Since the time of Shakyamuni Buddha, the Dharma Drum has been a central, vital and indispensable practice method. The drum beat tells us "Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!" Wake up your sleepy mind. Wake up your clouded, obscured mind. Wake up to Enlightenment.What does the drum symbolize? Does the sound of...
Chanting and disciplined ritual is still important in many schools of Zen. Here, Zen students chant with the famous "fish drum."Waking up the Mind in Buddhism! The Zen of Drumming for a Wakeful Mind and Mindfulness with the Wooden Fish Drum's Unique Sound 1 Mokugyo are instantly recognizable by their entirely unique and pleasant penetrating sound that almost seems to hypnotize with its intensity. The use of the fish drum...
Living with chronic pain can be a struggle. Even with medication, it can seem like nothing helps. It’s not only the spot in pain that feels hurt — the mind is suffering just as much dealing with it while trying to find ways to escape. Mindfulness for pain management is a powerful...
By Sanathavihari Bhikkhu (Bio at bottom of feature.) Sanathavihari BhikkhuA Theravadan monk explains how Buddhist mindfulness and clinical therapeutic mindfulness are complimentary — but not the same 2 As a Buddhist monk, I have some misgivings about the way in which mindfulness is understood and used today. My biggest concern is the misunderstanding of mindfulness, which can often lead to the abuse of it. Allow me...
The sages and the Buddhas found ultimate wisdom in the spaces between thoughts, between sounds, between images, between feelings. The ancient saying "all Dharmas are forms of emptiness" isn't just a fun pun — how can there be "form" in emptiness? — it is also a core mission. When we think of...
Our society is rife with stress, competition, fear, and commercialism – yet we're at a time when spirituality has become a buzzword. On one hand, there’s definitely an increased need for spiritualism in a stressful environment, but there still seems to be a disconnect here. While we may be on the right...
The Five Strengths (Sanskrit, Pali: pañcabalā) in Buddhism — critical to our progress on the path to enlightenment — are: faith, energy, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom. They are one of the seven sets of Bodhipakkhiyadhamma ("qualities conducive to enlightenment"). You may wonder why our feature image for pancabala is a monk creating an elaborate sand mandala...
We often lack the focus necessary to become aware of all of our experiences and genuinely comprehend what we desire in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Although mindfulness necessitates ongoing work, it requires a specific sort of effort, natural and effortless, similar to meditation. It's merely a matter of noticing...
It is often said that Buddhist and martial arts practices are complementary — and sometimes even analogous in method. This may be because both emphasize discipline, mindfulness, and compassion. The relationship between martial arts and Buddhism has a long history, at least stretching back to ancient India, and later to its association...
Buddha taught the many benefits of meditation more than 2500 years ago — in the Satipatthana Sutta and others — and modern medical science confirms and reinforces those benefits in study after study. In this feature, we cite 17 sources of research supporting ten indicated benefits. The good news here — aside from...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Qnjr44dCCA In session 1 of Mahamudra retreat — a full weekend of teachings — Venerable Zasep Rinpoche introduces Mahamudra and guides a wonderful session that includes a guided session on Samatha Mindfulness — Calm Abiding Meditation. In session 2, Ven. Zasep Rinpoche teaches us how to rest our minds in the natural...
Five key meditation methods can provide signicant health and cognitive benefits by inducing "Theta brainwaves." — according to numerous studies. Theta is associated with "ideas without censorship" or "ideation" mind mode [2]. It is also one of the secrets to a healthy mind and body. Despite the science, Theta is notoriously difficult...
Of all the Suttas, one of the most important taught by the Buddha is the Satipatthana Sutta — The Discourse on The Only Way. Although this discourse on Arousing Mindfulness is considered to be the main method of training for Vipassana, it is actually the main foundation practice of all other methods...
The great Lama Yeshe said: "Our problem is that inside us there is a mind going, 'Impossible, impossible, impossible. I can't, I can't, I can't, I can't' ... Human beings have great potential; they can do anything. The power of the mind is limitless." To subdue this "I can't" mind, many Buddhists...
