Category Archives: Tibetan Buddhism
Tsongkhapa Day
Today, 25 October, is a special day of remembrance for three reasons for me. First, it is the Great Lama Je Tsongkhapa Day, when we honour and remember the generous teaching of the Buddha Je Tsongkhapa, who brought reform and … Continue reading
Food for Thought…
I’ve sometimes been criticised for refusing to adopt some of the (questionable) interpretations of Buddhism that refuse to acknowledge the simple fact that the Buddha not only did not deny the Advaita philosophy, but in fact taught a Dharma that … Continue reading
Seven-Pointed Mind Training–Formal Practice (8)
It’s been a while since I have had the chance to continue our study of the Seven-Pointed Mind Training with all of you. I hope you’ve taken some time to allow the first seven lessons to really integrate themselves … Continue reading
The Gradual Path… distractions and all
As we practice mindfulness of the Four Noble Truths, and utilise the Noble Eightfold Path as a means of perfecting our spiritual practice, we begin the journey toward spiritual awakening. However, like any journey, the more information we have: directions, … Continue reading
Seven-Pointed Mind Training–Formal Practice (6)
When, in the sixth maxium, we read: Allow the practice of giving and taking (tonglen) to ride the gentle waves of your breath. what exactly does that mean? How do we allow our practice of tonglen to ride the waves … Continue reading
My final commentary…
Pathological liars, hatemongers, sectarian and megalomaniacal “personalities” and generally intolerant assholes have plagued those who teach the Truth since the beginning of recorded history. I do appreciate the many students who have tried to respond to the disgusting, vitriolic lies, … Continue reading
Seven-Pointed Mind Training–Formal Practice (3)
The Second Point of Mind Training consists of nine focal points or key instructions. The third focal point instructs us: In time, even let go of everything, including the remedy itself… As our spiritual practice and meditative focus turns … Continue reading
Seven-Pointed Mind Training–Formal Practice (2)
The next focal point or maxim says that you should “examine the nature of unborn awareness”. In her book “Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living”, Ani Pema Chodron explains: When we awaken our hearts, we’re changing the … Continue reading
Chokhur Düchen– The First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma
There are, within Tibetan Buddhism, four “great occasions” (called düchen, in Tibetan) – marking the four major deeds of the Buddha Sakyamuni. Earlier this year, in March and June, we observed and spoke about the first two “great deeds” – … Continue reading
Seven-Pointed Mind Training–The Preliminaries
Today, we’re going to look at what it means to “train in the Preliminary Practices”. When we undertake the Preliminary Practices, and start training our minds with the sayings of Lojong and Tonglen, we should always maintain an mindful … Continue reading
Destroying Tibetan Buddhism for Everyone Else? Really?
Nothing saddens me more than when I read otherwise dedicated, clear and knowledgeable Dharma teachers complaining about those of us who are responding to the Buddha Sakyamuni’s example, and are working to make Buddhism more relevant and accessible in the … Continue reading