Footsteps Nepal LLC

A mindful journey to the Himalayas !!!

Change is imparmance.

		Friday, 23 October 09 - 12:19 PM (GMT -06:00) By Prem Lama in Yoga & Dharma

Namaste

 Namaste all,

After a long time I am once again at your service. Today, it is raining outside so my shop, which I run in Door County is virtually standing still so am I. During this calm and joyous moment, I began to scribble on this blog.  Thank you for visiting.

Yesterday, I was presenting a Class on Basic Buddhism for Door County Learning in Retirement at North East Wisconsin  Technical Collage. I felt it was beautiful. I am humbled by the interest in Buddhism. Not because it is Buddhism and I grew up with it rather it is because it is a philosophy that everyone can relate to in this time & hour of the world. It was fantastic. Truly enjoyed the presentation.  Next week we have a presentation on  basics of Yoga (Theory). Why Yoga? Why Not?

As how Siddhartha Gautama had realized the all things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else.  Therefore, we must recognize change is inevitable and it is impermanence.  We rise therefore, we fall. We breath in so must breath out.  

I am looking outside behind my back door of the shop. A while ago, the tree was green and now it is displaying its best colors. I am so fortunate enough to appreciate this. I am not only enjoying the color but also the nature of change itself. This is how I think we should look at when we appreciate anything. Appreciate the change in time. I have heard many times that some only like the sun shine but not the rain. I only like fall colors but don’t care for that trees, which will lose all of its leave within weeks. Oh! This is a good one.  Roses are the best among all flowers. How could that be? All flora & fauna are equally important in our lives. For me all flowers are equally beautiful in their own ways. So, if we want to fully live on this planet like a mindful being, we must be able to see how everything is related to everything, just like Siddhartha acknowledged. 

We are all going through  tough times but we must understand this, it is all relative and temporary because change is bound to occur. We should able to move with the course of time in any condition with appreciation and joyfulness. The reason I say this is because I also am beginning to realize what Siddhartha was talking about. We are a guest on this planet. We must treat this earth like our own mother. Why? Because a Mother  and Earth seems to have similar traits. Earth gives us shelter, food, water and give us a reason to live and on top unconditional love. So as our mother, who will feed us before she feeds herself. Protected us from all the dangers as we are growing up. Most of all unconditional love. So when we treat this earth, we must treat it to like our own mother. It is our only mother. Appreciate nature like quality in our mothers.  So, when one of us look at the beautiful colorful tree, lets try to appreciate the whole being of that tree, just like ourselves.

Many say, “Prem you are too deep, I am not ready to be that deep”. I chuckle because it is not the matter of depth that fears people but the change behind the idea of depth. For instance, one is happy in gaining but unhappy in losing. Happy in rising in fame & wealth, unhappy in defame and poverty. If we truly understand the course of nature, which is change, we will appreciate everything comes our way and we embrace it and it is beautiful every way and when we don’t understand then it becomes hard for all. Therefore, understanding  depth can only help to understand the surface. Like without understanding death, which is for certain, we are not even close to understanding fragment of our own life.

Be Mindful , live mindfully.
& embrace the change.

Lama

Advice on Friends by Erick Sherab Zangpo.

		Saturday, 25 July 09 - 10:45 AM (GMT -06:00) By Prem Lama in Yoga & Dharma

Namaste
Advice on Friends

by Dza Patrul Rinpoche

A Good Friend Induces Good Habits

If you rely on a friend with knowledge, your intellect will increase.

If you rely on a friend with compassion, you will give birth to bodhichitta (Compassionate heart).

If you rely on a friend with contentment, your desires will decrease.

If you rely on a friend with generosity, you will give rise to a giving mind.

If you rely on a friend with a peaceful and restrained temperament, your mind-stream will become good.

From a friend with disillusionment with the world, you will become weary of samsara (cycle of birth & rebirth).

From a friend with renunciation, you will give rise to the wish for liberation.

From relying on a friend who cares more about the next life, you will remember to practice the Dharma (Teachings of Buddha).

Relying on a friend with few desires, you will give rise to contentment.

From a friend with diligence, your fortitude will become great.

If you associate with a sacred friend, your good qualities will be drawn out.

Relying on a friend with the wish for liberation, you will work for permanent happiness.

