Lama Chimey

Buddhist Wisdom for Modern Life: An Invitation to a Journey of Self-Reflection

Today, I invite you to embark on an inspirational journey of self-discovery through the gentle wisdom of our Buddhist teachings. Our path is not a linear one, it’s an interconnected journey toward inner growth, wisdom, and an enriched daily life.

Awaken Your Inner Strength

For today we can imagine that the journey begins with an exploration of your inner strength. Just as the lotus emerges from the mud, your resilience and courage blossom amidst life’s challenges. Through meditatio n and self-reflection, you’ll discover the profound wellspring of strength that resides within you.

Seek the Hidden Path of Improvement

Life’s path to improvement is often concealed beneath layers of attachment and delusion. This journey encourages you to unveil it. Let go of the familiar and embrace the new. As you walk this path, you’ll find a rich tapestry of growth and self-improvement unfolding before you.

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The Mirror of Self-Evaluation

In this part of our imagined journey, we pick up a mirror not to admire our external selves, but to gaze deep within. Self-evaluation is a cornerstone of our progress, and mindfulness serves as the reflection. Through introspection, we confront our innermost thoughts, emotions, and actions. Recognizing your true self is the foundation of genuine spiritual progress.

Confronting Obstacles

Life’s challenges are like turbulent waters, inevitable and unpredictable. However, how we navigate these waters is where true growth happens. This part of the journey teaches you to confront these obstacles with equanimity and grace. Just as a bamboo bends but doesn’t break in a storm, you too can withstand the trials of life. Embracing challenges as opportunities for spiritual evolution is a central theme here.

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Guiding Towards Clarity

The final phase that I invite you to reflect upon today is a reflection of the clear, calm waters that Buddhism encourages us to seek. Having awakened your inner strength, uncovered the hidden path of self-improvement, conducted self-evaluation, and confronted obstacles, you are now ready to walk a path of clarity. You’ll be equipped with the wisdom and tools needed to navigate the complexities of life with serenity and purpose.

This journey is not a series of separate lessons but a harmonious flow. Just as life itself is interconnected, so are these teachings that I suggest here. Each phase blends seamlessly into the next, emphasizing that spiritual growth is an ongoing process of self-discovery and refinement and eventually a total letting go.

The wisdom you gain from this journey is not theoretical; it’s a practical guide for a more enriching daily life. It will empower you to face life’s challenges with grace, cultivate inner strength, and walk the path of clarity and wisdom.

May this journey lead you to profound insights, lasting peace, and the genuine happiness that the Buddha’s teachings promise. Remember, the true power lies within, waiting to be awakened and shared with the world.

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The Joyful Essence of Mantras in Vajrayana Buddhism

Mantras, as you know, are fundamental to our Vajrayana journey. Beyond their surface level as mere vocalizations, mantras hold a profound essence and significance within our tradition. The transformational depth that mantras has on us, are shedding light on their crucial role in our quest for enlightenment.

Transformation of Speech: Mantras serve as transformative tools, refining our speech and communication. Through their repetition, we purify the way we express ourselves, aligning our words with wisdom and compassion. This purification extends beyond our speech, subtly influencing our thoughts and actions, thereby creating a harmonious resonance in our existence.

Direct Path to Realization: Mantras are vehicles for direct experience and realization. When chanted with focused intent, they guide us beyond conceptual thinking and intellectual analysis. I have personally experienced the transformative power of mantras as a highway to divine bliss. Through heartfelt and dedicated mantra chanting, I have found moments of profound depth and joy. They facilitate direct communion with the essential truths of existence, transcending the limitations of ordinary perception, and offer us a direct experience of the natural state of devotion.

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Emanation of Deity’s Qualities: Each mantra encapsulates the qualities and wisdom associated with a specific deity. As we engage with these sacred sounds, we invoke and integrate these qualities within ourselves. This integration is a gradual process of inner transformation, leading us toward the realization of our innate potential for enlightenment.

The Meditative Aspect: Mantras are more than sounds; they are a form of meditation. Their repetitive nature creates a focused, one-pointed awareness that aids in concentration. This meditative quality enhances our mental clarity, allowing us to see beyond the distractions of ordinary thought. If you don’t already have a mantra or two vowen into your practice I warmly recommend that you add some chanting or recitations of mantras before or directly after your meditation sessions.