"I beat upon the Dharma drum, announcing my search for Dharma in the four directions" — Lotus Sutra, Chapter 12 More than 2500 years ago, the drum was an important component of various Buddhist traditions. "In Buddha's time, the gong and drum were used to gather everyone to announce the precepts, meal times,...
"If You Don't Feel Anything, It Can Be a Problem" "Feelings are part of us," said Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, during a mini-retreat on Mahamudra and "mindfulness of feelings" in Owen Sound. "It's part of our life. Because we are sentient beings. We have a life. We have a body. We have...
In our modern world, inner peace is elusive. Here are seven ideas inspired by Buddhist practices and teachings that can help you find inner peace, de-stress, and potentially transform your life. Shakyamuni Buddha taught more than 2500 years ago, that the secret to our inner peace — and ultimately our realizations on...
The relationship between the world around us and our mind has always been the source of discussion and amazement on the part of human beings. This has given rise to multiple schools of thought and doctrines about this mysterious fact and we have not yet reached the bottom of the enigma. By...
The benefits and virtues of mindfulness are well established. Today, more than ever, finding a way to calm your inner world and reaching a state of peace is essential. What bothers most people attempting mindfulness as a practice is the lack of an immediate result. Persisting with the routine and learning as...
Perhaps the greatest teaching on mindfulness, the Maha (translates as: great) Satipatthana is a Sutta that serious meditators of all traditions reference in modern teachings. As a Pali sutta, it is an important teaching for the elder path (Theravada) — and mindfulness is a major foundational practice. In advanced Mahamudra and Dzogchen, Vajrayana Buddhist...
Now is the time to get in touch — with your inner self. If you can't go outside — go inside! Our lives are more stressful more than ever. The most recent Coronavirus pandemic, a world-wide tragedy, with more than 4.3 million worldwide cases reported, has health and wellness impacts far beyond...
Mindfulness meditation and yoga are ideal practices for our current "Covid-19 lockdown" situation — or any time. Many people all over the world are aware of the benefits of mindfulness, meditation and yoga. What better time to practice health and mindfulness with your children than now? Families in "lockdown" are under stress...
The benefits of meditation are well-documented. From improving your mental clarity, productivity and problem solving all the way to fixing breathing issues and helping to reduce anxiety, it is something that can entirely change your life if you are willing to let it. For a feature on the 10 benefits of meditation...
I have heard that at one time the Blessed One was staying at Nadika, in the Brick Hall. There he addressed the monks, "Monks!" "Yes, lord," the monks replied. The Blessed One said, "Mindfulness of death, when developed and pursued, is of great fruit and great benefit. It plunges into the Deathless,...
By Anne Green One of Buddha’s most profound teachings about the mind was that “Ignorance is the one thing with whose abandonment clear knowing arises.” Fundamentally, this teaching is that by clearing your mind of the clutter of delusion and misconception it carries, you can gain valuable insight about what is important...
Adam Cook returns with Part 3 in his series on addiction and recovery. Part 1, “Reclaim your mental well-being” from addiction is here>> Part 2, “Thriving post-rehab: achieving long-lasting addiction recovery” is here>> Part 3, "Finding your niche: advice for those in recovery who seek employment, is here>> By Adam Cook Addiction...
An SXSW 2017 Film Festival Official Selection, Walk with Me, tells the story of the most Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh and life at Plum Village, in a major new release later in 2017. Judging by the professional trailer, this should be a popular film with Buddhists around the world. View the trailer:...
In the third of a new video series, Venerable Acharya Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, Spiritual Guide for Gaden for the West, answers a student's question about memory loss: What advice would you give for a student who is concerned with memory loss, or the onslaught of early Dementia or Alzheimer’s. Full transcript below,...
"You can meditate walking, standing, sitting or lying down" Buddhist monk Noah Yuttadhammo. "Standing is a moderate form, and can be used to calm you down or wake you up." For some of us, with sports injuries, arthritis or conditions that prohibit lengthy sitting, standing meditation is a better way to achieve...
"Don't recall, don't imagine, don't think, don't examine, don't control, rest," Tilopa's six word's of advice to Naropa, could be said to be an important concept for understanding Mahamudra.[1] By Lee Kane Tilopa's famous "six words of advice" was clearly a theme emphasized consistently throughout Zasep Tulku Rinpoche's wonderful introductory Mahamudra teachings in...
