Tibetan Wheel of Life: mapping our dilemma and its solutions
A series of Dharma night talks on the Buddhist vision of reality
The Wheel of Life is a symbol of the Buddhist perspective on the human situation. The whole wheel is held in the hands of a demon, impermanence, which keeps the whole thing moving, shifting and changing. This constant change and movement offers us possibilities. Contrary to what we sometimes believe impermanence is not something to be struggled against but something to be taken advantage of. We can change for the better and a more satisfying life is possible. But only if we embrace the fact of impermanence rather than fight it.
Introduction to the Tibetan Wheel of Life
During this 6 week series we explored the Buddhist vision of reality, why conscious intention matters, how our intentions shape our lives and how changing what we attend to and cultivate can shape our lives for the better. In this first session, Ratnavyuha introduced us to the symbol and how it represents the human situation.
Conditionality
In the second talk in this six week series Vajrajyoti explored the fundamental truth about reality and why we do what we do, even when it hurts.
Karma
In the third talk Erica explored how actions have consequences, and intentions matter. We also looked at the implications of this for how we live our lives and some common misconceptions about karma.
Unskillful mind states
On this evening Helen Clack talked about the wheel as a mirror into our true nature. She spoke about the six realms as psychological states of being and the possibilities it provides us to live a spiritual life. Each of the six realms depicts a mind state that we can all relate to, but do we really see ourselves, or do we react with craving and aversion? What if by using the wheel as a mirror it provides insights into our practice and the very essence of how we live our lives?
The spiral path
Rather than going round and round the wheel throughout life, being pulled by greed, hatred and delusion, we can find the gap that helps us to step onto the Spiral Path, leading to freedom. On this evening Amaradipa talked about the different stages of this Spiral Path and her own experiences as a result of choosing to walk this path.
Enlightenment
Arthadasa, a visiting Order member from the UK, gave the final talk in this six week series. He explored the Buddhist vision of reality, why conscious intention matters, how our intentions shape our lives and how changing what we attend to and cultivate can shape our lives for the better.