Buddhism

  • Buddha Buzz: Buddhist News from Around the World, Week of November 26 Paid Member

    Tibetan self-immolations are continuing at an alarming rate. Since the last Buddha Buzz post on November 16, 14 more Tibetans have set themselves on fire to protest the Chinese rule. There's no denying that the self-immolations are occurring with greater frequency. Out of the 89 self-immolations since 2009, 27 of them—about 30%—have taken place this month, according to the International Campaign for Tibet. Two weeks ago, British monk Tonden (David Alain) became the first non-Tibetan to self-immolate, setting himself on fire in the garden of Nalanda monastery, in France, where the resident monks were in retreat. More »
  • Himalayan Buddhist Art 101: King Gesar of Ling Paid Member

    Buddhist practice and Buddhist art have been inseparable in the Himalayas ever since Buddhism arrived to the region in the eighth century. But for the casual observer it can be difficult to make sense of the complex iconography. Not to worry—Himalayan art scholar Jeff Watt is here to help. In this "Himalayan Buddhist Art 101" series, Jeff is making sense of this rich artistic tradition by presenting weekly images from the Himalayan Art Resources archives and explaining their roles in the Buddhist tradition. This week Jeff takes a look at artistic renderings of King Gesar of Ling, folk hero in Tibetan epic literature. Himalayan Art 101: King Gesar of Ling More »
  • Treasury of Lives: Bon Master Drenpa Namka Paid Member

    Biography and autobiography in Tibet are important sources for both education and inspiration. Tibetans have kept such meticulous records of their teachers that thousands of names are known and discussed in a wide range of biographical material. All these names, all these lives—it can be a little overwhelming. The authors involved in the Treasury of Lives are currently mining the primary sources to provide English-language biographies of every known religious teacher from Tibet and the Himalaya, all of which are organized for easy searching and browsing. Every Tuesday on the Tricycle blog, we will highlight and reflect on important, interesting, eccentric, surprising and beautiful stories found within this rich literary tradition. Bon Master Drenpa Namka More »
  • A Vegetarian Thanksgiving: Teachings from Lama Shabkar Paid Member

    As you prepare for Thanksgiving tomorrow, please consider this teaching from Lama Shabkar, a Tibetan yogin known for his spontaneous songs. Though it was originally written from the perspective of a sheep, we've changed it around to reflect the coming holiday. For some Thanksgiving vegetarian recipe ideas, go to the next page. More »
  • Treasury of Lives: Kagyu Founders Part 1, Mila and Marpa Paid Member

    Biography and autobiography in Tibet are important sources for both education and inspiration. Tibetans have kept such meticulous records of their teachers that thousands of names are known and discussed in a wide range of biographical material. All these names, all these lives—it can be a little overwhelming. The authors involved in the Treasury of Lives are currently mining the primary sources to provide English-language biographies of every known religious teacher from Tibet and the Himalaya, all of which are organized for easy searching and browsing. Every Tuesday on the Tricycle blog, we will highlight and reflect on important, interesting, eccentric, surprising and beautiful stories found within this rich literary tradition. Kagyu Founders Part 1: Mila and Marpa More »
  • Tricycle's Pilgrimage to Nepal & Bhutan: Kathmandu Paid Member

    Tricycle began its first pilgrimage to Nepal & Bhutan on Sunday in Kathmandu, where 25 of us gathered at the Tibet International hotel, within viewing distance of the Great Stupa at Boudhanath. After settling in and getting to know one another, we spent part of the following day at Shedrub Ling monastery, where the Ven. Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche offered teachings. Rinpoche sat before some 300 mostly Western students, some permanent residents, and others hearing teachings for perhaps the first time. Throughout our journey, we'll be posting quotes from the teachers we visit, accompanied by photos taken by fellow pilgrim Risto Kuulasmaa, who has joined us from Helsinki. The following quote and the above picture were taken from yesterday's teaching: More »