Why, in times of pain, sickness or stress do many Mahayana Buddhists turn to meditation and the mantras of Medicine Buddha? Why is Lapis Lazuli Bhaishajyaguru called the Supreme Healer and the King of Medicine? What empowers the healing power of the the great Lapis Lazuli Light Medicine Buddha, known in Tibetan as Sangye Menla?In times of pain, sickness, or stress, many Mahayana Buddhists rely on sacred Medicine Buddha meditation for healing. Long Sanskrit Dharani of MEDICINE BUDDHA (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzYy8KGIdxs Short Medicine Buddha Mantra (Tibetan Pronunciation) by Yoko Dharma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkWpvmjWpZc Buddha Weekly's Youtube Health Topics and Medicine Buddha Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8d71VyWOwkEwcVlbn9rPhIRzIzOShv6Z 10 Research Studies supporting health benefits of meditation and visualization: https://buddhaweekly.com/science-meditation-peer-reviewed-studies-prove-least-10-reasons-meditate-daily-boosting-immune-system-increasing-cognitive-function-reduction-inflammation-th/ MUSIC AVAILABLE on your favorite streaming service: APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/album/medicine-buddha-healing-dharani-mantra-in-sanskrit-single/1695980329 SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/album/7GM59ltUh44w7BRLad1BHz OR any of your favorites: Instagram/Facebook, TikTok/TikTok Music/Resso/Luna, YouTube Music, Amazon, Pandora, Deezer, Tidal, iHeartRadio, Claro Música, Saavn, Boomplay, Anghami, KKBox, NetEase, Tencent, Qobuz, Joox, Kuack Media, Yandex Music (beta), Adaptr, Flo, MediaNet In Buddhism, where the power of mind is preeminent, it is no surprise that meditation is widely embraced as a healing method.The words medication and meditation differ only by one letter. They both come from the same Latin root word, medeor, which means to heal or to make whole.While modern medicine normally involves various modalities and medicines, in traditional Tibetan and Chinese medicine meditation plays a large role in healing. NOTE: It is always recommended that you seek professional health care advice, and treat Medicine Buddha practices as supportive. Support the show

Why are vajra, mala and bell called “practice supports” and what do they actually represent? Why is a Vajrayana Buddhist practitioner expected to always carry a vajra, mala and bell, at least symbolically? How can they be used in our daily, mundane lives to symbolically strengthen this bond? What are the guidelines for the use of a vajra, mala and bell?In this presentation, we try to answer these questions, and more, in our special coverage of the indispensable vajra, mala and bell.All three, together, represent, the most important veneration objects of Refuge in Buddhism: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Together represent the Sacred Body, Speech and Mind of the Enlightened Buddha. Importantly, they also represent Method, Dharma, and Wisdom.The vajra and bell are virtually synonymous with advanced Vajra yana tantric practice — together with the ubiquitous mala. Advanced practitioners also always have a one-handed Dhamaru drum representing blissful activity and wisdom.A Tibetan practitioner is rarely separated from these powerful meditational and ritual symbols, just as the vajra, mala and bell should never be separated from each other. In Tibetan, the sanskrit term Vajra translates as Dorje. The Bell, in Sanskrit is called a Ghanta. Even non-Buddhists might recognize the symbolism of vajra and bell immediately, among the most widely recognized symbols used in Buddhism.Literally, each time we meditate with the vajra, mala and bell, we are engaging with a symbolic compendium of teachings of the Buddha: the Body, Speech and Mind of Buddha. We think of them in that order: Body, Speech and Mind of Buddha, or Compassion, Dharma and Wisdom, or Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.Support the show

For most Vajrayana Buddhists, the practice of Guru Rinpoche, the Lotus Born Padmasambhava, is the most profound of practices for meditations, and accomplishments. Chanting both the mantra of Padmasambhava, and the 7 lines of praise, is the purest form of practice. Chanting the praise in the original mother language of Sanskrit, rather than a translation such as Tibetan, English or other languages, is considered the most effective. In this video, chant along with Hrishikesh Sonar, the 7 lines of praise in Sanskrit, with the mantra of Padmasambhava, ideally 27 times daily. We start with a very short introduction and the Praise in English, but you will find the time code to jump ahead in the description. To learn more about Buddha Padmasambhava, see the information icon in the top right.Before we begin, if you enjoy this presentation, please like, subscribe and turn on notifications to help support the Buddha Weekly mission of Spread the Dharma. Turn on CC for other languages or chant along.Any translation of the Sanskrit is a compromise since each syllable in Sanskrit traditionally means many things. Also, the vibrations of the mother language are considered to have sacred power.In English the great Dharani praise translates as:    In Oḍiyāna in the North-West  In the heart of a lotus flower   Endowed with the most marvelous attainments   You are renowned as the Lotus Born   Surrounded by many hosts of Dakinis   Following in your footsteps  I pray to you. Come inspire me with your blessing.   This is followed by the mantra. After 27 repetitions, there is a final dedication in Sanskrit.Chant along with the amazing voice of Hrishikesh Sonar, the most sacred wish-fulfilling praise of Guru Rinpoche, the Lotus Born Padmasambhava.hūṁ | oḍiyāne vāyavye | padmakesarakāṇḍe | siddhir labdhātyadbhutā | khyāta padmasambhava | bahuḍākībhir āvṛta | tavaivānusarāmi | āyāhy adhiṣṭḥānārthaṁ | guru padma siddhi hūṁ || Mantra:om ah hūṁ vajra guru padma siddhi hūṁ At the end of 27 repetitions:iti gururatnasaptapadaprārthanā || This is the prayer to the Precious Guru, in seven sentences.Support the show

Tara, the Mother of all the Buddhas, emanates in countless forms to help sentient beings.In her most wrathful black form, the 7th of the 21 Taras, she overcomes every evil, every enemy, obstacle, negativity — and even curses or evil forces.All Taras protect.As Black Tara, in her most wrathful form, she tramples and burns them completely so they can never harm us.Her mantra is among the most powerful of protections: oṃ tāre tuttāre ture sarva vidyā avarṇā ye bhye phaṭ svahā ओं तारे तुत्तारे तुरे सर्व विद्या अवर्णा ये भ्ये फट स्वहा ॥For protection or just as a devotional practice, chant her mantra in Sanskrit, the powerful mother language. Empowerment is not required to chant any mantra of Enlightened Mother Tara.Chant it any time you feel threatened, nervous, ill-at-ease, or in need of the nurturing protection of a wrathful mother.Black Tara is still Mother Tara — just hulked up with power so that she can always protect you.Chant her mantra ideally 21 times or 108 times, visualizing her as an energetic, black form of Tara.She is the color and nature of the deep space cosmos, black as a starry night sky.She can be sitting, standing, or even dancing with energy.Her whirling fire surrounds you in a protective shield.As you chant, feel confident in her protection and power.Notice the vibrations of your chanting.Concentrate on the powerful syllables.Although all Buddha's including Tara can emanate in any form, there are two main aspects of Black Tara. In the Atisha or Nyingma lineages she appears seated similar to Green Tara. Instead of Green, she is Black, which is the color of wrathful enlightened activity, her mouth slightly open and wrathful. Like Green Tara, she holds a lotus, but on the top of the lotus is a wisdom sword.In the Surya Gupta Lineage she is dancing and very wrathful, with four arms.One arm holds a wisdom sword, another a Dharma Wheel, and the Lotus flower she holds in another hand has a vajra on top. The fourth hand is held out in a wrathful mudra. She stands in the heroic posture, and her red hair is upright.For more information on this lineage of Black Tara, including the slightly different Surya Gupta mantra, see the video linked in the information icon above.Whether seated, or standing, black Tara can be visualized surrounded by wisdom flames.Chant along now, with the beautiful voice of Hrishikesh Sonar, the sacred and powerful mantra of Black Tara, Destroyer of Enemies and Evil, who Crushes all Adversaries to our Dharma practice.Mantra 108 Times:oṃ tāre tuttāre ture sarva vidyā avarṇā ye bhye phaṭ svahā ओं तारे तुत्तारे तुरे सर्व विद्या अवर्णा ये भ्ये फट स्वहा ॥Support the show

Conquering the maras and even death is at the very heart of Buddhism.As the death destroyer, Yamantaka symbolizes this aspiration, and his meditational deity practice is designed to achieve that goal.No deity is more misunderstood than the buffalo-headed deity Vajrabhairava, also known as Yamantaka.Wrathful barely begins to describe Yamantaka.Yet, he is none other than the great Bodhisattva of wisdom, Manjushri, in his most terrible and powerful form.How should we relate to such deliberately terrifying aspects of Enlightenment?Why is Yamantaka considered a Highest Yoga Practice?In what way can he "destroy death?" We try to answer these questions, and more, in this special feature podcast...Support the show

