About Bhikkhuni Dr. Lee

Bhikkhuni Dr. Lee, a co-founder from the U.S., along with Rattanavali, a Bhikkhuni, established the Outstanding Women in Buddhism Awards. The concept for these awards was conceived in March 2001 following the attendance of the nuns at two events: the Outstanding Women’s Awards in Thailand organized by Dr. Suteera Vichitranonda, Director of the Gender and Development Research Institute supported by a UNIFEM grant from the United Nations, and a keynote address given by Venerable Bhikkhuni Dr. Lee at the United Nations to commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8, 2001.

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 .

Amitabha Buddha Buddhist Thangka Painting

The enigmatic blend of rationality and devotion in Buddhism

Nov

2023

Culture Himalayas Life

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 .

Origin of Yoga and its connection with Buddhism

Oct

2023

Dharma, Yoga Himalayas Life

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 .

Samatha as a preparatory stage for Vipassanā

Oct

2023

Meditation Himalayas Life

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 .

Chinese Early Qing Dynasty "Water and Land Ritual" Painting, 17th Century

Buddhist Rituals – A captivating fusion of materiality and spirituality

Oct

2023

Culture Himalayas Life

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 .

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 .

Acarya Bhavaviveka converting a nonbeliever to buddhism

Bhāviveka – The founder of the Svātantrika tradition of the Mādhyamaka school

Jan

2023

Dharma Himalayas Life

Bhāviveka, also known as Bhavya or Bhāvaviveka, was a 6th century Madhyamaka Buddhist. In Tibetan Buddhism, Bhāviveka is considered the founder of the Svātantrika tradition of the Mādhyamaka school, which is considered to be an antagonist of the Prāsaṅgika Madhyamaka. The Madhyamaka school The Madhyamaka school, also known as the "Middle Way" school, is a major tradition within Indian Mahayana Buddhism. The Madhyamaka philosophy, as propounded by the Indian master Nāgārjuna in the 2nd century, asserts .

The Spiritual Athlete’s Path to Enlightenment

Jan

2023

Monks Himalayas Life

Throughout this world, there are many mysterious and amazing feats that can be found. People are capable of doing most incredible things that we have never deemed possible. Only by truly believing in ourselves can we accomplish what were thought as impossible goals. Marathon Monks of Mount Hiei In Mount Hiei of Japan, there can be found a small group of monks who live in a monastery and can accomplish many remarkable challenges. This mountain had .

The Tibetan Lung-gom-pa runners

Dec

2022

Monks Himalayas Life

Lung-gom-pa is an esoteric skill in Tibetan Buddhism that is believed to enable practitioners to run for extended periods of time without tiring. This technique is similar to those used by Kaihōgyō monks in Japan and practitioners of Shugendō. Like so much about Tibet, Lung-gom-pa running remains something of an enigma. Enlightenment through physical endurance Lung-gom-pa, also known as "tibetan marathon runners," is a form of spiritual training within Tibetan Buddhism. This practice involves intensive spiritual training, .

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 .