From a friend with a virtuous mind, you will give rise to a wholesome attitude.

From a friend with pure perception, you will generate faith.

If you associate with a friend endowed with wisdom, you will accomplish your ultimate aspirations.

These are the habits that come from good company.

The meaning, therefore, is to rely on virtuous friends!

A Bad Friend Induces Bad Habits

If you rely on friend with mental darkness, your wisdom will decrease.

Relying on a friend with anger, your mind-stream will become bad.

Following a friend with lust, you will be nostalgiac for youth.

If you follow a friend with avarice, stinginess will be born.

If you follow a friend with pride, you will remember your haughty position.

Following a friend without renunciation, you will be attached to this life.

Following a friend who seeks after the appearances of this life, you will forget about the next life.

From following a base friend, you will be attentive to commerce.

Following a friend concerned with profit, you will have a business-mind.

Following a friend with craving for wealth, you will be focused on collecting and hoarding.

Following a friend with laziness, you will become indolent.

Following a friend with distractedness, you will be carried away with this life.

Associating with a friend suffused with negativity, you will generate destructive thoughts.

Associating with a friend with no faith, you will be fixated on non-virtue.

These are the habits that come from bad company.

The meaning, therefore, is to abandon evil friends!

And so, at the request of Lama Rigdzin Gyamtso, this was done by Patrul. Virtue!

Translated by Erick Sherab Zangpo.
(Erick Sherab Zangpo is a student & practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism based in Dharamshala, India.)

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

		Monday, 06 July 09 - 12:41 PM (GMT -06:00) By Prem Lama in Yoga & Dharma

Namaste

Dedicated to His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama on his 74th Birthday.

Oh Rimpochhe (reincarnated one), Tashi Delek (Greetings in Tibetan), we wish you well & wish you all the best on your effort to restore Tibet back into place.

Oh Guru of Gurus, you have led millions of Tibetan well and you have been good at keeping peace in others.

Oh the Ocean of Wisdom, your path is liberating to all and you have created this path to walk through for many.

Oh King of Tibet, We love you and admire you for who you are and what you have been doing for the cause of humanity.

Oh His Holiness, your idea of practicing compassion have not only opened your own people's eyes but million others.

Oh soft & gentle one, we wish your dream come true and may Buddha give you courage to be patience & even more kindhearted.

Oh great philosopher, your philosophy may spread in the world even in the remotest part of the world and in everyone‘s heart.

Oh spiritual leader, your spirituality may shine forever on this earth like a butter lamp in the dark night.

Oh enlightened one , I agree on your statement that “love and compassion are basic necessities, not luxuries without them humanity will not survive”.

Oh the great compassion one, your ever lasting smile have inspired many and yet to come in the future.

Oh a simple monk, on this very auspicious occasion of your 74th birthday we wish you a very happy birthday.

Oh Tenzing Gyatso La (original name), please accept our prayer Om Mani Padme Hum as a gift on your birthday.

Prem & Kim Lama
Himalayan Xpressions LLC®
Egg Harbor, Wisconsin
Original date of poem written on July 6th of 2006 by Prem Lama © Picture taken at Himalayan Xpressions. Egg Harbor, WI Edited on July 6th 07, 08, 09.

Swasthya Yoga @ Himalayan Xpressions !

		Tuesday, 16 June 09 - 03:21 PM (GMT -06:00) By Prem Lama in Yoga & Dharma

Namaste

 

Namaste

Swasthya Yoga a Healthy Practice

'Swasthya' the word is derived from Sanskrit, a root language of Hinduism & Buddhism, meaning well-being. Swasthya Yoga is very low impact stretches with awareness movement & heavy focused on our internal breath incorporated with visualization and mindfulness. Swasthya Yoga is based on Patanjali's basic fundamental Yogic Rules, which comprise Devotion, Asanas (Postures) & Meditation. However over the period of time, I have combined Buddhist Meditation known as Vipashyana within the framework of Yoga . Therefore it is unique in a sense that it provides both Hindu/Buddhist feel in the Yoga itself along with small practice of REIKI at the end.

The language we use: Mindfulness, Love, Compassion, Greater Awareness of the Mind, Body & Speech (Triple Gem).

