If you are open, life and the people around you can be your teacher. Everyone has loss and suffering – whether they have heard of Buddhism or not.

Now, in your Buddhist practice, finding and following a credible teacher will serve you well. We live in a time where we have access to many teachers.

When I was new (and compared to those who have practiced for 40 years or more or even 30 years or more), I am still new; I investigated different teachers and traditions. When I decided to pursue an advanced degree in Buddhist Studies, I knew it would help me learn more and that it would help me find my place in a world with many Buddhist traditions.

Here we are, together, the Death Dhamma community. On our paths, in our Buddhist practices. Listening to others and discerning what wisdom is. With that question in mind, here are some pieces of wisdom that our 12 wise teachers of season 2 have offered.

     Jim Ringel describes his book 49 Buddhas: Lama Rinzen in the Hell Realm as a crime mystery wrapped inside a Buddhist mystery. I also see it as how one Buddhist (Jim), expresses his appreciation and understanding of his Buddhist tradition through the creative expression of his writing.

     A lesson in Tibetan Buddhism wrapped inside a compelling story. And in that story, we see how challenging it is to be a human. Even if this is the optimal rebirth, and even if you are a Tibetan Lama, none of this is easy.  In my time with Jim, and in my time with his character Lama Rinzen, many thoughts have surfaced. What to focus on? I have done my best to share with you what resonates with me, and why.

Connect with Jim at one or all of these sites:

www.jimringel.com

www.facebook.com/jimringelwrites

www.twitter.com/jimringelwrites

www.linkedin.com/in/jim-ringel-7364822

You can also purchase 49 Buddhas: Lama Rinzen in the Hell Realm on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999539809/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_AmM2AbSM71PDP