I came across a book a long time ago and when I read it, I couldn’t put it down. That book was the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. There were so many deep teachings in it, many that I couldn’t quite grasp. Buddhism is like that. There can be one concept and it can be taken in and understood in infinite ways. This book can create shifts- some difficult, some pleasant and eye opening.
I’m currently reading parts of the book and like other great books- you can pick up on new things each time.
There is a section with a prayer or dedication to keep in mind when beginning a meditation:
May all sentient beings enjoy happiness and the causes of happiness. May they be free from suffering and the causes of suffering. May they never be separated from the great happiness devoid of suffering. And may they dwell in the great equanimity that is free from attachment and aversion.
You can also start with may I… and then extend it out to others. People close to you, then extending outward.
Saying this prayer or affirmation often I believe can bring strength. When we struggle with something or someone, or are caught up a difficulty, we can create some space and send out the wish for others. Instead of being stuck in self protection or grasping, we open up and desire that others be free of suffering. This can also bring peace and insights as to how to help if we can. If there is a difficult person and we think negatively about them, this aspiration can break that pattern and deliver healing.
One thing I’ve learned is that we all have blockages- some people call them internal knots. Areas that are bound up and don’t flow the best way they can. These can form in a number of ways- for instance, someone wrongs you and you don’t fully process it, maybe it’s too difficult or confusing. Maybe there is a lot of anger there. This can create a blockage and you’re not at your best until you untangle it. Using an aspiration or prayer like the one above- wishing yourself and the other person happiness and to be free of suffering can help loosen the knot. The ego might want to hold a grudge and be angry, but with the aspiration, you might find some relief and realize the true self wants there to be a flow.
The book has a lot of other great sections that are interesting and helpful- other teachings on meditation, near death experiences, and impermanence. Let me know if you read it and pick up some gems.
Wishing you strength and health!
Lots of wisdom in The Tibetan Book – and also in this post. Good reminder that loving kindness practice can “loosen the knot”. I love the notion that the true self wants there to be a flow.
Thank you.🙏