Kalachakra mantra and practice are recommended by great Buddhist teachers such as the Dalai Lama in these difficult times. Chant along with Hrishikesh Sonar, the mantra of Kalachakra presented with beautiful meditative images.To learn more about Kalachakra, watch Buddha Weekly's introductory video linked to the information icon in the top right of this presentation.To chant along, the mantra:Oṃ āḥ hūṃ ho haṃ kṣa mala varaya hūṃ phaṭThe Kalachakra mantra, called the tenfold powerful one — and symbolized in the famous Kalachakra tenfold power symbol — collects all the qualities of Kalachakra and all the Buddhas into one chant. In mantra practice, the seed syllable sounds carry many layers of profound meaning and power. Among the most profound is Kalachakra's sacred syllables.All of these syllables are combined into one magnificent symbol, the Kalachkra Tenfold Powerful One. They are overlaid together into one symbol, but still separated by the symbolic colors. The Om Ah Hum and Hoh, which stand for the body, speech and mind of the Buddhas are represented by three crowning symbols: the nada, disc and cresent.In this mantra, Om which is the white disc in the symbol at the top, stands for the body of all the Buddhas. Ah, which is red is symbolized by the crescent moon and stands for the Speech of all the Buddhas. Hum, which is the Blue nada or squiggle at the very top, stands for the Mind of all the Buddhas which also contains the essence of Hoh representing the wisdom of all the Buddhas.Ham which is the large blue syllable in the symbol, stand for the enlightened body, speech and mind of Kalachakra. KShah which is the syllable of Vishvamata, the consort of Kalachakra is green and stands for the wisdom of Kalachakra and the wisdom activity of the mandala. Ma, which is red is the mandala palace. La, which is yellow, stands for the element of earth. Wa, which is white stands for the element of water. Ra, which is red is for the element of fire. Ya, which is black is the element of air. The complete mantra contains all of the aspects and elements of Kalachakra, who himself embodies all of the Buddhas.Chant along now, with Hrishikesh Sonar, the powerful mantra of Kalachakra Sahaja.Oṃ āḥ hūṃ ho haṃ kṣa mala varaya hūṃ phaṭSupport the show

Why is Kalachakra practice recommended by great Buddhist teachers such as the Dalai Lama in these difficult times?Why is Kalachakra considered to be a highest yoga meditational form of Shakyamuni Buddha?How can Kalachakra meditation help to relieve our suffering?We answer these questions and more in this short, informative presentation on the the ultimate form of Shakyamuni Buddha.In this time, when wars and disease and economic turmoil arise again in Samsara, Kalachakra is among the most important practices in Vajrayana Buddhism, to help us overcome our many obstacles.This practice represents none other than the Highest Yoga Practice of the glorious conqueror Shakyamuni Buddha.Buddha taught in different ways for a multitude of suffering beings.In a display of this wonderful Enlightened skill, at the same time Buddha taught skillfully on our "plane of existence" — offering teachings in different ways to different followers, as best suited them — he taught in all planes of existence (time and space being relative and unlimited, after all.) The teachings of the Kalachakra Tantra are his highest teachings, although to achieve profound benefits requires training and a qualified teacher.Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche explains:"Kalachakra deity is an emanation of Buddha Shakyamuni.He is the opponent of the age of degeneration, Kali Yuga.Kalachakra revolves around the concept of time (kala) and cycle or wheels.Kalachakra, in Tibetan Dhukor, means wheel of time, wheel of Samsara turning, wheel of sharp weapons turning, wheel of wars turning and wheel of suffering turning.At this time, it is important to turn the wheel of holy Dharma.It is time to practice Kalachakra Tantra."Support the show

What are the ten benefits of loving kindness and compassion meditation to health and wellness as supported by peer-reviewed research.How can ten minutes of meditation a day reduce stress, slow aging or decrease illness.What is a simple, guided ten minute loving-kindness meditation?Peer reviewed medical or scientific research identifies at least 10 major health and wellness benefits of loving kindness and compassion meditation.Any one of these would be reason enough to spend ten minutes a day dedicated to peaceful loving kindness and compassion meditation.The health and wellness benefits demonstrated in studies, included:Reduction of stress, including increases in Respiratory Sinus ArrythmiaSlowing of agingIncreasing of brain matterDecreasing of illnessDecreasing Post Traumatic Stress DisorderReducing incidence of migrainesDecreasing schizophrenia spectrum disordersIncreasing of empathy, compassion, reduction of bias and discrimination, and increasing of social connectionsIncreasing self worth and self love, reducing self-criticism — all of which can have positive impact on psychological and physical well-being.These peer-reviewed research studies are cited in the feature at the information icon of this video.The better news is that loving kindness and compassion meditation daily is a very easy practice, whether self-guided or following along with a guide.Follow along with us now, as we offer a very short, lovely, and simple loving-kindness and compassion meditation.Support the show

Why is Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva so popular across all traditions of Buddhism? What are the benefits of meditating on Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva? Why is his mantra treasured for stability, riches and wish-granting?We answer these questions, followed by a short visualization meditation of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva. We finish with the mantra of the great Earth Store Bodhisattva chanted beautifully by Hrishikesh Sonar in Sanskrit.Before we begin, please like, subscribe and turn on notifications to help support the making of more videos and the Spread the Dharma mission of Buddha Weekly. His name translates to English as Earth Store Savior.Why Earth Store?Earth nurtures the growth of all things, and Store refers to hidden treasures.It is from Earth that life springs.Like the earth, this Enlightened hero is able to make all things grow.Like the great earth, he has endless, boundless treasure troves in the ground for people to uncover, including treasures of Dharma teachings.Those with faith will see the treasures revealed.According to the Hundred and Eight Names of Kṣhitigarbha and Ten Wheels Sūtra, his practice will ensure the universe will remain stable, riches will increase, you will gain whatever you wish for, and all glorious qualities will expand enormously.Why is his meditation, mantra and sutra recitation so effective?According to tradition and Sutra teachings, Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva — also known as Jizo in Japan, or Dìzàng in Chinese Buddhism — will be the most active of the Bodhisattvas in the time between the Nirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha and the rise of the next Buddha Maitreya.For these reasons, and his closeness to our world, he is called the Earth Store Bodhisattva.In times of natural disaster, such as earthquakes, climate change, hurricanes, and epidemics, teachers such as Lama Zopa Rinpoche recommend his meditation and mantra.The mantra and his Dharani contain the essence of recitation of the Eight Names of Kṣitigarbha and Ten Wheels Sutra.He is also widely treasured because he is an unfailing friend and hero, rescuing those suffering from negative karmas and hell realms.He is praised and honored in most traditions of Mahayana Buddhism, because of his great vows to save all sentient beings from suffering.His special day, celebrated by most Buddhists, is on the 30th day of the 7th lunar month, but he is a daily practice for many.For a more in-depth look at this great Earth Store Bodhisattva, see our full features in Buddha Weekly at the link icon in the top right.Come along with us now, as we visualize the glorious Earth Store Bodhisattva, in a visualized meditation..Half close your eyes, or visualize with the images in this video.Breathe in softly.  In.     Then out.  In.   And out. Breathe slowly.  In.    Out.    In.    Out.  Calm your mind. Become mindful and spacious. See yourself, seated in spacious emptiness, peaceful and serene. Golden light arises, gently, enveloping you, warming you, protecting you. From that golden light, you see Golden Kṣitigarbha arise, beautiful and wondrous. Surrounding him is an aureole of more golden light. ... (continues)Support the show

