"Today, I will speak of the general obstacles of spiritual practice. One of the very first obstacles is doubt. Too much doubt, doubting, so that you spend so much time on questions, instead of just doing the practice. Questioning, is not a bad thing. Questioning is a sign of intelligence and also doubt...
Metta and Karuna — Love and Compassion, respectively — are two of the three foundations of Buddhist practice. The third is "Shunyata", the wisdom of Emptiness. Loving Kindness and Compassion has been called, together, the "most important practice" in Buddhism. In this short teaching video, H.E. Venerable Acharya Zasep Tulku Rinpoche answers...
The book, Gelug Mahamudra Eloquent Speech of Manjushri, is a rare commentary and practice guide in English, written for Western Buddhist students. Why is Mahamudra an advanced and special practice? Rinpoche explains: "Mahamudra meditation is awareness and understanding of the true nature of mind; it is spacious, without beginning or end. It...
H.E. Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche is always quick to smile and laugh, regardless of a hectic teaching schedule that has him spending many hours flying around the world. Despite a very tight three week schedule of teachings at Gaden Choling in Toronto, the Venerable teacher found time for an in-depth interview with...
In a new book, Gelug Mahamudra, Eloquent Speech of Manjushri, Zasep Rinpoche unpacks the profound subject of Mahamudra meditation — the "very heart of Buddha's teachings" — for the modern western Buddhist student. Drawing on many decades of teaching experience in the west, he distils volumes of knowledge on Mahamudra — the...
Zasep Tulku Rinpoche.Video Buddhist Advice 9: How Can Advanced Vajrayana Students Simplify and Manage Commitments and Practice? Answered by Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche 1 In the ninth in a Buddhist practice video series, “Advice from the Teachers”, the Venerable Acharya Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, Spiritual Head of Gaden for the West Centers, answers a student’s question [play video below]: What advice do you have for advanced students for their daily practice...
Part 1 of an important commentary on Heart Sutra, and especially on the true nature of Shunyata (Emptiness) — a concept often misinterpreted. Heart Sutra is the most important sutra teaching on Shyunyata. In part 1 of his 2-part teaching on the Heart Sutra, H.E. Zasep Tulku Rinpoche goes into detail on...
Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, spiritual director of many meditation centres in Canada, U.S. and Australia, returns to Gaden Choling Toronto Canada March 23-April 4 2018. He is currently teaching in Mongolia.Video: Vipashyana Mahamudra (Vipassana) short teaching on Madyamuka and brief guided meditation with H. E. Zasep Tulku Rinpoche 2 In a short 20 minute video teaching (followed by a brief guided meditation), H.E. Zasep Rinpoche introduces...
Every Mahayana Buddhist practice or meditation should begin with a Bodhichitta motivation and end with a Bodhichitta dedication. This is what makes the practice "great" or Maha. In a short video, H.E. Zasep Tulku Rinpoche — spiritual head of Gaden for the West mediation centres — explains just why this practice is...
Tara in the Palm of Your Hand, a book by Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche is available on Amazon.ca in paperback from Wind Horse Press.Tara Book excerpt and teaching: Who is Tara and how can She help us? An introduction to Tara, Karma, Shunyata, Dependent Arising, and Buddha Nature by Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche 3 Who, or what is Tara that she can show us that Enlightenment is in the palm of our hand? Tara is without a doubt...
Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, spiritual director of Gaden for the West meditation centres in Canada, U.S. and Australia.Video: "How do I deal with my anger? Sometimes it consumes me and hurts others": a Buddhist student asks teacher Ven. Zasep Tulku Rinpoche 4 Anger is, unquestionably, the largest obstacle to Buddhist practice — and the most destructive — particularly in anger-prone modern times. Anger suppressed is unhealthy. Anger expressed inappropriately is dangerous. Zasep...
