7-5-09 12:30 PM
We had a temple tour with Tsultrim. I set my pack down, so didn’t have this notebook when she began teaching.
Demons of Elation
Spiritual materialism. Warning signs: cutting back or stopping practice, using power inappropriately. It doesn’t mean you can’t have a position of authority. Just work for something larger than yourself. Take long, strict retreats. If necessary, give up the fame & move on.
Demons of Egocentrism
This is the root of all demons. They all spawn from this. You need to know when your energy field ends & the next person’s begins. (Sharpen the saw! Mind your own business! are good practices.) Nature of Mind practice is very helpful with these demons.
Refuge
We take refuge in all the wrong places: temporary relationships (because all relationships are temporary), substances, etc.
Buddhist refuge: a commitment to go for refuge in the Buddha, dharma, sangha. A commitment to begin the journey back to the ground of being.
5 vows go with this:
- not to kill
- not to steal
- not to lie
- not to take intoxicants to the point of intoxication
- not to do sexual misconduct: getting in a relationship when you’re in one; or interfering with someone else’s
“To practice virtue & stop practicing non-virtue.” – the Buddha, summing up the path
On eating meat: okay if it’s passed through 2 hands, said the Buddha. “A sentient being is anything that runs away when you try to kill it.” – Tsultrim
“They want to live as much as I do.” – Tsultrim
4:12 PM
Training
Partner work reminders
Confidentiality: don’t bring it up, even to them, unless they do
Judgment: no comments!
Timing: watch your partner. Ask for a head nod when they’re ready to move on.
Language: don’t say “I want you to…” or “do … for me.” Stick to the script!
Purist: don’t mix in other therapies.
Scribing for a partner: just enough that they can recall it later. A word or two, or a phrase. Pay attention to your partner!
Between questions, “Nod if this feels complete,” before moving on.
6:17 PM
I fed a demon with Angel. It was a very fruitful experience! [Angel is the staffer who drove me up to Prayer Flag Ridge.]
I’m on the 1:00 shuttle tomorrow, which means no lunch. Ugh. Maybe the kitchen will give me a doggy bag… 🙂
Living in the Dash 