Five Slogans of Machig Labdron
I recently saw someone post this – instructions given to Machig Labdron (11th century Tibetan tantric Buddhist practitioner/teacher) from her teacher when she asked how to wake up from her own suffering and be of service to others in the same way. She spent her life working with these and embodying them:
Confess your hidden faults.
Approach what you find repulsive.
Help those you think you cannot help. (sometimes translated as those you do not want to help)
Anything you are attached to, give that.
Go to the places that scare you.
~Machig Labdrön
I wanted to add my own, brief perception on these…..
Face and embrace yourself with unconditional compassion, raw honesty, and personal integrity to see your blind spots – realizing that things you define as, or “think” are, faults/weakness can be strengths. Integrate these powerful shadow energies so that you can live with more authentic fullness.
The things that make you cringe are your greatest teachers. Be curious and conscious about the triggers around you.
You can’t change others, but the way you can responsibly help is with simple and consistent acts of genuine kindness, presence, and daily personal embodiment of your empowered wholeness.
Attachments, when released, will bring more of the essence of what you really want into your life most authentically and naturally, and allows space for new and more reflective things to come in. Don’t forget to open the flow of receiving from self and others, the things of lasting value, without attachment and expectation. This is a simultaneous cycle of energy that simply wants to move through you, not imprisoned within you.
The things you fear are your doorways to expansiveness and empowerment. It will benefit you to actively engage yourself to be willing to go one more inch further with gentle love and honor for yourself no matter where you are on your journey.
We desire to know answers and something more because we are in a state of suffering. When we address that within ourselves, we can be of greatest benefit to the whole.
Posted on January 4, 2015, in Uncategorized and tagged human evolution, personal growth. Bookmark the permalink. 4 Comments.
How did you get into the Tibetan culture? Do you like the art from this period?
i’ve always been interested in other cultures and exploring their thoughts, beliefs, and art..not just tibetan. i feel there is much beauty in all the varied expressions throughout the world and time that make up the rich tapestry of our collective history.
so interesting and educational!
glad you enjoyed!