Buddhist encyclopedia
Since the decline of Buddhism in Tibet, Mongolia and other parts of the Northern Buddhist world, the Kingdom of Bhutan has come to be seen as the last bastion of Mahayana Buddhism. With its long history of isolation and independence, Bhutan has remained a unique repository of the cultural and religious wealth of the Buddhist Himalaya. Its secluded monasteries and temples today represent a literary treasure trove that is largely unharmed and still unexplored.
The Thirteenth Dalai Lama fled from the British invasion of Tibet to Mongolia in search of support from Russia. Although the mission failed, his extended sojourn in Mongolia marked the beginning of political modernity in both Mongolia and Tibet. The Thirteenth Dalai Lama on the Run is a facsimile collection comprising 150 hitherto unpublished archival documents from Mongolia about this historical episode…
The post discusses the underestimated significance of the three Buddhist refuges: Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.
These aren’t merely traditional markers but pointers to reality. They elucidate that refuge in Buddha is mindful awareness, going beyond the body’s confines, potentially accessible to every human being.
Short film (about 2 minutes) from Pathé newsreels on the The Dalai Lama’s arrival in India in 1959
From an exhibition at:Norton Simon MuseumMarch 28–Aug. 25, 2014 Buddha Shakyamuni or AkshobhyaNepal, 13th century, Gilt-copper alloy, 13-3/4 x 10-1/4 in. (34.9 x 26 cm)Norton Simon Art Foundation. Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara with Eleven Heads Tibet, c. 1500, Gilt bronze with copper,… Read More ›
Anybody who is able to comprehend the doctrine of dependent origination has the capability to engage in his own cultivation and end his suffering…
We can say, ‘As yet, I do not know for myself, but the Buddha said this … And Bodhidharma said that… Let’s practice together in this way.’ This is fine! Who knows, the student may awaken before the teacher. In Buddhism, there is the saying: Although there might be a hierarchy according to who has entered the temple first, in awakening, there is no hierarchy, there is no line — it is according to our roots and our efforts.’
The Buddha placed great emphasis on personal experience and understanding. But we’re inclined to forget this and try to obtain understanding second-hand…
Buddhism now 