Pranayama, which basically means extending the life force. It entails more than the mere regulation of the body's oxygen intake. In Swasthya Yoga, we practice breath awareness. By regulating (harmonizing and slowing down) the breath and thus the life force manifesting in the body, the yogi simultaneously balances and decelerates the mind. It is the backbone of the practice.

Namaste: Respect & Honor to the Divinity within You.

Date: Every Wednesday beginning June 17^th 09 – to TBA @ Above Himalayan Shop in Egg Harbor.

Time: 8:15 am to 9:15 am. Admission: Anyone, until the spots fill. Based on Donation.

Bring your own mats. Contact: lamaprem@gmail.com or call 920 819 4382

OM Shanti: Infinite Peace.

Gautam Buddha's Birthday Observed in Nepal!

		Saturday, 09 May 09 - 01:37 PM (GMT -06:00) By Prem Lama in Yoga & Dharma

Namaste
Buddha Jayanti observed

Namaste

		Saturday, 31 January 09 - 01:42 PM (GMT -06:00) By Prem Lama in Yoga & Dharma

Namaste
Namaste,

Its been a while since I last spelled few words in this blog.

Everything is in place as it always supposed to be. Everything going according to the time and way it should be going. As long as our wheel in motion we always will move forward not backward.

This is my grand father and his color is definately red. I like his hat too. I love red.


I have been in touch with my family back home. I spoke with my grandfather in village, some 140 Kilometer from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Where it is almost impossible to think of driving as there is no roads. It was the third day of Sonam Lhosar (Nepali Yolmo Buddhist New Year). It is considered 3rd day is one of the holiest day to receive blessings from elders. When I called it was almost 10 in the night. Even though it is new year, unlike in the cities, folks go to bed early as they have to rise early as sun comes up beyond those mountains. Also parites are in the morning vs in the night. So differnt world yet it is so practical based on traditon and geography. Then after I received grandfather's blessing, I felt so light and good all of a sudden. Then I knew my day would go smoothly and it did. Now, one may say, the day went well because I became happy after I talked to my Grand Father and my positive attitude played role? May be. But in our tradition, there are energy blocakges take place house hold, body and so forth so simple Buddhist prayers clears such blocks. I beleive in positive attitude as well as good faith in my beleif so it worked in double. Hhaha.

I spoke with my parents in Kathmnadu but the talk was shorter as my minutes were running low and it was bed time for my folks. Last year, this time I was celebrating with my family and this year I am celebrating with snow shovel. hahha. See I am telling you, I am a joker. I also spoke with my little sister, which she is no more little. She just graduated from High School, now that makes me old. I am not affraid of my age because we must accept and embrace our aging process. It is beautiful to know that you are getting experience everyday. My brother Karma from South India called me to wish Happy Lhosar. Everytime we talk, our conversation is about Buddha Dharma (Buddhist philosophy & spirituality). Its get so good, that we cannot stop talking. To be honest, this is the same brother, who had to replace his Kidney in 2007. He is doing well, studying and keeping his life simple. He told me he just finished his exams and had very positive feeling about his studies. One more good thing came out of our conversation is that we decided to write letters rather than emails. He has a little harder time putting in words so he has to find help to even write few lines. I think letter writing can show a real picture of a person. You can almost hear the person talking. That is why I think in the movies, when there is a letter written, the sender's voice gets recorded as letter get unfolded. Nothing related to this blog however.

In my openion family connection is so important therefore, one must make some effort to make that happen. When everything goes wrong, family is always there to support. One should never forget that. One should always put priority for family and make some effort to be connected once in a while. I know it is difficult in this fast world. NO one has time. Busy busy busy. If we lose such good connection, money means nothing nor what ever we are trying to accomplish. I am sure it is not that import before one's family.

It's not only with the family members but also with friends, without any expectation. I am not going to contact or call you unless you do it first. Such attitude will only make situation deeper and harder. I know it is not easy at certain situation but I also know it is not that hard either. As I mentioned once we set our wheel (effort) in motion, it always works. Today, I will set aside differences or freely contact you just for the goodness sake. As soon as we say or do that, such differences dissolves into the thin air. However, there is a little twist to it. One must have clear and good intention. One must be nonjudgmental, and without defense (guarding oneself) Everything people say is not necessarily bad. It may even be eye opening at right times and conditions. So the truth lies in being honest and keeping ego less mind & attitude.

