Tibetan Buddhism: The Elegant Mind

Dharma 'Doorways' . . . Portals of Guidance

Sometimes, as our teachings and practices 'sink in', what takes root is a particular 'cue' of sorts . . . a thoughtful idea that now resides in the mind . . . a comfortab

Flower Garland 'Enlightenment'

Beneath the Bodhi tree, as the morning star rose, the veil of human illusion dissolved like mist. The boundaries of Siddhartha’s skin vanished, revealing the universe not

(We) Sentient Beings Are Everywhere . . .

Reflection upon a foundational Diamond Sutra verse yields a clear and relevant message to those on the Mahayana path: Each and every sentient being is equally worthy of o

The Trees of Indra's Infinitely Jeweled Net

Indra’s Jewel Net is a profound metaphor from Hindu and Buddhist philosophy representing the infinite, intra-connected and interpenetrating nature of all reality.    For

Himalayan Buddhism and the Last Yeti on Earth

As much as Tibetan Buddhism is an intrinsic aspect of the Himalaya, so too are those mysterious beings known to the world as the Yeti.  Recalling the devastating earthq

A 'Holiday' Dharma Tale (aka 'There's Nothing the Mind Can't be Trained to Do')

This time of year can be difficult for many -- obligatory family gatherings, stress, pressure, stale relationships, contrived cheer, awkward communications, discomfort.

Afflictive Kleshas . . . In the Nature of Highway Robbers

Ignorance, Anger, Confusion, Greed, Jealousy, Arrogance, Cynical close-mindedness, Laziness, Disturbances, Wrong views, Low self-esteem, Fear . . .  *** In Buddhism the

To "Know" Absolutely Everything (?)

"Omniscience" -- defined by Merriam-Webster as "having infinite awareness, understanding and insight; possessed of universal or complete knowledge." Otherwise known in o

'Unlocking' Direct Realization(s) . . .

Direct Experiential Realization, often identified in Buddhist thought as requisite 'kin' to the Awakening Mind; slippery to describe with words alone . . . not referring

Decoding Dukkha: Suffering, the Four Noble Truths and "Mind Gardening"

For your consideration: core Buddhist philosophy, primarily focusing on the Four Noble Truths (including the Eightfold Path) and the authentic learning/empowerment(s) of

Teachers Are Everywhere . . . Including in Your Mirror

'TEACHERS' (aka those we learn from) . . . are everywhere, and always have been. Consider the people you've encountered while traveling along the path(s) of your life --

Lojong/Compassion Meditation: An Anti-Inflammatory for Mind and Body

Can cultivating genuine kindness and compassion actually make/keep us physically healthier? Stress-created/supported  chronic inflammation is a stubborn low-level attack

Compassion/Forgiveness: "I See It All Wisely"

A brief, accessible and practical discussion on Forgiveness: Compassion's unsung -- and often misunderstood -- hero. Far from being a sign of weakness or acceptance of

The Skeptical Buddhist

Disbelief, Wariness, Incredulity . . .  There are many Mahayana Buddhist perceptions and perspectives, notions and insights, practices and methodologies that on the (wor

'DeepSeek'ing Dharma -- and the Human Touch

Ongoing advances in Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), most recently -- and explosively -- led by China's DeepSeek scientists, have stunned the tech/financial world in ways

"Now Departing on Track Number . . ."

Visualize a vast railroad terminal resembling New York's Grand Central Station, with freshly deceased people entering all the time, mulling around, eventually trudging fr

Thangka, Buddha and a Meditative Journey . . .

Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Years ago, a Tibetan craftsman created the Thangka for her, presenting a luminous Gautama Buddha surrounded by empowering deities and Dharma

"What Is Enlightenment? Is it for Me?"

Call it what you will: enlightenment, realization, awakening, illumination, profound maturity, sageness, bliss . . . noble and empowering . . . brilliant and humble . . .

Some Thoughts on Mindfulness Practice

We often cannot change our external environment. We certainly cannot change many (or most) of the people we encounter. But Mindfulness practice can lead us to clearly '

Dharma in the ”Wild Place”

From a divine 17th century French Canadian cathedral . . .  to a young couple presenting Medicine Buddha-oriented offerings in the midst of northern Colorado's 'Rawah Wil