Tibetan Buddhists celebrate the life of the Great Sage Lama Tsongkhapa almost daily in regular practices -- and especially on the anniversary of his Paranirvana called Ganden Ngamchoe Paranirvana Day. Whenever we practice the teachings of any lineage, we honor Lama Tsongkhapa — the embodiment of the compassion, wisdom, and activities of...
Many turn to meditation to induce a sense of calm and balance within their hectic lives. However, would you believe meditation may actually increase your sensitivity? For those who are already highly sensitive, the thought of adding to their peceptual intensity and feelings may not sound appealing. With these heightened sensory experiences,...
What do big moons, lazy nihilists and rabbit holes have to do with Shunyata? Yesterday I read a feature on Space.com which became the inspiration of this feature: "The 'Big Moon' Illusion May All Be in Your Head," by Joe Rao. This led to rabbit holes and lazy nihilism. Bear with me, I come back...
Are Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Yidams, and Deities real in the same relative way that we exist? Are they other? Are they neither? What do the Buddhist teachers tell us? What can we learn about this from Sutra? In this feature we explore the reality of Buddhist meditation deities, taking into account both a...
Sadhanas are not just sacred Dharma texts, held up as venerable sacred texts — in Vajrayana they are (metaphorically) the recipes to successful Buddhist realizations. As with a chef in the kitchen, you don’t have to use the recipe — but it ensures a good result. The spectacular result, as with fine...
"You should know all phenomena are like dreams." — Shakyamuni Buddha. Unless we are Yogis or Yoginis, the closest we are likely to come to an inciteful appreciation of Emptiness and the true nature of phenomenon might actually be our dreams. The first Karmapa attained Enlightenment with Dream Yoga. The conflicted "daytime"...
Modern science reveals more about how the ancient practice of meditation impacts human physiology. Wide-ranging reports of multiple benefits abound, but those studying medicine understand the concept of homeostasis and how balanced moving parts create a synchronous whole. Knowing how meditation affects your physical self can deepen your practice, just as sitting...
Dakini Day, celebrated on the 25th day of each lunar month in Vajrayana Buddhist traditions, celebrates the feminine energy of wisdom. (DATES FOR 2023 Tsog updated below.) Devoted Buddhists will celebrate with a Tsok (Tsog), a feast including food, singing, a group (or single) sadhana full of sound and celebration. The 10th...
Long before Dr. Strange and well before Quantum Physics was even a "concept", the Buddha of the vast Multiverse was Maha Vairochana (Mahavairocana). Two thousand years (or so) before the theories of Quantum Mechanics — and well before Marvel comics — Vairochana already ruled over the Multiverse. In the Mahavairocana Sutra, he...
King Garuda is magnificent chief among the Four Dignities in Buddhism, Enlightened protector of the North of the mandala, and the king of all bird beings and air beings. This makes him among the most important of Enlightened Deities in Buddhism. As the wind-element protector, he is the patron of chi and...
The way in which society is structured by age has changed radically over the past decade. International Monetary Fund statistics indicate that the number of senior citizens (over 65) will outnumber those under 15 globally, and, by 2050, 5% more people will be over the age of 80. The impact of this is...
Developing a meditation practice is a helpful way to combine your spiritual life and mental well-being. Some people may avoid trying it because they think you must have a 100% quiet mind, but that isn’t accurate. Here’s the truth behind this common meditation myth and tips to make the most of your...
Most people watch movies. Some watch or read fiction, some documentaries, some science fiction, some, fantasy, some romance, some comedy — some of us watch all of them! What's the difference/ All of them are movie-watchers. Likewise for books. I might like, one, two, or all genres. Buddha taught in this way,...
Nothing inspires more debate amongst Buddhists, than the notion of rebirth. There's no doubt the Buddha spoke often about rebirth, Samsara, suffering, karma and escaping the cycle. Many modern Buddhists tend to avoid or ignore the topic on the basis of modern sensibilities, rationalization and logic. After all, Buddha didn't teach us...