Ushnisha Vijaya, also known as Namgyelma in Tibetan, is one of the most beloved and widely practiced buddhas in Mahayana Buddhism. Why do Vajrayana Buddhists rely on the life-affirming, long-life Buddha Ushnisha Vijaya to support health and auspicious long life? What sutra, taught by the Buddha, contains the teachings on Ushnisha Vijaya and her Dharani? How can we meditate on Ushnisha Vijaya and bring her blessings into our life? We explore these questions in this short documentary on her beloved practice, followed by a short guided meditation with her beautiful long-life mantra, chanted wonderfully by Hrishikesh Sonar.In Vajrayana Buddhist tradition, the Yidam and your mind are inseparable. By visualizing the perfection of glorious long-life Ushnisha Vijaya, we connect our mind with her life-affirming, healing power. We empower our own prajna, or life force to rejuvenate our cells and heal our current physical bodies and minds. Ushnisha Vijaya, as our Yidam — or meditation deity —empowers our healing and long life by providing the perfect template — in Buddhist terms, mandala — to energize our own bodies to heal.Ushnisha Vijaya's practice was taught by Buddha Shakyamuni in the sutra, Usnisihavijaya Sutra, which contains her long Dharani, and the shorter mantra beautifully chanted here by Hrishikesh Sonar.Uṣṇīṣavijayā is considered to be very important throughout the four major lineages the Sakya, Gelug, Nyingma and Kagyu. All regard Her practice as very precious because it clears away the obstacles to life. Also, ultimately, it purifies our own obscurations, our negative karma.”  according to the 8th Garchen Rinpoche.Ushnishavijaya translates as Victorious Crown Goddess. She is one of a trinity of long-life Buddhas, including White Tara and Amitayus.Why are long-life Buddhas popular practices?Long-life Buddhas are very popular for good reason. With long life and good health, is the opportunity to practice Dharma. This is especially important in the case of our Buddhist teachers — their long lives benefit so many beings. Yet, equally, for ourselves, not because we cling to this Samsaric life, but because long life and health are conducive to a dedicated Dharma practice.Meditate along with us now, half-closing your eyes to meditate on Emptiness, and glimpsing none other than Ushnisha Vijaya. Visualize her in front of you, with healing white-golden light leaving the crown ushnisha of her head and entering your own crown, filling you with life-affirming light. Feel her healing blessings and warmth.See the glorious image of Ushnishavijaya, in front of you, the colour of an autumn moon, with three faces, white, yellow and blue and eight hands. Each face has three very large eyes. The first right hand holds a vishvavajra, a double vajra, her second hand holding a white lotus with Amitabha Buddha enthroned. Her third hand holds an arrow and the fourth in hand is in the mudra or gesture of supreme generosity. Her first left hand holds a vajra lasso. Her second left hand holds a bow. Her third left hand is in the gesture or mudra of bestowing protection, and her fourth left hand is in the gesture of meditative equipoise, and holding an auspicious nectar vase. She is beautifully adorned with silks and jewel ornaments, and seated in vajra posture.Holding the beautiful image of Ushnisha Vijaya, visualize the healing white-golden light from her crown entering your own body, reinforcing your lifeforce, your chi or prana. Her power, her healing light is removing all your negativities and your obstacles. Her healing light is strengthening you and healing you. Her blessings are filling you with lifeforce.Chant the beautiful mantra of Ushnisha Vijaya allowing the sacred syllables to empower you. Chant along now with Hrishikesh Sonar: Om Brum Svaha Om Amrita Ayur Da Dai SvahaSupport the show

Why is Mahakala associated with miracles and protection in Tibetan Buddhism? What do crows, three men in black, black dogs, black horses and black wolves have to do with Black Mahakala? How can wrathful Black Mahakala be considered none other than Chenrezig, Avalokiteshvara, the Lord of Compassion? In this short documentary, we answer these questions, and more, and end with a magnificent chanting of six-armed Mahakala's mantra by Yoko Dharma!Crows, black dogs, wolves, horses and the "Men in Black" are recurring themes in many Tibetan Buddhist legends of Mahakala.Mahakala is so well loved as a Protector that he is often simply called "The Great Black" and "The Lord."Having a dream featuring a crow or black horse or black wolf is considered highly auspicious by many devout followers of Black Mahakala....Full story of his miracles, followed by his Mantra chanted by the amazing Yoko Dharma!Support the show

Buddha Weekly PresentSanskrit Praise chanted by Hrishikesh Sonarfor Buddha WeeklyThe 21 Praises to Tara are famous for blessing activity, protection, healing, long-life practice and wish-fulfillment. Tara, the Mother of the Buddhas, emanates in countless forms to help suffering beings in our troubled world. om namo bhagavatyai āryaśrī ekaviṃśati tārāyai namastāre ture vīre tuttāre bhayanāśiniture sarvārthade tāresvāhākāre namo’stute1st Taranamastāre ture vīrekṣaṇa dyuti nibhekṣaṇetrailokya nātha vaktrābjavikasat kesarodbhave2nd Taranamaḥ śata śaraccandrasampūrṇa paṭalānanetārā sahasra nikara prahasatkiraṇojjvale3rd Taranamaḥ kanaka nīlābja-pāṇipadma vibhūṣitedāna vīrya tapaḥ śānti titikṣādhyāna gocare 4th Taranamas tathāga toṣṇīṣavijayā nanta cāriṇiaśeṣa pāramitā prāptajina putra niṣevite 5th Taranamas tuttāra huṅkārapūritāśā digantaresaptaloka kramākrānt niḥśeṣākarṣaṇa kṣame6th Taranamaḥ śakrā nala brahmamarud viśveśvar ārcite,bhūta vetāla gandharva gaṇayakṣa puraskṛte7th Taranamastriḍiti phaṭkāraparayantra pramardinipratyālīḍha padanyāseśikhi jvālā kulojjvale8th Taranamasture mahāghoremāra vīra vināśinibhṛkuṭī kṛta vaktrābjasarva śatru niṣūdini9th Taranamastrīratna mudrāṅkahṛdayāṅguli vibhūṣitebhūṣitā śeṣa dikcakranikara-sva-karākule10th Taranamaḥ pramuditoddīptamukuṭākṣipta mālinihasat prahasat tuttāremāra loka vaśaṅkari11th Taranamaḥ samasta bhūpālapatal ākarṣaṇa kṣamecalada bhṛkuṭi hūṃkārasarvāpada vimocini12th Taranamaḥ śīkhaṇḍa-khaṇḍendumukuṭā bharaṇoj-jvaleamitābha-jaṭā-bhārabhāsvara-kiraṇa-dhruve13th Taranamaḥ kalpānta huta bhugajvālā mālāntara sthiteālīḍha muditābaddharipu cakra vināśini 14th Taranamaḥ karatalā ghātaćaraṇa hatabhūtalebhṛkuṭī kṛta hūṃkārasapta pātāla bhedini 15th Taranamaḥ śive śubhe śānteśānta nirvāṇa gocare,svāhā praṇava saṃyuktemahā pātaka nāśini 16th Taranamaḥ pramuditābaddharipu-gātra prabhedinidaśākṣara pada-nyāsevidyā-hūṃkāra-dīpite17th Taranamas ture pādaghātahūṃkārākāra bījitemeru mandharva vindhyaścabhuvana trayacālini18th Taranamaḥ sureśarākārahariṇāṅka kara sthitetārā dvirukta phaṭkāraaśeṣa viṣa nāśini19th Taranamaḥ sura gaṇā dhyakṣasura kinnara seviteābaddha muditābhogakari duḥ svapna nāśini20th Taranamaś candrārka sampūrṇanayana dyuti bhāsvarehara dvirukta tut-tāreviṣama jvara nāśini21st Taranama stritat tvavi nyāseśiva-śakti samanvitegraha vetāla yakṣa gaṇanāśini pravare tureSupport the show

Chant along now, with the Amazing Yoko Dharma, as she beautifully sings the glorious eight lines of praise to Vajra yogini in Sanskrit, with beautiful meditative images. These, unlike the mantra, are not generally considered restricted, although be guided by your own teacher.OM NAMO BHAGAVATE BAGAVATE BAGAVATE VAJRA VARAHI BAM HUM HUM PHAT OM NAMO ARYA  APARA-JITE  TRAI-LOKYA  MATI VIDYESHVARI HUM HUM PHATOM NAMO SARVA BHUTA BHAYA  VAHE MAHA VAJRA HUM HUM PHATOM NAMO VAJRA SANI AJITE APARA-JITE VASHAM KARI-NETRA HUM HUM PHATOM NAMO BRAHMANI SHOSHANI ROSHANI KRODHE KARALENE HUM HUM PHATOM NAMO TRASANI  MARANI  PRABHADANI  PARAJAYE HUM HUM PHATOM NAMO VIJAYE JAMBHANI STAMBHANI MOHANI HUM HUM PHATOM NAMO VAJRA  VARAHI MAHA YOGINI KAME-SHVARI KHAGE HUM HUM PHATSupport the show

Why do many Buddhist teachers describe Vajrayogini as the one practice for our busy, hectic, terrifying times which can lead us, in one lifetime, to Enlightenment?  Why is Vajrayogini the Sarva Buddha Dakini — the Dakini who is the essence of all the Buddhas? What are the ten benefits of her practice? How can we practice Vajrayogini now, if we don't yet have empowerment and permission of a teacher? We answer these questions, and more, in our brief documentary on the great Dakini Queen Vajrayogini.At the end of this podcast, don't miss the amazing Yoko Dharma chanting the glorious eight lines of praise to Vajrayogini in Sanskrit with beautiful meditative images.Support the show

Ushnisha Vijaya is one of the most beloved and widely practiced Buddhas in Mahayana Buddhism.She represents the epitome of physical health, vitality, and longevity. Her practices are highly recommended for increasing these qualities in ourselves.The practice can be as simple as chanting her mantra, while visualizing her in front of you with healing energy flowing into your body.Chant along with Hrishikesh Sonar, the beautiful short Sanskrit mantra.Mantra:OM BRUM SVAHA OM AMRITA AYUR DA DAI SVAHASupport the show

