Buddha Weekly's Latest Features
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>>...
Mother Tara’s many-armed protective embrace: 21 Taras according to Surya Gupta — a very special celebration of Supreme Mother Tara, the Liberator
There's something very precious and special about Tara, the protective Mother, adored by millions around the world. Her energy is, at its root, wisdom — the female Enlightened Buddha. Tara is as approachable as our own mothers. She embodies the same protective traits, but not just protector: like a mother, she is...
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...
Four heroic incarnations of Ksitigarbha, the “Earth Store” Bodhisattva — unfailing, never-tiring compassion
Ksitigarbha is a bodhisattva revered by millions across East Asia — honoured by the Buddha Himself due to his "untiring limitless compassion" — and his vows to help all sentient beings. He is also popularly known as Lord Jizo (Gizo). In this feature, we explore the four previous incarnations of the bodhisattva,...
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...
“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...
A Light to the World — Celebrate Buddha’s Descent from Heaven on Lhabab Duchen: merit multiplied ten million times
Light a candle to celebrate the light that came into our world as Gautama Buddha, the Enlightened One. November 19, 2019 — the 22nd day of the ninth lunar month — marks Lhabab Duchen in Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the day we celebrate Buddha's "descent to earth from Heaven." ...
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...