RYI STUDENT BLOG

After contemplating for several months, I have decided to write about the utter simplicity of solitude. Recently, in our Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra class, we studied about the physical and mental solitude. One of the key components of my experience of solitude is to allow oneself to heal. Thích Nhất Hạnh, in his book called Silence , indicated that resting is a precondition for healing. Thầy pointed out that when we humans have illness, we worry too much and do not allow ourselves to relax at all. This makes us suffer even more. On the other hand, when animals in the forest get wounded, they find a place of solitude and rest completely. Even food or any other concern becomes secondary at that time. In my experience as well, when solitude and fasting are combined together, one can truly rest to heal.  As I study Buddhist Philosophy and try to fathom the academic reading materials, I often long for an extended solitude. Because it is only then, that we slowly but steadily assim...

In Bodhicharyavatara, Śāntideva mentions: Since I and other beings both, In wanting happiness, are equal and alike, ….. In fleeing suffering, are equal and alike, However, not knowing the causes of happiness and of suffering, all the sentient beings are wandering in Samsara since the beginningless time. I am not different either. I am one of them seeking happiness. During this journey towards what I want, I forgot to ask myself if what I want is what I actually need. I engaged in whatever activities craving for what I want. I found happiness in serving others but forgetting that even suffering does exist, I suffered and I did not know why. After all, what I need is the happiness that lasted forever. Not knowing what brings about such happiness, I was lost. What brings about that happiness then? Practicing DHARMA. What is DHARMA then? During an annual retreat for the locals in Pharping, His Holiness Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche gave the much n...

BA first year students study this text, the Way of the Bodhisattva , at Rangjung Yeshe Institute. Its Sanskrit name is Bodhicharyavatara, and in Tibetan, popularly called by its abbreviated title; sphyod ‘jug. I haven’t had a chance to study it with khenpos or other teachers except for parts of it, but I cannot count how many times I have read this text in my life (in Japanese). It was when I read the below verse in chapter 8 that I first developed interest in Buddhism. I guess it’s ten years ago. All the joy the world contains Has come through wishing happiness for others. All the misery the world contains Has come through wanting pleasure for oneself. This was shocking, but very true. Since then, I open any page of the book when I am sad, sick, or just feel like reading it. There are verses that reflect my feeling of the time. There are verses that teach something different in different times though the words are exactly the same. There are verses that fina...