Thirteenth Zasep Tulku, Archarya Zasep Tulku Rinpoche is an engaging and respected Tibetan Buddhist Guru who is spiritual director for Gaden for the West.Healing video: full Medicine Buddha guided meditation with Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche; with Medicine Buddha Mantra chanting by Yoko Dharma 5 The most Venerable Zasep Rinpoche guides a full Medicine Buddha healing visualization meditation followed by the amazing vocals of Yoko Dharma chanting the Medicine...
By Lee Kane "On one level all our minds are connected," said Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche in his introductory remarks at a weekend retreat dedicated to Lojong Seven-point mind training. "We are the creators of our suffering. Everything depends on mind." Lojong literally can translate as "mind training"— lo, mind; jong, training....
Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, spiritual director of many meditation centres in Canada, U.S. and Australia."Mahamudra is ultimately about trying to experience absolute truth" — and Helping Your Mind Get to Know Your Mind: Teaching Retreat Notes, Zasep Tulku Rinpoche 6 The stirring beat of many drums and a festive rise of musical voices broke the serene silence of a sunny and warm Saturday morning on sparkling Georgian Bay. In a nice surprise for the many attendees...
Zasep Tulku Rinpoche teaches in Dharma centres around the world and is spiritual head of Gaden for the West in Canada, U.S., and Australia.Healing and Foundation Practices Video: Learning from the Teachers Video Series with Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche 7 In the second of a new Buddha Weekly Video Series, three students ask a teacher about foundation practices, Medicine Buddha, Black Manjushri and healing practices...
Purifying Negative Karma Advice Video: How to Purify Obstructions and Defilements with Vajrasattva Practice and Other Buddhist Meditations, Answered by Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche 8 Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche (center) surrounded by students at a teaching in Tibetan Buddhist Society Temple in Perth, Australia March 2017. Rinpoche tours extensively to deliver precious teachings. He is in Mongolia currently, and will be in Vancouver in April 2017 at Zuru Ling and in Toronto in...
In the seventh in a new video series, “Advice from the Teachers”, the Venerable Acharya Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, Spiritual Head of Gaden for the West Centers, answers a student's question: What advice would you give to a student for keeping motivated and excited about daily practice? Rinpoche explains the importance of regular...
In the sixth in a new video series, “Advice from the Teachers”, the Venerable Acharya Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, Spiritual Head of Gaden for the West Centers, answers a student's question: “What advice would you give to a student new to Buddhism as starting practices?" Rinpoche suggests core practices such as mindfulness of...
In the fourth of a new video series, Venerable Acharya Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, Spiritual Guide for Gaden for the West, answers a student’s question about loss of a pet: What advice would you give for a student who is dealing with the loss of a beloved pet? Full transcript below video. ...
Commentary by Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche — spiritual head of many Buddhist meditation centres in North America and Australia, author of two books, including a new autobiography (Review here>>). Commentary given in English at Golden Blue Lotus Centre, Moscow, Idaho, Fall 2004. (Rinpoche's biography at end of feature.) Note: Errors and edits...
In part four of his video teachings on Ngondro Foundation Teachings, Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche discusses two of the biggest obstacles to practice and their antidotes: irritating monkey mind and sleepy mind — perhaps the biggest problems in modern practice due to the distractions of busy lifestyles. In parts one, two and three...
In part 2 of a teaching series on Buddhist Foundation Practices, Venerable Acharya Zasep Rinpoche introduces the fourth outer preliminary, the truth of suffering, in the context of boundless compassion for all sentient beings. Rinpoche transitions the teachings from the outer (covered in video 1>>) to the inner preliminaries with a teaching...
In part one of this video series on La Gug Vitality Retrieval, the most Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche —spiritual head of several Buddhist Centres in Canada, the United States and Australia — explained how recognize the "symptoms your life-force is weakened." Part 1 of this video series is here: "La gug Lifeforce...
La Gug literally translates as "Vitality Retrieval." For centuries, Tibetan Buddhism has perfected meditations which help you restore your vitality — also known as life force, Chi or Prana. Even modern medicine recognizes the healing power of meditation. Restoring vitality is one of the keys to good health and a long life,...
