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Buddhism 108: Much more than the number of beads on a mala
There are 108 beads on a mala; in yoga, the 12 postures of the sun salutations are often completed in rounds of nine; and pranayamic breathing is often practiced in cycles of 108. Several eastern spiritual paths, including Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism, hold the number 108 sacred, and yogic and dharmic practices...
Improving your meditation by cleansing your environment, purging technology, and de-cluttering your space and mind
One of the greatest things about meditation, aside from the well-studied health benefits, is that you can practice anywhere or at any time. But even though that is true, there are some conditions that are more suitable for meditation -- especially for anyone new to the practice. So, if you’re struggling to...
The Power of Mantras: Healing, Setting the Mind Free, Protecting the Mind, and Remaining Mindful of Dharma Throughout the Day
In some Buddhist cultures, children learn to chant mantras before they learn more common speech. Mantra, sacred sounds, are often considered protective and healing, or even life-changing. They are commonly used by Buddhists and Hindus, and — arguably — other religions who make use of "chanting." It seems almost silly to accept the...
Part 3: 21 Taras of Mahasidda Suryagupta: after curing him of leprosy, Tara taught him Her Twenty-One forms
Suryagupta, one of the great Eighty-four Mahasiddas (7th/8th century), had countless visions of glorious Mother Tara. She so cherished the great master — also known as Ravigupta or “Nyi ma be pa” in Tibetan — that she first cured him of leprosy. (As recorded by the Indian scholar Vajrasana of Bodhgaya in...
Part 2, Surya Gupta 21 Taras: meditating on virtuous body of Tara; distinct embodiments of Tara’s Compassion and Wisdom
"As Tara did, we develop the potential of our minds to attain full Enlightenment through meditation. Meditation is a process of focusing our mind on a virtuous object." — From Tara in the Palm of Your Hand [1] For Part 1 in this series see>> For Part 3 in this series see>>...
How Children Benefit from Meditation? 5 Reasons to teach your kids meditation.
Parents are more open to different methods and techniques to educate and train their children — especially to balance the negative impact of technology and internet. To help kids reach their full potential, one of the best and proven methods that can help children is meditation. By Mike Zhang of FamilyLifeShare.com What...
Interview: master artist V.V. Sapar discussing his 21 Taras project for Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche — art as a spiritual practice
V.V. Sapar’s work is well known to many Tibetan Buddhist and Vajrayana practitioners. His series of 21 Taras, according to the rare Surya Gupta tradition, was commissioned by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche (and is now freely available, thanks to Rinpoche's generosity, for download, see link below.) V.V. Sapar developed his interest in...
“When you recognize the nature of mind, fabrication and effort are naturally freed” — Guru Rinpoche Happy Guru Rinpoche Day!
Celebrate the wisdom and compassion of the Lotus Born, Guru Rinpoche. Quoting the great and glorious Padmasambhava: Adorn yourself with the eminent virtues of the Victorious Ones! You may speak like the Lion of Speech [Manjushri], but unless you take to heart the primordially pure nature of resounding emptiness, that will not...
“Who is Tara?” — the miraculous, mystical and marvelous view. Book excerpt from “A Belief in the Miraculous” — Jason Espada
Many Buddhists in "modern" times tend to rationalize the "sacred" and the "miraculous" as metaphors and skillful means. While this may seem very reasonable, safe and rational, there is room for faith, belief and "magic" in our practice. It may enhance, purify and perfect our practie, rather than diminish it. One champion...
18 benefits to building, circumambulating or funding of Stupas, which represent “Buddha’s Holy Mind” — according to Sutra
Several Sutras cite Stupa building (Chorten in Tibetan) “while thinking of the Victorious One” as a “cause for Enlightenment.” The Analyzing Activity Sutra actually says, “Whoever builds the Stupa of the Tathagata will gain the eighteen benefits” (Je Nampa Djepe Do) — in future lifetimes. [See the list below from Sutra.] [Symbolism...
The best Buddhists Books and Texts for Beginners
What are the Buddhist books or texts a beginner should read to know more about Buddhism? It is a frequently asked question, and this article contains 9 books that explain the basics of Buddhism — from the point of view of different traditions — as well as some of the more in-depth...
Bodhidharma’s Breakthrough Teaching: Shastra on Eradicating Appearances
Bodhidharma[1] is one of the most venerated Buddhist masters of the far east. He was an Indian monk known for having brought the Zen[2] teachings to China, which then spread to Japan and other regions. He left behind four principle dialogues, presumably recorded by his disciples. In the Breakthrough Sermon, or Shastra...
Buddha Weekly’s Special Section
Tara, Mother of all Buddhas
Karma Mother
How does Tara Help?
Tara, like any Mother, is ready to jump to our aid, even in mundane areas of life. She is the “practical Buddha” — the “Karma Mother” — the Buddha most active in our lives. Her Sanskrit name translates as “a star by which to navigate” — and like a star, she is always with us whenever we look for her.
Tara on YouTube
21 Taras Mantra Video Playlist
An entire playlist of every one of the mantras for the 21 Taras. Don't miss the amazing Tara mantra chanting of Yoko Dharma for the each Tara of the 21 Taras according to Surya Gupta lineage. One video with many repetitions and visualized images for each Tara. The final video is the English-translated 21 Praises to Tara sung in English.