I just finished re-reading a book I read years ago titled “Good Life, Good Death,” by Gehlek Rimpoche. The first time I read it,  I was in a hurry and didn’t really absorb it. Last weekend I spent one whole day slowing down and reading the entire book again, with complete attention. We’ve all had those experiences where we are reminded of how only when we are ready for the lesson, will we receive it. Aha. For me, reading this book during this time of my life was ideal. It snapped into place like a perfectly finished puzzle.

In the book, Gehlek explores and condenses the main ideals of Tibetan Buddhism. He is an incarnate lama who was raised in one of the most upper-crust families in Tibet, belonging to the family of the Great Thirteenth Dalai Lama. In 1959 after the communist chinese invaded Tibet his world changed dramatically and his teaching path began.

Exploring many of the known ideals of Tibetan Buddhism such as training the mind for peace and learning to work with negative emotions,  Gehlek writes in a very down to earth way. He writes about karma and reincarnation and why it is believable and realistic to Tibetans…why we might choose to be curious about it rather than quickly deciding..no way. It’s not a preachy book.

The main point of the book is that through developing and commiting to a regular meditation practice,  we are able to transform our negative emotions and experience more joy…greater happiness in our short lives…definitely worth looking into And when we live this way…we prepare ourselves for our inevitable death in a peaceful and accepting way, making the transition less painful.

Fall is often a great transition time for people. Changing seasons, ideals, dreams, etc. Change=growth. While we are growing we are often resisting due to fear,  which may lead to anger and later resentment. If you spend some time sitting quietly and just recognizing what your thought patterns are, what your emotional state is, then you are able to work with it. Being present for whatever is happening…not judging it or blaming others or making excuses. Looking inward with grace and gentleness,  knowing that we all suffer and we all want happiness as well. Everyone wants this, all over the world. This is our human condition. Our great equalizer.

Peace,

Jane