How the Mind Works
Gelek Rimpoche
Part One
In this session, you will be viewing a lightly edited video recording of a public talk given by Gelek Rimpoche at the Jewel Heart Chicago Center on Friday, April 18, 2014.
In Part One of How the Mind Works, Gelek Rimpoche brings our attention to the importance of mind, whether reflecting on our individual lives or reviewing events around the globe. Noting how one problem appears to be continuously replaced by another, Rimpoche reminds us of the pivotal role mind plays in both mundane and spiritual affairs, that the mind is where we can make a helpful difference rather than perpetuate suffering. He advises we first observe our experience of “I”, “me” and “my” in any situation and then try to speak or act from compassion, offering a rich opportunity to participate in life maturely versus a quick immature reaction, one without reflection on dharma.
This session is approximately 50 minutes in length.
Part Two
In this session, you will be viewing a lightly edited video recording of a public talk given by Gelek Rimpoche at the Jewel Heart Chicago Center on Friday, April 18, 2014.
In Part Two of How the Mind Works, Gelek Rimpoche opens with reflections on the role mind plays in our desire to become a little gentler, kinder and more caring person. He also reminds us that, while individuals, we are all interrelated, and all of our efforts extend beyond us, confirming the importance of doing the work.
Taking that further, Rimpoche raises the goal of buddhahood, saying there is no selfish, narcissistic buddha and that it’s up to us to do the work if we are going to achieve enlightenment! This is what our mind can accomplish and our efforts will make a difference for everyone.
Before moving on to a very engaging Q & A, Rimpoche closes by reminding us that mind continues, it does not end. He tells us that what is perishable comes to an end but there is a very subtle continuation – proposing “It’s almost like saying, ‘All souls are good old souls’.”
This session is approximately 40 minutes in length.