We are all connected

In the circumstances we are now in, most of us are confined at home watching these unprecedented events unfold, and are concerned at all levels about the state of the world we are in.

Now is the time to take the opportunity to really practice, consider impermanence, think of the suffering of people in this current situation and develop bodhicitta. Practice can help us to really find a deeper refuge, connect to our deeper nature and connect with each other.

Physical distancing doesn’t have to mean ‘social’ distancing. In fact, we can all feel that each of us is in the same boat, we are all deeply connected through this situation. As we practice and pray for all those suffering we can do so in the knowledge that thousands or even millions of others around the world are doing the same.

Courage, Compassion and Caring for Others

As Jetsun Khandro Rinpoche, Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche and Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche have pointed out, we can each do our best to make use of this situation: we can try to use this situation to develop courage; to take this as an opportunity to transform adversity into something that is beneficial for oneself and others, use it to strengthen Bodhichitta; to see how we are all deeply connected globally; to keep in contact and support each other, reaching out to those who are alone or vulnerable; and to be ever mindful of our social responsibilities avoiding any actions that may spread the infection.

Buddhist practices for this time

There are, of course, many Buddhist practices that we can do in this situation, all of which are of benefit.

Two of Rigpa’s spiritual advisors, Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche, have emphasised that any practice we do will be of benefit. We don’t need to do different practices for different occasions. As Khenchen Namdrol said: “whatever mantra recitation as taught by the Buddha that we can recite will ultimately afford the same benefit... they all carry the same blessing.” Khandro Rinpoche advised we can do whatever practices we normally do but we can take this opportunity to “do the same practice slowly, deeply, spend time contemplating on the meaning, really reflecting on each word, generating the right motivation.”

“Take care of yourselves and take care of those around you. Laugh, rest, enjoy silence and non-movement and be at ease within the basic nature of your own mind, that which is simply like the vast boundless sky.”

— Jetsun Khandro Rinpoche

For Buddhist practitioners, the most recent advice given by several lamas close to Rigpa is to especially focus on:

‘Pacifying the turmoil of the mamos’ - for anyone who has received a vajrayana empowerment.
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche and Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche have recommended accumulating this prayer as it is particularly appropriate for this time. Rigpa students can add their accumulations here. Students of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche are submitting their accumulations here.
Vajra Guru Mantra - anyone familiar with this mantra can accumulate.
Khenchen Namdrol has specifically recommended to each accumulate at least 100,000 recitations of this mantra. Read more

The Rigpa sangha around the world are practicing and dedicating their prayers for all those affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. The monastic and lay communities in Rigpa’s resident communities at Lerab Ling in France, Dzogchen Beara in Ireland and in Dharma Mati in Berlin are gathering every day (‘practising spaciously’ applying social distancing), and the Rigpa community around the world are gathering to practice on Zoom and streaming each day.

If you would like to request specific prayers for anyone affected by the Coronavirus pandemic or for any other reason, you’re very welcome to do so here.