Quite a few readers responded to my recent post about karma - Does karma ever ripen in the same lifetime? – by asking about practices to purify negative karma.
Brilliant David! This is one I’ll reread many times….perfect timing for a recent episode I’m handling better now….Thank you so much! So clearly written and simply beautiful teachings!
Today I reread this blog and followed it as well as possible. I wrote my 10 lists, felt the regret, etc. Then I did the meditation. Oh my! I feel lifted and freed. Happy Juneteenth to all! (That's a US celebration of emancipation of slaves.)
Thankyou for your beautiful and inspiring posts. And the wonderful photos 💕 I get so much out of all of them, and am grateful to receive these in my inbox! I am also looking forward to the next chapter of your book, and reading more about Kadiki! 🙏🙂
Thank you very much for the explanation on the 'antidotes' and the table; I know it will help me. I will save it so that I can read it again and again. The regret vs guilt is extremely well explained. Thank you.
However, I have a question: in your post as well as in 'The Claw of Attraction', you mentioned bodhicitta and shunyata as a combined means towards attaining enlightenment (or at least, for an ordinary person like me, to becoming a better person.) The latter is difficult to understand/practice, while the former is doable, and can be practised. Shunyata is dependent origination; I can still understand a miniscule, teeny-tiny, wee bit of this in relation to only mundane (but essential) things like food and clothes, or common emotions like anger, joy, pride, etc. But combining these together...? Could you please elaborate on this 'combo pack'? Many thanks, and in gratitude.
Dear Monali, you raise a very important and useful point - how to combine bodhichitta motivation with an understanding of shunyata. I tried to describe this in Claw, as you mention. I plan writing as post on it specifically too. But in short, the practice is to try recollecting, as much as possible, that in any action the subject (ourselves) object (other being) and action (what we do) all lack any inherent existence. This constant recollection, along with the constant affirmation of bodhichitta is what, little by little destroys our samsara.
Dear David, thank you for finding the time to reply; I really appreciate it. It's not an easy concept I know, and I'm eagerly looking forward to your post on this. Meanwhile, could you give an example of how this works? How do I go about an activity (involving the other being) while practising shunyata in the midst of it? In gratitude.
Thank you David. A thin line between regret and guilt. Sometimes hard to distinguish.
I have never seen that table before. I will definitely study it and put it to use.
That perfect karmic storm that I am in, seems to continue. My best friend and brother in law passed away last week. Sometimes I just feel overwhelmed by it all.
I have been struggling with mind/karma due to my husband's passing last month and empathize. It is interesting how the more powerful the life experience, the clearer our attachments to this identity (etc etc) become, isn't it? As I struggle, I am reminded that compassion for myself is as important as compassion for others. I am seeing very clearly the source of my suffering, and it isn't life, it is how I am reacting to it, for sure. It's a great opportunity to practice compassion, mindfulness, meditation. I'm sure David has choicer words than me, I'm just thinking out loud. A few tears help, too. There's no better way to let go of attachment than to have a good cry. I guess what I'm saying is, I'm with you in spirit. 💕
Thank you for your post and don’t feel bad about your tears. It’s normal and as you say a helpful release. Just remember to live in the hearts you leave behind is not to die. His memory will be your most treasured possession. Rest now.
Dear David, I completed listening to 'The Claw of Attraction' last night. The Epilogue neatly wraps up the essence of the book, your thoughts and the two Buddhist concepts of bodhichitta and shunyata. I simply LOVED it!!
I want to learn more about the latter but most books are too difficult for me to understand, with the jargon... you know, the terminology... like 'emptiness'... it took me a while to understand that here emptiness doesn't mean something is 'empty'!
I tried to practice shunyata last night itself, to meditate on it; I started along the lines of what you had said regarding 'cat food'. I started focusing on 'paper'. But I couldn't make much headway, as the moment I visualized a luxuriant tree being felled, being cut into logs and taken to a factory, I was agitated... perturbed... at the thought of the 'death' of the tree and innumerable lives lost when the tree was felled -- all for the needs of humans. I must have messed up in my meditation on shunyata somewhere, that is, if that is what I was doing. I was too upset to proceed further. Please could you address this issue too in your post on bodhichitta and shunyata? One, how to understand if the process one follows (or, I followed was) is correct and two, if it is/was, how to tackle the sadness/emotional upheaval. Which means, I guess, breaking off the emotional attachment...? So, this would be ignorance. (I've got it all mixed-up, haven't I?!)