Buddha Weekly continues its special series “Interviews with the Teachers” with part 3 of an extensive hours-long interview with the most Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche. Rinpoche is spiritual director of many temples, meditation centres and retreat centres in Australia, the United States and Canada and teaches also in Mexico and Mongolia. Future scheduled teachings...
Buddha Weekly continues its special series “Interviews with the Teachers” with part 2 of an extensive hours-long interview with the most Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche. Rinpoche is spiritual director of many temples, meditation centres and retreat centres in Australia, the United States and Canada and teaches also in Mexico and Mongolia. He is also...
Buddha Weekly begins its special series "Interviews with the Teachers" with an extensive hours-long interview with the most Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche. Rinpoche is spiritual director of many temples, meditation centres and retreat centres in Australia, the United States and Canada and teaches also in Mexico and Mongolia. He was first invited to...
When you first meet Venerable Archarya Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, the first thing you'll likely notice is the beaming smile. Rinpoche is remembered for his approachability—born of a combination of easy humor—and a booming laugh—together with wonderful anecdotes, inspired by a eventful life and lineage. His teachings, delivered in excellent English are easily understood and fully...
Among the best known — and yet most mysterious — practices in Tibetan Buddhism is the kindness Metta meditation known as Tonglen. Described as a Bodhichitta practice, "a wonderful practice!", Venerable Zasep Rinpoche teaches why it is important, the merit of the practice, and how to actually perform Tonglen visualization meditation. (Guided...
A beautiful visualized and guided short (16-minute) Medicine Buddha meditation and "mini teaching" from Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, from the learning video series from Buddha Weekly. CONTENTS with Timecodes below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5MpjfQh7XU CONTENTS BY TIME 00:00 Introduction 00:43 Rinpoche leads meditation on Medicine Buddha Healing Practice 01:21 Visualizing the Medicine Buddha (in...
Wonderful 30-minute White Tara teaching: how to practice, including visualizations — with the profound practice of five-colour healing light — from Venerable Zasep Rinpoche, with animated visualization graphics. EVENT NOTICE: Please join Zasep Tulku Rinpoche (featured in this video) for White Tara Initiation and Two Day Retreat Weekend live on Zoom starting...
In session 1 of a 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...
Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche's concise commentary and guided meditation on the profound practice of Tibetan Phowa (pronounced Powa) — the transference of our consciousness to the Pureland of Amitabha Buddha. This practice is renowned for "healing the mind" and is a higher practice that helps us overcome "fear of dying." Video ends...
By Venerable Zasep Tulku Losang Tenzin Gyatsen Commentary and Translation of Sadhana Translated July 2021 The highly respected Gelug master, Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, (1619-1657) — an incarnation of Manjushri and Mahasiddha Virupa — advised that we should all practice the sadhanas of Vajrapani, Hayagriva, and King Garuda and make offerings to the...
Why is White Tara practice and visualization one of the most popular and life-affirming practices in Buddhism? Tara, the Saviour, in her White Tara form, is famous as a health and long-life practice — but is it possible to achieve longevity through meditation? And what about karma? Zasep Tulku Rinpoche answers these...
Venerable Zasep Rinpoche, Spiritual Director of Gaden for the West, is known for the clarity of his profound Buddhist teachings, many of which are found in Buddha Weekly's YouTube Channel. To honour his kindness in offering these teachings, Buddha Weekly offers this tribute and long-life prayer video, based on the Long Life...
The writers and editors at Buddha Weekly wish Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche a very happy birthday — and wishes for his long life. Our headline is a quote from the long-life prayer to Zasep Rinpoche composed by the illustrious Kyabje Trijang RInpoche at the request of Ponpo Nawang Losang. The birthdays of...
