Friday
Good Society Part II: Feeling the Goodness
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
The second part of a two-part series by Shastri Russell Rodgers. For part one, click here.
In Part I of this two-part essay, we looked at the genetics behind the universal human impulse to create good society. The logic was this: everywhere there are humans, we form society. Therefore, it must be in our genes. The first part of this essay was basically a book review of Blueprint: The Evolutionary Origins of a Good Society, by Nicholas Christakis, a Yale professor.
Dr. Christakis proposes that encoded in our genes is a “social suite” that is common to all societies that are able to survive the test of time and circumstance. This “suite” includes : good leadership (and respect for that leadership), cooperation, learning from each other, befriending others, and valuing each person’s individuality. The genes encode possibilities: we make conscious choices as to whether to take advantage of these possibilities.
Buddhist practices that focus on kindness help to bring it to conscious awareness. Often, kindness practices focus on the heart. Sometimes, in visualization practices, there is a radiating sun, moon or seed syllable placed there. Here, radiation is a metaphor for kindness, and the visualization gives the mind something to focus on. The “Sadhana of Kindness” which is being practiced in many Shambhala Centres, has this basic structure. The post-meditation experience of this sadhana inspired me to write this essay. Continue…
Entries filed under Dharma Teachings
The Summer of Basic Goodness, part one – HIGHLIGHT
Shastri Column: This is the second in a series of articles by Shastris – senior Shambhala teachers – on themes that Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche has been emphasizing in his teaching since he ended his year-long retreat in early March, 2011.This article is by Shastri Betsy Pond ... continuePosted October 6, 2011 by
Bravery: Synchronicity of Body and Mind – HIGHLIGHT
by Sakyong Mipham “We have quickly realized that without synchronicity, we are only idling in the dark age.” When we realize the power of aligning our mind and body with our surroundings, we are able to be dignified and courageous because synchronizing our thoughts, actions, and the environment ... continuePosted September 16, 2011 by
Discovering Basic Goodness Through Conversation – HIGHLIGHT
New: Shastri Column! This is the first in a series of articles by Shastris – senior Shambhala teachers – on themes that Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche has been emphasizing in his teaching since he ended his year-long retreat in early March, 2011.This article is by Shastri Susan ... continuePosted September 14, 2011 by
Moving with the Mind of Meditation – HIGHLIGHT
Have you heard? The Sakyong, Mipham Rinpoche, has written a book on running and meditation. The forthcoming book is entitled: “Running with the Mind of Meditation.” The publisher, Crown Doubleday, has expressed real excitement about the book, and given a definite commitment to get it on ... continuePosted August 19, 2011 by
Mythology and Everyday Life
I’ve been wondering lately what Joseph Campbell would think of Shambhala Buddhism. He attributed many of the problems we face today, particularly our disconnect from nature and the resultant chaos & confusion found in our global society, to a lack of a working mythology. ... continuePosted July 28, 2011 by Travis_May
On Basic Goodness – HIGHLIGHT
This video clip of a recent teaching by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche hails from the recent sangha retreat at Dechen Choling, entitled Being Brave: Transforming Our World. This message of basic goodness is something the Sakyong would like us all to hear, so please, take a few ... continuePosted July 22, 2011 by
Bravery: Taking a Leap – HIGHLIGHT
by Sakyong Mipham Bravery is a highlight of the Shambhala teachings. On the sacred path of the warrior, it is one of the unconditioned qualities that arises from living with virtue and valor. It is defined as “the act of both personally and socially manifesting.” To put it ... continuePosted July 19, 2011 by
Bravery: The Vision of the Great Eastern Sun – HIGHLIGHT
by Sakyong Mipham Bravery is a highlight of the Shambhala teachings, which were introduced to the West by my father, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. In an an earlier teaching I describe the first form of bravery, freedom from deception. I’ve also introduced the second bravery, abruptness — the ... continuePosted July 13, 2011 by
From the Archives: The Fourth Moment – HIGHLIGHT
In anticipation of the 24th Parinirvana of the Vidyadhara, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche on April 4th, the Shambhala Times shares an excerpt from a lecture by Trungpa Rinpoche during the first summer session of the Naropa Institute in July 1974. Originally titled, “Meditation and the Fourth Moment,” ... continuePosted April 3, 2011 by
Shambhala Day Address – HIGHLIGHT
Shambhala Day Address by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche May the dawn of basic goodness arise. May the confidence of goodness be eternal. May goodness be all-victorious. May that goodness bring profound, brilliant glory. I am back! [Applause and cheering] I’m rested, and I’m ready to go. And I love you all. Thank ... continuePosted March 12, 2011 by
Meeting Don Season with Mindfulness – HIGHLIGHT
Sakyong Mipham teaches on meeting don season with mindfulness. This year, don season begins Tuesday, February 22nd and concludes on Thursday, March 3rd. In the lunar calendar, the weeks preceding each New Year can be fraught with inner and outer obstacles. In these teachings, offered to the ... continuePosted February 21, 2011 by
Bravery without Deception – HIGHLIGHT
By Sakyong Mipham My father, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, introduced the teachings of Shambhala to the West. These teachings are called “the sacred path of the warrior,” for they emphasize bravery as an important factor in determining the outcome of our personal future and that of the world. Bravery ... continuePosted February 20, 2011 by
The Cool Realm – HIGHLIGHT
Acharya Michael Greenleaf attempts to bring equanimity into the world of teenagers. “Look at you two with the signs on your jackets. You look funny.” My wife, Jeanine, was referring to the logos on our fleece jackets, the ones worn by our oldest granddaughter, Camille and me. ... continuePosted January 15, 2011 by
Six Ways to Lasting Happiness – HIGHLIGHT
By Sakyong Mipham Bodhichitta has many translations: “mind of enlightenment,” “seed of enlightenment,” “awakened heart,” “open heart.” It is a venerable word and a venerable practice that has been done for thousands of years. When we think of bodhichitta, we have a hard time putting a shape ... continuePosted December 24, 2010 by
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