"Believing in inner truth means having deep faith that the ten billions Buddha-lands (worlds) are in reality not outside our Mind." — Patriarch Ou-I To the newcomer to Mahayana Buddhism, or particularly Pure Land Buddhism, Amitabha (Amita or Amida) and his Pure Land of Sakhavati can be confusing. What do we mean...
One of the most commonly asked questions in Buddhism is — If Kuan Yin Pusa (Guanyin Bodhisattva, Avalokiteshvara, Tara) can rescue all beings (as stated in Sutras), why is there still suffering in the world? The next most common question is likely "Why does Avalokiteshvara- Kuan Yin have countless forms and names?"...
Why is Karma empowering? One way of viewing Karma is as an aggregate of all of our actions, thoughts, words, dreams, desires into a user-controlled version of fate — that is you control your fate instead of some invisible higher being. Another concept of karma, aligned to both mystical sciences and scientific...
Mindfulness Meditation brings a new perspective on the nature of time. The Nature of Time: Mindful Meditation on Duration Judgment and its Relationship to the Subjective Experience of Time 3 Time is a fundamental dimension of our existence, yet its perception is often an intriguingly subjective experience. One minute can feel like an eternity in a tedious meeting, while an hour can fly by during an...
VasubhanduLogic and the Doctrine of Proof: Celebrating the Life and Logic of Vasubandhu, the Great Buddhist Logician 4 Logic has always held a prominent place in the realm of Buddhist studies, creating an intellectual bridge between spiritual pursuit and scientific curiosity. One figure who looms large in this intricate interplay is Vasubandhu, an eminent Buddhist scholar-monk of the 4th or 5th century CE. Born in...
Vajrayogini has been called the "Buddha for our times." Many of the great Mahasiddhas, such as Naropa, attained realizations through her practice. There's an old Tibetan saying: "Practicing any Buddha is practicing all Buddhas." The great Atisha, when he first came to Tibet, was horrified to find Tibetans practicing many deities at...
Meditation offers multiple benefits for your mind, body and spirit. It is an integral part of Buddhism, allowing you to achieve detachment and see reality as it is. How do you know that your practice is effective, that you’re “meditating correctly?” By Beth Rush Managing Editor, BodyMind.com The answer is implicit...
Buddha meditating in a snow globe. Zen Buddhism and Western Philosophy: Snow globes and mind of winter; logic and wisdom; noumenon and phenomenon 5 New contributing writer Mark Tursi's insightful commentary on the contrasts and connections between Zen Buddhism and Western Philosophy, starting and ending with a powerful "snow globe" metaphor: Shake it and there’s an instant snow squall like our minds: a dizzying...
Ananda begs the Blessed One to stay On this day, Shakyamuni Buddha, the Blessed One, loyal Venerable Ananda begged the Lord to remain: “May the Blessed One remain, O Lord! May the Happy One remain, O Lord, throughout the world-period, for the welfare and happiness of the multitude, out of compassion for...
Lady TsogyalPadmasambhava Guru Rinpoche's condensed "all teachings into one — which is concise and easy to practice"at the time of death: as requested by Lady Tsogyal 6 One of the most wonderful teachings of Padmasambhava, the Lotus Born, Guru Rinpoche was written down by the Lady Tsogyal — from a request she made just as the master was about to leave — and she, herself, was worried about death. Although she was...
On June 4, 2023, Vajrayana Buddhists celebrate the most important day of the year, honoring the Paranirvna and life of Shakyamuni Buddha — the Day of Highest Merits. NOTE: Due to lunar calendar and tradition differences, Mahayana Buddhists celebrate Paranirvana Day earlier on February 15, 2023. (For more about suggested meritorious activities...
Thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig or Guanyin.)Great Compassion Mantra: Purification, healing and protection, the Maha Karuna Dharani Sutra — benefiting all beings 7 Around the world, millions of Mahayana Buddhists chant the Maha Karuna Dharani, the Great Compassion Mantra of Avalokitesvara (Chenrezig, Guanyin) — famous for its benefits of healing, protection and purification. It is probably the second most chanted mantra, after Om Mani Padme Hum...
