Toby ☸️

When the mind of a sentient being, which is by nature clear light, does not objectify any appearances or mindsets, but makes them manifest, this very act of revealing is the external radiance of wisdom. The nature of what makes things manifest is the inner glow of wisdom.

~ Dudjom Lingpa

Capitalists don't even run the show anymore. We've fully transitioned into technofeudalism, but most people haven't noticed yet. The capitalists are now vassals of the technofeudal lords.

Bought myself a cheeky little pumpkin spice greek yogurt today; looking forward to having it with coffee tomorrow for breakfast

Been doing some light dream yoga practice and, so far, I have remembered something of my dreams every single night.

I can't believe it's been about a month since I made this change and I honestly have not missed these apps on my phone at all! I'm no longer tempted to bring my phone out at dinner or when waiting in line (sometimes I don't even have my phone with me). I'm surprised at how easy this was for me.

One way mantras protect my mind is by helping me with "ear worms" (songs that get stuck in your head). I seem to be unusually prone to them; with songs I don't like playing 24/7 for weeks on end. When I do mantra practice, however, there is just the mantra and no annoying pop music

I am wary not to go too minimal because I know this can backfire. I am being mindful about what I choose to delete, what I keep, and how often I have my mobile on my person. I want technology to make my life better, not for it to take over my life.

... I decided I don't like the way I compulsively reach for my mobile for no real reason. I want it to be a tool, not a dependency. I want to have better focus and attention in the world outside the device.

A few days ago I decided to change my relationship with my mobile. I deleted several apps, including Reddit and BlueSky (which I now use only on desktop). I even intentionally left my phone at home when we went out to the shops yesterday evening...

It’s important to be assured that a practitioner doesn’t walk around seeing blue or white images holding flowers in their hands, rather fruition means that a successful practitioner sees phenomena free from any personal, conceptual and emotional blemishes.

If one continues practicing, then eventually one will see the image of the pure deity as the manifestation of one’s own perception with opened eyes.

There is no reason to have doubts if one is aware of the fact that the image of the Yidam is not born outside oneself, since one knows that one is creating it with one’s imagination and with one’s eyes closed.

Practitioners can have doubts and wonder whether the Yidam exists or not and whether the practice is beneficial or not.

If one meditates a Yidam deity that one creates and cultivates with one’s mind intensively for a long period of time and accomplishes the aim of the practice, then one will have realized the actual and true manifestation of the Sambhogakaya.

Is the Yidam deity we meditate a truly existent, permanent entity? It is important to know that this is not the case. All Yidams arise in dependence in that they are created by our own mind.

In truth, Yidams are the display of the immense compassion of the Buddhas.

The purpose and goal of our practice is to attain perfect Buddhahood, which manifests in three aspects or forms at fruition – the Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya. It is important to know that the three kayas are indivisible.

Yidams are the unblemished reflection of the primordial and innate true nature of our mind that manifests in specific forms and colors.

"Meditating a Yidam deity is central in Vajrayana. It is crucial for Vajrayana practitioners to know that Yidam deities are not external to one’s own mind, rather they are images that help us work with our own mind.

Came across this on Reddit, an explanation by Venerable Chöje Lama Phuntsok on the nature of yidams (tantric/meditational archetypes):

Been a couple years; I think I'm gonna shave all my hair off again

I *might* enjoy summer a little more if it was like this.

Joyfully Shouldering the Responsibility of Others' Welfare ~ Lama Tsongkhapa
https://justdharma.org/joyfully-shouldering-the-responsibility-of-others-welfare-lama-tsongkhapa/

#LamaTsongkhapa #existence #joy #lineage

Finished my final exam back on Friday for my first accounting class. Now I get to wait a week+ for the results 😬

Joel was so hot on this episode. He's always hot, but his "yeahs" made him extra 🥵

Welcome to the party, choom. This preem BD's gonna take you places

The reason its possible for us to attain Buddhahood is exactly because we all have the buddha-nature present within ourselves. Even a tiny insect on a blade of grass has it. So the path is simply a question of gradually unveiling our innate Buddhahood by practicing sustained calm & profound insight.