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The Power of Sound and Vibration: Mantras delve into the profound realm of sound and vibration. With their specific sounds and syllables, mantras resonate with the fundamental frequencies of existence itself. Through the disciplined practice of chanting, we attune ourselves to these vibrational frequencies, fostering a sense of inner harmony and alignment. This process allows us to experience a profound connection with the essence of our being, transcending ordinary perceptions and intellectual concepts.

The Continuity of Lineage: Mantras link us to the spiritual lineage that precedes us. When we recite these ancient sounds, we become part of a lineage that has preserved and transmitted the wisdom of Vajrayana practices throughout generations. This continuity connects us to a rich tapestry of practitioners who have traversed this path before us, iincluding a connection to those who have reached enlightenment through a path of devotional singing.

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Let us remember that the power of mantras is not limited to the confines of our spiritual practice. They can also be experienced in the form of sacred music. Consider exploring the transformative qualities of mantras through avenues such as my album “Mothers & Strangers,” which offers traditional Buddhist mantras and prayers set to a unique R&B/electro flavor. It is a heartfelt expression of devotion, and it may further enrich your spiritual journey.

As you navigate the path of Vajrayana, embrace the mantras as profound tools for transformation and realization. They are not mere verbal utterances but profound vehicles for inner growth and understanding. Through the repetition of mantras, may you refine your speech, access direct experience, embody divine qualities, harmonize your existence, and attune to the profound essence of your being.

With sincerity and devotion,

Lama Chimey, Dedicated Vajrayana Practitioner and Teacher

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Lojong Mind Training: A Path to Inner Transformation

In the quest for personal growth and self-improvement, many have turned to ancient wisdom traditions to find timeless guidance. One such tradition that holds profound insights into the human mind and spirit is Lojong Mind Training.

As someone deeply engaged in the exploration of these teachings, I am excited to share the essence of this transformative practice with you, along with the daily wisdom you can find on our website through the “Lojong Card of the Day.”

Lojong, which translates to “mind training” or “mind transformation,” is a Tibetan Buddhist practice that is said to date back to the 12th century. It is a profound system of contemplative techniques designed to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and mental resilience. While it has deep roots in Buddhism, its teachings transcend religious boundaries, making it accessible and beneficial to people from all walks of life.

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At its core, Lojong is a practice of self-reflection and self-improvement. It encourages us to examine our thoughts, emotions, and reactions with unflinching honesty. Through this process, we gain a deeper understanding of our own minds and uncover the habitual patterns that often lead to suffering. Lojong provides a toolkit of practical and compassionate methods to work with these patterns and transform them into sources of growth and awakening.

One of the central themes of Lojong is the cultivation of compassion, both for oneself and others. It teaches us to view every situation as an opportunity to develop empathy and loving-kindness. By training our minds to see the inherent goodness in all beings, we become better equipped to respond to life’s challenges with patience and understanding.

Now, about our website’s “Lojong Card of the Day” feature, it’s a wonderful resource that offers a daily dose of Lojong wisdom. Each day, you can visit our website and draw a card that contains a specific Lojong slogan or teaching. This daily guidance can serve as a powerful reminder to apply Lojong principles in your life. It’s a small yet impactful way to stay connected to the practice and integrate its transformative wisdom into your daily routine.

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One of the most well-known slogans in Lojong is, “Transform adverse circumstances into the path of awakening.” This encapsulates the essence of the practice. Instead of resisting or avoiding difficulties, we learn to embrace them as opportunities for personal growth. Adverse circumstances become our greatest teachers, guiding us toward greater inner resilience and wisdom.

Lojong Mind Training also emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in daily life. It encourages us to bring our awareness to the present moment, no matter how ordinary or mundane it may seem. In doing so, we discover the richness of each moment and the potential for profound insight and transformation.

In conclusion, Lojong Mind Training is a profound and practical approach to inner transformation. It offers a path to greater self-awareness, compassion, and wisdom. By embracing its teachings and drawing inspiration from the “Lojong Card of the Day” on our website, you can embark on a journey of personal growth that not only benefits yourself but also ripples out to positively impact those around you. I invite you to explore the teachings of Lojong and experience firsthand the profound changes it can bring to your life, one daily card at a time.

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Embody Meditation like a Master without spending years in the Himalayas

Have you ever felt the pull of spiritual growth, the desire to embark on a journey of self-discovery, but the thought of spending years in the Himalayas enduring culture clashes, gender inefficiencies, and emptying your bank account seems daunting? If so, you’re not alone. Many seekers face this dilemma, torn between the call of inner transformation and the practical demands of everyday life. But what if I told you there’s a way to embark on an authentic meditation path without all these hardships?