The examples you have used in your books are easier to understand -- hence my request. Thank you! In gratitude.
Hi Monali. 'Emptiness' is short for 'emptiness of inherent existence,' but the phrase is often shortened to 'emptiness' which is highly misleading. This is why I prefer to talk about 'shunyata' which has no connotations. I attempt to introduce the subject here: https://davidmichie.substack.com/p/what-is-shunyata It is not something we 'get' like explaining mundane subjects, but the more we read/listen, think and meditate on it, the more we come to recognise how it changes everything!
Thank you once again for bringing a foundational practice into the open with lucid explanations. I'm hoping to access the table more often while working on purification. Many thanks my friend.
Thanks so much for this email. I really would like to purify my karma. I am repeating the mantra now for my nephew, Keaunu Lenher Villar, he was living in Germany and a bike accident killed him. He was only 28 years old.
I must say that I do not understand the wisdom perceiving emptiness – shunyata. I am sorry.
Thanks again, I will keep practicing your wonderful ways to purify my karma, I printed out the email and I am working through it.
I'm so sorry, Rossy. My daughter's best friend just died in a motorcycle accident at age 23. He was such a sweet boy. It is decimating. Personally, alongside crying a lot, I have noted that shunyata has helped me with loss with time. Seeing that my experience of this person (my late husband, my daughter's sweet friend, etc) was mine and in my mind alone and clearly impermanent both allows me to value the sweetness (their compassion and love) for what it was (and will forever be) and suffer from the loss less - because that physical identity isn't inherently/forever them.
I hope you find some moments of peace amidst your sadness. I understand the islands of ok-ness get bigger with time. 💕
I looked forward to this post all week and it is very helpful. I have re-read through this a few times and am now reading the supplemental readings. It is a beautiful thing to have found such an author as you and to be able to participate in causes that are meaningful, such as helping the elephants and the beings who share our planet and are deserving of care and love. Thank you again for a very helpful and reflective teaching.
What a beautiful, heartfelt message, Ellen! Thank you so much. I can only help thanks to the support of readers like you, so it is truly an interdependent happening!
Thank you. Your teaching is invaluable and always comes when I am most in need of the message! Discovering 'The Dalai Lamas Cat' (aka your writings) changed the direction of my life! It was of course 'by chance".... as I set off on a long car journey my son suggested listening to an audio book for a change. I looked on my Audible and up came The Secret Mantra (the title intrigued me). And so, the Dalai Lama's Cat books subsequently arrived in my life. Thank you.
Yet again, you focus on a topic I so sincerely need. It's as though you are skulking around in my mind. Thank you for this project. I will undertake it with enthusiasm.
Tomorrow I am going to Sravasti Abby to help cook for a young adult retreat for a couple days. This will surely start the effort of well and in a fun way.
It is OK to enjoy purification? I sure hope so. Otherwise I've been doing it wrong.
Brilliant David! This is one I’ll reread many times….perfect timing for a recent episode I’m handling better now….Thank you so much! So clearly written and simply beautiful teachings!
🙏 Bowing…Adrienne
So glad that you find it of benefit, Adrienne!
My dear David,
Today I reread this blog and followed it as well as possible. I wrote my 10 lists, felt the regret, etc. Then I did the meditation. Oh my! I feel lifted and freed. Happy Juneteenth to all! (That's a US celebration of emancipation of slaves.)
Thank you so very much!
So glad that you have found this useful to include in your practice Penelope!
Thankyou for your beautiful and inspiring posts. And the wonderful photos 💕 I get so much out of all of them, and am grateful to receive these in my inbox! I am also looking forward to the next chapter of your book, and reading more about Kadiki! 🙏🙂
Really pleased to hear this about the book, Sarah. A new chapter is heading your way this coming weekend!
