Art, History, and Heritage
Buddhistdoor Global (BDG)
Tara Brach
The enigmatic blend of rationality and devotion in Buddhism
At first, Buddhism appears to be an enigma. On the one hand, it is highly logical and rational, without any dogmatic beliefs.
On the other hand, when we come into contact with its teachings, we find that it includes religious ideals, doctrines beyond our understanding, and a program of training that emphasizes faith and discourages doubt.
Empirical approach vs spiritual viewpoint
When we attempt to understand our own bond with the Dhamma, we eventually face .
Cultivating inner enlightenment potential through the Tathāgatagarbha
Within the realm of Buddhist philosophy, the teachings of the Buddha are not confined to esoteric doctrines and spiritual ideals but are, in fact, deeply rooted in profound insights into the nature of existence and the human condition.
One such exploration is found in the Tathāgatagarbha sūtras and the teachings from the book "Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature" derived from it. This book stands as the third volume in The Library of Wisdom and .
Origin of Yoga and its connection with Buddhism
Nowadays, you can find yoga classes in nearly every city, and there are numerous online platforms that facilitate practicing yoga at home.
Yoga involves a combination of physical postures and breath work, which can be either static or flowing, slow or fast.
Historical origins of Yoga
It is essential to understand the core essence and purpose of yoga and its historical origins.
This history offers valuable insights into the cultural context during which the Buddha lived and .
The 25 disciples of Padmasambhava
The 25 disciples of Padmasambhava also called as Guru Rinpoche were instrumental in the spread of Buddha's teachings throughout Tibet. They emerged as masters, having achieved great wisdom, understanding, and success.
These Mahasiddhas are believed to have special future incarnations due to their connection with Padmasambhava's terma treasures.
To this day, these disciples continue to be reborn as Tertons, imparting the teachings of Padmasambhava in a contemporary and authentic way to new .
Samatha as a preparatory stage for Vipassanā
Samatha meditation is commonly seen as a foundational practice, serving as a preparatory step for more advanced forms of meditation, including Vipassanā. It plays a crucial role in calming the mind and reducing distractions, making it easier for practitioners to progress in their spiritual journey.
Vipassanā, on the other hand, is considered an advanced practice that directly addresses the insight and wisdom components of the Buddhist path.
It is often undertaken after a foundation in .
Buddhist Rituals – A captivating fusion of materiality and spirituality
Buddhist rituals have long been a subject of fascination and inquiry. They encompass a rich tapestry of practices, from meditation and chanting to offerings and ceremonies. Beyond their surface, these rituals are deeply intertwined with materiality, forming a complex and meaningful relationship that merits exploration.
On the surface, Buddhism emphasizes detachment from the material world, yet its rituals employ material objects and sensory experiences to enhance the spiritual journey. This apparent contradiction is a central .
The nature of reality, consciousness and compassion
Imagine you're in a room filled with mirrors, each reflecting a slightly different version of yourself. As you look around, it's challenging to determine which reflection is the real "you".
Are you the image closest to the mirror's surface, or is the true "you" hidden within the depths of the glass?
This intriguing scenario mirrors a fundamental philosophical question that has puzzled scholars and thinkers for centuries: the nature of reality and perception.
The Bodhisattva's .
108 Verses Praising Great Compassion By Lama Lobsang Tayang
This translation of 108 Verses Praising is of the renowned Mongolian Lama Lobsang Tayang's work. He was a highly esteemed interpreter of the Gelugpa tradition, and his writings cover a wide range of Tibetan literature, Tantra, logic and philosophy.
About Lama Lobsang Tayang
Geshe Lobsang Tayang was born in 1867 in the Gobi desert, was renowned for his vast knowledge of Buddhism. He was compared to the Indian pandit Ashvagosha, author of the “50 Verses .
Renowned female Buddhist spiritual leaders
The rise of Buddhism in the world has provided women with a chance to take on new roles in the Buddhist tradition.
Women have become more involved in movements to restore the ordination lineages for nuns in the Theravada and Vajrayana traditions.
This has been a major part of the transformation of Buddhism globally, as women are now seen more often as practitioners and teachers.
While Asian Buddhist women have already made their mark in Buddhist history, .
The two truths within Buddhist philosophy
In this video Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu asserts that the Buddha taught two aspects of reality: the conceptual and the ultimate.
The conceptual aspect involves using language and concepts to help people understand reality, such as using the concepts of self or existence.
The ultimate aspect, however, refers to the true nature of reality, which according to Yuttadhammo, is the world as we experience it.
Yuttadhammo believes that this teaching can help individuals understand and manage .