Khyentse Foundation - US
About Nirvana
Nirvana is the earliest and most common term used to describe the goal of the Buddhist path. The literal meaning is "blowing out" or "quenching." It is the ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism and marks the soteriological release from rebirths in samsara.
Venerable Thubten Chodron
Barre Center for Buddhist Studies
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 .
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 8 Stupas in Buddhism
The 8 Stupas in Buddhism are different with each other and represents an important event in Buddha Shakyamuni's life. In his Astamahasthanacaitya-stotras, Nagarjuna connects the eight Stupas to specific events and places in the Buddha's life.
Chorten, Chaitya or Stupa (མཆོད་རྟེན་དཀར་པོ།) is an important religious monument in Buddhism, symbolizing Buddha’s presence. It also holds precious Buddhist relics and sometimes even preserved bodies of renowned lamas. Tibetans believe that performing Koras of the monument is an .
Akshobhya and Shakyamuni Buddha Comparisons
Shakyamuni Buddha and Akshobhya Buddha are both important figures in Buddhism. Both are considered to be enlightened Buddhas who have achieved enlightenment and are revered as teachers of the Dharma.
The main similarity between Shakyamuni Buddha and Akshobhya Buddha is that they both represent the same core teachings of Buddhism. They both emphasize the importance of meditation, mindfulness, and compassion in achieving enlightenment.
Upon initial inspection, Shakyamuni Buddha and Akshobhya Buddha may appear to be alike; .
Deity and Divinities of Nyingma Tradition
Nyingma Tradition is the old school of Tibetan Buddhism is the name given to the followers of those original translations of the teachings of the Buddha into Tibetan.
The Nyingma teachings are divided into the Long Transmission (Tib. ring gyü) of the Kama and the Short Transmission (Tib. nyé gyü) of Terma; other teachings were received by masters directly in Pure Visions (Tib. dak nang) from deities or gurus, in experiences or in dreams.
Particular to .
Shakyamuni Buddha Mantra and Chants
Siddhartha Guatama Buddha, also often referred to as Sakyamuni, was a spiritual teacher upon whose lessons the foundations for Buddhism were formed.
He is regarded as the Supreme Buddha and is the first enlightened individual to be visualized. Despite some confusion from those who do not follow Buddhism, it is important to note that the Buddha was not considered to be a God.
He was rather a mere human, like the rest of us, who was .
Top 50 Books of His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lamas are believed to be an exemplification of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, and therefore the defender of Tibet. Bodhisattvas are realized beings inspired by a wish to achieve Buddhahood for the advantage of all sentient beings, who have vowed to be reborn within the world to assist humanity.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is widely known as Buddhism’s preeminent spiritual master and teacher, embodying the very best aspirations of this .
Explaining God of Compassion Avalokitesvara
Avalokitesvara is a bodhisattva who uses to embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. He is one of the more widely revered bodhisattvas who helps in mainstream Mahayana Buddhism. In China and its sphere of cultural influence, Avalokitesvara is often depicted in an also female form known as Guan Yin.
The Viability of Avalokitesvara
In this portion, we are going to learn about the viability of Avalokitesvara, after the short description of the word Avalokitesvara itself
Avalokitesvara is .
Interpreting Future Buddha of this World – Maitreya Buddha
Maitreya is also known as Metteyya who is presented as a future Buddha of this world in Buddhist eschatology. In some Buddhist literature, such as the Amitabha Sutra and the Lotus Sutra, Maitreya is referred to as Ajita Bodhisattva. Maitreya is a bodhisattva who in the Buddhist tradition is to appear on Earth, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma.
According to scriptures, Maitreya will be a successor of the historic Sakyamuni Buddha, the .
Interpreting Buddhist Deity Ksitigarbha
Kṣitigarbha is also known as bodhisattva primarily revered in East Asian Buddhism who is usually depicted as a Buddhist monk in the Orient. Ksitigarbha is known for his vow not to achieve Buddhahood until all hells are emptied. Therefore, Ksitigrabha is also regarded as the bodhisattva of hell-beings.
The Life of Ksitigarbha
In this portion, we are going to learn about the life of Ksitigarbha, after that, we will present the short etymological description of the .