Buddhism As Education

To speak most correctly, we cannot really learn from scriptures, from techniques or from those various teachings if we are to be truly successful. To successful reap any benefits for real, we must learn in the thing itself, namely the actual prison. Study the actual dukkha in itself, that prison itself. So, we would better look for and find this prison, which is what are we going to talk about. At this point, we are confronted by two choices: are you going to learn from outside or are you going to learn from inside? The distinction is crucial. The Buddha said that we must study from inside. The external learning is from books, ceremonies, practices and things like that. Everything that we must learn, the Tathagata has explained in terms of the body which is still alive. That means a living body, with a living mind, not a dead one. That's where real learning takes place, so learn there. Learn from that inside, which means learn within yourself while you are still alive, befor...

It may be just one simple word, but upadana is the most important thing. The heart of Buddhism is just uproot or cut off this upadana. Then dukkha will be finished. Please understand that this is the heart of all Buddhism, it is found in every sect and school. Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism or whatever kind of Buddhism you like, they are different only in name or in the external ceremonies and practices. But inside, it is all the same thing: the cutting off of upadana. Do not be sad, do not be disappointed or anxious, do not make trouble for yourself thinking that you haven''t being able to study all the schools of Buddhism. Do not worry if you haven't been able to study Buddhism in Tibet, in Sri Lanka, in Myanmar, in China or any other locations. It is a complete waste of time. There is just one single essence or heart of it all, namely to eliminate upadana. The labels of Theravada, Mahayana, Zen, Tibetan and Chinese reflect on...

You must recall the words "salvation" or "liberation" used in all religions. The final goal of all religions is salvation or emancipation, or whatever word most suitable in each language. But all these words have the same meaning, getting saved. All religions teach salvation. Then, from what are we saved? We are saved from spiritual prison. The thing that all of you want and need - even right at this moment - is the thing called "freedom" or "liberty", which is simply escape from prison. Whether a physical, material prison or a mental, spiritual prison, the meaning is the same. In all cases, we want freedom. Those who lack of wisdom can see and fear only physical, material prisons. But those who have wisdom to look deeper will see how much more terrifying and dangerous the spiritual prison is. Really, we can see that hardly anybody is locked up in ordinary jails, while everyone in the world is caught in the spiritual prison. For instance...

The Karma Norbuling Buddhist Centre (KNBC) had recently held its two-days Amitabha Chang Chok and Mahakala Pujas from 19 August to 20 August 2012 at the association's premises in Alma, Bukit Mertajam. The entire event was conducted by Venerable Khedup Rinpoche with the assistance of his two Lamas from Nepal. The pujas were held in conjunction with the 7th Lunar Month which began on last Friday with the purpose of conducting prayers and to create merits for the deceased, family ancestors, to reduce our karmic effects as well as to pray for the wondering spirits and unborn babies who had passed away prior to birth. Apart from conducting the pujas, Khedup Rinpoche also give a brief explanation on the meaning and reason of this puja was conducted, the meaning and significance of the mantra and sutra chants and a short dharma discourse. Auspicious lamp offering is also part of the event. After the pujas, Khedup Rinpoche led the devotees in transf...

Zambhala is a wealth deity and an emanation of Buddha Ratnasambhava. He has increasing quality and is the essence of generosity. His aspirations are to help the poor and those suffering from ill torture. There are five Zambhala : red, yellow, black, white and green. Zambhala vows to bring wealth, prosperity, success and fortune to sentient beings and to destroy obstacles. He also increases spiritual wealth including luck, long life and wisdom intelligence. Benefits of the Five Zambhala Wish-fulfilling Wealth Vase and Zambhala Wealth Pouch The five Zambhala Wish-fulfilling Wealth vases (contain many holy substances such as life woods, mantra rolls, holy pills and relics, medicines, precious metals and stones, five colours cloths, etc) and the Zambhala Wealth Pouches (contain precious stones, Zambhala pendants and mantras, medicines, etc) will be blessed during the Zambhala Puja. These vases and pouches are believed to possess the positive energy to attract luck and fortune. A...

The empowerment of Buddha Manjushri is an opportunity to receive special blessing from the Wisdom Buddha so as to develop and increase our own inner wisdom. This wisdom has the power to answer all of our questions, and overcome our doubts and hesitation. In particular, the wisdom that realizes ultimate truth has the power to liberate us once and for all from the bondage of our ignorance and bestow upon us the everlasting joy of enlightenment. Awakening to the ultimate truth of how things really exist is the path to permanent inner peace.

Chenrezig is looked upon as the manifestation of the loving-kindness and compassion of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. He has a special affinity with beings in samsara  and can manifest into various forms to help beings who are in varying kinds of needs. The Buddha prophesied that : The Great Compassionate Bodhosattva (Guan Shi Yin Pusa) will manifest as Karmapa to liberate all sentient beings from samsaric sufferings. Therefore, the practice of Chenrizig is particularly very important in the Karma Kagyu Lineage. Om Mani Padme Hung, the six-syllable mani mantra of Chenrezig represents the loving-kindness and compassion of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas manifested as sound. Chanting the mantra is like practicing the six perfections and is able to close the doors to the six realms. In this life, one is able to remove obstacles, have success in life, harmony in family, healthy and prosperous, and all wishes fulfilled. In the next life, it is certain that one will be able to take ...