Buddhist teachers are universal in their enthusiasm for White Tara practice.Almost every teacher has real-life stories of people close to them who have been helped by White Tara, especially for health, long-life and auspiciousness. According to Venerable Lama  Phuntsock:White Arya Tara, from among the 21 Taras, frees practitioners from untimely death.It is truly possible to extend the span of one’s life by practicing White Tara and this will be very beneficial for one’s Dharma practice.The practice can be as simple as chanting her mantra, while visualizing healing energy flowing into your body. Chant along with Hrishikesh Sonar, the beautiful Sanskrit mantra of Glorious Arya White Tara.The mantra: Om Tare Tuttare Ture Mama Ayuh Punya Jnana Pushtim Kuru SvahaSupport the show

Green Tara is famous for her windy activity, sweeping to the rescue of sentient beings, with the force and speed of a hurricane.In Vajrayana Buddhism, Female Buddhas represent Wisdom. For this reason, she is described as the mother of all the Buddhas.Tara represents the unique and awesome intersection of Activity and Wisdom.Her role, as the "activity aspect of all the Buddhas," is as vast as the universe. This is why her many activity roles include rescues, protection, healing, long life, auspiciousness, and countless other activities associated with Karma.How can we bring the compassionate, loving activity of Tara into our lives. It can be as simple as calling her name, or chanting her mantra. Chant along  now 108 times, with the beautiful voice of Hrishikesh Sonar with inspiring meditative images.Support the show

Why does Vajrapani Bodhisattva's name mean "indestructible hand of the Buddha?" Why is he also called the "Lord or Secrets"? Why is Vajrapani one of the three most important Bodhisattvas? Come along with us now as we get to know this wrathful emanation of Vajrapani, the embodiment of the power of all the Buddhas.After our brief documentary, listen or chant along with the Sanskrit version of his mantra — famous for accomplishing the Enlightened power, overcoming all of our obstacles.Before we begin, if you enjoy this presentation, please like and subscribe to Buddha Weekly's channel. Please visit our popular Dharma website at BuddhaWeekly.com with its large library of free Buddhist features, articles, videos, and podcasts — covering all traditions of Buddhism.    Vajrapani’s name means, literally, “Indestructible Hand” — the Hand of the Buddha.  “Vajra” literally translates as “indestructible diamond”, and “Pani”, in this context, means hand, so one translation of Vajrapani is Indestructible Hand. Another, less interesting translation is “Thunderbolt in hand.” He is also called the Lord of Secrets, because he guards the power of "secret mantra."The benefits of his practice, according to the Tantra of the Supreme Origination of Vajrapani are:If the disciple renders one obeisance to Vajrapani, he attains more merits than he would have secured through rendering numerous obeisances to myriads of Buddhas as many as the total grains of sands in ninety-two million Ganges Rivers… If he relies on Vajrapani as his Yidam Buddha and recites the Mantra, he will surely be protected by Vajrapani from all hindrances. No demons can hurt him, all illness will be cured, his merits will be increased and prosperity augmented. All his wishes will be fulfilled. Thus, the benefits of practicing this ritual are beyond description, nothing can afflict those who practice it. The practitioner of this ritual will also accomplish all the four activities — Pacifying, Enriching, Magnetizing and Wrathful. He will encounter no obstacles. Therefore, one should always rely on Vajrapani, take him as one’s shelter and refuge. Also, those who have chronic diseases will be cured through reciting the Mantra of Vajrapani.”The Power BodhisattvaHe is one of the three great Bodhisattvas, together with Avalokiteshvara and Manjushri, who respectively represent the three important aspects of Buddha: Power, Compassion, and Wisdom.He is not only important in Mahayana sutra, but appears in early Pali Sutta — Ambattha Sutta (“Pride Humbled”)— mighty Vajrapani, the Protector of Gotama Buddha Himself, humbled a prideful Brahmin:“And at that moment Vajrapani holding up a huge iron club, flaming, ablaze and glowing, up in the sky just above Ambattha was thinking, “If this young man does not answer a proper question put to him by the Blessed Lord by the third time of asking, I’ll split his head into seven pieces!” The Lord saw Vajrapani, and so did Ambattha. And at the sight, Ambattha was terrified and unnerved, his hairs stood on end, and he sought protection, shelter, and safety from the Lord. Crouching down close to the Lord.”Vajrapani, who belongs the Vajra Family of Akshobhya Buddha, is also often called Guhyapati , or the “Lord of Secrets”, in the context of Vajrayana, the “secret mantra” path. The secret element is more about “looking inward” and the tantric methods of understanding the true nature of reality — tantric insight into truth — than the idea of keeping esoteric secrets.Support the show

In Buddhism, Bodhisattva Vajrapani's ultimate power activity mantra is famous for its inspiring benefits — protecting, strengthening and empowering our practice. His mantra is the highest expression of ultimate activity, or karma. Listen or chant along with the Sanskrit version of his mantra — famous for cultivating power, chanted beautifully by Hrishikesh Sonar with beautiful meditative images. Om Vajrapani HumSupport the show

Buddha taught us how to purify obstacles, obscurations, negative karma, even disease, through Vajrasattva meditation, visualization and mantras.Chant along the 100-syllable Sanskrit mantra, here beautifully chanted by Hrishikesh Sonar, with the meditative images of Vajrasattva. Visualize all of your negativities, obstacles and diseases purified by glorious white light.Listening or chanting are both beneficial. For chant along:OṃVajrasattva samayam anupālayaVajrasattva tvenopatiṣṭhadṛḍho me bhavasutoṣyo me bhavasupoṣyo me bhavaanurakto me bhavasarva siddhiṃ me prayacchasarva karma sucha me chittaṃ śreyaḥ kuruhūṃha ha ha ha hoḥbhagavan sarva tathāgata vajra mā me muñchavajrī bhava mahā samaya sattva āḥSupport the show

Why is wrathful Buddha Vajrakilaya, described by Garchen Rinpoche as "the mind of great love?" Can such a ferocious embodiment of Enlightenment really calm the mind and tame our obstacles, both external and internal? Why is Vajrakilaya — also called Vajrakumara — considered the activity of all the Buddhas? Come along with us now as we get to know this wrathful emanation of Vajrasattva, the embodiment of the activity of all the Buddhas. After our brief introduction, listen or chant along with the Sanskrit version of his mantra — famous for accomplishing the Enlightened activities and overcoming all of our obstacles. (Subtitled in multiple languages.) An informative 10-minute documentary video followed by a chant-along with Hrishikesh Sonar chanting this lovely mantra in Sanskrit. Sanskrit Mantra Om Vajra Kili Kilaya Sarva Vighnam Vam Hum Pey #Vajrakilaya #Vajrayana #BuddhaWeekly #Buddhism #Buddhist #BuddhistMantra #Mantra Support the show

In Buddhism, Manjushri's ultimate wisdom mantra is famous for its cognitive and meditative benefits. His mantra is the highest expression of ultimate wisdom, or prajna.Listen or chant along with the Sanskrit version of his mantra — famous for cultivating wisdom, chanted beautifully by Hrishikesh Sonar with beautiful meditative images. On the last recitation, the syllable Dhi is repeated over and over.Om Ah Ra Pa Cha Na DhiSupport the show

Avalokiteshvara Compassion Mantra chanted 108 times beautifully by the amazing Hrishikesh Sonar — with stunning meditative images of the Great Compassionate Bodhisattva. His compassion mantra is Om Mani Padme Hum. This is considered the most precious of all mantras, chanted millions of times daily by people around the world, and found in nearly all prayer wheels.Avalokiteshvara (Avalokiteśvara (Sanskrit: अवलोकितेश्वर) In Tibet, he is known as Chenrézik on Chenrezig. In East Asia, he or she is commonly known as Guānshìyīn or Guānyīn. Due to Avalokitesahvara’s vast compassion, she or he can appear in any form and manifests in at least 108 forms.Transcript of Introduction: “Avalokiteshvara’s boundless compassion for all beings is the ultimate expression of Bodhichitta and the ideal manifestation of the Bodhisattva hero. His mantra is the highest expression of Metta, or love, and Karuna, or Compassion.Listen or chant along with the Sanskrit version of his mantra — famous for generating boundless compassion, chanted beautifully by Hrishikesh Sonar:Om Mani Padme Hum”Support the show

