In this extraordinary series, Geshe Tashi gives us regular updates on the Coronavirus Pandemic amongst the Tibetan diaspora in India through the lens of Sera Monastery, home to around 6,000 monks. In response to emails asking after his welfare and requesting advice on Coronavirus and Buddhist practice, he generously shares his observations, thoughts and advice in his usual warm-hearted and accessible style.
As a charity, it seems Sera Monastery has obligations towards the Indian government, which, unusually under any circumstances but particularly at this time, involves giving money rather than receiving it. In this episode Geshe Tashi talks a little about this frustrating situation and how it is playing on his mind.
Geshe la then skilfully weaves this difficult situation into his theme for today’s Practicing in a Pandemic section, quoting St. Francis of Assisi on using charity and wisdom to overcome fear and ignorance. He describes how fear comes from grasping, craving, and attachment, and gives guidance on how these underlying mental processes can be loosened by an understanding of impermanence, and by small acts of charity.
Drawing on Christian, Islamic and Buddhist sources, he offers a unified, integrated perspective around Nirvana, Liberation, Enlightenment and the Kingdom of Heaven.
This really is a very special teaching over a very special weekend for two of the world’s great religions, and we are delighted to be able to share it with you. Please consider forwarding it to friends and family and to followers on social media, if you think it will be well received.
Happy Easter, Happy Passover, Happy Holidays to you all!
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Khen Rinpoche Geshe Tashi Tsering taught in London for over 25 years and is currently Abbot of Sera Mey Monastery in Karnataka State, India.
Hi Geshe La. Thank you so much for taking the time to give this wonderful set of teachings, when you have so many other people at Sera to consider and take care of too. I am very much enjoying both the format and the content, which is very clear with practical methods that I am able to put in place and reflect on. If you have the opportunity could you talk more about purification and how to have a simple and consistent practice. I find it more difficult to establish than other parts of my daily practice. I think I often get drawn into feeling guilty rather than feeling regret. Any tips most welcome. Chrissie.