How to practice Mantra Meditation?
What is mantra? Some people associate mantras with magical phrases that grant wishes, while others view chanting them as a form of prayer or devotion. Nowadays, political parties and commercial brands often promote their “mantras” as catchy slogans, but this is not their original purpose in Buddhist practice. In Buddhism, mantras serve as powerful tools […]
Understanding Time in the Buddhist Universe
Exploring the Concept of Kalpa in Buddhist Cosmology Within the rich tapestry of Buddhist cosmology, time is measured in units known as Kalpas. Derived from Sanskrit, Kalpa signifies a vast period, encompassing the cyclical process of creation and destruction in Hindu and Buddhist cosmologies. Understanding the Magnitude of Kalpas A Kalpa represents the duration between […]
Short Biography Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche
Chagdud Rinpoche was born in Eastern Tibet in 1930, the son of Dawa Drolma, one of the re-nowned female lamas of that time. His mother was a famous delog, one who had died, traveled throughout the realms of samsara and the pure realms and returned to life. His father and stepfather were Gelugpa lamas, his mother’s […]
White Tara: Benefits, Symbolism, Mantra
According to Buddhist tradition, Tara’s origins trace back to the tears of compassion shed by the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Legend holds that as Avalokiteshvara gazed upon the suffering world, his tears formed a lake from which a lotus emerged, revealing the goddess Tara. White Tara, in particular, is said to have arisen from the tears of […]
Understanding Transcendental Meditation (TM)
The technique has been described as both religious and non-religious, as an aspect of a new religious movement, as rooted in Hinduism, and as a non-religious practice for self-development.
Diligence and Six Paramitas of Tibetan Buddhism
Joyful perseverance or diligence in Buddhism Diligence or Vīrya (Sanskrit) is one of the six paramitas or perfections that is so important for everything we do. It is said to be the engine for all the other five perfections, the engine that makes everything work. “From this very moment on, I will use this precious human […]
Exploring the Depths of Patience: The Third Paramita of the Bodhisattva Path
In the journey of spiritual development within Mahayana Buddhism, the practice of the Six Paramitas plays a crucial role in nurturing the qualities necessary for achieving enlightenment, not just for oneself but for the benefit of all beings. Among these practices, the third Paramita—Patience, or Khanti—stands out for its profound transformative potential in our interactions […]
Generosity in Buddhism
“If with kindly generosity One merely has the wish to soothe The aching heads of other beings, Such merit knows no bounds.” The Way of the Bodhisattva: Shantideva Six perfection of Bodhisattva The six perfections are (1) generosity, (2) morality, (3) patience, (4) vigor/diligence, (5) concentration, and (6) wisdom. This list was expanded to complement […]
Are You Spiritual But Not Religious?
In a world where spirituality often intersects with rigid religious structures, Buddhism emerges as a beacon of introspection and personal transformation. Rooted in the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, this ancient path offers profound insights into the human condition, devoid of dogma or divine authority. Here are seven compelling reasons why Buddhism holds […]
Building a Meditation Altar at Home
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, carving out a space for stillness and contemplation can be a transformative act. For those embarking on the journey of meditation, establishing a dedicated meditation altar within the sanctuary of one’s home can serve as a profound anchor for daily practice. Here’s a comprehensive guide to crafting […]