Deep Dive
Emanations of Avalokitesvara
Also known by Guan Yin, Chenrezig, Kanzeon and other epithets, Avalokitesvara is the bodhisattva who “hears the cries of the world” and responds with limitless compassion — and inspires Buddhist practitioners the world over to try and do the same.
“Enlightened compassion has a face, in Buddhist art, and a Sanskrit name:
– Kay Larson
Avalokiteshvara. This great cosmic being sits in meditation, with lowered eyelids,
looking inward into mind and downward to witness the lamentations of the world.”
Visualization: Developing Pure Perception
Anyen Rinpoche and Allison Choying Zangmo teach us how to visualize Avalokitesvara, the embodiment of perfect compassion.
Bodhisattva, What Color is Your Neck?
When it comes to right speech, can Buddhist practitioner Ching Pan follow the example of Green-Necked Avalokitesvara? Could you?
Venerating Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva by Engaging the World
According to An Tran, reciting the Twelve Aspiration Prayers of Avalokitesvara encourages us to engage with the world as part of our practice, so that we may become instruments of the buddhas of this world, helping ease the suffering of beings and our environment.
The Heart Sutra Will Change You Forever
Penetrate the true meaning of the Heart Sutra, says Karl Brunnhölzl, and nothing will be the same again. The secret is making it personal.
Monasticism Matters
Whether monk or nun or lay Buddhist, we all have so much to gain by better understanding monasticism and the people who take up monastic life. Includes a special focus on the timely subject of women’s ordination.
Why We Need Monasticism
A panel discussion with Robert Thurman, Jan Chozen Bays, Bhikkhu Bodhi and Ayya Tathaaloka. Introduction by Ajahn Amaro.
The Fourfold Sangha Still Matters
The monastic path has failed to take hold in the West, says Tibetan Buddhist nun Ayya Yeshe. She argues that it’s time to renew the fourfold sangha.
A Radiance of Nuns
Tsunma Sherab Khandro attended March’s Alliance of Non-Himalayan Nuns’ Gathering in Dharamsala, India. Here, she shares her experience and her perspective on the many challenges today’s nuns are faced with as they strive to uphold their vows, including lack of community and financial support.
Living Buddhist Ethics
Looking primarily at the three sila aspects of the Buddha’s eightfold path—right action, right speech, and right livelihood—leading dharma figures explain how, as Buddhists in today’s world, we can live ethically, and in accord with what the dharma teaches.
Ethics, Meditation, and Wisdom
Norman Fischer on how sila, samadhi, and prajna work together to give us stability on the Buddhist path to liberation.
Understanding the Vinaya
Amy Paris Langenberg on the history, evolution, and modern manifestations of the training rules followed by Buddhist monastics.
Dukkha as a Doorway to Liberation
Scott Tusa on how Buddhist ethics transcend mere morality and help us to realize awakening.
The Six Dharmas of Naropa
Considered a fast track to buddhahood, the Six Dharmas are advanced tantric practices including tummo (inner heat), yoga of the dream state, resting in luminosity, and more. Featuring an overview by Pema Khandro Rinpoche, plus in-depth teachings by specialists in each of the Six Dharmas.
The Swift Path to Buddhahood
Pema Khandro on the fascinating history, practice, and purpose of the Six Dharmas of Naropa.
The Practice of Fierce Inner Heat
Judith Simmer-Brown on tummo, one of the most famous esoteric practices of Tibetan Vajrayana and the Six Dharmas. What is it, what are its benefits, and what role does it play in our journey to enlightenment?
A Wake-Up Call
Andrew Holecek on bardo, one of the Six Dharmas of Naropa’s two practices for helping us find our way, when the time comes, through the death experience. It can help us in life, too.