Young nun Stanzin before neurosurgery in India.Lightning fast Compassion: group of students, inpired by H.E. Zasep Rinpoche, aid a young nun in India requiring neurosurgery 9 I was at a White Heruka long life weekend retreat with H.E. Zasep Rinpoche when we abruptly became part of a "compassion-in-action" moment. One of Rinpoche's students — a volunteer with Gaden Relief — stood up and quietly asked if we...
Part 1 of a series featuring a full Medicine Buddha weekend retreat, suitable for anyone who wishes to meditate on healing. Medicine Buddha practices are universally popular and very effective for self-healing. Millions of Buddhists around the world rely on Medicine Buddha Bhaisajyaguru practices to support their healing journeys. Medicine Buddha is...
H.E. Zasep Tulku Rinpoche with a line from his "long life prayer" which was composed by his teacher HH Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche.Video part 2 of Heart Sutra Commentary by H.E. Zasep Rinpoche: how understanding Heart Sutra can help us overcome unhappiness, attachments, aversions and fear 10 In part 2 of this wonderfully clear commentary on the Heart Sutra, H.E. Zasep Tulku Rinpoche explains the Emptiness of Form, Feeling, Perception, Mental Formations and...
Venerable Zasep Rinpoche teaching at a Tara weekend using the commentary book, Tara in the Palm of Your Hand, as a reference.Green Tara guided meditation video, guided by H.E. Zasep Rinpoche with beautiful Tara images and animations; finishing with magnificent Tara mantra chanted by Yoko Dharma 11 Green Tara is almost certainly one of the most popular Englightened Buddhas in Vajrayana Buddhism. Tara's mantra is chanted daily by many Buddhists around the world....
This week's Buddha Weekly teachings video introduces the first three outer preliminaries of Foundation Practices in Vajrayana Buddhism. Don't miss this short video covering "Key Buddhist practices for busy people", as taught by the most Venerable Acharya Zasep Tulku Rinpoche at a Gaden Choling Toronto weekend retreat on Ngondro. Traditionally, in Vajrayana Buddhism,...
Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche."Every one has Buddha Nature." A teaching video: Venerable Zasep Rinpoche with mantra chanting by Yoko Dharma 12 "Everyone has Buddha Nature." — Zasep Rinpoche In a short video teaching, Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche explains why understanding "Buddha Nature" — in Sanskrit, tathāgatagarbha — can really inspire your Buddhist practice. This short teaching was in response to a question from a student. With...
In the first of a new Buddha Weekly Series, Learning from the Teachers videos, four students, during a teaching on "Foundation Practices" ask various important questions about meditation. Question 1: How can you tell the difference between subtle dull mind, course dull mind and calm mind in meditation? Question 2: In the...
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...
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...
"Go bananas for the Buddha, "is sage advice for any practitioner, new and advanced students alike. The great teacher Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche once described devotion in a talk on Tara: “The devotees of Tara, especially the devotees from great universities like as Nalanda, they go bananas. They long for her, they praise...
Medicine Buddha is the Buddha who represents the healing aspects of all the Buddhas. He is also known as Bhaiṣajya-guru in Sanskrit and Yào Shì Fó in Chinese and Lapis Lazuli Light Buddha in English. Medicine Buddha's mantra is a daily chant for many Buddhists and is the go-to mantra when seeking...
Why are bell and dorje called "practice supports" and what do they actually represent? Why is a Vajrayana practitioner expected to always carry a bell and vajra — at least symbolically? How can we carry a bell and vajra in our daily, mundane lives to symbolically strengthen this bond? What are the...
"Tara is the mother of all the Buddhas; when you practice Tara you become closer to Tara; you feel her motherly love. If Tara is good enough to be the mother of all the Buddhas, then she can certainly become a great mother to you, taking you into her loving care." —...
Three of the Five Wisdom Daknis, art by Laura Santi. (See detailed art below for each of the Five Dakinis in the detailed section. Laura Santi's art can be found at Laura Santi Sacred Art on Etsy>>Five Wisdom Dakinis: "The source of the five activities is the dakini" —Padmasambhava: full feature, documentary video and more 13 What are the Five Wisdom Dakinis? Why are they central to...
