Vajrayana Buddhism Association - CA
About Enlightenment
Enlightenment in Buddhism refers to the ultimate state of spiritual awakening and liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara).
It is the highest and most profound realization of the truth of existence, which transcends all limitations of the ego and leads to the attainment of perfect peace, wisdom, and compassion.
Enlightenment is achieved through the practice of the Eightfold Path, which includes Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.
Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition
The Conversation
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 .
The Spiritual Athlete’s Path to Enlightenment
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 .
Buddha’s Teachings on Enlightenment and Nirvana
According to Shakyamuni Buddha enlightenment is comprehension of the nature of reality which produced a complete freedom from all suffering.
The nature of the reality he taught involves the principle that all things are ultimately relative. Everything arises from causes and conditions, therefore, nothing whatsoever exists naturally or by way of its own heritage. The innate inconsideration of oneself and other experience being truly existent gives rise to desire, hate, envy, and the other ills of .
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 .
The 1000-day pilgrimage around Mount Hiei
The Kaihōgyō is a 1000-day pilgrimage around Mount Hiei, which takes seven years to complete on foot.
It is a ritual performed by monks, or gyoja, in the Tendai sect. The journey is equivalent to a trip around the globe and is traditionally seen as a way for monks to offer prayers to the Buddhas and for the well-being of others.
Only 46 monks have survived the ritual since it began in 1885, and those who are .
The Tibetan Lung-gom-pa runners
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, .
The Mahamudra Practice – Unveiling the True Nature of the Mind
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 .
Buddhist monuments and the Kings of Patan
Long time ago, King Sarvananda of Dipavati invited sages around the country for distributing alms. Dipankara Buddha, a Buddha who reached enlightenment prior to Gautama Buddha, was also invited. However, instead of visiting the palace, Dipankara Buddha visited a nearby hut belonging to an old lady.
In late 2021, a 1400-year-old stone inscription was discovered in front of the Bhimsen Temple at Patan Durbar. It was kept there by Lichhavi ruler Anshu Verma. The inscription .