Vajrakilaya and his mantra is important in our modern world — since Vajrakilaya is the activity of all the Buddhas. He is the wrathful Heruka emanation of glorious Buddha Vajrasattva. At the same time, he is the ultimate expression of Bodhichitta and compassion and love.Listen or chant along with the Sanskrit version of his mantra — famous for accomplishing the Enlightened activities and overcoming our obstacles, chanted beautifully by Hrishikesh Sonar.Om Vajra Kili Kilaya Sarva Vighnam Vam Hum PeyCREDITSOriginal music, singing and arrangement by Hrishikesh Sonar  The literal translation of the mantraAlthough mantras can’t be broken down by word translation — ideally, listen to full commentaries from teachers on the deeper meanings — for helpful reference, we have translated the Sanskrit mantra somewhat literally here.Om Vajra Kili Kilaya Sarva Vighnam Vam Hum PeyVajraVajra, in Sanskrit, has both the meanings of “thunderbolt” and “diamond.” Like the thunderbolt, the vajra cleaves through ignorance. It also connotes “swift” or “instant.”KiliKila : in Sansrit कील; IAST: kīla for a three-sided peg, stake, or knife.  Kili associated with Quick Activity, Quick Action, Strength — as in the small three-cornered tent peg that can secure a tent against the worse weather. But also “staking” quickly or pegging instantly.KilayaVajraKilaya is the name of the great One, in this a form of Vajrakila (which means Thunderbolt quickly “Spike” or nail down — as in transfixing our obstructions to Enlightenment.SarvaSarva (सर्व) Sanskrit — Sarva (सर्व) refers to “(the attainment of) everything”VighnamNoun. विघ्न • (vighna) m. a breaker, destroyer. an obstacle, impediment, hindrance, opposition, prevention, interruption, any difficulty or trouble.Vam(Bam in Tibetan) Vam is the seed syllable of Vajrakilaya — although Hum is also considered his ultimate seed syllable (Dharmakaya seed syllable). Vam is the bija, or seed, sound of the sacral chakra. When chanting the mantra, vam, the power of the sound vibrations is believed to cleanse this chakra, which is the energy center of creativityHumHum connotes “method and wisdom” or “Compassion and comprehension of Shunyata”Pey (Phet, Phat)Note: this is a phonetic spelling: it is a slightly aspirated sound like P-Hey (with a soft “tuh” sound at the end) — hard to pronounce so most people, chant “pey!”)Pey means “cutting through” or “cut!” — as in cutting all obstacles to success, siddhis and Enlightenment.Typically, online you’ll find this mantra chanted in the Tibetan versionOM BENZA KILI KILIYA SARWA BIGHANEN BAM HUNG PHATSupport the show

Jason Espada, well known for reciting sutras, discourses and commentaries, recites his Praise of Tara, a beautiful six minute praise. The full prayer: In Praise of Tara Holy Tara, Protector of living beings, May your blessings flow throughout all of our lives and by Your Compassionate Activity, may all the needs of all beings be completely fulfilled now Tara Your beauty tames the minds of living beings. You draw all beings to yourself. Your virtue calms their fears and brings them all fresh happiness. You are the one who makes what seems to be the impossible entirely possible You conquer disbelief, and dispel doubt without leaving even a trace You are miraculous activity, beyond comprehension. You are ‘swift to regard’, quick to respond, the remover of obstacles. You are our protector You are grace and blessings, the relative and ultimate liberator of beings Your beauty inspires uprightness of moral character You pacify habit energy We shed our skins, lose our old ways, like leaves falling off of trees You bring new birth, and give new strength You purify the mind - like the stream-clearing jewel You uplift and brighten the mind For those with positive aims, You are their Great Benefactress You set all things right You bring about reconciliation without impediment without anything blocking it You bring harmony to every surrounding circumstance You help us to gather all positive conditions You bring out the best that is in us all You make all practices effective It has always been this way It is this way now It will always be this way You are the spring-like feeling of ‘yes’, the sum of all optimism, joyful positive energy, the feeling of ‘I can’ Tara, May your blessings completely illuminate all of our lives and may all the needs of all beings be completely fulfilled now O, Bright Virtue! You are light You are grace in my life and subtle nourishment The blessing of all the women who have ever wished me well You are instinctive love, all-accommodating naturally inclusive comprehensive You are embodied enlightened intelligence, intuitive awareness, the heart awake, and the flourishing of joy You are playful, youthful, joyful, quick, charming, elegant, inspiring, wise, warm, strengthening, encouraging, healing, calming, stabilizing; How can I call you? Tara - hope, positive energy, joyful, pure, wholesome energy With your rivers nurture my limbs, these fields With your warmth, your light bring about the total flowering of goodness... Tara, May your blessings be established in all of our lives Because this is Divine Feminine energy, quick to respond with magical activity, the equivalent of the patron saint of lost causes, grace, spiritual beauty bringing light, giving hope, removing obstacles, calming fear, pacifying suffering, and protecting bringing harmony to every surrounding circumstance, bringing life, health, happiness, good fortune, and stability and, being the Spring-like sum of all optimism, inspiring, positive energy, enabling all the good things we would do to become effective, to become fulfilled, to become complete, this is called Green Tara May all share in these blessings. By Jason EspadaSupport the show

Jason Espada recites the entire Medicine Buddha Sutra. Recitation or listening to any sutra is considered a healing practice — the more so for Medicine Buddha Sutra with the Great 12 Vows of Bhaishajyaguru, the Lapis Lazuli Medicine Buddha. Chanted soothingly in classical style, the meditation is serene and empowering.   Because of Medicine Buddha's great vows, any person who recites his mantra or sutra can benefit from his healing energy. Support the show

Jason Espada soothingly recites the Song of Longing for Tara prayer, relied on by millions as a daily practice. After the beautiful recitation — recommended to be recited twice a day — Hrishikesh Sonar chants the 21 Praises to Tara in a beautiful English chant! (Total listen time 20 minutes)In Mahayana Buddhism, Green Tara is the Mother of all the Buddhas. She is the Buddha of the “heart.”  Her practice releases us from all fears and dangers.While all the Buddhas can be seen as Oneness and Omniscient — and therefore practicing one Buddha can be seen as practicing all Buddhas  [pause x-strong]  there is something precious, personal and wondrous about the Wisdom Compassion Buddha, Noble Green Tara.The Song of Longing for Tara is a core prayer and practice, recited by millions for its benefits.  Listen now, as Jason Espada recites the Song of Longing for Tara, and follow along with your own recitation using the script in the description. This song not only praises Tara, but it is also a teaching. Who is Tara? What are her benefits? Why is she special in modern times? Practice this twice a day, together with the 21 Praises to Tara to bring the blessings and protection of Mother Buddha Tara in to your life. At the end of Jason's recitation, listen on as Hrishikesh Sonar chants the 21 Praises to Tara in English.If you enjoy this presentation please see our other videos and podcasts at Buddha Weekly.com   Buddha Weekly — Helping to Spread the Dharma.Support the show

What are the three key aspects of Buddhist Practice? What Bodhisattvas represent these key foundations in Buddhism? How can we bring them into our lives? In this Buddha Weekly video, we introduce the Three Lords of the World, Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri and Vajrapani, the Three Great Bodhisattvas. We also present their mantras, here chanted together beautifully by Hrishi.Wisdom, Compassion and Powerful ActivityCultivating Wisdom, Compassion and Activity are the key aspects of Buddhist Practice. These are represented by the “Three Lords of the World” — the three great Bodhisattva heroes who promised to remain in Samsara until all sentient beings are rescued. The Three Lords of the World are Manjushri, Bodhisattva of Wisdom; Avalokiteshvara, Bodhisattva of Compassion; and Vajrapani, Bodhisattva of Power and activities.Why these Three Out of the Eight Great OnesIn Buddhism, especially Mahayana, the three great Bodhisattvas, called the Three Lords of the World, are the most important practice. Why? Because they remain in our world, working to help us, and their focus is to empower wisdom and compassion.There are Eight Great Bodhisattvas, traditionally, in Buddhism, but, in many temples and practices, the Three Lords of the World are preeminent.Support the show

In session 1 of a Mahamudra retreat — a full weekend of teachings — Venerable Zasep Rinpoche introduces Mahamudra and guides a wonderful session that includes a guided session on Samatha Mindfulness — Calm Abiding Meditation. In session 2, Ven. Zasep Rinpoche teaches us how to rest our minds in the natural state — the state of luminescent clarity, or clear light.The first session of a teaching and meditation retreat on advanced Mahamudra, taught by Zasep Rinpoche, the author of Gelug Mahamudra: Eloquent Speech of Manjushri. The book is available on Amazon (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3OAq7uV In session one, Rinpoche introduces Mahamudra, then speaks about the nature of mind and its obstructions. He then gives detailed, and often humorous instructions on "resting the mind in the natural state." Teachings were at the end of 2018 at Gaden Choling in Toronto. Venerable Zasep Rinpoche is the spiritual director of several meditations centers in Canada, Australia, and the USA, and teaches around the world.Support the show

