A Tibetan Buddhist Prophecy
The answer is rarely clear, and knowing where to begin is challenging. Some of us may respond by trying to do everything immediately and then burning out. Some of us may freeze, get overwhelmed, and never start. Fortunately, there is a voice far wiser and more ancient than ours that helps us understand what’s happening and what will happen and provides us with collective actions for change.
Who is Guru Rinpoche?
We’re unimaginably lucky to hear from Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the leader who transformed Tibet into a Buddhist country and is arguably the reincarnation the historical Buddha (Shakyamuni) predicted would be his last reincarnation. More than a millennium ago, Guru Rinpoche made many prophecies scattered in text across many lineages of Tibet. Those were compiled in recent years into a text titled, “An Encouragement to Avert the Hindrances of Dark Times in the Year of the Iron Dog.”
It is widely studied and practiced in the Nyingma and Kagyu schools. The text predicts difficulties and obstacles in a specific astrological year, the Year of the Iron Dog.
For a more in-depth explanation, listen to this talk by Lama Tsomo.
Why should we help others?
According to the prophecy, the root of the problem is ego-clinging, that pesky old attitude of “I’m taking care of number one.” Sound familiar? We’ve all been guilty of that attitude at one time or another. Ok, pretty much always, to some extent. We’ve probably also experienced how denying our interdependence can cause great harm to ourselves and others.
How does this prophecy apply to current times?
The predictions are very specific. One of them is that the elements will rise up against us. If we look around, we can see record-breaking heat, record-breaking rainfall, and more. Fortunately, the prophecy also states that we now have a window of opportunity to work on inner levels and change the biorhythms of our consciousness.
What do we mean by “biorhythms of consciousness”? Sometimes, we’re less caught up in our ego-clinging and can see the whole ocean rather than just the tips of the waves—mainly OUR wave. But through the ages, that ability goes up and down. When the Tibetans refer to the “Dü Ngen” or Negative Times, they’re referring to a downswing in consciousness.
In this downswing time, with all of our marvelous inventions for extracting and burning oil, turning it into megatons of plastic, and exploding atom bombs, we’re using them toward a disastrous end. The freight train has left the station, and Guru Rinpoche knew of this 1,200 years ago.
What can we do to help?
Great, so what do we DO? The prophecy details multiple methods for taking action. We can begin with reciting the Guru Rinpoche mantra and the Spontaneous Fulfillment of Wishes prayer.
Why do humans depend on each other?
Imagine if we all did that. Well, we can start with ourselves. Of course, we’re all deeply affected by this low tide biorhythm, so it’s absolutely essential that we rely on each other and support each other in our communities in this effort.
What else can we do to help?
If we take swift action for the benefit of all, we can prevent the worst catastrophic events and create a better future. We must let go of the current consciousness and adopt a new paradigm. This will require us to practice wisdom and compassion, moving from a place of self-grasping to an orientation of interdependence.
Despite our American culture of rugged individualism, we simply can’t do it alone. In the face of the strong winds of the Negative Times, we can link arms together and move forward; for the sake of ourselves, this earth, and all of the beings—humans and others—who will never know us but will have a way forward, too.
Let us know how your recitations go! In upcoming weeks, we will share more about what actions you can take and how to get involved! Stay tuned. You can also explore the Saving Each Other Together website to learn more.