I did not want a birthday celebration for me this year because of the pandemic, and the various natural disasters arising from environmental changes.
There is a vajra dance performance though, because this dance triggers positive energy that is able to transform obstacles to bring auspiciousness. So, if you are met with obstacles or ill luck, you may try performing the vajra dance.
I rejoice the efforts of the people who released lives.
To celebrate a teacher’s birthday, I have said to many that it is good to plant a tree in any part of the world.
The act of life release is meritorious, but environmental constraints restrict how much we can do sometimes. I am afraid that we might spend money to buy the lives which cannot be properly cared for afterwards. Therefore, I encourage planting trees, as trees can reduce global warming. It is also what I like to do, and I have planted several trees in various parts of the world in the past 20 years. This year, we will be planting more trees than usual, although still not on a large scale.
Some of you in Taiwan had recited mantras, particularly those at our centre at Banqiao (Taiwan), who had registered many counts. The cumulative efforts from everyone from all corners of the world, brought these number of recitations : Guru Rinpoche (1,895,792) Tara (3,349,746), and Long Life Prayers (133,000). All the efforts serve to extend the lifespan of the teacher, and to turn the dharma wheel. It is really for the sake of mankind, sentient beings, and the dharma. Tree planting also serves the same purpose. So, where possible, plant a tree.
We may also take our site at Miaoli (Taiwan) as a tree planting place, so that it becomes like a forest one day, just like the Jetavana. (Jetavana or Jet’s Woods, is located at modern day Uttar Pradesh. It is sometimes known as Jetavance Anathapindikassa at the Buddha Sakyamuni’s request, to remember the two generous people (Jeta and Anathapindikassa) who built it. He hoped that people will follow their footsteps. He had spent a majority of his time there, teaching the dharma).
We should all work towards building useful places. Let us now bless this world through our tree planting efforts, in the hope that we can help to reduce natural calamities Let us all cultivate a charitable heart, and bless the world.
We dedicate today’s tree planting efforts to the world, for the eradication of pandemic, and a better global environment.
Source: FB Theg Chog Ling (16 June 2020) /KS17062020