Hooray! I’ve been checking each Saturday 🤪💕🙏
Thank you very much for the explanation on the 'antidotes' and the table; I know it will help me. I will save it so that I can read it again and again. The regret vs guilt is extremely well explained. Thank you.
However, I have a question: in your post as well as in 'The Claw of Attraction', you mentioned bodhicitta and shunyata as a combined means towards attaining enlightenment (or at least, for an ordinary person like me, to becoming a better person.) The latter is difficult to understand/practice, while the former is doable, and can be practised. Shunyata is dependent origination; I can still understand a miniscule, teeny-tiny, wee bit of this in relation to only mundane (but essential) things like food and clothes, or common emotions like anger, joy, pride, etc. But combining these together...? Could you please elaborate on this 'combo pack'? Many thanks, and in gratitude.
Dear Monali, you raise a very important and useful point - how to combine bodhichitta motivation with an understanding of shunyata. I tried to describe this in Claw, as you mention. I plan writing as post on it specifically too. But in short, the practice is to try recollecting, as much as possible, that in any action the subject (ourselves) object (other being) and action (what we do) all lack any inherent existence. This constant recollection, along with the constant affirmation of bodhichitta is what, little by little destroys our samsara.
Dear David, thank you for finding the time to reply; I really appreciate it. It's not an easy concept I know, and I'm eagerly looking forward to your post on this. Meanwhile, could you give an example of how this works? How do I go about an activity (involving the other being) while practising shunyata in the midst of it? In gratitude.
I especially appreciate the table. I often employ Excel tables to help me understand and absorb complex situtations and constructs. 💜🙏🏻🧘🏻♀️📿
So glad you find this a useful, practical tool thanks Deborah!
Thank you David. A thin line between regret and guilt. Sometimes hard to distinguish.
I have never seen that table before. I will definitely study it and put it to use.
That perfect karmic storm that I am in, seems to continue. My best friend and brother in law passed away last week. Sometimes I just feel overwhelmed by it all.
So sorry to hear this news, Peter. You will be in my heart and meditations.
I have been struggling with mind/karma due to my husband's passing last month and empathize. It is interesting how the more powerful the life experience, the clearer our attachments to this identity (etc etc) become, isn't it? As I struggle, I am reminded that compassion for myself is as important as compassion for others. I am seeing very clearly the source of my suffering, and it isn't life, it is how I am reacting to it, for sure. It's a great opportunity to practice compassion, mindfulness, meditation. I'm sure David has choicer words than me, I'm just thinking out loud. A few tears help, too. There's no better way to let go of attachment than to have a good cry. I guess what I'm saying is, I'm with you in spirit. 💕
Thank you for your post and don’t feel bad about your tears. It’s normal and as you say a helpful release. Just remember to live in the hearts you leave behind is not to die. His memory will be your most treasured possession. Rest now.
Thank you, Peter. This brought me to tears in a good way. 💕
I hope so. The intention was to comfort you. Sorry for your loss.
It worked 💕
Thank you David. The table is really useful and I’m looking forward to your guided meditation.🌺❤️🌺
Really pleased you like it thanks Pauline!
Dear David, I completed listening to 'The Claw of Attraction' last night. The Epilogue neatly wraps up the essence of the book, your thoughts and the two Buddhist concepts of bodhichitta and shunyata. I simply LOVED it!!
I want to learn more about the latter but most books are too difficult for me to understand, with the jargon... you know, the terminology... like 'emptiness'... it took me a while to understand that here emptiness doesn't mean something is 'empty'!
I tried to practice shunyata last night itself, to meditate on it; I started along the lines of what you had said regarding 'cat food'. I started focusing on 'paper'. But I couldn't make much headway, as the moment I visualized a luxuriant tree being felled, being cut into logs and taken to a factory, I was agitated... perturbed... at the thought of the 'death' of the tree and innumerable lives lost when the tree was felled -- all for the needs of humans. I must have messed up in my meditation on shunyata somewhere, that is, if that is what I was doing. I was too upset to proceed further. Please could you address this issue too in your post on bodhichitta and shunyata? One, how to understand if the process one follows (or, I followed was) is correct and two, if it is/was, how to tackle the sadness/emotional upheaval. Which means, I guess, breaking off the emotional attachment...? So, this would be ignorance. (I've got it all mixed-up, haven't I?!)