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In today’s fast-paced world, where time is a precious commodity, I invite you to spend the next forty-five minutes with me as we explore the royal tools for mastering an authentic meditation path that can be yours. We’ll delve into the limitations of self-made secular non-traditional meditations when it comes to awakening our full potential.

We’ll discuss how people began flocking to my classes, what you need to do to achieve similar results, and where to start in order to deepen your practice and transform your life. Furthermore, we’ll explore how to embody this path and seamlessly integrate it into your daily life and work, allowing it to become an intrinsic part of your essence.

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In today’s competitive landscape of personal coaching, therapy, and spiritual guidance, many professionals are seeking a doubtless path to reignite their inherent nature and regain trust in their work. The world has changed, and the demands for authenticity and transformation have grown exponentially. The question is, how can you find such a path while stuck in the everyday rat race, especially if you’re committed to helping others transform sustainably?

I understand the challenges you might be facing. As a sincere spiritual practitioner and a professional who’s walked the path for decades, I’ve experienced the need for guidance and the hunger for the right tools to navigate the spiritual awakening journey. I’ve lived through the expansion of consciousness and the uncertainty that often accompanies it. I know the frustration of being in the midst of spiritual growth without an available experienced teacher to turn to.Mainstream meditations, including mindfulness, can take you only so far. To truly reach your destination, you must be willing to dive deep, stay committed, and never give up.

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My own journey began as a young teenager at a Zen Buddhist center in Sweden, driven by my natural inclination toward spirituality. However, this journey also led to a sense of not belonging in a secular world focused on worldly concerns.Despite these challenges, I discovered that incorporating spirituality into my work and life was the key to fulfillment.

It was during a period of intense personal transformation that I realized the profound impact my journey had on others. Students flocked to my classes, my business thrived, and opportunities came knocking. But I also knew that continuing this journey without proper guidance was risky.I prayed for a competent teacher, and one came into my life short there after in the most miraculous way!

Under their guidance, I took a leap of faith, leaving my prosperous life in the west to train as a Buddhist nun for 12 years in the Himalayas and North America. During 3 1/2 of those years, I immersed myself in a secluded retreat, engaging in intense practices that required a strong foundational training.The challenges I faced during this period were immense – language barriers, gender expectations, and limited support, to name a few. Yet, the journey was worth it, and I have never regretted following the call of my awakening heart.

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However, I realized that the path I had taken might not be suitable for everyone.With the wisdom gained from my experiences, I am now dedicated to serving Western practitioners in the fields of yoga, healthcare, life coaching, and therapy. I offer a condensed, accessible form of the tools I’ve learned through the 2600-year-old Buddhist path. These tools, rooted in meditation, have been used by countless practitioners to achieve enlightenment. These masters were once just like us, and by applying these tools, they became what we aspire to be. I promise you; you can do this too, provided you are certain and determined to follow through.So, if you’ve been searching for a way to deepen your spiritual practice, if you’ve hit a wall with your current services, and if you’re ready to explore a more complete path to help others find their full potential, join me in my master class, “How to Embody Meditation like a Master” today, to embark on this journey together, without sacrificing your current lifestyle completely, and discover the transformation you’ve been seeking.

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Blessed be,

Lama Chimey

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The Three Timeless Wisdom Pillars of Triyana Buddhist Meditation

Embarking on a Profound Journey with Buddhist Triyana Meditation

In a world pulsating with constant activity and noise, where the demands of modern life often drown out the voice of our inner selves, there exists a timeless sanctuary of tranquility and profound self-discovery – Buddhist Triyana Meditation. It beckons us to embark on a transformative journey, one that transcends cultures and spans the ages, offering a path to inner peace, profound insight, and lasting transformation.

The Three Pillars of Triyana: Sutrayana, Mantrayana, and Mahamudra

At the heart of Buddhist Triyana Meditation lie three interconnected pillars, each illuminating a distinct facet of a holistic approach to mindfulness and awakening:

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1. Sutrayana: Laying the Foundations of Wisdom Sutrayana serves as the bedrock of our inner exploration, inviting us to engage in thoughtful contemplation. This pillar encourages us to delve into the fundamental teachings of the Buddha, enabling us to observe and understand the intricate interplay of our thoughts, emotions, and sensations. As we become adept at navigating our inner landscape, a deeper clarity and equanimity emerge, becoming our guiding compass through life’s intricate maze.

