Appropriate response - Battlecry of Freedom

Practitioners wholeheartedly embrace the reality that life is not fair, and do not rail against harsh life circumstances. They respond impartially when they are the object of good or bad fortune. They are impartial in their wish to help the victims of ill luck. They are impartial in their enthusiasm to celebrate with the recipients of good luck. Awakening heroes do not choose to be kind to some and ignore others, but respond appropriately wherever a need is perceived. They are receptive to the needs of others, breathing in pain and breathing out benefit, and offering practical help where possible. There is no partiality or ulterior motive in being patient, or in acts of kindness. This is the path of awakening.

p. 131, Part II - the slogans, Battlecry of Freedom by Ngakma Nor’dzin, Aro Books worldwide, 2019, ISBN 978-1-898185-46-8

Increasing transparency - Battlecry of Freedom

Life can suddenly erupt like a volcano – or a skittish horse. It can be busy and challenging, with many distractions. Attempting to control the content of life is itself a distraction – life is as it is. All the circumstances of life are available as the means to transform the mind. If Mind Training comes to mind in such moments of distraction, this is a clear indication that practice has been embraced and is being effective. As experience of emptiness develops through meditation practice, gradually the patterning of the mind becomes increasingly transparent, and neurotic patterning can be caught earlier and earlier.

p. 126, Part II - the slogans, Battlecry of Freedom by Ngakma Nor’dzin, Aro Books worldwide, 2019, ISBN 978-1-898185-46-8

Let it dissolve when it will - Battlecry of Freedom

If strong emotions, such as grief, are clung to, because of their vividness, there is the danger of adopting grief as a reference point, as an identity. Then joy cannot arise. The definition of grieving has to be allowed to naturally dissolve of its own accord, as and when it will. Similarly in the moments that sadness is suddenly potently present, it need not be suppressed or ignored. Let it be. Embrace the experience of sadness, but let it dissolve when it will.

p. 121, Part II - the slogans, Battlecry of Freedom by Ngakma Nor’dzin, Aro Books worldwide, 2019, ISBN 978-1-898185-46-8

Be joyful in the capacity to notice - Battlecry of Freedom

The mind does not need to be unseated from riding joy when mistakes are made or difficulties occur. If there is great sadness, it arises in the moment and does not need to disturb the background potential of contentment. When sadness dissolves, then joy is present again. When it is noticed that mistakes have been made or a neurotic and harmful pattern has been indulged, this should not disturb basic happiness. Regret the mistake—certainly—but be joyful in the capacity to notice.

p.120, Part II - the slogans, Battlecry of Freedom by Ngakma Nor’dzin, Aro Books worldwide, 2019, ISBN 978-1-898185-46-8