The examples you have used in your books are easier to understand -- hence my request. Thank you! In gratitude.
Hi Monali. 'Emptiness' is short for 'emptiness of inherent existence,' but the phrase is often shortened to 'emptiness' which is highly misleading. This is why I prefer to talk about 'shunyata' which has no connotations. I attempt to introduce the subject here: https://davidmichie.substack.com/p/what-is-shunyata It is not something we 'get' like explaining mundane subjects, but the more we read/listen, think and meditate on it, the more we come to recognise how it changes everything!
Thank you once again for bringing a foundational practice into the open with lucid explanations. I'm hoping to access the table more often while working on purification. Many thanks my friend.
My sincere thanks to you, Nimrod!
Thank you, David, your article is very encouraging, an excellent guide.
We are looking forward to more of your wonderful stories, too.
With gratitude,
Graeme
Wonderful Graeme, thank you!
Dearest David,
Thanks so much for this email. I really would like to purify my karma. I am repeating the mantra now for my nephew, Keaunu Lenher Villar, he was living in Germany and a bike accident killed him. He was only 28 years old.
I must say that I do not understand the wisdom perceiving emptiness – shunyata. I am sorry.
Thanks again, I will keep practicing your wonderful ways to purify my karma, I printed out the email and I am working through it.
Rossy Cortes
Mexico
Thanks so much, Rossy! Shunyata can be a tricky subject. I recorded this short video to try to help explain it: https://davidmichie.substack.com/p/what-is-shunyata
Thanks so much David! I am working with it .
I'm so sorry, Rossy. My daughter's best friend just died in a motorcycle accident at age 23. He was such a sweet boy. It is decimating. Personally, alongside crying a lot, I have noted that shunyata has helped me with loss with time. Seeing that my experience of this person (my late husband, my daughter's sweet friend, etc) was mine and in my mind alone and clearly impermanent both allows me to value the sweetness (their compassion and love) for what it was (and will forever be) and suffer from the loss less - because that physical identity isn't inherently/forever them.
I hope you find some moments of peace amidst your sadness. I understand the islands of ok-ness get bigger with time. 💕
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I is not easy, but I am working and meditate alot. Thanks again.
I appreciated all of this, especially the distinction between regret and guilt. Thank you!
So glad that resonated with you, Sarah!
David,
I looked forward to this post all week and it is very helpful. I have re-read through this a few times and am now reading the supplemental readings. It is a beautiful thing to have found such an author as you and to be able to participate in causes that are meaningful, such as helping the elephants and the beings who share our planet and are deserving of care and love. Thank you again for a very helpful and reflective teaching.
What a beautiful, heartfelt message, Ellen! Thank you so much. I can only help thanks to the support of readers like you, so it is truly an interdependent happening!
Thank you. Your teaching is invaluable and always comes when I am most in need of the message! Discovering 'The Dalai Lamas Cat' (aka your writings) changed the direction of my life! It was of course 'by chance".... as I set off on a long car journey my son suggested listening to an audio book for a change. I looked on my Audible and up came The Secret Mantra (the title intrigued me). And so, the Dalai Lama's Cat books subsequently arrived in my life. Thank you.
Fascinating the way things appear in our lives, often when we are most open to them. Thank you so much for sharing, Eleanor!
Yet again, you focus on a topic I so sincerely need. It's as though you are skulking around in my mind. Thank you for this project. I will undertake it with enthusiasm.
Tomorrow I am going to Sravasti Abby to help cook for a young adult retreat for a couple days. This will surely start the effort of well and in a fun way.
It is OK to enjoy purification? I sure hope so. Otherwise I've been doing it wrong.
It is more than okay to enjoy it, Penelope! There is definely an energetic quality to these practices which can be very uplifting!
Brilliant! AND HELPFUL! Thank you, David. And I loved the picture of the ellies. Keep both coming.
Tiah
Will do, thank you for all your support, Tiah!