2. Mantrayana: The Transformative Power of Sound The second pillar, Mantrayana, introduces the profound practice of chanting sacred mantras. Through these sacred syllables, we harmonize our beings with the cosmic rhythms of the universe. This practice transcends linguistic barriers, resonating with the very essence of our existence. As we chant mantras, we kindle a transformative fire within us, transmuting negativity and paving the way for profound shifts in our consciousness.

3. Mahamudra: The Radiance of Great Seal Mahamudra, the pinnacle of Triyana Meditation, is often referred to as the “great seal.” It embodies a state of being where we recognize the innate nature of our mind and experience the direct, unmediated perception of reality. Mahamudra is a path of direct insight, inviting us to rest in the uncontrived awareness of the present moment. It is the realization of our intrinsic wisdom and the full embodiment of awakened mind.

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Transforming Lives: Triyana in the Roles of Guides

For yoga teachers, life coaches, and therapists, the teachings of Buddhist Triyana Meditation offer a wellspring of inspiration and guidance. As guides who assist others on their journeys, these teachings become powerful tools to enrich our practices and empower those we serve.Through Sutrayana, we cultivate the wisdom necessary to address life’s complexities with clarity and compassion. Mantrayana infuses our guidance with a harmonious resonance that deeply touches the hearts of our students and clients, fostering profound transformation. Mahamudra, the culmination of our journey, allows us to guide from a place of profound presence, becoming beacons of light for those navigating the intricacies of existence.

Embracing the Path: Triyana as a Way of Life

Buddhist Triyana Meditation transcends being a mere practice; it becomes a way of life, seamlessly integrating mindfulness into every aspect of our existence. This integration empowers us to transcend self-imposed limitations, opening the gateway to boundless potential and holistic well-being.

As guides, the incorporation of Triyana teachings into our lives enables us to lead by example, illuminating a path of transformation for those who seek our guidance.As we embark on this transformative odyssey, we find ourselves on a pilgrimage into the heart of consciousness. The timeless wisdom of Triyana becomes a beacon of serenity amidst life’s cacophony, a profound illumination on our quest for truth, and an unwavering compass guiding us toward a life of purpose, wisdom, and boundless compassion.

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May our journey through Buddhist Triyana Meditation be the whisper of serenity amidst life’s chaos, the profound illumination in our search for truth, and the steadfast compass guiding us towards a life of purpose, wisdom, and boundless compassion.

Learn more about Triyana Meditation and T.M.I.C.P – The Triyana Meditation Instructor Certification Program here.

Blessed be,

Lama Chimey

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Boost Your Immune System through Relaxation and Meditation

In the midst of your life’s hustle and bustle, amidst stress and anxieties that seem to never end, you seek solace and balance. In this pursuit, you turn to relaxation techniques and meditation. Those ancient yet powerful practices that offer us a refuge of inner peace, and more over, boost our immune system. Meditation, often described as an ‘inner mental exercise,’ has captured hearts with its potential to enhance our physical and emotional well-being. It invites us to sit quietly, focusing on our breath, gently guiding our minds back when they wander. Rooted in the wisdom of Tibetan Buddhist meditation, which in part draws from ancient Ayurvedic practices, you embark on a journey to explore how these practices can enrich your life and uncover insights into the essence of existence.

1.Unwinding the Knots of Modern Life to Boost Your Immune System

In the chaos of a busy lifestyle, finding moments of respite is like discovering a hidden oasis in the desert. Relaxation techniques and meditation become your compass, guiding you to that much-needed oasis of tranquility. Through meditation, stress finds an exit, as the levels of stress hormones subside, and our minds and bodies embrace a welcome relief. As we breathe in the serenity, our nervous systems shift gears, transitioning from the tense ‘fight-or-flight’ mode to the serene ‘rest-and-digest’ state. This transition not only nurtures our sense of calm but also bolsters our immune function and overall well-being.

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2.Embracing the Wisdom of Timeless Traditions to Cultivate a Healthy Lifestyle

Delving into the roots of Tibetan Buddhist meditation, you unearth a treasure trove of ancient wisdom from Ayurvedic practices. More than just sitting and breathing, this form of meditation takes us on a profound journey of self-discovery and connection to the tapestry of life. As we traverse this inner landscape, we find valuable insights that foster emotional resilience and deepen our bond with ourselves and the world.

