It Is The Very Mind Itself That Leads The Mind Astray – Of The Mind, Do Not Be Mindless.” – Takuan Soho In the profound words of Takuan Soho, "It is the very mind itself that leads the mind astray – of the mind, do not be mindless." This statement encapsulates a fundamental truth about the human experience: our minds possess incredible power, yet they can also be the source of our greatest challenges. Let's explore this paradox and discover how we can navigate the intricate maze of our minds with clarity and purpose. Our minds are remarkable instruments, capable of creativity, problem-solvin ..read more

Kshanti, or khanti in Pali, is a fundamental concept in both Theravāda and Mahāyāna Buddhism, representing patience, forbearance, and forgiveness. It is regarded as one of the perfections (pāramitā) to be cultivated on the path to enlightenment. Definition and Practice: Kshanti entails the conscious choice to exercise patience and forbearance towards behaviors or situations that may not warrant such tolerance. It is not merely enduring suffering passively but actively giving patience as a gift, regardless of the circumstances. Canonical Sources: Examples from the Pāli canon illustrate the a ..read more

“Only when you can be extremely pliable and soft can you be extremely hard and strong.”– Zen Proverb In a world that often celebrates hardness and rigidity as symbols of strength, the concept of being pliable and soft may seem counterintuitive. However, delve deeper into the wisdom of ancient philosophies like Zen, and you'll uncover a profound truth: true strength lies in the ability to adapt, to bend without breaking, and to embrace flexibility in the face of challenges. The Zen proverb encapsulates this idea eloquently: "Only when you can be extremely pliable and soft can you be extremely ..read more

Tsok, derived from the Sanskrit term "gaṇacakra," is a profound Vajrayana practice involving offering and purification. Practiced particularly on the 10th and 25th days of the Tibetan lunar month, it holds significance in the path to buddhahood. Meaning of Tsok: Tsok embodies the dual processes of accumulating merit and wisdom while purifying obscurations. It's considered an expedited method within Vajrayana, swiftly fostering spiritual progress. Often dubbed the "inner fire offering," it holds deep layers of meaning and can be practiced on various levels. Four Gatherings: Tsok entails f ..read more

In Buddhist tradition, the Twenty-One Taras stand as a celestial chorus, embodying various aspects of compassion, wisdom, and enlightened activity. Originating from the profound tantra known as the ‘Twenty-One Praises of Tara’, spoken by the Buddha Samantabhadra, each Tara represents a unique emanation, color-coded to signify specific activities aimed at benefiting sentient beings. Through the ages, three distinct lineages have preserved and propagated the worship of these divine beings: the Pandita Suryagupta lineage, the Lord Atisha lineage, and the lineage stemming from the Nyingma Lama ..read more

Listen, wealthy and devoted lady,I am a yogin of the luminous awareness that arises of itself.My homeland is primordial purity, the dharmakaya.My father—SamantabhadraMy mother—Samantabhadri,My paternal uncle—Bodhicitta,My priests—the Three Jewels,My maternal uncles—deity and guru,My wife—the lovely shunyata.My children—meditation experiences, realization, and fine qualities.My brothers—devotion and pure perception,My fields—the ten white virtues,My riches—the inexhaustible seven noble qualities,My sister—pure samaya,My neighbor—firm faith,My cousin—great diligence Shabkar Yogi Shabkar's poet ..read more

Khadro-la, the State Medium of the Tenma Oracle, holds a significant role in Tibetan Buddhism as the kuten, or the physical basis, of the Tenma Goddesses, who are Twelve Guardian Deities. Located in Dharamsala, India, Khadro-la serves as an oracle, consulted and honored by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It's worth noting that while the Dalai Lama consults several oracles, the official state oracle of Tibet is the Nechung oracle. In her role, Khadro-la offers prayers and guidance, demonstrating deep guru devotion and humility. One notable instance of her devotion is reflected in her long life ..read more

The concept of samsara, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Buddhism, often evokes feelings of defeatism and pessimism. However, such sentiments arise from a misunderstanding of samsara's role in our lives and its relationship to true happiness. While it may seem that we cannot fix samsara, this perception changes when we recognize that samsara is not synonymous with our lives or reality itself. The Four Noble Truths Revisited: The First Noble Truth acknowledges the presence of suffering in our lives, a truth evident upon honest examination. However, it's crucial to remember that thi ..read more

Though he expresses with manifold variety of chattering, The mind of the Yogi does not depart from the one. In that oneness, there is not even oneness! Therefore, the manifold is also free from any basis. He dwells like a madman, careless and vacant, In effortless conduct, like a baby. … In the state of carefree enjoyment of one’s realization, When the plight of confused beings become evident, Tears come forth through the power of overwhelming compassion. Exchanging self for others, (the Yogi) engages for the benefit of others. – Mahasiddha Shabaripada (Shavaripa) Mahasiddha Shabaripada, al ..read more

Meditation in Tibetan Buddhism is a profound practice aimed at achieving inner peace, clarity, and ultimately enlightenment. Central to this practice is the alignment of the body, the purification of breath, and the cultivation of a tranquil mind. In this article, we'll delve into the intricate techniques and philosophies behind meditation and breath purification in Tibetan Buddhism. 1. Meditation Posture: a. The Seven-Point Posture of Buddha Vairochana: This posture emphasizes proper alignment of the body to ensure stability and comfort during meditation. b. Key elements include sitting wi ..read more