It may seem hard to imagine the Peerless One, Shakyamuni Buddha, teaching the more mundane aspects of lay life conduct. Imagine the Buddha teachings us "financial planning" (really!) — and to relate to our children, employers and spouse! In the Sigalovada, the Conquerer did exactly that, and much more. Supporting Members: Dharma Drum in Buddhism: Drumming for Mindfulness; Waking up to Buddhist Practice 13. This is aside from numerous studies citing the benefits of Buddhist meditation on health and...
Korean Buddhist temple drumming. Korean Seon Buddhism: the thriving and profound tradition, history and practices of Seon Buddhists 9 The resonating sound of the Korean moktak is iconic of the beautiful practices of Korean Buddhism. Although the wooden Moktak is similar to the Mokugyo Japanese fish drum — there are subtle differences, just as there are subtle differences between Korean Seon and...
HAPPY SAGA DAWA DUCHEN celebrating Shakyamuni Buddha’s Enlightenment and Paranirvana! May All Beings Benefit! 10 Wellness Benefits Loving Kindness Meditation, a guided 10-minute meditation Power of dana and generosity “within our means” - the Sutta stories of Anathapindika, who gave Buddha Jetavana park
The heart of Buddha's teachings is the Eightfold Path — a prescription for our own personal path to realizations based on positive karmic conduct. That does not stop the Buddha from analytical logic and debate. After the first teachings, Buddha spent decades teaching the path — a key method of teaching, as...
The vital importance of awareness of impermanence, the nature of suffering, attachment, dissatisfaction, ignorance and laziness are emphasized by the Buddha in the short Sutra on the Eight Realizations (full translation below with some of the commentary by Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh.) The Sutra on the Eight Realizations is one of the...
This sutra contains many favorite gems: "You should be mindful of the four elements within the body. Though each has a name, none of them is the self. Since they are not the self, they are like an illusion." "When you see someone who is practicing giving, aid him joyfully, and you...
Several studies indicate that meditation helps various conditions. Doctors often recommend guided meditation for heart health as a supportive treatment. Although meditation is renowned for its stress-reducing benefits, some experts suggest it can also impact heart health. By Beth Rush Managing Editor, BodyMind.com Does Meditation Really Impact Heart Health? What Research Shows 10 For stress, the best medicine...
The symbolism of Vajrayana spans every facet of life — and imagination — from the mundane, to love-making, to demon-slaying, to wrathful conquering. Every aspect of practice is expressed in visualization — in the vast expanse of imagination — rather than as two-dimensional words on a page. The element of the practice...
We can take inspiration from Green Tara's example to be more mindful of our planet and all its creatures every day of the year. We can use her nourishing, caring hands as a reminder to treat the earth with respect, love, and care. And we can use her wisdom to help guide...
There are times when daily life conspires to push aside our good intentions to meditate, or to make offerings to the Three Jewels, or — for some of us — fulfil our daily commitment to practice sadhana. Concerned that I wasn’t fulfilling my practice commitment, I once asked my teacher what to...
Gautama Buddha survived several attempts on his life, more than once from his cousin Devadatta, once from a mass murderer Angulimara — who later became a disciple after he failed — and finally the Enlightened One passed into Nirvana when he ate tainted food given to him as alms by follower Cunda....
Meditation and mindfulness have been practiced worldwide for centuries. Today, nearly 14.2% of American adults meditate [Note 1] or incorporate another spiritual or mantra-focused practice — about 5.4% of children do the same. Science-backed evidence has shown that meditation provides emotional, mental and physical support, positively affecting one’s overall health. While some...
Chakras, meridians, the central channel, kundalini, and the subtle or energy body. All of these terms, ideas, and words swirl around our current culture like never before. The historical significance and understanding of these differ greatly from our recent usage of them. By Joshua Reichmann The cultural containers that nurtured these practices...
Manjushri is the “master of the Seven Buddhas” and the “mother of the Buddhas” — and also the “child” of the Buddhas — according to Ajatasatruraja Sutra: “Manjushri is the father and mother of the Bodhissatvas, and their spiritual child.” [3] Manjushri's numerous faces, personas, and complexities only hint at the completeness...
