Deep Dive
Women of Wisdom
Throughout history, women have played a vital role in the unfolding of the dharma, though their contributions have often gone unrecognized. This collection brings together teachings, stories, and perspectives celebrating the resilience, wisdom, and dedication of women who have paved their own way in Buddhist traditions.
“The influence of women ripples throughout the contemporary Buddhist world. They were tough, determined, sincere, and stubbornly creative. They insisted on their place in Buddhism and worked hard to open the way for the excellent crop of teachers who followed them, including the younger generation of women teachers coming into their own today.”
—Sandy Boucher
Who Was Yeshe Tsogyal?
Holly Gayley discusses the power of Padmasambhava’s foremost disciple and consort, Yeshe Tsogyal, and the life of one of her modern emanations.
Who Was Niguma?
In the tenth and eleventh centuries, Niguma was one of the most important Buddhist teachers and yoginis in India.
Reflections on Chiyono’s “No Water, No Moon”
Bhikkhuni Dhammawati Guruma broke through oppressive patriarchal barriers to pursue spiritual freedom. Wendy Garling tells her inspiring story.
To Walk Proudly as Buddhist Women: An Interview with Dhammananda Bhikkhuni
Cindy Rasicot interviews Dhammananda Bhikkhuni, Thailand’s first fully ordained Theravada nun, on women’s ordination, feminism, the role of monastics in society, and more.
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.