Intriguing research on Tibetan Buddhist meditation reveals its magical effects on our well-being. Cultivating compassion, loving-kindness, and non-attachment transforms how we perceive ourselves and others. Such a shift in perspective leads to a reduction in stress-related markers and triggers genes associated with a robust immune response. Moreover, honing mindfulness and mental clarity during meditation enhances our brain’s capacity to regulate emotions, fostering a more balanced and adaptive state of being.

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3.Embracing Serenity, Embracing Life, Finding Balance

In this relentless journey called life, relaxation and meditation offer us a haven of peace and renewal. By weaving these practices into our daily tapestry, we unwind stress, strengthen our immune system, and nurture emotional well-being. Guided by the timeless wisdom of Tibetan Buddhist meditation, we uncover the interconnectedness of existence and the power of compassion and self-awareness.

And now, I extend a warm invitation to you, dear dharma friend, to join me on a journey of nurturing your well-being and exploring the healing power of relaxation and meditation. Allow yourself to experience the wonders of this guided immune boost relaxation, as I lead you through moments of stillness to recharge your body and mind. Embrace the serenity and vitality that await in this experience. Delve into the beauty of relaxation and meditation, unlocking the secrets to inner harmony and paving the way to a more fulfilled existence to discover the joy of a revitalized life.

YES PLEASE, GIVE ME THE IMMUNE BOOST RELAXATION NOW!

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The Qualities You Need to Cultivate to Unleash Your Inner Buddha

The six perfections, also known as paramitas, are invaluable qualities in Buddhism that we can develop through our practice. These qualities represent the enlightened state, but they are also attainable in our everyday lives. In this post I provide you with a brief overview and encourage you to incorporate the cultivation of the six perfections into your daily life in order to unleash your inner Buddha.

Generosity

Embrace generosity by giving without expecting anything in return. Whether it’s material possessions or intangible support, give with love and a sincere desire to help others. Remember, there should be no hidden motives. Being generous not only benefits others but also brings personal fulfillment. Watch out for any ego-driven intentions and be skillful in your giving.

Ethics

Ethics play a crucial role in shaping our actions. It means refraining from harmful behavior and embracing positive actions. Avoid harming others, stealing, lying, engaging in sexual misconduct, and indulging in intoxicants. Instead, focus on behaviors that benefit both yourself and others, while setting healthy boundaries. Be aware of harmful habits like gossiping and competitiveness. Take a vow to change and live ethically, starting with small steps that resonate with your values.

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Patience

Practicing patience involves refraining from hurting those who have hurt you, enduring personal suffering with grace, and being patient with your own spiritual journey. Recognize that everyone is doing their best based on their own conditioning. Hold the intention for healing, wisdom, and the highest good for yourself and others. Whenever irritation or anger arise, take a moment to return to your breath and cultivate patience.

Joyful Endeavor

Joyful endeavor is the heroic courage not to give up when the going gets rough, but to continue exerting effort consistently to the end. Approach life with enthusiasm and perseverance. Embrace the practice of the other perfections and seek the ultimate truth of enlightenment. Let your efforts be sincere and joyful, aiming to become the best version of yourself. By doing so, you not only alleviate your own suffering but also contribute to reducing the suffering of others. Remember, never give up and let your enthusiasm inspire others on their own paths.

Meditation

Develop the ability to concentrate and find inner peace through meditation. Allow thoughts and emotions to come and go without getting caught up in them. On a deeper level meditation helps you distinguish between the activities of your mind and your true nature. Stay focused on your chosen object of meditation, letting go of the restlessness within. Through sustained practice, you will realize the interconnectedness of all things and cultivate a stronger sense of loving-kindness and compassion for all beings.

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Wisdom/Discernment

Wisdom can be gained through a stroke of insight based on having engaged in dharma discussions, philosophical views, personal realizations, and meditation. It plays an important role on the path to enlightenment. Incorporate wisdom into your routine by reading insightful books or listening to audiobooks that can trigger your inner Buddha. Consider exploring works like “The Six Perfections” by Geshe Sonam Rinchen and Ruth Sonam.

By embracing the cultivation of the six perfections—generosity, ethics, patience, joyful endeavor, meditation, and wisdom—you can transform your daily life and positively impact those around you. Remember that this path requires dedication and effort, but the rewards are immeasurable. Stay committed to your journey, and let the light of these perfections guide you towards a more compassionate and enlightened existence.

