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

Abstract: In one of the previous posts we discussed that the great philosopher and the bodhisattva Nagarjuna helped revitalizing Buddhism by presenting the Madhyamika philosophy to the world. Sadly many Buddhists do not accept his teachings due to its philosophical depth and the later timeline of his work. Sometimes his work is considered as heresy by certain sects. However real yogis and intellectuals from both Theravada and Maha-(Tantra)-yana traditions consider his work as a masterpiece that reflects the Buddhist wisdom. Did he really commit heresy ? Then whatever the practice that springs from his teachings should be heretical too. If so, why our root guru, Gautham Buddha had prophesized Nagarjuna's coming ? Let's analyze this issue. Fig. 1: Nagarjuna presenting his teachings to his heart disciple, Aryadeva . We have spoken about the topic "emptiness" in many occasions, to the level that is too overwhelming. In the west, this term became so popular thanks to Mahay...

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: In previous article, we highlighted that both Theravada and Maha-(Tantra)-Yana traditions finally converge their practices to the Noble 8-fold path. Without the 8-fold elements, a Buddhist practice cannot exist. The bodhisattva to become a Buddha as well as the Shravaka to become an Arhant, both arrive to their fruition at the end of this path. Concept and the outcome wise, one path may be seen superior to the other. As far as the individual liberation is concerned, one path is not superior to other as the "truth of the individual" is the highest truth. Moreover, in the service point of view, Theravada masters also perform the same bodhisattva activities as  Maha-(Tantra)-Yana masters and therefore it is difficult to discriminate these two. However there are differences in practice. Fig. 1: The Fruition of 3 Yanas in Buddhism. In the last post, we highlighted that the bodhisattva on Maha-(Tantra)-Yana tradition and the Shravaka on the Theravada tradition both fi...

Abstract: Have you ever wondered why tantric practitioners live with their partners ? If the ultimate goal of Buddhism is renunciation, why do certain Maha-(Tantra)-yana traditions allow practising with a consort ? How can we justify Guru Padma's decision of being with  his consort  Mandāravā/Yeshe ? Is it why some people call this a distorted version of Buddhism or is there a deep esoteric reason behind this ? Does being with a partner accelerate the enlightenment process like it worked out well for early mahasiddhas ? Do Theravada and  Maha-(Tantra)-yana traditions finally converge ? We try to find answers to these questions in this article......... Fig. 1: Guru Padma and Marpa with their partners. In both Guru Saraha 's Mahamudra and Guru Padma 's Tantric traditions, we find many practitioners as non-monastic or domestic yogis who diligently engaged in their practices with consorts, partners and families as ordinary people. However their realization was ...

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...