About Holy Cross - Centre for Christian Meditation and Spirituality

The Holy Cross - Centre for Christian Meditation and Spirituality is an institution of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Limburg, Germany. It is based at the Holy Cross Church in Frankfurt-Bornheim and is dedicated to services, contemplation, meditation, retreats, counseling, and other events such as concerts.

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 .

The Art of cultivating stillness

Jan

2024

Culture, Meditation Himalayas Life

In Asian meditation 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 Himalayan monks, 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 .

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 .

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, .

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 .

Meditation Practices – To train the attention of mind & teach compassion

Aug

2022

Meditation

Meditation can be defined as a practice where an individual uses a technique, such as focusing their mind on a particular object, thought or activity, to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state. Meditation has been practiced since antiquity in numerous religious traditions and beliefs. The earliest records of meditation (dhyana) are found in the Upanishads of Hindu philosophy, and meditation plays a salient role in the contemplative repertoire of Buddhism and Hinduism. Since the .