About Tsering Namgyal Khortsa

Tsering Namgyal Khortsa emerges as a luminary in the literary world, his career as novelist is marked by a rich tapestry of experiences. With a background steeped in journalism and academia, Khortsa brings a wealth of knowledge to his craft. Educated at prestigious institutions like the National Taiwan University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Minnesota, he has traversed continents in pursuit of wisdom and enlightenment. Khortsa's prose, showcased in esteemed publications such as the South China Morning Post and India Today, reflects his nuanced understanding of regional dynamics. As a novelist, he captivates audiences with his evocative storytelling, delving into themes of identity, exile, and the human condition with profound insight and empathy.

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 .

Cultivating inner enlightenment potential through the Tathāgatagarbha

Oct

2023

Culture Himalayas Life

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 .

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 .

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

Sep

2023

Bodhisattvas, Mahāyāna Himalayas Life

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

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 .

The 1000-day pilgrimage around Mount Hiei

Jan

2023

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, .