do not panic; practice advice

To all Dharma brothers and sisters, to whom it may concern,

To Shechen Croatia sangha and all the other sangha , senior and junior both,

There are few things I’d like to say.

As you all know we are facing a situation that is very difficult. The whole world is having a most catastrophic circumstance because of this virus outbreak.

I would like to say, you must all understand, Guru Rinpoche prophesied that the time of the degenerate era there would be times of war, of nature disaster, of famine, of natural sickness, illness and disease.

As such, in someway, it is not surprising that we are now facing such viruses.

I will not say anything on the scientific point of view. I don’t have much deep understanding of it, nor am I an expert. However, from a general simple point of view, I’d like to say, if I’m incorrect that I’m sorry, please forgive me, but such cases of virus/pandemic and so forth is nothing new.

These have long affected human and animals alike, but nowadays because huge gigantic greed, ego and negative emotions are really boiling up so much and afflictive emotions causing the suffering and distraction of both ourselves and others. We are now seeing the result of this negative karmic seed ripening upon all of us.

I would like to strongly advice you all, please do not panic. I know it is a bit difficult to do, but at least if try not to panic that would be the most important.

Panicing will just result into fear, anxiety and depression and this itself will in turn become a big problem.

We are already facing the virus, if, because of fear and so forth, our emotions or state of mind become agitated, it will simply become another problem.

Please don’t panic.

Have courage, have confidence, and specially all sangha , all Dharma practitioners, you must understand this is the time; this is the moment when you’re able to really test yourself and your practice.

It is easy to always say, oh may all sentient beings be free from suffering and this and that, when we are in a very comfortable situation, but when we are in situation like this, our current circumstance, we sort of forget our practice and give in to panic.

You should be self-aware and self-protective; please be aware and with the proper motivation be careful and take the appropriate safety precautions.

And, with the same proper motivation, do as much practices as you can;

continue with the practices that you do.

—-——practice advice———-

I would like to suggest that you know ultimately only enlightened one that we always practice, supplicate and pray to is Ugyen Guru Rinpoche. As we are all the followers of Ugyen Guru Rinpoche himself, we should wholeheartedly recite prayers such as Barche Lumsel, Sampa Lhundrup practice.

I’d also like to request you to recite the Ugyen Menla, Medicine Guru Rinpoche mantra.

Ugyen Menla’s main mantra is:

OM AH HUNG BENZA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG DE YA TA OM BEKANZE BEKANZA MAHA BEKANZE RADA SAMUNDGATE SOHA

Please recite that, and visualize:

may all who have died because of this pandemic be be reborn well and ultimately free from samsara; may all who are actually suffering, both physical and emotionally, may they be helped, may they be cured, and may the things get better quickly.

As I was saying as a practitioner, please be aware of your mind.

Have courage, have stability, have faith in your mind, have faith in your guru, have faith in the practice, in the path, and the state of your mind.

——————————————-

I know nowadays many other Rinpoches and teachers have explained their version of what to do, what practice to do, what is causing this pandemic and so forth. I think it is very important that you don’t get too, overly affected and too overly worried, and too overly excited.

As human beings we always feel we want to do something so that we feel like we are being useful; we have done something; we are not wasting our time sitting in the solitude, confinement whatever.

I mean that is a good thought, but sometimes it is important to understand to be practical. To not only think about ourselves and think I must do something, we must do something; I must feel like I’m useful and whatever. I think that is ‘self-importance mentality’.

So please be practical, you know, take both things, practice and practical safety precautions.

Spread the word to all, spread the word to everybody you can: your family , friends, companions, loved ones, to whomever you can, whoever needs help.

I’m sorry I cannot do much. I really wish that with right motivation I could sacrifice my life and go and physically help ;help the ones who need help, but I’m not able to do that. I am sorry.

Please listen to my words and think about them.

Most of you Dharma practitioners have received numerous teachings, empowerments and practices. Now it is really the time to watch your mind and practice them.

Please keep the mind.

I will also make very strong aspirational prayers, may the blessings bestowed deeply upon me by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche himself and all the great Buddha and bodhisattvas; may their blessings be upon us at all times and help us swiftly

— Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche