23 Purifying Negative Karma, Cultivating a Positive Mind, and the Power of Mantras 10-May-2003

Lama Zopa Rinpoche talks about purifying negative karma in two ways. Firstly, through the power of regretting negative actions, as that helps purify our negative karma and defilements. This regret should focus on acknowledging and repenting the negative actions, rather than regretting positive actions. Secondly, viewing negative actions as empty, recognizing that they lack inherent existence and are merely labelled by the mind. This realization aids in purifying negative karma by revealing the illusory nature of these actions.The Western perception of regret as negative arises from a lack of understanding of Dharma. In reality, regretting negative actions is a positive practice that contributes to achieving happiness and enlightenment. Rinpoche further discusses how our own mind serves as the root cause of both happiness and suffering. Negative thoughts and delusions generate negative karma and lead to suffering, while positive thoughts and actions create positive karma and bring happiness. Even external pleasures depend on one's mind and karma. By cultivating positive and healthy thoughts through Buddhism and meditation, we can attain peace and happiness for ourselves and others. Applying mindfulness and meditation throughout daily life is crucial to overcoming negative emotions and engaging in positive actions, leading to immediate effects on our well-being.Lama Zopa Rinpoche shares a story about how he threw stones at a bush that people believed was inhabited by a naga, and how shortly after, he developed a pimple on his face that turned into a spreading infection. This experience strengthened his faith in the existence of nagas and their ability to harm those who harm them.Lama Zopa Rinpoche tells another story about a mother who asked her son to bring her Buddha's relics but he forgot and picked up a dog bone on his way back. The mother believed it was a relic and her devotion caused the actual relic to manifest. Similarly, if someone recites Rinpoche's name mantra with pure thought and faith, even if Rinpoche himself has no qualities, that person will receive benefits. The mantra should be recited with guru devotion and the understanding that the disciple's mind and the guru's mind are one. By reciting the mantra with this attitude, one can receive blessings and benefit from it.This teaching was given at Institut Vajra Yogini, France as part of a Four Kadampa Deities Retreat from April 18-May 11, 2003. You can see all the teachings from this retreat here: https://fpmt.org/media/streaming/teachings-of-lama-zopa-rinpoche/4-kadam-deities-2003/