Of all of the Eight Great Bodhisattvas — and among all the Buddhas — "the Essence of Earth Buddhasattva" Kṣitigarbha is the "closest to us" — the most beloved of the great ones. Why is this? Kṣitigarbha is not only the most "active" of the Bodhisattvas in the time between Shakyamuni Buddha...
Is Bodh Gaya the Holiest Place on Earth for Buddhists? Although it is certainly special, it is not the most sacred place on earth. Chamtrul Rinpoche tells us where we'll find the Holiest Place in the entire Universe: "The holiest place in the universe is in your mind. In there you will find...
On February 15, 2023 many Mahayana Buddhists celebrate the Paranirvana of Buddha — not his death, but release from karma and the cycle of suffering. It is a day celebrated around the world with light, festival and important readings from the Maha-parinibbana Sutta. [Excerpts of the Sutta below.] Why is this day...
Shakyamuni Buddha was born to the warrior caste, a prince and heir. As a young adult, when Shakyamuni Buddha cut his hair, he symbolically separated himself from the worldly, including his past role as a princely member of the "warrior caste" — but he didn't leave behind his warrior's courage. He remained...
Today’s modern world can leave you spinning. Finding time to look inward is challenging with all the external stimuli demanding your attention. However, the human soul cries out for the deeper understanding and peace that only contemplative practices can bring, such as the four protective meditations in Buddhism. By Beth Rush, Editor,...
December 2022 Dharma Dates All All2022 Tara Puja Day Thursday, December 1, 2022 Learn More Medicine Buddha Day Thursday, December 1, 2022 Learn More Padmasambhava Day Tsog Friday, December 3, 2022 Learn More Full Moon Wednesday, December 7, 2022 Learn More Dakini Day Sunday, December 18, 2022 Learn More Dharma Protector Day...
All All11 November12 December Guan Shi Yin Renunciation Day Thursday, November 2 2023 Learn More about Guan Shi Yin Renunciation Day Calendar Lhabab Duchen Saturday, November 4, 2023 Learn More about Lhabab Duchen Calendar Dakini Day and Tsog Tuesday, November 7, 2023 Learn More about Dakini Day and Tsog Calendar | Dakini...
Vajrasattva — like all Buddhist deities — defies the notion of ego. Therefore, there is no "who" and there is no "what." It can be said that Vajrasattva, in ultimate reality is no different from any other Buddha. It can be said, in relative reality, that Vajrasattva can purify all our defilements,...
An Introduction to Mahayana Buddhism Mahayana means ‘the great way’, which aims to benefit all people and all forms of life. This word comes from one of the ways a person can practice Buddhism. The motivation for their meditation, prayers, ritual, and mantra can be not just for their own sake, but...
Why is Buddha Tara so beloved around the world? Is it because she is the Mother of All the Buddhas — the embodiment of wisdom? Or, because she is the swift one — the one who comes to our aid instantly? Is it her role as saviour and her tireless activities in...
Over 2,500 years ago, Siddhartha Gautama had a series of profound realizations that led him to become the Buddha, the Awakened One. In order to share his insights and knowledge with others, he began teaching and giving lectures, which were eventually compiled into texts called Sutras or Sutta (in Pali). Today, Sutras...
What ten ways do current science and modern Buddhism actually appear in agreement? What ten teachings of Buddha align well with well-accepted modern science? We look at these questions, and much more, in this special feature of "The Scientific Buddhist" The Buddhist Method of Analysis could be said to be "experiential" while...
The so-called Warrior Sutta is a fascinating, short sutra. The way of the warrior and the way of the monk are often compared from the point of view of discipline. In Tibetan Buddhism, there is the notion of Sems Dpa, Warrior Buddhists (se our feature here>>). The disciplines of martial arts, today,...
Am I alone in struggling with enthusiasm for my Buddhist practice? Why did I lose my enthusiasm for meditation? How can I find time to practice in our stressful modern world? These are questions that frequently stall Buddhist practice. When this happens, do we lose our refuge? Have we broken our vows?...
How is it possible that Buddha predicted the sun would consume the earth in roughly 7.5 billion years – a theory scientists only recently confirmed? That places Buddha at least 2500 years ahead of modern science — in linear time. Buddha taught temporal cosmology, the multiverse and non-linear time — 2500 years ahead of modern science (and Marvel comics). How is this possible? 11 Buddha explored the multiverse 2500 years before Quantum...
