Tibetan Buddhism

You Are the Great Perfection

Rest in your true nature without effort or distraction — Mingyur Rinpoche teaches the renowned practice of Dzogchen.

Awakening the Sacred Feminine

In Vajrayana Buddhism, dakinis are seen as unbridled and enlightened feminine energy. Lama Tsultrim Allione on how she discovered her own dakini power. Watch Lama Tsultrim Allione in Lion’s Roar’s upcoming free online event, “<a href="https://promo.lionsroar.com/the-women-of-wisdom-summit-free-registration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Women of Wisdom Summit.</a>”

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Forum: The Myths, Challenges, and Rewards of Tantra

A forum on Tantra with Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, Anne Carolyn Klein, and Larry Mermelstein, with an introduction by Reggie Ray.

Who Was Patrul Rinpoche?

Matthieu Ricard provides a glimpse into the life of Patrul Rinpoche, one of the most revered spiritual teachers in Tibetan history.

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.

A monk standing in a field, with a statue of Padmasambhava in the distance.

Is the Guru Model Broken?

Pema Khandro Rinpoche, Lama Rod Owens, Lama Rigzin Drolma, and Lobsang Rapgay discuss the guru model in the Tibetan tradition, in which the teacher is central to the path.

Meet a Teacher: Lama Karma Yeshe Chödrön

In this conversation with Buddhadharma’s deputy editor, Mariana Restrepo, Lama Karma Yeshe Chödrön discusses the interconnectedness of her personal experience, her role as a dharma teacher and translator, and how these different facets are integrated into her dharma practice.

Excerpt: A Dakini’s Counsel: Sera Khandro’s Spiritual Advice and Dzogchen Instructions

Read a brief of A Dakini's Counsel: Sera Khandro's Spiritual Advice and Dzogchen Instructions by Sera Khandro, translated by Christina Lee Monson, and an exclusive excerpt courtesy of its publisher, Shambhala Publications.

Excerpt: Nagarjuna’s Precious Garland

Read a brief of Nāgārjuna's Precious Garland: Ratnāvalī by Sara McClintock and John Dunne, and an exclusive excerpt courtesy of its publisher, Wisdom Publications.

A collage whose pieces comprise an abstract human face

Dukkha as a Doorway to Liberation

Scott Tusa on how Buddhist ethics transcend mere morality and help us to realize awakening.

A diamond is seen refracting colored light.

Concentrating on the Work at Hand

In this excerpt from The Gift of Work (originally published as Skillful Means), the prolific Nyingma teacher Tarthang Tulku shares a plain-language exercise for concentration, as developed over his five decades interacting with Americans from various business backgrounds.

Excerpt: Buddhism Between Religion and Philosophy, by Rafal Stepien

Read a brief of Buddhism Between Religion and Philosophy: Nāgārjuna and the Ethics of Emptiness by Rafal K. Stepien, and an exclusive excerpt courtesy of its publisher, Oxford University Press.

Pure Dharma, Barefoot Dharma

To practice the dharma purely, we have to walk barefoot before we can run–learning and practicing fundamentals before we go on to more advanced techniques.

The Power of Buddhist Tantra

Gaylon Ferguson on how tantric view and practice help us turn confusion into clarity and wisdom.

You Are Already a Buddha

In this, the first of a three-part series on tantra, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche presents the three stages of meditation. Meditation, he says, is the process of recognizing your buddhanature, then nurturing that recognition.

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The Four Points of Letting Go in the Bardo

It’s when we lose the illusion of control—a "bardo" state where we are most vulnerable and exposed—that we can discover the creative potential of our lives.

Everything Is This Wisdom

Pema Khandro on the primordial knowing that, according to the Dzogchen teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, is the source and true nature of ourselves and all reality.

When We Have No Choice

Sometimes, says Pema Khandro, there’s no way out. It’s at those times that we can discover the depth and resilience of the mind.

Buddhanature: You’re Perfect As You Are

Why feel bad about yourself when you are naturally aware, loving, and wise? Mingyur Rinpoche explains how to see past the temporary stuff and discover your own buddhanature.

Comparing Mahamudra and Dzogchen

Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche (1920–1996) on the differences between Mahamudra and Dzogchen—and the relationship between them.

Old painting of Bodhisattva & Buddhist Deity, Ocean of Conquerors, Four Arms, from Rubin Museum of Art.

Vajrayana Explained

The late Karma Kagyu master Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche presents a clear explanation of the view of Vajrayana and its main practices of generation and completion.

Buddha statue.

To Enter the Vajrayana Start at the Beginning

It is the kindness of the buddhas to provide us with a complete path, and the preliminary practices are part of that path.

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche reading a Buddhist text.

How Will You See the Guru?

Are you able to see your teacher as the Buddha? It’s not easy, says Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, but this is where the real path begins.

Open View, Solid Ground

Jamgon Kongtrul championed the view of rimay, recognizing the inherent value of all Buddhist teachings. But as Alex Gardner explains, he remained firmly loyal to his own tradition.

Visualization.

Buddhist Visualization Practice Is Pure, Clear, and Vibrant

Visualization practice sometimes involves traditional symbolism that Westerners have trouble relating to, says Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. He shows us how we can make the most of this powerful method for transforming perception.