Well, I thought I would write two lines and now I end up this long letter like, email like, story like blog. And I think, this is what blog is. These days you should see, people in facebook, people have been writing "25 things about me is going on", which is about oneself and everyone can read it, well not everyone but who you want it to be seen, I guess.  One thing, no of my family members in Facebook. How could that even be possible? These days dogs have Facebook. Facebook is like a partyzone. Where people can hangout but not at all. Totally virtual world. However, there is a moderation part. One should only put information based on need base or based on trust.

Anyway, how long have I been writing? Felt like forever. Currently I am working on Nepal Trip for 2010. Incase one of you out there who I spoke about Nepal Trip. It is coming, "WHEEL IN MOTION".

LOVE & LAUGHTER
PREM

Embeding Spirituality & Meditation in our daily life.

		Saturday, 15 November 08 - 02:15 PM (GMT -06:00) By Prem Lama in Yoga & Dharma

Namaste
Namaste,

Its good to be back. Whenever I practice meditation and spirituality, I feel wonderful and so grounded on this planet earth. Therefore, I thought I would share how one can benefit from spiritual practice.

Spiritual practice does not mean, one has to be religious. Practicing Spirituality simply means awareness about every little things what happens in the present moment. Spiritual practice can benefit any one whether you are young or old or any faith you are in. As His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama said once in his teaching that changing faith only confuses one's mind. I absolutely agree with him because doesn't matter what faith we are in, we still can practice goodness from our heart. We do not have to believe in Buddha to meditate, however the idea of Meditation somehow seem to be connected to Buddhism. Because Meditation is simply inquiring within. Doing that we can find our true self. The very true self is divinity inside us, which in Buddhism being used as Buddha Nature. Buddha nature is simply a goodness in our heart.

Now having said that, one must cultivate this Buddha Nature. Even though we know every human being is potential enlightened being and even though Buddha Nature exist in every human mind, body and speech, it still has to be cultivated. It is only a seed and even though every one has such seed, without proper condition (soil, manure, water, sun) nurture that seed would not sprout. Similar to Buddha Nature. Once we realize that we have some goodness in our heart, the first step begins. We realize we have that seed. Once we realize that seed, now comes more work needs to be done. How to plant that seed? Once we begin to realize that having just goodness (seed), would not just sprout. It needs water, soil, sun and so forth. Now such things are Meditation, mindfulness, present moment awareness, practice of genuine compassion, love, kindness, practice of empathy, altruism and so forth.

Now, there are many obstacles to pass though when it comes to cultivating that Buddha Nature into a tree. Such as not enough water, cloud, innutrition soil and such. These things are our ego, greed, envy, hate, and so forth, which would only generate negative condition for Buddha Nature to grow. That will block from cultivating the true Buddha Nature. Therefore, what spiritual practice does is that it creates the environment for that very seed to take sprout and eventually grow into a tree. Now, tree cannot be grown in a over night. It takes time. For that tree to grow well, primarily depends upon our own cultivation, are we watering? meditating? Are we paying attention to that tree, if that tree is healthy? Are we inquiring within where I stand? As modern time Yoga & Ayurvedic (ancient Indian Medicine based on herb) Dr. Deepak Chopra says, "Goal of All Goals is ultimately a spiritual goal". I don't mean to be disrespectful to Dr. Chopra here but in my opinion, when I inquired within, I found this. "Journey of all Journey is the Spiritual Journey". There is no doubt about it. Therefore, I chose to walk on the path on this spiritual journey. I have never been happier than now. So fulfilled, so content with everything around me.

We live in this modern world. Many would think, it is impossible to be spiritual all the time. Yes, it is difficult but not impossible. It is never impossible. Its all in our head. If one thinks its difficult, it is for sure going to be difficult because s/he is creating such difficulties just by releasing the thought. So, rather, embrace the moment, inquire within, meditate and walk like how you always been walking. It may just need a little tuning in the journey. Path may be little off the beaten, that is why it is enjoyable.

