Sangha is a community of friends practicing the dharma together in order to bring about and to maintain awareness. But that sangha is more than a community, it’s a deep spiritual practice. “In the narrowest sense, sangha refers to “the community of monks and nuns.” This meaning can be expanded
We all think that fear is awful and painful, yet the Buddhists—the master psychologists for thousands of years—don’t include fear in the long list of mental afflictions contained in the core teachings on Buddhist psychology. Fear is a healthy thing, in general. It is awareness of danger. Fear is protective;
In an era marked by widespread violence and conflict, the notion of “Buddhist violence” may strike some as paradoxical, even contradictory to the teachings of compassion and non-violence associated with Buddhism. Yet, in recent years, incidents of violence involving Buddhist individuals and communities have brought this issue to the forefront
In the realm of Buddhist iconography, the Bhumisparsha Mudra stands as a potent symbol of enlightenment, wisdom, and compassion. Often depicted in sculptures, paintings, and statues of the Buddha, this iconic hand gesture carries profound significance rooted in the teachings of Buddhism. In this article, we embark on a journey
One of the most important mudras in Buddhism What is Mudra? Mudra is hand position often depicted in Buddhist art and used in practice to evoke a particular state of mind. A mudra is a Sanskrit word that means sign. You may have used mudra in your yoga class. Or
Tara – is an important figure in Buddhism and probably the most beloved deity in Mahayana Buddhism. Tara is a broad name if you will for a group of Bodhisattvas that are of the similar aspect. These could be defined as different aspects of the same eminence as Bodhisattvas are
According to Buddhist tradition, Tara’s origins trace back to the tears of compassion shed by the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Legend holds that as Avalokiteshvara gazed upon the suffering world, his tears formed a lake from which a lotus emerged, revealing the goddess Tara. White Tara, in particular, is said to have
In a world where spirituality often intersects with rigid religious structures, Buddhism emerges as a beacon of introspection and personal transformation. Rooted in the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, this ancient path offers profound insights into the human condition, devoid of dogma or divine authority. Here are seven
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, carving out a space for stillness and contemplation can be a transformative act. For those embarking on the journey of meditation, establishing a dedicated meditation altar within the sanctuary of one’s home can serve as a profound anchor for daily practice. Here’s