Even the great Conqueror Shakyamuni Buddha relied on Mother Tara’s “eight great laughters” to pacify fears, doubts, and demons. Tara is known as the Mother of All Buddhas because it is through Her Wisdom that all beings can attain Enlightenment. Traditionally, the Enlightened female represents “wisdom,” while the Enlighted male represents “compassion.”...
Why is Kalachakra practice recommended by great Buddhist teachers such as the Dalai Lama in these difficult times? Why is Kalachakra considered to be a highest yoga meditational form of Shakyamuni Buddha? How can Kalachakra meditation help to relieve our suffering? We answer these questions and more in this short, informative presentation...
Why is Kalachakra practice recommended by great Buddhist teachers such as the Dalai Lama in these difficult times? Why is Kalachakra considered to be the highest yoga meditational form of Shakyamuni Buddha? How can Kalachakra meditation help to relieve our suffering? How can Kalachakra meditation help to relieve our suffering? Why is Kalachakra considered to be the highest yoga meditational form of Shakyamuni Buddha? 14 Kalachakra Sahaja detail from a painting by...
Why is Kalachakra practice recommended by great Buddhist teachers such as the Dalai Lama in these difficult times? Why is Kalachakra considered to be a highest yoga meditational form of Shakyamuni Buddha? How can Kalachakra meditation help to relieve our suffering? We answer these questions and more in this short, informative presentation...
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...
The 21 Taras Mantra Dharanis in Sanskrit, as taught by Buddha in the Sanskrit Texts (and translated to Tibetan in the Kangyur), became popularized as the 21 Homages or 21 Praises to Tara. When chanted in the original Sanskrit, the 21 Praises to Tara are 21 potent and powerful Dharanis (long-form mantras)....
By Payal Seth and Tanzin Dakpa (Author bio and end of this feature.) We need love. Science has proven it. After birth, the mother’s physical touch is the key factor in developing the brain properly. Child neurologist and neuroscientist, Tallie Baram has found that a mother’s caress triggers activity that improves cognition...
Why do many Buddhist teachers describe Vajrayogini as the one practice for our busy, hectic, terrifying times which can lead us, in one lifetime, to Enlightenment? Why is Vajrayogini the Sarva Buddha Dakini — the Dakini who is the essence of all the Buddhas and Dakinis? What are the ten benefits of...
"Green Tara is especially swift in granting the wishes of sentient beings. Tara is also known as the “Mother of all Buddhas” because she embodies wisdom – all buddhas are born from this wisdom." —Lama Zopa Rinpoche [3] Tara day — when we celebrate the wisdom activity of all the Buddhas in...
Mahamudra is the ultimate practice in Tibetan Buddhism in many ways — yet it is profoundly simple. Maitripa, Tilopa's great Mahasiddha student, described Mahāmudrā as: "Mahāmudrā, that which is unified and beyond the mind, is clear yet thoughtless, pervasive, and vast like space. Its aspect of great compassion is apparent yet devoid...
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,...
The peerless teaching in Mahayana Buddhism is collectively known as the Three Principal Paths. These three are Renunciation, Bodhichitta and Shunyata. Together, they represent the most important teachings. Inevitably, all teachings begin — and later reinforce over-and over — these vital teachings of the Buddha. Today, many of these teachings are available...
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...
Vajrayana Buddhist teachers are universal in their enthusiasm for White Tara. Almost every teacher has real-life stories of people close to them who have been helped by White Tara, especially for health and auspiciousness. In fact, when we wish our teachers long, healthy life, White Tara is most often the practice we...
Four weeks ago, I took what I thought was a routine heart stress test — only to be rushed to the hospital by ambulance halfway through my test. A few days later, I would see Tara standing beside my hospital bed. I wasn't even going to do the stress test — but...
