BY ANI TSERING
Appeared in print: Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, page D4
We all have a terminal illness, in my view, and it is called “life.” We face death without regard to wealth, beauty, intelligence or fame. Buddhist teaching states that, although death is inevitable, how we die — terrified and confused or with confidence and spiritual mastery — is within our control.
Phowa, or “transference of consciousness at the time of death,” is the Tibetan Buddhist method for attaining a better rebirth, liberation or enlightenment at the moment of death. Practicing moving the consciousness out of the body in preparation for death is a renowned tradition within Tibetan Buddhism.
Phowa deals directly with our fear of death and our aspiration for enlightenment. It goes deeply into the heart of the matter and can appeal to those who have a natural concern about their future death. In the words of Marpa, the Translator, “If you study Phowa, then at the time when death is approaching you will know no despair. If beforehand you have become accustomed to the Path of Phowa, then at the time of death you will be full of cheerful confidence.”
His Eminence Choeje Ayang Rinpoche is a lineage holder in two honored Phowa lineages. After walking from eastern to western Tibet and into India with many of his followers, he escaped from Tibet in 1959 at the age of 17.
Thousands of people throughout the world have taken phowa teaching from Rinpoche. His clarity, compassion, humor, gentleness and profound depth remain as a high point for those who have met him.
Rinpoche’s vision is compassionate activity (bodhichitta) undertaken from pure motivation and supported by strong practice. These three themes — compassionate activity, pure motivation and strong practice — are woven through all of Rinpoche’s talks, activities and teachings.
When asked which of the three is most important, Rinpoche replied, “Compassionate activity is at the heart of our practice. We can’t ignore it. It is absolutely vital.”
I became Tibetan Buddhist in 1978 when a Buddhist said to me, “It’s not you who is wrong, it’s how you perceive that’s wrong.” This intrigued me. I had the house, job, dog, everything I thought I always wanted but still felt empty. The first time I saw Ayang Rinpoche it felt like I had come home. Six months later, in India, I became a Buddhist nun.
Through meditation retreat, practice and Rinpoche’s teaching I slowly shed the concept of who I thought I was and started becoming who I really was — free of the angers, doubts and burdens I carried from the past. This is truly the goal of the Buddhist teachings.
Tibetans have a saying, “If there’s something you can do about it, why worry — and if there is nothing you can do about it, why worry?” I aspire to live my life in such a way that when I am on my deathbed I don’t say to myself, “If only I had … ”
Rinpoche will be in Eugene on Sept. 19 to give a public talk, in English, at 6:30 p.m. at First Christian Church, and to teach classes. If you are interested in more information, contact me at 541-685-0590 or anitsering1@comcast.net.
Ani Tsering leads meditation retreats and has an ongoing group in Eugene. This column is coordinated by Lane Interfaith Alliance to offer inspiration, share personal spiritual experiences and bring a deeper understanding of individual faith perspectives with the intention of blessing our community and the world. For information, visit www.laneinterfaithalliance.org or call 541-344-0430.