From Limited Mind and Body to Our True (No) Self

Abstract : There are three ways to practice; practicing under a lineage, just following oral instructions, and doing all the work alone. What is the difference ? What does a lineage even mean ? There are oral lineages as well as energetical lineages. Generally you may find oral lineages in Theravada tradition and the energetical ones in Maha-(Tantra)-yana tradition. Is   passing down knowledge or energy, like passing a baton in a relay race ? Do masters have preferences when passing down their lineages to the students ? Is Sakyamuni’s energy still alive in these lineages ? We try to explore these topics and answers to these burning questions.   Fig. 1: Lineage transmission is a sacred (right-hand figure) process. With the mass awakening of the humankind in this era, more and more people are interested in practicing meditation, reaching higher consciousness levels, doing yoga and becoming enlightened. This is a positive sign in my opinion. Although it may sound overwhelming to ...

Abstract: When we talk about "Tantra", most likely the first thing crosses our mind is "Sex". Terms Tantra and Sex have become so interrelated in our mind, despite its true meaning: To go beyond mind. Tantra means the interwoven nature of existential phenomena. In other words, the existential phenomena and the buddha nature are inseparable, intertwined with each other and therefore, our very (mundane) life is the perfect playground to exploit, practice spirituality, according to Tantra. As the saying goes, "passion" was the source of universal creation and therefore can be exploited to end it. This principle gave the rise to the practice of sexual yoga or "Karma Mudra". For an ordinary being, this is certainly a drive force to practice Tantra. Would it be same for a bodhisattva ? Let's dig into this deeper and explore the science behind it.  Note: Please do not try anything in this content at home !  Reports on sexual scandals and misconduct ...

Abstract: In many religious traditions, scripts, we encounter various kinds of non-physical beings. They are from both lower and higher dimensions. Beings from higher dimensions are known as light beings who may appear before the bodhisattva to support him. Many practitioners nowadays believe that these are just merely stories, mind made and mythical, but to the one who progressed through bodhisattva path, their support is natural and essential. There are various kinds, from low ranking divine beings to angles, archangels and Seraphims. The most important kind is the bodiless ascended and realized masters, famous bodhisattvas in the highest spirit realm (Sambhogakaya) who are waiting for their vessels.  This article brings author's experience on this.        What is the true purpose of Mahayana practice ? It is to benefit countless beings. In order to do that, the helper (the bodhisattva to become Buddha) has to be limitless. What is the biggest limitation we h...

Abstract: In many occasions we see that, Mahayanists are liberal towards other faiths, spiritual traditions and religious beliefs. This may be seen as a "weakness" by some other Buddhist traditions and extreme views. Had it not been for Mahayana philosophy, Buddhism would not have really flourished in the West. The reasons for the survival of Buddhism include its philosophical depth, creativity, compassion, wisdom and the life long dedication of old masters. Where do these qualities such as liberty, innocence and creativity come from ?  Fig. 1: HH Dalai Lama enjoying the visit at  St Stephen’s Cathedral   Many westerners who practice Buddhism, especially the Tibetan version, may try to cultivate the qualities of impartiality just because HH Dalai Lama demonstrates it. Or because their root guru or lineage masters recommend it. Is this mere a display of act to win favor of people and politicians ? Should we do the same following their footsteps ? Or is there a partic...

Abstract: In many religious traditions, scripts, we often hear about various kinds of non-physical beings. They are from both lower and higher dimensions. Beings from lower dimensions are typically labeled as dark beings who may appear before the bodhisattva as obstacles, to disturb his meditation. Many practitioners nowadays believe that these are just merely stories, mind made and mythical, but to the one who progressed through bodhisattva path, these obstacles have to be faced. In some cases, encountering, channeling them is an integral part of the practice. In fact it is a duty of the bodhisattva to clarify certain spiritual matters to these confused souls, even sharing his healing energy with them. This article brings forth the author's experiential insights on this matter.      We say that, the bodhisattva's service is both worldly and non-worldly. In non-worldly aspect, the adept has to accept things he does not like, things he did not imagine to exist. Especially ...

Abstract: We have already analyzed the concepts of Self and No-Self in religious and spiritual contexts. The conclusion was, these two were same in spiritual context, despite their different names. However there is a confusion related to "Self Realization", considering the "Self" to be an eternal substance. This is not the case with No-Self concept, as the only possibility in that teaching is change or impermanence. Why these are contradictory points ? Is the "Self" eternal ? This article evaluates these statements, and brings some light to the topic. In certain religious traditions, even in Vedic traditions, we find the term "eternal self". The literal meaning of the term "eternal" is everlasting, forever. Or even "very long time". We learnt that, so called "self" realization is none other than finding our original source within. Which source is it ? We learnt that deeper we go within ourselves, the more empty we be...

Abstract: The darkness of the mind does not stay much longer. Every polarity of this world is transitional, and they come and go. We observe these transitions with mindfulness. Darkness only needs to be endured and is then followed by the light. After this stage, there are two pathways to the practitioner depending on his maturity; after mastering the meditative absorptions  and darkness, the final light appears to him, and his realization is complete. The other type has further to go, where the so called ascension happens through the individual.  For both, this is the starting point of the journey: To bring light to others. This post is dedicated to anyone who needs to understand and needs help crossing the darkness of the soul.   Figure 1. Darkness to the Light: Transmutation of the negative afflictions of the mind The darkness is required to illuminate light and therefore is inevitable. This phase can be misunderstood (appeared to be) as an outside obstacle, but ...