Now, regarding spirituality and meditation, one may have many questions, how can I get there? That is why it is called a journey. If I am keep walking towards where ever I am headed, every step is a one step closer. Therefore, lets not waste this onetime human valuable time. Even though we believe in reincarnation. There is no guarantee I will be born as myself again. I may turn into a bug, now will I have the same capacity to practice compassion. Our reincarnation will depend upon our Karma. Now, before I get into deeper, I just want to say. Spirituality is such a thing, that once you find it, it is sure enjoyable journey. Once you embrace it, it is only going to be easier and enriches our life like you have never before. Now, who would not want that? Again, such idea should not invoked by selfish Karma greed. It always has to come from within. 

Love & Compassion to all

Prem

LIFE SKILLS - Just incase !

		Monday, 27 October 08 - 12:06 PM (GMT -06:00) By Prem Lama in Yoga & Dharma

Namaste

Namaste,

Empathy, Altruism, Compassion? What it is it? One may ask questions regarding such vast topics. The answer is simple. Being grateful to what you have and what you can do to help for others. I know, everyone is potential enlightened being. Buddha Nature is bound to exist in everyone of us. It only takes a breath to see them. So, lets look closely, where we are. Understanding life is like understanding breath. Understanding breath is understanding impermanence? Once we can see that then there is a seed of awareness has been planted in our heart. Now, it is up to us, how we cultivate it? Should we treasure it by practicing every moment counts or pay no attention by blanketing with ego, selfishness, greed, anger etc.

By the way, the picture you see is taken by me @ Europe Lake in New Port Camping Ground.

I found these simple ideas to practice empathy and find happiness in everyday situation very helpful. I think therefore, could help you guys as well.  

Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight; just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.

Should you find yourself stuck in traffic, don’t despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work, think of the man who has been out of work for the last three months.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; think of the person who has never known what it’s like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; think of the woman in dire straits, working 12 hours a day, seven days a week, to feed her family.

Should your car break down leaving you miles away from assistance; think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new GREY hair in the mirror; think of the cancer patient in chemotherapy who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking, “What is my purpose”; be thankful. There are those who didn’t live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people’s bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse.

You could be them.

{Prem}

Notice for Swasthya Yogies & Yoginies

		Sunday, 26 October 08 - 12:17 PM (GMT -06:00) By Prem Lama in Yoga & Dharma

Namaste

 Namaste all,

As per Swasthya (Holistic Wellbeing) Practitioners, I requested the time change for evening Class but due to too late notice, I was unable to change the schedule. Hopefully, this does not hurt on your time. Below is the email message I received from the Supervisor of Swasthya Program.

Namaste,

Good morning Prem. I looked at the request to change the time….there is another class prior your class scheduled right up to 5:30….so I can’t get it changed….at least for this session. If you want me to try for another time for January, give me a jingle. Sorry- MC

Please don't be discouraged by timing if it is possible, Spiritual growth, what matters.

 

 

Happiness! Few Steps to Happiness.

		Monday, 20 October 08 - 10:54 AM (GMT -06:00) By Prem Lama in Yoga & Dharma

Namaste

Dear friends,

We live in a busy world yet if we really want, we can make happiness happen instantly by simply practicing compassion, loving kindness and altruism.  It is simple, we have the power to lead happier life. I found these simple methods so I thought you may enjoy reading it as well.

• Make up your mind to be happy. Learn to find joy in simple things.

• Make the best of your circumstances. No one has everything, and everyone has something of sorrow intermingled with gladness of life. The trick is to make laughter outweigh the tears.

• Don’t take yourself too seriously. Don’t think that somehow you should be protected from misfortunes that befall other people.

• You can’t please everybody.

• Don’t let criticism worry you.

• Don’t let your neighbor set your standards. Be yourself.

• Do the things you enjoy doing, but stay out of debt.

• Never borrow trouble. Imaginary things are harder to bear than real ones.

• Since hate poisons the soul, do not cherish jealousy.

• Avoid people who make you unhappy.

• Have many interests. If you can’t travel, read about new places.

• Don’t hold grudges. 

• Don’t spend your time brooding over sorrows or mistakes. Don’t be the one who never gets over things.

• Do what you can for those less fortunate than yourself.

• Keep yourself busy at something. A busy person never has time to be unhappy.

• And don’t forget to be thankful!

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