Although the majority of the millions of Buddhists are lay people, it is taught that the ordained Sangha are crucial: The existence of the Buddhadharma in any one place depends upon the presence there of at least four ordained Sangha practicing the full extent of the vinaya, Buddha’s guidelines on moral conduct. Lord Buddha himself…
05
July
As you know, just because you’re a monk or nun does not mean that you’ve reached enlightenment. It simply means that you have gained an understanding of the nature of samsara and have decided to work continuously to develop within yourself the everlasting, peaceful path of liberation. That’s all. Getting ordained doesn’t give you immediate…
05
July
There are two basic types of meditation: stabilizing meditation to develop single-pointed concentration and analytical or checking meditation to develop deep understanding of the topics. Until higher levels of the path, these two types of meditation are done alternatively.
Khensur Jampa Tegchok
Listening, Thinking, and Meditating
By Khensur Jampa Tegchok
Scripture states that first we need to abide…
05
July
In essence, keep your mind relaxed at all times and accept the manifold experiences of life. Look at all situations with a sense of cheer and humor and, just as we may watch a comedy on the television to relieve tension, we should laugh at ourselves and have no tension.
Geshe Namgyal Wangchen
A Panacea for the…
05
July
When we took the vows, there was an ordination master and other Sangha present. Just so, after ordination, if we live with other members of the Sangha, we can give each other support and guidance. Being together harmoniously will be a great support for keeping our vows properly.
Jhado Rinpoche
Reinforcing Ordination in Daily Life
By Jhado…
05
July
Full Nuns Ordination
By Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche
You might be a monk or a nun for a few years or a few months, but are then unable to continue. At Kopan I spoke about Bob Thurman, the first Western person ordained by His Holiness. He then returned to New York and the next day he…
05
July
Living the life of ordination and renunciation has so much freedom and happiness and future lives have greater peace and happiness. So we are going from happiness to happiness to enlightenment. This gives the greatest opportunity.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Sangha Dress Code
By Lama Zopa Rinpoche
While Lama Zopa Rinpoche and some students were sitting in a restaurant,…
05
July
From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank very much all the Sangha who for so many years, not only living in, guarding, your vows, but able to benefit others – doing retreat continuously for many years or doing social service, doing hard work at the center, doing service to sentient beings…
05
July
Actually, His Holiness takes full responsibility for all sentient beings throughout all of space, which is beyond our perception, but at least we can see the peace and happiness that he brings into this world in which we live.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Great Compassion and His Holiness the Dalai Lama
by Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche
The Buddha is…
05
July
In short, the impermanence and death will come soon. Now is the time to give up this life. Due to the compassion of the Guru and my own virtue, may I be able to give up the work of this life.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Ten Innermost Jewels of Kadampa Geshes
By Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Lama Zopa Rinpoche suggests…