Lower Palyul Monastery, Tibet. From wikipedia.org The story of the Palyul Dzogchen lineage begins, institutionally, at Palyul Monastery, one of the six “mother monasteries” of the Nyingma school. The house of Nyingma is the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism that dates back to Padmasambhava in 8th century Tibet. Palyul Dzogchen has held an esteemed place in […]
Tibetan Buddhism
The Union of Daka and Dakini
Maithuna figures and Tantric deities in union. Drawing by the author In Vajrayana Buddhism, the male equivalent of a dakini, a female emanation of wisdom (Tib. khandroma), is known as daka in Sanskrit and pawo in Tibetan. Pawo literally means “hero” and it is accepted as the tantric equivalent of a bodhisattva. In tantric practice, daka embodies the process […]
Taking Action, Moving Forward
August was a difficult month for many in the Western Buddhist world. Two esteemed Tibetan teachers have stepped down from leading their organizations after students came forward with allegations of sexual and physical abuse, among other things. For many, hearing about a teacher being accused of such acts will bring confusion. Isn’t this teacher awakened? […]
Tears of Tara
Lyudmila Klasanova In Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, Tara is a complex figure that integrates mythical and historical threads and combines different functions. She is presented as a female aspect of Buddha and a symbol of unlimited compassion. The goddess protects humanity and saves people from dangers, protects them from fears, and helps fulfil their wishes. […]
Dance with No Dancer: Part 1
LiAnne Hunt In Malaysia with Anam Thubten My blog begins as I enter the Fire Monkey year in Malaysia. I am in Kuala Lumpur attending programs with Anam Thubten, a Tibetan lama in the Nyingma lineage and the spiritual director of Dharmata Foundation. Rinpoche is here for the opening of Dharmata House Malaysia and is […]