Bring the five powers of the Five Wisdom Dakinis into your life by chanting along with the mantras of Buddha Dakini , Padma Dakini, Vajra Dakini, Ratna Dakini and Karma Dakini! These activity Dakinis help bring us the powers of peaceful, magnetizing, subjugating, auspiciousness and supreme acitivites! (For those with faith and devotion.) By popular request, this is the FIVE mantras, with visualized images version of our previous full documentary on the Wisdom Dakinis. So beautiful! In the background, Venerable Zasep Rinpoche recite/chants the Sacred Heart Sutra. Very profound — a beautiful meditation. Chant along with Yoko Dharma! (Mantras are subtitled for chant-along ease.) *** NOTE: The Five Powers is a meditative statement. As with all "healing" and "empowering" mantras, it is subject to your own meditative skills, your faith, and always subject to the advice of your medical primary health care providers. Mantras and meditations are profoundly effective for those with faith, but with all the common-sense disclaimers.***Synopsis of the 5 Wisdom Dakinis: The five wisdom Dakinis are the "wisdom" counterparts of the Five Dhyani Buddhas. Dakinis symbolize wisdom activities and Dhyani Buddhas symbolize compassion and method. As the Enlightened Path includes both wisdom and compassion, these are inseparable — which is why the metaphor used is "consort." Whether wisdom is the consort of compassion or the reverse, is not important. They are co-equal partners. Generally, Wisdom activities are carried out by the Wisdom Dakinis. And, this is where the five activities represented by five dakinis become important. Each of these is represented by a color. Four Activities and the Supreme In general, there are four activities — plus, the supreme activity. The four activities are peaceful, increasing, magnetizing, and subjugating, and the fifth is the supreme — which is the ultimate combination of all of these. These are represented by the five colors: white for peaceful activities, yellow for increasing activities, red for magnetizing activities, blue for subjugating. The fifth is green, which is considered to be the combination of all the other four — the supreme. This is why Green Tara and Vajra Dakini are considered to be the "ultimate action heroes" — since they combine all the types of activities in one magnificent Dakini aspect. The great Padmasambhava, quoted from the book Dakini Activity, defines the vital role of the wisdom Dakini best (from Dakini Activity (book) by Padmasambhava."The source of activity is the dakini and there are five kinds of activities, peaceful, increasing, magnetizing, subjugating, and the supreme activity. The primary way to perfect these is through dakini practices, and among dakinis, there are the wisdom dakinis, in space and worldly. These vast collections of practices can be condensed into those of the three roots, lama, yidam, and dakini. "The source of blessings is the lama, the source of accomplishment is the yidam, and the source of activities is the dakinis. The one who carries out the activities for the lama and the yidam is the dakini, in other words, the virtue of blessings and accomplishment is the activity, which is the dakini." #SpreadTheDharma #BuddhaWeekly #Buddhism #DakiniSupport the show

Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava’s Powerful Wish-Fulfilling Mantras — Protection, Prosperity, Healing! Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava’s mantra connects us with the Enlightened Padmasambhava. For centuries, it has been chanted for its spiritual and miraculous qualities. Bring the benefits of this short, beautiful mantra into your life. Chant along with us now, with the amazing Hrishikesh Sonar, 108 times! Answering a question to the Lady Tosgyal (as recorded by the Lady), Guru Rinpoche gave long teaching on the benefits of the mantra, which included: “It will protect from all negative forces of disease, famine, unrest, bad harvests and all bad omens in all countries of the world, so that there will be plenty of water for agriculture and for human and animal life, and all regions and the air will experience conditions of prosperity and good luck. Those who will practice this way will meet me again and again, in this life, in their future lives and in intermediate state between death and rebirth. It’s most easy to see me for those whose consciousness is awakened. Those with a lesser attainment I meet again and again in their dreams. Gradually moving towards perfection through various paths and stages of their practice, they will definitely reach the fullness of absolute awareness in my Pure Land in the continent of Ngayab. Have no doubt about it!” (So said the great Guru Rinpoche.) Support the show

Why is Guru Rinpoche, the Lotus-Born Padmasambhava, considered the second Buddha of our times? Why are Padmasambhava's teachings more than just another teaching lineage in Buddhism? Why are Guru Rinpoche's teachings more akin to Quantum Physics than religion? In this Buddha Weekly podcast documentary, we answer these questions and more — and finish with the magnificent chanting of Padmasambhava's mantra 108 times! Timecodes / Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:12 The Buddha of Vajrayana Guru Rinpoche 04:21 Guru Rinpoche's Science of the Mind 05:00 Padmasambhava's Miraculous Birth 06:11 Eight Forms of Padmasambhava 07:29 Emptiness and Quantum Physics 09:29 Padmasambhava — Emptiness and Entanglement 10:55 The Buddha For Modern, Dangerous Times 12:26 Lotus Family 13:02 Practicing Padmasambhava 13:37 Chanting of Mantra: beautifully sung / arranged / composed by Hrishikesh Sonar #SpreadTheDharma #BuddhaWeekly #GuruRinpoche #BuddhismGuru Rinpoche, the Buddha of Vajrayana The Vajrayana Wheel of Buddhist Dharma that Guru Rinpoche brought to Tibet was more than simply another lineage of Buddhist philosophy. Vajrayana teachings, and especially Guru Rinpoche’s teachings and manifestations, framed a view of reality, of the Universe, more akin to Quantum Physics than religion. Guru Rinpoche, the Lotus-Born, is honored as the second living Buddha of our age, who turned the final wheel of Dharma, Vajrayana, and brought Buddha Dharma to Tibet. He also embraced the miraculous and wonderous. Historically, Guru Rinpoche turned the final wheel of Dharma, popularizing the powerful methods of Buddhist Tantra. Traditionally, he is “Lotus Born” in Oddiyana. In the traditional, miraculous accounts he “consciously incarnated as an eight-year-old child appearing in a lotus blossom floating in Lake Dhanakosha, in the kingdom of Oddiyana.”  He is the Lotus Born — born fully Enlightened. “Scholars agree that Padmasambhava was a real person, that he came from Uddiyana, a kingdom possibly located around present-day Swat in Pakistan, and that he arrived in Tibet some time around the year 760.” Miraculous and Scientific? Is it confusing to label Padmasambhava as both the Quantum philosopher and the mystical, magical wizard of Enlightenment and simultaneously as a fully Enlightened Buddha? Although on one hand he is lauded as the miraculous Lotus Born, he is also embraced by many scientists for his sound Quantum vision. Are they contradictory? Padmasambhava’s life was a living embodiment of the miraculous. Nothing is impossible to the fully Enlightened and marvelous Guru Rinpoche — and everything about his amazing life is a wonder. Just as Shakyamuni Buddha, the first Buddha of our age, demonstrated extraordinary phenomena, Padmasambhava personified them. Why does an Enlightened Buddha display magical feats? As “Upaya” or skillful means, or upaya-kaushalya meaning “skill in means.” In simplest terms, upaya is any activity that helps others realize enlightenment. At the same time as he demonstrated the miraculous, especially helpful in presenting the Dharma to Tibet, Padmasambhava taught the science of the mind. Guru Rinpoche's Science of the Mind Tulku Pasang Rinpoche explains his popularity in modern times: “Padmasambhava's teaching is the science of the mind.” Professor of Quantum Physics Dana Zou, clarified Guru Rinpoche's science of the mind this way: “Padmasambhava was in touch with Quantum reality, He lived the Quantum reality. He manifested the Quantum reality.”Support the show

Many Buddhist teachers have requested students recite Hayagriva's supreme mantra in troubled times. In The Sutra of Forming Hayagriva it is written: "Whoever, including even the insects, has heard the name and mantra of Hayagriva only one time will never again fall into the lower paths." Chant along with us now, Hayagriva's swift and powerful mantra 108 times with Sanskrit mantras chanted (singing, music and arrangement) by Hrishikesh Sonar. (Chanting begins around 2:27 after a brief introduction to the benefits.In the Manifestation of the Superb Victorious Wrathful Great Horse Tantra,  the benefits of reciting Hayagriva's supreme mantra, is described as: "Those who merely recite the mantra frequently will be free from afflictions. Hayagriva is the king of all protections."Many great teachers continue to request their students accumulate Hayagriva Heruka’s mantra — known to be particularly efficacious in these troubled times. Venerable Zasep Rinpoche advises that even without empowerment we may chant the mantra as long as we visualize Hayagriva in front of us.Bring the benefits of Hayagriva's supreme mantra into your life. Chant along now, 108 times with beautiful visualized images of the great wrathful lord of Compassion.To learn more about Hayagriva Buddha, visit BuddhWeekly.com (extensive written feature version) or Youtube (video version) for an exciting documentary covering Hayagriva, his practice, appearance, benefits, origin story and what the teachers have to say about his important practice.Support the show

