15th Karmapa, Khakyab Dorje For today’s full ‘blue moon’, it is a pleasure to offer the first translation of Embodiment of all the Buddhas Guru Yoga[i] by the 15th Karmapa, Khakyab Dorje, (mkha' khyab rdo rje, 1871/2-1921/2). This Guru Yoga is in a Collection of Works by the Garland of Karmapas[ii], published in Lhasa, Tibet… Continue reading ‘Embodiment of all the Buddhas’: Twenty-three short Karmapa Guru Yoga texts by the 15th Karmapa
Month: Oct 2020
‘Scholars’ Banquet’ and the ‘Hero’ (Pawo) lineage
The young 11th Pawo Rinpoche, with 17th Karmapa and Tsewang Rinpoche at Tsurphu, Tibet (1994) Yesterday, I was delighted to watch a documentary film, The Lion Begins to Roar, about the 17th Karmapa’s early life in Tsurphu Monastery, Tibet. In the film, there is a wonderful section on the recognition and life of a young… Continue reading ‘Scholars’ Banquet’ and the ‘Hero’ (Pawo) lineage
THE MALE-FEMALE TANTRIC UNION: Homophobic heteronormativity or basic biological and inner essences?
There is much misunderstanding about tantric sexual union practice in Vajrayana, as practiced in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. This is one of the main reasons it is kept 'secret' and only for the initiated. For many, including some well-known Tibetan Buddhist male teachers, it is seen, and used, as another outlet for hedonistic lust, predatory… Continue reading THE MALE-FEMALE TANTRIC UNION: Homophobic heteronormativity or basic biological and inner essences?
The Kangyur and the Karmapas’ role in their publication and preservation
Tibetan woodblocks used to print Tibetan Buddhist texts According to the Tibetan calendar, the eighth day of the ninth month today marks the 39th Parinirvana Anniversary of HH 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. Yesterday, the official FB page of the Gyalwang Karmapa in the Tibetan language, Layjang, released a photo of 16th Karmapa, with some… Continue reading The Kangyur and the Karmapas’ role in their publication and preservation
A Woman’s Voice : the Autobiography of Kunga Trinley Wangmo, (Zhentong lineage holder and secret consort of Tāranātha)
I first became aware of an extraordinary woman, Kunga Trinley Wangmo (Kun dga’ ‘Phrin las dbang mo (1585-1668)), a few years ago in 2016-17, during my postgraduate research on Tāranātha’s Commentary on the Heart Sutra (LTWA, 2017). While delving into Tāranātha’s lifestory, I was made aware (particularly by discussions with the main English language scholar… Continue reading A Woman’s Voice : the Autobiography of Kunga Trinley Wangmo, (Zhentong lineage holder and secret consort of Tāranātha)
NEW PUBLICATION: ‘Direct Instructions on the Great Compassionate One’ by 8th Karmapa and commentary by 17th Karmapa
Here is the first published English language edition of an instruction text by 8th Karmapa, Mikyo Dorje, the Direct Instructions on the Great Compassionate One [1] (Avalokiteśvara) from the Tsembu lineage. As I wrote about here [2], the Tsembu lineage is one of the five main traditions of Avalokiteśvara in Tibet, and came from the deity… Continue reading NEW PUBLICATION: ‘Direct Instructions on the Great Compassionate One’ by 8th Karmapa and commentary by 17th Karmapa
Vajrayogini’s instructions on the ‘Great Compassionate One’: Tsembupa’s Lineage
Vajrayogini Today, for Ḍākinī day (and the launch of a new website section) here is a short post on Avalokiteśvara (the Great Compassionate One) in the lineage of 13th Century yogi, Tsembupa Dharma Ozer (tshem bu pa dar ma 'od zer), that came directly from the deity, Vajrayogini [i]. This post considers the origin of… Continue reading Vajrayogini’s instructions on the ‘Great Compassionate One’: Tsembupa’s Lineage
NEW TRANSLATION: ‘Shower of Siddhis of the Profound Path of Guru Yoga’ by 16th Karmapa
Here is the first English translation and publication of a short Guru Yoga composed by the 16th Karmapa, Rigpe Dorje (1924-1981), called Shower of Siddhis of the Profound Path Guru Yoga, available for free download here. It is a very short, yet profound, Guru Yoga practice, useful for those who are limited for time but… Continue reading NEW TRANSLATION: ‘Shower of Siddhis of the Profound Path of Guru Yoga’ by 16th Karmapa
Nyag’s Vajrakīlaya and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s Revelation
“Anyone who harms a translator is also injuring the teachings in general.” --Vimalamitra to Translator Nyag The remarkable Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche Today, on the anniversary of the paranirvana of HH Dilgo Khyentse Tashi Peljor (dil mgo mkhyen brtse bkra shis dpal 'byor (1910-1991) ), as an offering of devotion and respect to the life and works… Continue reading Nyag’s Vajrakīlaya and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s Revelation
NEW TRANSLATION: ‘Seeing the Face of Karma Pakshi: 2nd Karmapa Guru Yoga’ by Yongey Mingyur Dorje and 15th Karmapa
"Great bliss, dharmadhātu, great binduUnstoppable, creative display of natural-appearanceVajrasattva, KarmapaWith unbroken confidence from my heart, I approach you.Primordial awareness kāya of all the BuddhasArising as a chakra of the illusory magical netMandala of the great-bliss guru.I will reveal here the instructions for approaching." "The final birth of divine son, Mutri, the terton, mahasiddha and vidyadhara,… Continue reading NEW TRANSLATION: ‘Seeing the Face of Karma Pakshi: 2nd Karmapa Guru Yoga’ by Yongey Mingyur Dorje and 15th Karmapa
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