About Anagarika Dharmapala

Anagārika Dharmapāla, born on September 17, 1864 and passing away on April 29, 1933, was a prominent figure in the revival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. He is recognized for being the first global Buddhist missionary, a key contributor to non-violent Sinhalese Buddhist nationalism, a leading figure in the movement for Sri Lankan independence from British rule, and a pioneer in the resurgence of Buddhism in India after a long period of decline. He was also the first modern Buddhist to spread the teachings of Dhamma across three continents: Asia, North America, and Europe. Alongside Henry Steel Olcott and Helena Blavatsky, founders of the Theosophical Society, Anagārika Dharmapāla played a significant role in reforming and revitalizing Sinhala Buddhism and promoting its influence in the West. Additionally, he inspired a large-scale movement among South Indian Dalits, including Tamils, to convert to Buddhism, decades before B. R. Ambedkar. Later in life, he became a Buddhist monk known as Venerable Sri Devamitta Dharmapala.
Anagārika Dharmapāla, born on September 17, 1864 and passing away on April 29, 1933, was a prominent figure in the revival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. He is recognized for being the first global Buddhist missionary, a key contributor to non-violent Sinhalese Buddhist nationalism, a leading figure in the movement for Sri Lankan independence from British rule, and a pioneer in the resurgence of Buddhism in India after a long period of decline. He was also the first modern Buddhist to spread the teachings of Dhamma across three continents: Asia, North America, and Europe. Alongside Henry Steel Olcott and Helena Blavatsky, founders of the Theosophical Society, Anagārika Dharmapāla played a significant role in reforming and revitalizing Sinhala Buddhism and promoting its influence in the West. Additionally, he inspired a large-scale movement among South Indian Dalits, including Tamils, to convert to Buddhism, decades before B. R. Ambedkar. Later in life, he became a Buddhist monk known as Venerable Sri Devamitta Dharmapala.
Tibetan (Citipati mask depicting Mahākāla

Dharmapalas – Defenders of the Justice

18
Jul
2022
Deities, Dharmapalas‎, Vajrayāna
A dharmapāla is a type of wrathful god in Buddhism. The name means "dharma protector" in Sanskrit, and the dharmapālas are also known as the Defenders of the Justice (Dharma), or the Guardians of the Law. There are two kinds of , Worldly Guardians () and Wisdom Protectors (jnanapala). Only Wisdom Protectors are enlightened beings. In Vajrayana iconography and thangka depictions, dharmapala are fearsome beings, often with many heads, many hands, or many feet. Dharmapala .
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Exploring the teachings of Buddhist Sutras through the 84000 project

Exploring the teachings of Buddhist Sutras through the 84000 project

17
Jul
2024
Literature, Mahāyāna, Sutras
The 84000 project is a significant endeavor in making accessible through meticulous translation and scholarly annotation. Rooted in a deep academic approach, it offers invaluable insights into the diverse of , 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 .
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The Art of cultivating stillness

The Art of cultivating stillness

13
Jan
2024
Culture, Meditation
In Asian and movement practices, stillness is not just the absence of movement, it is seen as a powerful presence that infuses movement with depth and significance. An integral part of the movement It is truly captivating when , Noh actor, bugaku dancers or Balinese dancers pause in their performances because the stillness they exhibit is an integral part of the movement itself. This can be observed in Japanese Noh actors and Sufi dervishes .
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Amitabha Buddha Buddhist Thangka Painting

The enigmatic blend of rationality and devotion in Buddhism

4
Nov
2023
Culture
At first, 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 , we find that it includes , 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 .
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Cultivating inner enlightenment potential through the Tathāgatagarbha

27
Oct
2023
Culture
Within the realm of , the of the 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 and the teachings from the book ", , and " derived from it. This book stands as the third volume in The Library of and .
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Origin of Yoga and its connection with Buddhism

21
Oct
2023
Dharma, Yoga
Nowadays, you can find 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 , which can be either static or flowing, slow or fast. Historical origins of Yoga It is essential to understand the core and purpose of yoga and its historical origins. This offers valuable insights into the cultural context during which the lived and .
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Avalokiteshvara Thangka Painting

Samatha as a preparatory stage for Vipassanā

14
Oct
2023
Meditation
is commonly seen as a foundational practice, serving as a preparatory step for more advanced of , including Vipassanā. It plays a crucial role in calming the 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 components of the . It is often undertaken after a foundation in .
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Chinese Early Qing Dynasty "Water and Land Ritual" Painting, 17th Century

Buddhist Rituals – A captivating fusion of materiality and spirituality

7
Oct
2023
Culture
have long been a subject of fascination and inquiry. They encompass a rich of practices, from and chanting to and ceremonies. Beyond their surface, these are deeply intertwined with materiality, forming a complex and meaningful relationship that merits exploration. On the surface, 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 .
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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

19
Sep
2023
Bodhisattvas, Mahāyāna
Imagine you're in a room filled with , 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 . The 's .
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108 Verses Praising Great Compassion By Lama Lobsang Tayang

21
Aug
2023
Avalokiteśvara, Dharma, Vajrayāna
This translation of 108 Verses Praising is of the renowned Lobsang Tayang's . He was a highly esteemed interpreter of the Gelugpa tradition, and his writings cover a wide range of literature, , logic and . About Lama Lobsang Tayang was born in 1867 in the Gobi desert, was renowned for his vast of . He was compared to the Indian pandit Ashvagosha, author of the “50 Verses .
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