As a child, who did you go to for protection: the parent who let you do anything and smiled while you did it, or the parent who yanked you back from the brink with a stern voice and scowl. When all is right with the world, we go to the smiling parent. When we are in danger, we need our wrathful parent.  In Tibetan Buddhism, Palden Lhamo is that ferocious mother protector. Also known as Shridevi, she is the enraged, dark emanation of Vajra Sarasvati  — who is an emanation of Tara. She is like the no-nonsense, stern mother, who can pull you back from danger with awesome motherly strength. Palden Lhamo is the unrestrainable, bulked-up mother who can lift a car off of a trapped child — the awesome power of a furious mother. You could think of Tara as the "nice mother" supportive and protective, with embracing arms, and Palden Lhamo as the same mother, but super wrathful, enraged, and awesome in Her power; nothing, absolutely nothing, can stand against Her. You can also think of Palden Lhamo as the fierce aspect of wisdom, as the wrathful emanation of Vajra Sarasvati.How important is Palden Lhamo practice in Tibetan Buddhism? Venerable Losang Samtem explains:      “There are so many Buddhas and Bodhisattvas who are constantly willing to help all living beings overcome suffering… The most important and powerful protector deity in Buddhist history is Panden Lhamo. Even though these Enlightened beings, including Panden Lhamo, are always willing to help, it is necessary for us to cultivate the potential within ourselves. We need to be open to receive the blessings of these deities."Support the show

Compassion comes in many forms. Sometimes we need a friend. Sometimes we need a protective warrior. Sometimes, a fierce kick in the rear (metaphorically). And sometimes we need to reduce our obstacles to Dharma practice. Chenrezig, the Lord of Compassion, emanates in countless forms to help all sentient beings, including a "good fortune" aspect. Does it seem counter-intuitive, that Buddhist practices include "good fortune" practices — especially when Buddha taught renunciation? Does it seem selfish to ask for Enlightened help with our obstacles such as poverty, stress, or resources? It shouldn't. Imagine if fully renounced monks are starving, unable to find a bowl of rice. How can they meditate? How can they practice Bodhichitta when they can't even find food for themselves? And how can the lay community support the monks when they can't feed themselves. Buddha Shakyamuni's Teachings "Practical"Buddha's teachings, demonstrated in thousands of sutras, are above all practical. He not only lofty Enlightened methods of practice, but he also taught "right livelihood." He demonstrated endless compassion and generosity — even faced with the serial killer, he took the time to bring him into the Dharma, and become one of his monks. One entire sutra is dedicated to the "householder" — even touching on loans and livelihood.  In later Mahayana and Tantra teachings, he gave us methods for meditating on prosperity, attracting "good fortune" methods, to help us on the path. For we laypeople, we do have to work and earn salaries and raise families — but the more stress we have in just "making a living" the less likely we'll find any time for mindfulness practice or any serious practices. Or, for those of us advancing along towards retirement, looking forward to our first multi-week retreat, will we have the resources to undertake our aspiration? Then, there are those generous people who tirelessly help people less fortunate — donating either time or money — they need "resources" to help others.It is for all of these reasons that Chenrezig — none other than the Bodhisattva of Compassion Avalokiteshvara — emanated as White Mahakala. Don't expect White Mahakala to make you a millionaire — or to help you win the lottery. His compassion is for serious Dharma practitioners. His practice helps us to help ourselves. His practice ensures we work harder. His practice is about setting the intention for prosperity — sufficient resources to allow us to practice both Bodhichitta and Wisdom practices both.  Support the show

Green Tara is almost certainly the most popular Enlightened Buddha form in Vajrayana Buddhism. Tara's mantra is chanted daily by countless Mahayana and Tibetan Buddhists. Tara — the Liberator, the savior, the healer — is the "Mother of all Buddhas. Please enjoy and benefit from this guided meditation video on Green Tara practice for both uninitiated and initiated practitioners, with animated visualizations of the Tam syllable, green light, and Green Tara. The video ends with beautiful Tara mantras sung by the amazing Yoko Dharma. Relax, sit straight, half-close your eyes, and listen to Venerable Zasep Rinpoche guide you through visualizing Tara and chanting her mantra. Then, chant along with Yoko Dharma's amazing voice at the end of the meditation — with yet more beautiful meditational images. Venerable Zasep Rinpoche, spiritual director of Gaden for the West centers in Canada, U.S., and Australia, covers why foundations are important and how to practice: prostrations, offerings, meditation (including meditation on precious human rebirth), purification practices, and Guru yoga. Rinpoche is popularly known for his approachable teaching style, strong humor, and teachings based on a long lineage of great lamas. His own gurus included the most celebrated of Gelug teachers: His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, His Holiness Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, Venerable Geshe Thupten Wanggyel, His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Venerable Lati Rinpoche, Venerable Tara Tulku Rinpoche, and Venerable Khalkha Jetsun Dampa Rinpoche. He is the author of Buddhist teaching books, including "Tara in the Palm of Your Hand". Rinpoche is the spiritual director of many temples, meditation centers and retreat centers in Australia, the United States, and Canada. He was first invited to teach in Australia by Lama Thubten Yeshe in 1976. Support the show

What are the five Wisdom Dakinis? Why are they central to Tibetan Buddhist practice? Why are they associated with activity practices— peaceful, increasing, magnetizing, subjugating and supreme activities — such as Chod? In this presentation, we try to answer these questions. We present the mantras of the Five Wisdom Dakinis, sung by the amazing Yoko Dharma at the end of this introduction.The great Padmasambhava, quoted from the book Dakini Activity, defines the vital role of the wisdom Dakini best (from Dakini Activity (book) by Padmasambhava."The source of activity is the dakini and there are five kinds of activities, peaceful, increasing, magnetizing, subjugating, and the supreme activity. The primary way to perfect these is through dakini practices, and among dakinis, there are the wisdom dakinis, in space and worldly. These vast collections of practices can be condensed into those of the three roots, lama, yidam, and dakini. "The source of blessings is the lama, the source of accomplishment is the yidam, and the source of activities is the dakinis. The one who carries out the activities for the lama and the yidam is the dakini, in other words, the virtue of blessings and accomplishment is the activity, which is the dakini." To help clarify how the great Padmasambhava's words reflect the five Wisdom Dakinis, it can be helpful to clarify both the meaning of Dakini and the symbolism of color and image in Tibetan Buddhism. Summarizing the Five Great Wisdom Dakinis The five wisdom Dakinis are the "wisdom" counterparts of the Five Dhyani Buddhas. Dakinis symbolize wisdom activities and Dhyani Buddhas symbolize compassion and method. As the Enlightened Path includes both wisdom and compassion, these are inseparable — which is why the metaphor used is "consort." Whether wisdom is the consort of compassion or the reverse, is not important. They are co-equal partners. Generally, Wisdom activities are carried out by the Wisdom Dakinis. And, this is where the five activities represented by five dakinis become important. Each of these is represented by a color. Four Activities and the Supreme In general, there are four activities — plus, the supreme activity. The four activities are peaceful, increasing, magnetizing, and subjugating, and the fifth is the supreme — which is the ultimate combination of all of these. These are represented by the five colors: white for peaceful activities, yellow for increasing activities, red for magnetizing activities, blue for subjugating. The fifth is green, which is considered to be the combination of all the other four — the supreme. This is why Green Tara and Vajra Dakini are considered to be the "ultimate action heroes" — since they combine all the types of activities in one magnificent Dakini aspect.Support the show

The Lamrim teachings on the Three Principal Paths — it can be spelled Principal or Principle, either is correct with slightly different contexts — is considered the very essence of Buddha's teaching. (Therefore his Principles but also his Principal teachings.) The three are Renunciation, Bodhichitta, and Shunyata. How can I practice Renunciation, Bodhichitta, and Shunyata when I'm an ordinary layperson? How can I motivate myself to renounce attachments while still a layperson? In part one of this short series on the Three Principal Paths (Three Principle Paths), Venerable Zasep Rinpoche, in a wonderful and concise teaching, explains Renunciation for the ordinary lay practitioner. In practical terms, Rinpoche explains how to incorporate renunciation into modern life.  #ThreePrinciplePaths #ThreePrincipalPaths #Lamrim #Buddhism #TibetanBuddhismSupport the show

Healing Parnashavari is Tara's Healing emanation, also lovingly known as Tara Dressed in Leaves. Her mantra is renowned through the centuries, for healing and especially for effectiveness against epidemics. In this Buddha Weekly special presentation, enjoy the healing mantras and visualization images of Healing Paranashari. Sing-along MANTRA (Sanskrit) Om Pishachi Parnashavari Sarvajora Prashamanayeh Svaha or Tibetan version (very similar) OM PI-SA-CHI PAR-NA-SHA-VA-RI SAR-VA ZO-LA PRA-SHAMA- NA YE SO-HA Singing, music and arrangement by Hrishikesh Sonar Chant along now, while meditating on her holy form, visualizing healing light entering your body. As always for any health or healing meditation, always first consult with your health care providers. Meditation and mantras are helpful supports, but not a replacement for health care.Support the show

