This is one of the most interesting descriptions of how the mind perceives and knows the world and the self. Each process, in this Tibetan Buddhist tradition, has been deconstructed and given a name; each stage of conscious awareness has been labeled.  The "arising, abiding, and dissolution of consciousness" is the very subject of an ancient lineage of teachings, all towards one end: to face death well.

In order to describe the concept of mind continuing past death (first through it, then beyond it), Ponlop, as teacher/author/sage, must first spell out the states of mind and body in the here-and-now.  His clear and easy vernacular, mixed with traditional labels such as samsara (confused state of daily illusory existence) and klesha (disturbing emotional situation), helps the reader to grasp the fundamental principles of Tibetan Buddhism - not as a religion but as technique.  All humans can learn about the ways to see beyond common perception while alive so that we can be prepared with understanding and practice to move through the intervals (bardos) during which ordinary processes of life and mentation come to an end (i.e., dying and death) without being frightened, confused, or sloppy (my term!) in our exit.

Ponlop manages this well.  He gives a useful and lucid narrative that conveys the devotee's lifelong choice to live in full preparation of life's scariest moment: its end!  He succeeds in making a vast storehouse of detailed knowledge accessible to the contemporary reader. (Loved the label klesha! Now I can identify those niggling moments of disempowering craziness, and get the heck out of them faster!)

However, I couldn't help questioning how all these details were accrued.  Precise post-death stages of "luminosity" as well as thoughtforms that crop up and even how they dissolve are all specified: 49 days, 6 realms, 5 desirables, blue, white, gold and red lights, and much much more.  Who went through all this and kept notes?! Or reported back?  Well, I thought, maybe practitioners had some near-death experiences and really paid attention while they were shutting down!

The Tibetan Buddhist system is a very elaborate one, intent upon heavy-duty mental discipline to see and master conscious awareness. Hopefully, disciples remember to have fun and enjoy the five senses during their earthly sojourns too!  This book, being an excellent outline of Tibetan Buddhist practice, is not for the squeamish or lax, but is recommended for the spiritually curious.

 

For instance, one client got her publicity photo done on the EXACT best date - she says it's the best photo she's ever had taken!

 

JUNE 2011 ASTRO TIDBITS   

 

Equal division, justice, fairness, and balance are all featured this month (Saturn stations direct in Libra...). The two party system is working well, although the economic sluggishness won't easily yield (...square the U.S. Sun/Jupiter midpoint).  This slowdown may actually have been good for the recovery, and is certainly demanding responsible choices.  Unless there is cooperation and evenhandedness, however, setbacks, obstacles and limitations will continue. This requirement for balance and equality is seen between Congress and the President, and even between union demands versus hard-up governments.  Mid June is a stalemate (Saturn's station), but afterwards there will be fruitful negotiations and a gradual resumption of activity (Saturn going direct).

             

Our role as World Cop is being greatly tested (Saturn in the U.S. 10^th), and we can be financially strapped or stretched too thin in manpower.  Situations have been developing at racing speed, such as the killing of Bin Laden (Jupiter zooming through Aries). We've looked impatiently for fast and bold results, and gotten some! We can't get out of the Mideast yet - we are too needed still (Saturn in the 10th).

             

Real estate will begin to recover despite the foreclosure glut, as will the entertainment industry, especially as caters to youth (Jupiter into Taurus: the U.S. 4^th to 5^th houses).  Life feels happier again as an upsurge in profits is cause to celebrate (Jupiter sextile the U.S. Venus/Jupiter/Sun).  Reform of over-large excess such as wasteful spending, enormous debt, and disproportionate entitlements will be on the agenda (Pluto retrograde finishing an opposition to U.S. Jupiter, beginning to oppose U.S. Sun).

             

President Obama remains under supportive aspects through the summer (Saturn sextile his Leo Sun).

 

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For more forecast of Obama, the economy, and our nation's destiny, check out my articles "Destiny in the Balance" on my website , and, "Making a Case for the U.S. Sagittarius Ascendant".

Judgment Day...?

 

The Knife of Fear Turned into the Balm of Light

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Check out Upcoming or Past Events!  Here are a few:   

GUEST SPEAKER ON "NEW PERSPECTIVES" INTERNET RADIO SHOW - May 26th at 6:00 PM Eastern, click here - "The Push to Evolve: Applying Practical Strategies to Stay Aware and Empowered in Intense Times"

NEW ARTICLE TO BE PUBLISHED IN SEPT. '11 DELL HOROSCOPE: "The 10-Year Anniversary of 9/11: How Has the World Changed?"

(title subject to change) - Learn about the historic sweeping changes of this era from an astrological point of view, and how they affect the average person and our nation.  Politics, the economy, natural disasters, shifting power, confusion... what's ahead?

NEW ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN MARCH 2011 NCGR-NYC's "The Ingress" MEMBER NEWSLETTER - "Thoughts on Libra"

This article takes a look at Libra's traits and effects, through personal stories and spiritual understanding.  It also considers the U.S.'s Libran attributes.