When all is well with the world, and you're in peak health, it's probably enough to eat well, exercise, and see a family doctor once a year. But, if that annual doctor's visit brings dreaded news, a diagnosis of a serious disease or condition, your doctor will probably refer to a specialist....
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?...
Tibetan Buddhists often start and end their days with the 21 Praises to Tara — the Mother of All the Buddhas. Tara, who represents the activity of all the Buddhas is the fastest, surest way to bring blessings into our lives. Singing the praise to the 21 aspects of Tara helps us...
For many Vajrayana Buddhists, nothing is more difficult than generating (creating) a detailed, stable and complete visualization. Yet, at the same time, it is vital, as explained by Kunkhyen Tenpe Nyima: This is one of the primary functions of the development stage; it is a unique method that allows one to practice...
Why do we call Prajnaparamita — and Her Emanations, such as Tara — the Mother of the Buddhas? Is Prajnaparamita a Sutra or a Goddess or both? Venerable Zasep Rinpoche explained, "Prajnaparamita means 'The Perfection of Wisdom’ in Mahayana Buddhism. Prajnaparamita refers to the perfected way of seeing the nature of all reality. ...
Zazen is a type of meditation that is central to Zen Buddhism, and first taught by Shakyamuni Buddha as an insight practice — and it's good for nothing! Just sit. That is all. Don't get us wrong, it's good for you, for your mind, your health, your stress. But — the goal...
Green Tara is famous for her windy activity — faster than the fiercest hurricane — sweeping to the rescue of sentient beings. In Vajrayana Buddhism, Female Buddhas represent Wisdom. Tara represents the unique and awesome intersection of Activity and Wisdom. Wisdom, without applying it in action, is just philosophy. Activity, without wisdom,...
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...
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...
Avalokitesvara is the metaphorical rock star of the Bodhisattvas. "Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, is one of the most important and popular Buddhist deities," writes Karen Andres in Tibetan Contemplative Traditions. [1] "Avalokitesvara is the personification of compassion... Even the Buddhas cannot estimate Avalokitesvara's merit. It is said that just thinking of...
Angeli Lhadripa Shkonda's artistic vision focuses her beautiful artistic skills on her beloved Tara Buddha. Taught by traditional teachers, Angeli creates thangkas that are luminous with Enlightened energy, alive with colour and detail and discrete gold details. We are pleased to showcase her beautiful 21 Taras artwork — in the tradition of...
Compassion comes in many forms. Sometimes we need a friend. Sometimes we need a protective warrior. Sometimes, a fierce kick in the rear (metaphorically). And sometimes we need to reduce our obstacles to Dharma practice. Chenrezig, the Lord of Compassion, emanates in countless forms to help all sentient beings, including a "good...
Committing ourselves to the teachings with faith and devotion is the cornerstone of everything else we would accomplish through the practice of this path— higher rebirth, or a safe direction for all our lives, accomplishing the individual liberation vows, and the bodhisattva vows and activities. We can strengthen our dedication, and everything...
"We are extraordinarily adept at taking refuge, the problem is we take refuge in the wrong things." writes noted Buddhist teacher and psychologist Rob Preece, in his breakthrough book, Preparing for Tantra. [1] Rob Preece explains what he means by "wrong things": "We take refuge from our stress, our emotional problems, and our...
Thich Nhat Hanh: "The notion of death cannot be applied to reality." The great teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, who passed away at 00:00hrs on 22nd January, 2022, at the age of 95, often wrote about impermanence, with an optimistic take on death: "When you look a cloud... and then later the cloud...
The vivid and visceral imagery of Chod Practice — where you visualize offering your own body to all sentient beings, chopped up into grisly bits, and presented in a human skull — can lead to extreme misunderstanding. Teachings such as Chod are advanced and profoundly effective practices that help us "cut" our ego,...
