moves into new areas of focus.

Rinpoche spoke on many topics, but one theme that emerged again and again was how KF can, and must, find new ways to connect to those who are suffering and have yet to meet the dharma.

The sutras, the shastras, and our teachings have such wealth on how to assist people, and how to help them make their minds resilient and their emotions manageable. I’ve been thinking that this is something we can introduce to the world.

Khyentse Foundation is, and will always be, a Buddhist organization dedicated to supporting Buddhist study and practice, but reaching beyond the Buddhist label is new for the foundation. Still, as we expand the scope of our efforts, we always think about our ultimate mission, the preservation of the dharma and of Buddhist wisdom and practice. As Rinpoche said at one online event, “We want [dharma] to be understandable for modern people but not lose our own authenticity;“ This is a good summary of the task at hand. At this time of rapidly changing technology and an unclear and uncertain future, Rinpoche repeatedly remarked that the teachings of the Buddha are more relevant than ever.

We are talking about preservation of the dharma and propagation of the dharma. We are not just preserving and propagating some culture or some kind of a worldly value, like socialism or democracy, or some sort of culture. Really, we are preserving and propagating the means and the wisdom that will awaken us and others. We are trying to preserve skillful means and the wisdom that will liberate others. Thinking about others is an incredible thing.

Thinking about others’ values, others’ well-being—and not just temporary well-being, thinking about others’ awakening; that is just incredible. We always ask, Why are we practicing the dharma? We are practicing the dharma to attain enlightenment. As Mahayana practitioners, we practice the dharma for enlightenment—but for what? Why are we trying to gain enlightenment? To help other beings, right? So, actually achieving enlightenment is just a tool. We want to help sentient beings, so therefore we are trying to achieve enlightenment. Actually achieving enlightenment is just a bonus. The real profit is helping others.

We know from our own experience the impact the dharma can have, but what does that impact look like for others? With the advances of technology in the 21st century, how are the ancient words of the Buddha relevant to our modern existence? This relevance, along with the reality of artificial intelligence, online education, and virtual connection, is an important new focus for Rinpoche. For young people today, identity, profession, and purpose—or we could say, “who we are”—will be harder to define. In this, transition, the dharma is becoming even more necessary.

Rinpoche as seen in the Saga Dawa Heart Sutra Global Recitation video, June 2020

7 Comments

Marie Janson on February 22, 2021 at 6:20 pm

May our activities be fulfilled. Dharma is the Refuge of the constant Traveller.

Sonam Yoezer on February 23, 2021 at 2:25 am

As always very true and relevant la rinpoche.

Paula Folhas Capella on February 23, 2021 at 3:21 am

May the bodhichitta, and only the bodhichitta, always guide you and show the path. Buddha can’t be imprisoned in anything

Anna Crossley on February 23, 2021 at 7:48 am

So wonderful Rinpoche is thinking of the world as it is now and how to benefit beings in it. <3

Juliane on February 23, 2021 at 6:35 pm

So precious dear Rinpoche, so important. We all but especially the younger generation is facing and will have to face so many insecurites. How can we engage? Thank you so much

Sasha on February 24, 2021 at 6:59 pm

This post deeply resonated with me. It is a great aspiration “to connect to those who are suffering and have yet to meet the dharma”, yet it’s a very difficult undertaking. At least for a beginner like me.
I practiced and studied Buddhism for for more than five years in Taiwan. Since 2019 I am back home in Eastern Ukraine, the place though safe enough, yet on emotional/spiritual level torn down by warfare, recent religious reforms, identity of oneself as a citizen…
It was very easy to discuss the Dharma back in Taiwan; but here even touching upon the foreign religion and its practices cause agitation among people. People listen but they cannot accept and hurriedly reject. For instance, some five years ago I shared with a friend the Loving kindness meditation technique to help her control animosity toward some opponents she encountered on her way. Right after, she asked me not to advice her anything, and essentially cut our communication. To my great surprise, recently the friend contacted me asking to remind her the Loving kindness meditation method. I rejoiced from the depth of my heart that a spark was ignited. Yet it is a unique case.
Over many years, I found that just being yourself and if it’s possible, inspiring people by random deeds of kindness rather than words. My aspiration and prayers remain only in the back of my mind.

Cândida Bastos on February 24, 2021 at 10:24 pm

We as practitioners have the aspiration that DKR could be completed. I could help with translations from English to Portuguese. I work with translation for the Chagdud Foundation for many years. I would like very much to help in this marvelous effort translating the Buddha teachings. Thank you.

Words of Wisdom 2
February 2021