Blessed be,

Lama Chimey

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The Illusory Dance of Dreams

As a practitioner on the path of Buddhism, I have come in deep contact with the profound interconnection between sleep, dreams, and awakening.

When Prince Siddhartha Gautama, after attaining enlightenment, proclaimed with deep clarity, “I am awake” this pivotal moment gave rise to the term “Buddha,” which transcends a mere name and symbolizes the awakened one who has emerged from the depths of ignorance.

In the teachings of Buddhism, our ordinary waking reality is viewed as a profound state of sleep, while the deep dreamless sleep holds the potential for profound spiritual awakening. This understanding sets the stage for my exploration of Dream Yoga, where I delve into the significance of recognizing the illusory nature of our experiences.

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Within the realm of spiritual practice, I find nocturnal meditations to be particularly significant. These meditations involve reminding myself of the illusory nature of phenomena in my waking life, cultivating a heightened awareness of the transient nature of every experience.

This topic always needs to come with a warning. Illusory or dreamlike does not mean that something is non-existent. It’s merely an indication that things are not as solid and eternal as we are programmed to believe.

By diligently training myself to recognize the impermanence inherent in all encounters, whether pleasant or challenging, I can gain profound insights into the nature of a greater reality that lies beyond.

Rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, Dream Yoga takes the exploration of illusions and dreams to profound depths. It invites us to investigate the very fabric of reality itself, highlighting the equally illusory nature of both waking life and dreams.

Through the recognition of the dreamlike quality permeating our everyday experiences, I use daytime experiences to cultivate a heightened sense of awareness, to gain insights into the nature of existence itself.

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Dream Yoga goes beyond the pursuit of personal fulfillment, beckoning us to continual spiritual exploration. It becomes a sacred path that transcends the boundaries of conventional perception, allowing the practitioner of Dream Yoga and Illusory form to tap into the transformative power of dreams and illusions.

In the context of Buddhism, the concept of illusory phenomena becomes a profound teaching. It emphasizes the understanding that both waking life and dreams are transient, ever-changing, and devoid of inherent essence.

Just as dreams swiftly arise and dissolve, the experiences in our waking reality mirror this transience and constant flux. By wholeheartedly attending to these practices we are bound to recognize the illusory nature of our experiences.

Within the tapestry of Buddhist teachings, the realms of sleep, dreams, and awakening hold deep significance for my spiritual journey. Especially through practices such as Dream Yoga. These practices grant me access to profound insights and potential spiritual awakening. By embracing the illusory nature of my experiences, I Continue on my transformative journey toward true liberation. May what I have shared here inspire you to do the same.

Note: The information presented in this blog post draws inspiration from my personal understanding of Buddhism and the profound teachings of Dream Yoga. It is always recommended to further explore these teachings through reliable sources and seek direct guidance from experienced practitioners to deepen one’s understanding of this practice.

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Do you utilize the Richnesses and the Freedoms in your life?

Start by reflecting on everything you have, your wins, possessions, belongings, etc. And continue comparing these with the most fundamental and vital prerequisite for practicing the Dharma, which is the specific richnesses and freedoms that are so hard to find. That which gives us the opportunity to practice right now.

Nothing is more valuable than the possibility to practice the Dharma, an opportunity given to us right now.

We have been given that which is so hard to find, a precious human body. Please don’t waste it!

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In the sutra called “The White Lotus of Compassion,” (Saddharmapuṇḍarīka; sanskrit) (དམ་པའི་ཆོས་པད་མ་དཀར་པོ; Tibetan) the Buddha says: “It’s extremely hard to be born as a human being, and even harder to get the perfect richnesses and freedoms.”

It is not easy for a Buddha to manifest in the world, nor to make up one’s mind to practice the Dharma. Furthermore, obtaining and maintaining the right aspiration takes prolonged endurance and clarity. Despite all this, we have all these fortunate circumstances to come together.

Having a precious human life means we are free from the eight bound existences.

The eight bound existences

The eight bound existences are to find ourselves where 1. terror, violence, and wickedness are constant. 2. greed is never satisfied and leaves us starving for more, 3. we have lost our capability to communicate our needs, and basic survival needs are all that we have time for. 4. a godlike existence of fame, success, and beauty where we constantly fight to stay on top and challenge our so-called competitors to show off our glory. 5. being a brutal, cruel, warlike, and insensitive person. 6. holding on to views that hinder our further development towards awakening to our full capacity. 7. living in a time where all wisdom is lost. 8. we have fixed existential limitations that diminish our capability to walk, talk and think freely.

