Dealing with Fear
We all think that fear is awful and painful, yet the Buddhists—the master psychologists for thousands of years—don’t include fear in the long list of mental afflictions contained in the core teachings on Buddhist psychology. Fear is a healthy thing, in general. It is awareness of danger. Fear is protective; it’s what helps us to […]
The Bardo State – The State Between Death and Life
The bardo—or the “in-between”—has come to describe the transitional state between death and rebirth, but its qualities also characterize the gap arising between any two states. In Tibetan Buddhism, bardo is the central theme of the Bardo Thodol (literally Liberation Through Hearing During the Intermediate State), or the Tibetan Book of the Dead. The period […]
Meditation in Theravada Buddhism
Three Main Methods of Meditation in Theravada Buddhism There are three primary methods of meditation: “Calm meditation” or Samatha as a primary practice “Insight meditation” or Vipassana as a primary practice, and “Calm & insight meditation” the combination of Samatha and Vipassana What is Samatha Meditation? Samatha meditation refers to a practice aimed at achieving […]
Tibetan Buddhism for Beginners: Fastest Way To Enlightenment
Despite the proliferation of Tibetan Buddhist teachers and significant monastic institutions beyond Asia, a considerable number of individuals still find Tibetan Buddhism to be profoundly difficult to understand.
Mastering Tibetan Buddhism proves to be a formidable challenge, often requiring years of dedicated study or even spanning lifetimes to grasp its essence.
Women in Mahayana Buddhism
What is Mahayana Buddhism? Mahayana Buddhism, one of the major branches of Buddhism, emerged around the first century CE as a reformist movement seeking to expand upon the teachings of the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. Literally translated as the “Great Vehicle,” Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the ideal of bodhisattva, beings who strive for enlightenment not only […]
A Guide to Temple Etiquette in China and Taiwan: Navigating the Sacred Space
Visiting temples in China or Taiwan immerses you in a profound cultural and spiritual experience, rooted in centuries-old traditions. Whether you’re there to pray, meditate, or simply to soak in the atmosphere, respecting temple etiquette not only shows reverence for the local culture but also enhances your experience. This guide provides a straightforward overview of […]
Exploring the Complexities of “Buddhist Violence”
In an era marked by widespread violence and conflict, the notion of “Buddhist violence” may strike some as paradoxical, even contradictory to the teachings of compassion and non-violence associated with Buddhism. Yet, in recent years, incidents of violence involving Buddhist individuals and communities have brought this issue to the forefront of global consciousness. From the […]
Embodying Morality and Ethics: The Path of Dharma in Buddhism
Buddhism, with its rich tapestry of spiritual and ethical teachings, offers a profound path to enlightenment that is deeply interwoven with the principles of morality and ethics. Central to this path is the understanding that following the Dharma, or the Buddhist teachings, is not a mere act of blind adherence but an engagement that requires […]
Medicine Buddha Mantra Meditation
Spiritual practice for curing mental and physical diseases If you truly love yourself and others, if you wish to bring happiness to yourself and others, enjoy life, and have success, this mantra meditation is for you. Who is Medicine Buddha? The Medicine Buddha, known as Bhaisajyaguru in Sanskrit, embodies the healing aspect of the Buddha’s […]
Tibetan Prayer Wheels
Prayer wheels are common religious objects in Tibetan Buddhism, primarily used by Buddhists in Tibet and Nepal. Hand-held prayer wheels, carried by pilgrims and other devotees, are turned during devotional activities. A hand-held prayer wheel is a hollow cylinder, made of wood or metal, attached to a handle. The mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” is […]
The Role of the Dalai Lama in Tibetan Buddhism
The Dalai Lama is more than just a spiritual figurehead for the Tibetan people; he embodies the culmination of spiritual authority and, until 1959, also wielded secular power over Tibet. The residence of the Dalai Lama, prior to the Chinese takeover, was the Potala Palace in Lhasa, reflecting the dual spiritual and political roles of […]
Rainbow Body: Profound Meditation After Death
In early April 2023, Lama Zopa Rinpoche passed away in Nepal at the age of 76. However, his death marked the beginning of an extraordinary posthumous journey. On April 13th, Rinpoche entered a profound state of meditation known as “tukdam,” remaining in this state for more than a day after his physical demise. This phenomenon […]