If you were facing a life-threatening scenario, would you call emergency services on your phone, calling for help from well-trained first responders — or call your kindly relative. If disaster strikes, we inevitably first think of our wonderful first-responders. In almost any scenario, we are conditioned to look for help from those who are best trained and equipped to help us. Although advice of a loved one can be helpful, you need action and activity when you are in trouble.In Mahayana Buddhism, the first responders, the ones who save us from obstacles and demons, are embodied in Karma Activity Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, such as Tara or Guanyin.Or, when we declare a state of emergency, in the form of Wrathful Aspects of the Buddhas. The First Responders in Vajrayana Buddhism In our meditational practices, the first responders – at least in some forms of Mahayana Buddhism — are the wrathful deities. Since Buddhas have transcended our mental limitations, they can appear in any form whatsoever. The wrathful forms are our first responder team. Instead of uniforms, guns and rescue equipment, our Buddhist first responders are burly, ferocious, powerful, towering presences that intimidate our psychological and external demons.Whether you view “demons” and obstacles as psychological, or as supernatural beings, it is helpful to visualize the Enlightened and helping forces as “wrathful, monstrous, gigantic.” The psychology is obvious. If you are facing an emotional “vampire” you want a more wrathful “force” to burn away the negative force — something much stronger than the attacking monster.Support the show

Great Sage from the Land of Snows Lama Tsongkhapa — an ideal practice. His story, praise, practice, and mantras sung by the amazing Yoko Dharma. In these difficult times, we need practices that generate the healing powers of Compassion, Wisdom and Power. These are usually personified, from a Mahayana Buddhist point-of-view in the Enlightened forms of Chenrezig for Compassion, Manjushri for Wisdom, and Vajrapani for Power. Or, in the profound practice of the Buddha from the Land of Snows, Lama Je Tsongkhapa, who is an emanation of all three. Come along with us now as we celebrate the life and practice of the Great Sage from the Land of Snows, and finish with a visualization and chanting of the Migstema.Before we begin, if you like this presentation, please like, subscribe and turn on notifications. Please consider supporting Buddha Weekly's mission, Spread the Dharma, on Patreon, at Patreon.com slash Buddha Weekly In the land of snows, in the year 1357, a boy who would come to be known as Lama Tsongkhapa was born to a Mongolian father and a Tibetan mother in Amdo, Tibet. He would come to be revered as the Buddha from the Land of Snows, and an incarnation of all three of the Great Bodhisattvas: Manjushri, Avalokiteshvara and Vajrapani. His practice, today, embodies the qualities of these great ones: Wisdom, Compassion, and Power. He is equally revered for his vast library of Enlightened teachings in written form. Lama Tsongkhapa's birth was prophesized by both Buddha Shakyamuni and Guru Rinpoche according to texts, including the Manjushri Root Text. Buddha Shakyamuni prophesized, "After I pass away and my pure doctrine is absent, you will appear as an ordinary being, performing the deeds of a Buddha, and establishing the Joyful Land, the great Protector, in the Land of the Snows."In these difficult times, many famous gurus, lamas and teachers suggest this very powerful, yet accessible practice. The practice does not require initiation or empowerment—although the guidance of a teacher and initiation are beneficial. Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche advised: “If one keeps even a drop of the nectar of the name of this holy being Lama Tsongkhapa in a devotional heart, it plants the seed of liberation and one receives the fortune to practice and enjoy happiness from this life up to enlightenment.” Historically, Lama Tsongkhapa is among the greatest of the sages of the Land of Snows. He authored numerous exhaustive and profound texts covering everything from Lamrim to Secret Tantra — all of the key teachings of sutra and tantra combined.Support the show

Why do many Buddhists consider purification practice to be the ultimate meditative practice? Why do Tibetan Buddhists consider Buddha Vajrasattva practice to be the most perfect and complete of purification practices? Do I need special instruction to practice this most profound purification and healing practice? We answer these questions and more in this presentation. Then, take a visualized meditative journey of body, speech and mind with our editor Lee Kane as he describes a simple purification visualization and ends with 108 repetitions of the profound 100-syllable mantra of Vajrasattva. CONTENTS 00:00 Introduction 01:00 The Goal in Buddhism of Purification of the Five Aggregates 01:11 Shakyamuni Buddha battles Mara under the Bodhi Tree (animation) 02:31 Buddha’s example of purification 02:49 Methods of purification including Vajrasattva Practice, the ultimate purification 03:28 Sound Psychological Concept of Buddhist Purification 05:13 The 100-syllable mantra introduction 05:53 Vajrasattva is a complete practice in itself 06:32 Why is it so powerful? 07:19 How do we know it works? 08:27 How to pronounce mantra in Sanskrit 3 times (non-musical) (see mantra below) 10:21 Detailed meaning/translation of mantra from Lati Rinpoche 13:03 “Mechanics of Vajrasattva Practice” a How-to 14:03 The Four Opponent Powers: Dependence, Regret, Remedy, and Restraint 15:13 VISUALIZATION BEGINS (Painting by Thomas Edwards art and animations) 19:53 Seven non-musical repetitions of Vajrasattva 100-Syllable MantraMANTRA in Sanskrit (pronunciation guide at 08:27)OM VAJRASATTVA SAMAYA MANUPALAYA VAJRASATTVA TVENOPATISHTHA DRIDHO ME BHAVA SUTOSHYO ME BHAVA SUPOSHYO ME BHAVA ANURAKTO ME BHAVA SARVA SIDDHIM ME PRAYACCHA SARVA KARMA SU CHAME CHITTAM SHRIYAM KURU HUM HA HA HA HA HO BHAGAVAN SARVA TATHAGATA VAJRA MA ME MUNCHA VAJRA BHAVA MAHA SAMAYA SATTVA AH HUM PHAT!Support the show

What do the Buddhist teachers say about doggie and kitty Buddha Dharma? Did Buddha teach that Dogs and cats have Buddha Nature, just like humans? How can you help your companion meet the Dharma in daily life? How can we help when our companions are passing from this life?Many Mahayana meditations, sadhanas and prayers use language such as “all beings have been our mothers…” — a constant reminder that every being, even the insect we step on by accident, is our family. Ultimately, Mahayana Buddhists accept that humans and animals are interconnected as a single family — in the Oneness of the Universe.Clearly, your doggie, kitty, hamster, budgie and extended animal companions all have both Buddha Nature and karma. In what ways does this change our relationship to our beloved companions?Lama Zopa Rinpoche, in a teaching on “animals in everyday life” said, “There is a story when Buddha gave teachings to 500 swans in the field and the next life they were born as human beings, became monks, and they all became Arya beings, able to achieve the cessation of suffering and the true path. So the result is unbelievable, just by hearing Dharma words.” This teaching illustrates that all animals have Buddha Nature. The swans, in just one life cycle, became humans, monks, and ultimately Aryas.Most Buddhists are familiar with these stories. Yet, in real life, do we really treat our animal companions as fellow journeyers on the path to Enlightenment? If we did, we’d bring our pets meditation rooms and retreats. We’d acknowledge our companions are subject to Karma, just like us. This means that, as their friends, we need to be mindful of their actions, as much as our own, because they, too, have Buddha Nature. They, like the swans, can become Aryas (Enlightened Beings). When your doggy chases and kills a squirrel, you have to help him mitigate his unfortunate karma. When you kitty kills a blue jay, you have to take a measure of responsibility. PODCAST INCLUDES MEDICINE BUDDHA MANTRA FOR PETS SUNG BY THE AMAZING YOKO DHARmA. Support the show

Over the centuries, Vajrayana Buddhists journeyed, in their minds, to visit dazzling pure lands, filled with wondrous Enlightened Beings. Imagine, now, closing your eyes to meditate on Emptiness, and glimpsing none other than Red Tara in her form as Kurukulla. Kurukulla, the powerful manifestation of Buddha in a Female Buddha form — Red Tara, the magnetizing Buddha of Magic and Wonder and Metta.Join our editor Lee Kane, as he imagines meeting magical Kurukulla with a visualization and ending in her mantra 108 times....Her name is Kurukulla. She is also Red Tara. She is equally all Taras. She is also all Buddhas at once. She is also magic personified. She knows we all need a little magic in our lives, so she dances into our meditation in the form of the dancing magician. She does this because she knows life becomes too dry and numbing in the absence of joy and magic. This is, in part, her mission. She returns us to the euphoric joy of Buddha's Dharma. For today, we can put aside our mindfulness practice, and focus on the magic of her appearance. We can return to wonder.Support the show