Jealousy or Envy (irshya in Sanskrit) is among the most dangerous of the "poisons" of Buddhism. Why is Jealousy so dangerous? Why is overcoming jealousy a critical, urgent mission for Buddhists seeking realizations? It comes down to one core concept. To have love and compassion and sympathetic joy for all beings —...
Death itself is conquered by this towering, wrathful deity, Yamantaka. Conquering death, and the cycle of samsaric suffering, is at the very heart of Buddhism. As the "death destroyer" Yamantaka symbolizes this aspiration, and his meditational deity practice is designed to achieve that goal. No deity is more misunderstood than the buffalo-headed...
Anathapindika is famous for his supreme generosity. He is the benefactor immortalized through his gift of Jetavana park — used in rainy seasons throughout the centuries by Buddhist monks for retreat. This great feat of generosity cost him "enough gold to cover the entire park" — a staggering fortune. Although he gave...
One of the most unique and captivating of Pali Suttas actually records events after Buddha passed away. Why, then, if Buddha is not teaching, is this interesting? Aside from the fascinating historical perspective, it carries a vey profound and important message: The Dhamma is our arbitrator. Often, we hear modern-day teachers say,...
Meditation is an important practice in virtually all schools of Buddhist thought, and in one form or another, most Buddhists practice it. But did you know there are two main types of meditation? From formal Chan practice, such as archery or KungFu practice in Shaolin, to facing the wall meditation, to active...
The 35 Confessional Buddhas practice is the ultimate sutra-based purification practice. Ven. Thubten Chodron explains: “Why do we need to purify? Because our mind is full of rubbish." Even though The Bodhisattva’s Confession of Moral Downfalls to the Thirty-Five Buddhas — to use the full title in English — is often one of...
Why are mantras so popular? What are the nine benefits of mantras? Why are mantras considered a complete practice? How do they work? What are they? This is a lot to cover, but with the help of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kyabje Garchen Rinpoche, Mingyur Rinpoche, and Lama Zopa Rinpoche and...
To understand the origins of Chan or Zen Buddhism, we have to go back to the "Flower Sermon." This sermon, given by the Buddha himself, is at the heart of Chan — also known as Zen in Japan or Seon in Korea. In the Flower Sermon, the Buddha gathered his disciples together...
If you’re looking to take your meditation practice to the next level, mantras can definitely help. But don’t get the wrong idea. This isn’t about speaking. It’s not even so much about what you say, although it helps if you feel a spiritual connection with your mantra. Mantras can take meditation to the next level: empowering mantras to shift your mindset and improve your life 12...
His Holiness the Dalai Lama presented a profound and brilliant method to "target" your meditation on the affliction, in his powerful commentary on Lama Tsongkhapa's Great Exposition of Secret Mantra. When we think of calm-abiding meditation, we might think of breath as the focal point of meditation. In-out. Follow the breath. Breath,...
Meditation is an essential component of Buddhism that enables us to settle, concentrate, and connect body and mind. Study after study has shown the many benefits it can bring us, including a greater sense of calm, understanding, and empathy. Why leave all its benefits for adulthood? Meditation should be taught from the...
In this beautiful Sutra, Buddha delivers one of his most important and concise deliveries of the "ten ways of being free": What are the ten? 1]. One gives universally to all beings without fear 2]. One always has a heart of great compassion toward all beings 3]. All habitual tendencies of hate...
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YouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video.
yt.innertube::nextId
never
This cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen.
yt.innertube::requests
never
This cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Cookie
Duration
Description
CONSENT
2 years
YouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data.
vuid
1 year 1 month 4 days
Vimeo installs this cookie to collect tracking information by setting a unique ID to embed videos to the website.
_ga
1 year 1 month 4 days
The _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_*
1 minute
Google Analytics sets this cookie to store a unique user ID.
_gid
1 day
Installed by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Cookie
Duration
Description
__cf_bm
30 minutes
This cookie, set by Cloudflare, is used to support Cloudflare Bot Management.
