Mahamudra is one of the most advanced teachings of the Buddha. Mahamudra is composed of two Sanskrit words, maha, and mudra. Maha is easy to translate: it means “great” or “big.” Mudra has many different meanings: sign, symbol, gesture, seal, and so on. Mahamudra can be translated as “great seal,”,
In the vast and profound landscape of Tibetan Buddhism, one finds the majestic teachings of Dzogchen, a path of wisdom and realization that transcends ordinary conceptions of self and reality. Rooted in the ancient traditions of Nyingma and Bön, Dzogchen has flourished over the centuries, embraced by various schools and
The Bodhisattva of Compassion stands as a beacon of empathy and altruism, revered across Buddhist traditions under a multitude of names that echo through the corridors of time and geography. In China, the compassionate deity is known as Guanyin, embodying the essence of mercy and grace. Japanese Buddhists invoke the
In the realm of human experience, both waking and dreaming, lies a profound truth: all that we perceive, feel, and encounter is underpinned by a subtle yet potent force known as prana. Referred to as “lung” in Tibetan and prana in Sanskrit, this vital energy flows through intricate channels within
In this article, we embark on an immersive journey delving into the rich tapestry of history and controversy surrounding the Panchen Lama—a revered spiritual leader deeply entrenched in the intricate fabric of Tibetan Buddhism. From the hallowed halls of ancient monasteries to the corridors of modern geopolitics, the saga of
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
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.
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
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
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
The Wheel of Life is a mandala—a complex picture representing the Buddhist view of the universe. To Buddhists, existence is a cycle of life, death, rebirth, and suffering from which they seek complete liberation. The six major sections represent the Six Realms, each depicting different states of existence. In each realm,
The Tibetan term “chöd” translates to “cutting off” or “slaying.” It refers to a traditional Buddhist practice where individuals offer their own bodies to frightening demons. Through Chöd, practitioners aim to break free from self-centeredness and the belief in a fixed, independent identity. Chöd involves symbolically offering one’s body, often