"The source of blessings is the lama, the source of accomplishment is the yidam, and the source of activities is the dakinis." — Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava Yidam is a method — usually a defined system of practices — rather than just a "deity" — as clearly stated by the great Lotus Born...
What advice do you have for students who have difficulties visualizing their Yidam to help them improve clarity and stabilization? Can you speak about how to pick a personal Yidam for your practice? [Transcript below video] Note: In Vajrayana advanced meditation, the student activates the mind's enlightened qualities by visualizing him/herself to...
Many of Buddha's teachings focus directly on overcoming our fears. In fact, when Buddha sat under the Bodhi tree to meditate on Enlightenment, he wrestled with Mara, the personification of fear. The source of fear Most of our fear and stress derives from what are known as the five poisons (kleshas) of:...
Deity Yoga in Tibetan Buddhism is very often misunderstood. In apparent contradiction to the implied meaning of "deity" — which is really a mistranslation of the Sanskrit "deva" — there might, in fact, be more science than superstition to the practices of deities. It's a ridiculous notion, I know, but one I...
"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,...
In Mahayana Buddhism, one Nyung Nye two-day intensive practice is considered to be as effective as three months of any other purification practice. It is also considered to be a very effective "healing practice." [1] It combines the purifying practices of taking precepts, prostrations, fasting and silent meditation on day two, sadhanas...
Science, and in particular the medical profession, has long accepted the positive benefits of many forms or meditation. Many studies across decades of research have proven meditation is simply good for the body—and your health. A study from the National University of Singapore, attempts to differentiate the relative benefits of different types...
"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...
Psychologically, in modern times, we resist the concept of the bow or prostration. It is considered demeaning. Even the very idea of "bowing" causes our pride to flare up. This is, in fact, its main purpose, at least as a foundation practice in Buddhism. To humble our pride. To trample on our...
Why is Maha Rakta Ganapati recommended by Buddhist Teachers as the remover of obstacles — the protector of prosperity? What makes Ganapati a spiritual superstar? Why is Ganesha so loved around the world? In Buddhism, what makes his practice unique and powerful? We answer these questions and more in this in-depth feature....
What is a mala? Why is a mala special? What difference does it make how many beads, the size of beads or the color? Does a mala have to be blessed? How do you use it? Ask a Zen or Chan Buddhist, and the practitioner casually say, "It's just for counting, nothing...
BEAUTIFUL ENGLISH 21 PRAISES TO TARA in equal beats with a lovely melody and stunning art by Ben Christian for Green Tara and V.V. Sapar for the 21 Taras. Praise to the Mantra: Homage to Tara the Swift and Courageous, You drive away all our fears with TUTTARE, Saviouress fulfilling all aims...
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...
I saw a sparkling moment of real Doggy Dharma last weekend. At a Medicine Buddha retreat, a nice couple brought along their beloved 15 month-old pup. My kind teacher, Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, smiled as they lifted the pup for a blessing after the teachings. I had brought along my bell and vajra...
In Buddhism, we tend to use the word "practice" for our meditation sessions. Contrary to the cliche of the seated vajra-posture, eyes half-closed in contemplation, most "practices" involve activities: prostration, sutra or mantra recitation (speech), drumming, chanting, chiming, performing mudras — even dancing. In Zen, these activities might include sutra recitation, fish...
" The eightfold path is often represented as a wheel with eight spokes. Pick a wheel with just one or two and it won't take you very far." — Mark Vernon [13] "Some traditional Buddhist teachers tend to serve "Dharma-Lite" like "Coca-Cola Lite," rather than "the Real Thing" Dharma," said Alexander Berzin...
In two recent Buddha Weekly advice videos, teacher Zasep Tulku Rinpoche explained that mindfulness meditation and loving-kindness meditations were among the best therapies for bereavement, stress, cognitive issues, memory loss, and even Alzheimer's. (Bereavement Video>> and Cognitive Video>>) Perhaps not surprisingly, peer-reviewed medical studies may corroborate this claim made by Buddhists for...
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