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TEACHINGS | EASTERN HORIZON 17

such a precious human rebirth, karma also affects type of rebirth.
we are able to embark on the 3 Positive karma brings about rebirth
higher trainings namely, morality, in the human, demi god or god
concentration and cultivation of realms; non virtuous karma brings
wisdom realizing emptiness. These about animal, hungry ghost and hell
are critical if we wish to eradicate being rebirths. In the case of neutral
samsaric suffering, including that of karma, rebirth would be in the 4
birth, aging and death. stages of concentration in the form/
formless realm.
In order to actualize the wisdom
realizing emptiness, one requires If we examine how we currently live
realizations in concentration; our lives, if we investigate how we
in order to gain realizations in apply our body, speech and mind,
unmistaken reincarnation of the
concentration, one needs to live in we would probably find that most of
late Geshe Lama Konchog. Geshe-
and gain realisations of morality. the time, we create negative action;
la conducted a three-day retreat
Without these 3, there can be no this is followed by neutral karma
on Atisha’s “Lamp on the Path to
antidote to Saṃsāra, let alone and least of all, do we perform
Enlightenment” in Malaysia on Nov
attaining enlightenment. In relation virtuous karma. As today is such a
29-Dec 1, 2019.
to the practice of morality, Refuge holy and auspicious day, we should
Vows forms the basis. Refuge Vows put effort into having the most
Why take Refuge?
are also the foundation of all other positive mind and doing positive
If one wishes to optimize this
vows such as individual liberation / deeds. If instead, we find ourselves
human life, there is much benefit
prātimokṣa vows, ordination vows, having angry thoughts, attachment
to taking Refuge in the Buddha,
bodhisattva vows and tantric vows. thoughts, we doubt Dharma and the
Dharma and Sangha. Holding
Refuge vows are like the mother like, no good results are going to
Refuge vows is crucial to those
to all other vows and the basis of arise from these. The Buddha stated
inspired to follow the path of the
gaining all positive qualities. that karma is definite (i.e. a result
Buddha. Whether one becomes a
from an action is certain). Hence, if
child of the Buddha and under the
The Buddha’s teachings are to tame we keep committing negative deeds,
protection of the Buddha or not, is
and transform one’s mind and are it is quite likely that we will be born
determined at the time when one
not mere information to be collected in extremely suffering lower realms.
receives the blessing of Refuge from
by the mind. Every samsaric being As it is, we already find that some of
Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Even
– no matter how rich, powerful our human suffering is unbearable.
though one’s family may follow the
or high in status one may be - is Yet suffering in the lower realms
Buddha’s path and call themselves
subject to decay and death. This is far more intense. Therefore, do
Buddhists, if one has not taken
rebirth is not permanent. Whether you think you can afford to be born
Refuge with the full understanding
one gains a higher or lower rebirth there? No.
of what Refuge means and involves,
is dependent on the karma (action)
one is not yet a Buddhist.
one has committed. There is white The Buddha has given us guidance
(virtuous) karma, black (negative) and protection so that we do not
Firstly, we need to know that we
karma and neutral karma. The have to incur suffering and for this,
have obtained this precious human
nature of the results follow the he gave teachings on karma and
rebirth which has the 8 freedoms
nature of our deeds. If we carry out Refuge through the teachings on
and the 10 Endowments which
action based on negative emotion the 4 Noble Truths: The Truth of
enable us to practice the Path. The
or intent, it will bring about the Suffering, the Truth of the Cause of
Buddha has taught us that with
result of suffering. The results of the Suffering, the Truth of Cessation and