Category Mahāyāna

Mahāyāna is a term for a broad group of Buddhist traditions, texts, philosophies, and practices.

Mahāyāna Buddhism developed in India and is considered one of the two main existing branches of Buddhism.

Categories included in Mahāyāna

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Exploring the teachings of Buddhist Sutras through the 84000 project

Jul

2024

Literature, Mahāyāna, Sutras Himalayas Life

The 84000 project is a significant endeavor in making Buddhist sutras accessible through meticulous translation and scholarly annotation. Rooted in a deep academic approach, it offers invaluable insights into the diverse teachings of Buddhism, focusing on texts that span various traditions and themes essential to both novice practitioners and advanced scholars alike. Academic Rigor and Methodology One of the distinctive features of 84000 is its rigorous methodology in translation. Unlike many other projects, it places a strong .

Lukhang Temple mural depicting Dzogchen anuyoga practices such as tummo which work with the subtle body channels

List of well-known Dzogchen Teachers

Jul

2024

Rinpoche, Vajrayāna

In the realm of contemporary Dogzen teachers, a diverse array of masters and practitioners offer profound teachings and guidance worldwide. Introduction to Dzogchen Teachings Dzogchen, often referred to as the "Great Perfection," is a profound teaching and meditation practice within Tibetan Buddhism. It emphasizes direct realization of one's true nature, known as rigpa, beyond conceptual frameworks and intellectual understanding. Considered the pinnacle of spiritual attainment, Dzogchen teaches that every being possesses intrinsic wisdom and purity, which can be .

The 25 disciples of Padmasambhava

Oct

2023

Bodhisattvas, Dharma, Vajrayāna

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 .

Kuījī, also known as Ji, an exponent of Yogācāra, was a Chinese monk and a prominent disciple of Xuanzang. His posthumous name was Cí'ēn dàshī, The Great Teacher of Cien Monastery, after the Daci'en Temple or Great Monastery of Compassionate Grace, which was located in Chang'an, the main capital of the Tang Dynasty. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda was built in Daci'en Temple in 652. According to biographies, he was sent to the imperial translation bureau headed by Xuanzang, from whom he later would learn Sanskrit, Abhidharma, and Yogācāra.

The nature of reality, consciousness and compassion

Sep

2023

Bodhisattvas, Mahāyāna Himalayas Life

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

Aug

2023

Avalokiteśvara, Dharma, Vajrayāna sadiksha

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 .

Nagarjuna with Manjushri (top right) and Dorje Shugden (bottom right)

A glimpse of Madhyamaka philosophical currents

Sep

2022

Dharma, Mahāyāna

Mādhyamaka thought had a major influence on the subsequent development of the Mahāyāna Buddhist tradition. It is for instance the dominant interpretation of Buddhist philosophy in Tibetan Buddhism and has also been influential in East Asian Buddhist .

Dalai Lama speaking on the first day of his teaching on Chandrakirti 2022

The Dalai Lama’s views on the Madhyamaka

Sep

2022

Dharma, Mahāyāna Himalayas Life

This article is about the Dalai Lama's thoughts on the The Madhyamaka also referred as "Middle Way". It is based on the belief that all things are interconnected and interdependent, and that therefore no one thing can be considered in isolation. The Dalai Lama's views on the "Middle Way" This article discusses the Dalai Lama's views on the Middle Way Approach, a philosophy which advocates for a balanced and moderate approach to life. While addressing the congregation at the .

The Tantric Phurba – A protective ritual dagger

Sep

2022

Tantrism, Vajrayāna sadiksha

The phurba is a ritual dagger used in Tantric practices. It is used to protect against negative energies and to promote positive change. The phurba is not to be used for violence or harm, and should only be used for ritual purposes. It is a powerful tool for protection and should be used with care and respect. Origin of Phurba in Tibet The renowned Buddhist master Padmasambhava, who was initiated by the Indian sage Prabhahastin, is said .

A scroll painting of Saraha, surrounded by other Mahāsiddhas, probably 18th century and now in the British Museum

The Mahamudra Practice – Unveiling the True Nature of the Mind

Sep

2022

Meditation, Tantrism, Vajrayāna Himalayas Life

Mahamudra is a form of Tibetan Buddhism that emphasizes the nature of mind. In Mahamudra, practitioners aim to see the true nature of their minds, which is said to be empty and open. Origin of the Mahamudra Practice The main text of Mahamudra is "The Root Text of the Middle Way" by the Indian master Nagarjuna (not to be confused with the earlier philosopher). The actual practice and lineage of mahāmudrā can be traced back to wandering mahasiddhas or great .

Spreading the sunlight of the teachings of the two knowledges, Lord Chökyi Jungne, I supplicate you.

The lineage & incarnations of Kenting Tai Situpa

Sep

2022

Biography, Rinpoche, Vajrayāna

The lineage of the Kenting Tai situpas can be traced to one of the main disciples of the Goutama Buddha, the Bodhisattva Maitreya. Since that time there have been a successive chain of incarnations, whose achievements are recorded in Sanskrit, Chinese and Tibetan annals, a direct lineage that continues to the present day. Origin of the Kenting Tai situpa lineage There are twelve incarnations crowned as Kenting Tai Situ till now. Furthermore, according to some historical records and .