Reactions to the 8 Verses of Thought Transformation and 5 Remembrances

1. With the thought of attaining enlightenment
For the welfare of all beings,
Who are more precious than a wish-fulfilling jewel,
I will constantly practice holding them dear.

2. Whenever I am with others
I will practice seeing myself as the lowest of all,
And from the very depth of my heart
I will respectfully hold others as supreme

One of the things that Venerable Tenzin Kacho talked about when she came and shared the Dharma with the association was the idea that perhaps these Buddhist texts that we study today seem better applicable to ancient history than they do to modern times. Certainly, our circumstances within the university environment are different from those that existed in ancient Tibet where the “8 Verses of Thought Transformation” were born. And yet, there must be something to these verses that made them worth preserving over time. Since words have always had a timeless quality to them, I think that writing and contemplating the meaning of these verses is well worth this association’s invaluable time and effort. Indeed, the verses had a ring of truth to them right from the start but it is generation after generation of engagement and reflections that truly make a text come alive. This activity is also where we find our own voices, our heritage, lineage and vision for the future.

Ever since I recognized in myself a deep interest in the Dharma, what drew me the most was the teaching that what we do must be for the “welfare of all beings.” I know I can’t be everything to everyone but I can always be something worthwhile to someone even if that someone turns out to be myself. I hated high school but I always liked to write and would help my friends with essays when I got the chance. In looking back, I know that I was often taken advantage of and I remember thinking that the work that I did for others would cause me nothing but anguish in the end. Even today, as my friends sit tight at Berkeley as stressed out bio majors (Bio sucks, obviously), they ask me for help. Somehow then, they are my “wish-fulfilling jewel” who are to provide me with every need? My writing has improved because of them ( I hope) but only time will tell if I will be able to “hold them dear” as the teachings say.

I think the same sentiments go for the vow “I will respectfully hold others as supreme.” It was brought up in the meeting that perhaps the American spin on this verse would be to ‘hold others equal to myself’. I don’t think the modern spin is nearly as powerful a tool as the original since the aim is to shift the focus from myself to others. There is certainly a difference between arrogance and self-confidence when we try to put these teachings to use.

The Lotus Sutra records the story of a practitioner who would bow to everyone declaring them future Buddhas. People would throw objects at him and tease him, but he would merely run to get away, then turn back and bow once more. This practitioner turns out to be Shakyamuni Buddha in a past lifetime. The haters become his disciples, attendants, and followers. The Buddha gets his revenge and becomes triumphant (in a peaceful way, of course).
-- VP Alex

ZEN talk

Come for meditation, laughter and invaluable insight into life and practice.

When: November 4, 2009
Where: Humanities Gateway
1030 Colloquium Room (on the first floor)
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Teacher: Venerable Jian Liao, abbot of Vairocana Zen Monastery

For more info: email baucirvine@gmail.com

Exploring the Lotus

A seminar on the Lotus Sutra by Dr. Brook Ziporyn of Northwestern University

For over a thousand years, the Lotus Sutra has been inspiring, illuminating, and guiding many individuals to peace and compassion. Everyone is welcome to join in our search for the Buddha's wisdom.

When: Oct 31, 09 - Nov 1, 09

Where: Dr. White Room of the UCI Cross Cultural Center

For more information: CLICK HERE