Kalyāṇa-mitta

Kalyāṇa-mitta,
“When words are both true and kind, they can change our world,” Buddha once said. In a state of deep peace, true wisdom arises.

The only person who tells us something true and kind is our friend. Buddha called himself a Kalyan Mitra, a friend who wants our welfare. Buddha called himself a Kalyan Mitra, a friend who wants our welfare; who is pleased to see us happy. To be a Kalyan Mitra is the best thing one can do for himself and others. In Buddhist view, it is the essential quality of a spiritual practitioner and a spirit

ual teacher as well. This article attempts to present the importance of being a Kalyan Mitra for oneself and for the wellbeing of many. The benefits of meditation are presented beautifully by the Buddha himself. Buddha was asked, “What have you gained from meditation?” He replied, “Nothing!” “However,” he said, “Let me tell you what I lost: Anger, anxiety, depression, insecurity, fear of old age and death.” When these miseries are lost, what remains is peace and happiness. One can see things as they are. One realises the impermanent nature of things. All sorrows exist simply because everything is changing but the mind cannot accept change and feels sad. In meditation, one can realise that change is the nature of things. The more we accept change, the happier we become. As one comes out of suffering, one is filled with compassion for people who are suffering. S/he wants to help others to get rid of miseries and be at peace. Almost each and every person who sits in meditation for ten days suggests it to his/her family, friends and neighbours. S/he becomes a Kalyan Mitra. S/he becomes a visionary who sees light in the dark. In helping others, s/he helps himself; in loving others, he loves himself/herself; in giving others, he receives. A Kalyan Mitra is always filled with the desire for overall welfare. S/he prays for our good. S/he expects nothing but wants to see us happy, singing and dancing. While seeing us celebrating, s/he is filled with ecstasy. If we want to be happy, we should have at least few friends who are Kalyan Mitra. Lord Buddha is always there as our Kalyan Mitra. We can accept him as such and practice following his path. Some people become our friends just to accompany us only when eating or drinking. Even worse, some of the friends fill us with negativity or try to exploit our energy, time and money. We want friends who keep us neat and clean and who love us unconditionally. Knowledge and practice follow unconditional love. Being a Kalyan Mitra is a spiritual path in and of itself. A Kalyan Mitra has a sympathetic and practical look at what it takes to transform himself or herself and his/her friends. This is an excellent way of being a friend to others.

02/09/2022

12/03/2020

“When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.”
- His Holiness The Dalai Lama

Breath is like a lens, cleaner the lens sharper the observation. Meditation helps us to train our mind so that we can experience inner transformation.

We feel extremely happy that Venerable Tenzin Legtsok will be blessing Shikshantar with his presence and Dharma talk. You are invited to be part of this journey of inner knowing.

Day & Date : Wednesday, 1st of April 2020 – 2:45 pm – 4:15 pm
Venue : Shikshantar – Vajeh – Bevajeh (Senior School)

Details
The systematic training of the mind – the cultivation of happiness, the genuine inner transformation by deliberately selecting and focusing on positive mental states, is possible because of the very structure and function of the brain. If we maintain a feeling of compassion and loving kindness, then something automatically opens our inner door. Through that, we can communicate much more easily with other people. And that feeling of warmth creates a kind of openness. We have the ability to change the brain’s wiring and develop new neural connections. Thus the idea of training the mind for happiness becomes a real possibility.

About
Tenzin Legtsok is a Buddhist monk in the sixteenth year of the Geshe Studies Program at Sera Jey Monastic University in South India where he studies classic Indian Buddhist treatise and their Tibetan commentaries in the tradition of ancient Nalanda University. He was ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2001. Born in Virginia, USA, in 1973, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College in 1995.

The question, “What makes for the most happy and meaningful life?” which compelled him to major in philosophy during college gradually led to his study of meditation and philosophy with teachers among the exiled Tibetan communities in India and Nepal from 1999 until the present. For the past ten years he has tried to make basic Buddhist teachings accessible to various audiences in India and the US through lectures, essays, and meditation instruction.

To Register
Do confirm your participation through an email to [email protected] latest by Monday, 30th of March 2020. On the day of the event, all participants are requested to be seated by 2:35 pm sharp.

This Dharma talk is happening on a daana basis. A contribution box will be placed at the venue. Any voluntary contribution is welcome!

12/03/2020

“When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.”
- His Holiness The Dalai Lama

Breath is like a lens, cleaner the lens sharper the observation. Meditation helps us to train our mind so that we can experience inner transformation.

We feel extremely happy that Venerable Tenzin Legtsok will be blessing Shikshantar with his presence and Dharma talk. All parents and team members of Shikshantar are invited to be part of this journey of inner knowing.

Details
The systematic training of the mind – the cultivation of happiness, the genuine inner transformation by deliberately selecting and focusing on positive mental states, is possible because of the very structure and function of the brain. If we maintain a feeling of compassion and loving kindness, then something automatically opens our inner door. Through that, we can communicate much more easily with other people. And that feeling of warmth creates a kind of openness. We have the ability to change the brain’s wiring and develop new neural connections. Thus the idea of training the mind for happiness becomes a real possibility.

About
Tenzin Legtsok is a Buddhist monk in the sixteenth year of the Geshe Studies Program at Sera Jey Monastic University in South India where he studies classic Indian Buddhist treatise and their Tibetan commentaries in the tradition of ancient Nalanda University. He was ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2001. Born in Virginia, USA, in 1973, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College in 1995.

The question, “What makes for the most happy and meaningful life?” which compelled him to major in philosophy during college gradually led to his study of meditation and philosophy with teachers among the exiled Tibetan communities in India and Nepal from 1999 until the present. For the past ten years he has tried to make basic Buddhist teachings accessible to various audiences in India and the US through lectures, essays, and meditation instruction.

To Register
Do confirm your participation through an email to [email protected] latest by Monday, 30th of March 2020. On the day of the event, all participants are requested to be seated by 2:35 pm sharp.

This Dharma talk is happening on a daana basis. A contribution box will be placed at the venue. Any voluntary contribution is welcome!

16/03/2018

A good book in your hand is like a dream with open eyes...

06/11/2017

Loving, Kindness and Respect
The interdependence of child, parent and teacher

“Know your mind first, to be able to understand the minds of others”, echoed the words of Venerable Geshe Tenzin Namdak as he addressed a gathering of students, teachers and parents at Shikshantar. Sitting under the Champa tree, Geshe la appeared to be the Buddha himself. Still face, gentle demeanour, serene energies and words of wisdom continued to flow in the spaces.

Geshe la touched upon the profound nature of student, teacher and parent relationship. An institution grows through the spirit of humility, compassion and respect for each other. To enter the orbit of happiness, we must be aware of our feelings, thoughts and must be able to train our minds . Meditation is the key to this – may seem to be difficult in the beginning but can be mastered with consistent practice. Expansion of inner happiness is achieved by treating all we come across with kindness, empathy and respect. This is the basis of true and harmonious relationships.

Quoting his experiences with people from various walks of life, Geshe la was able to reach out to each and every soul through his teaching. From what we were yesterday, to what we are today, to what we can be tomorrow; we must consistently strive to evolve as individuals.

Geshe la Tenzin Namdak responded to questions from students, parents and teachers – What is the right age for a student to begin meditation? , Why do I lose focus and find it a challenge to meditate?, Why do those whom we love fail to understand us? With a smile on his face, Geshe la asked, do we understand ourselves?

A lot to sink in our souls and absorb, we will continue to do so for days to come. Geshe la you have left us with a lot to ponder on and with the quest for more.