However, we need more than being free from these unlucky states. We also need the ten richnesses—five of those come from ourselves and five from others.

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The ten richnesses

Our own richnesses include 1. that we have a human existence, 2. with access to wisdom, 3. with the full ability to walk, talk and think freely 4. we are not making a living on something corrupt, and 5. we put our trust in the right place.

The richnesses that come from others are 1. that a fully awakened one, a Buddha, manifested, 2. that the Buddha shared his wisdom, 3. that his wisdom teachings survived, 4. that the Dharma are upheld by his followers, 5. some are willing to teach and sustain spiritual practice, such as a teacher.

When all this comes together, we can say that we have a precious human existence.

The meaning of reflecting on all of this is to dive to the depths of our understanding and appreciation for these richnesses and freedoms so that we can decide not to waste this unique and precious opportunity.

Everything else that we can attain in this relative world is no more than magical illusions and passing dreams. Complete liberation is the only thing that makes sense.

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Reflect upon the numbers

Now, continue with reflecting upon how hard it is to get the richnesses and the freedoms in the form of numbers.

For instance, there are millions of beings trapped in the nightmare of violence, terror, and wickedness, and greedy beings who never will have their taste for more satisfaction are more than all the snowflakes in a snowstorm, and those whose lives are in a constant survival mood and who can’t speak up for themselves are far many more than one could wish. At the same time, those who live in godlike existences fighting with their so-called competitors or not, are as rare and few as the breadcrumbs from one of your breakfast toasts.

Compared to all of these ways of living the human life where we have access to all the richnesses and the freedoms described here are very few, and if you have them you are very fortunate indeed. Please don’t waste it!

Reflect on the richnesses and the freedoms in your life this way.

Blessed be,

Chimey

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My path towards greater alignment

( This blog article was originally published on the Golden Age Models blog, and has been re-edited here for the Sky Dancer World blog)

Like with all significant transitions, I remember leaving lay life to pursue the life of a monastic as an initiation rite of sorts. My awakening heart was calling me out into deep unknown waters, and I was passionately mesmerized to follow that calling.

I shaved my head and sent my long curly locks to a new destiny as wigs for children who had lost theirs due to leukemia and cancer.

A few months earlier I had left a successful business as the founder of my trademarked body-mind practice in oder to journey deep and far on the Buddhist path.

Everything was put on hold; relationships, workload and all other worldly concerns. I sold my clothes and my home.

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As I followed my heart into the doctrine of the Buddha Dharma everything else crumbled into dust. At the same time the gifts and challenges that came with walking the path was beyond my imagination.

I traveled through sacred places in the Himalaya’s and received transmissions from those who had gone beyond any limited perceptions. I met masters of wisdom and compassion that served as beacons in our dark world.

Some of the insights that came with sitting in the company of such incredible people put a light on the starch contrast between what forms us vs them.

I could see how our limiting beliefs forms us into miniature versions of what we can be, vs the unlimited reality that the masters beliefs forms them into being unlimited beings.

Most of us are disbelieving that we can become whatever we want and make it work. We get stuck in different identities.

This belief structure is a normalized behavior trade among us, and very unlike the one Buddhist Masters display. Furthermore they are habituated to take a humble but confident approach, even when possessing the most outstanding of minds, while we have a tendency to be impressed by facades and illusions.

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Instead we too can aspire to expand our reality by follow in the excellent footsteps of the wise and allow ourselves to inspire and be inspired by people and ideas outside the norm box.

Since I returned to the worldly world after more than a decade on the road in the name of Dharma life has been a rollercoaster. Still, I’ve never lost my inner compass thanks to being soaked in a stable wisdom tradition.

I’ve gotten accustomed to life’s inevitable uncertainties and know that they can serve as a preparation for more enormous leaps of faith further on our path. It certainly has for me.

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Joining a model agency became part of my step back into the world. To be part of a force that represents people over fifty in all our glory, and how we can inspire each other to age with grace. After years off grid. I’m also active on social media and continue to align my self with the good forces of the world in new ways.

Being back in the west as a lay person is giving me the chance to incorporate the strengths and insights from my past with the current phase of my life. Life keeps throwing me a curve balls, to put me in greater alignment with my personal journey in the most unexpected of ways!

Blessed be,

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