"The first consideration concerns the Vinaya definition of a schism in the Saṅgha. A schism occurs when members of a monastic community can no longer remain together or carry out the formal activities of the Saṅgha as a single body. The Vinaya gives a precise definition. When monastics living within the same ecclesiastical boundary fall… Continue reading WHAT DEFINES A “SCHISM” AND “A SCHOOL” IN THE BUDDHIST MONASTIC COMMUNITY? The origins and division of the eighteen schools of Buddhism, the four factions that emerged, definitive historical texts of the Northern and Southern Traditions, and the Chinese translation by Xuanzang (17th Karmapa, Day Two, Summer 2026)
Tag: Nikaya Buddhism
The Origins and Development of Nikāya (Early Schools) Buddhism and the importance of lay followers and merchants in the early Buddhist “schools” tradition: 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Mar-Ngog Summer Teachings (Day One)
"For the last few years, I have been giving quite few teachings on various different times and themes. The main reason for this is that we need to increase our level of understanding of the development of ancient Buddhism, as it developed in ancient India, and it shouldn't be only as it's described in ancient… Continue reading The Origins and Development of Nikāya (Early Schools) Buddhism and the importance of lay followers and merchants in the early Buddhist “schools” tradition: 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Mar-Ngog Summer Teachings (Day One)
THE POWER OF ‘TRUE WORDS’: ‘ORIGINAL BUDDHISM’, FORBIDDEN MANTRAS AND THE REIGN OF BUDDHIST EMPEROR ASHOKA (‘Origins of Secret Mantra’ by 17th Karmapa)
"Within Original Buddhism, one was not allowed to recite mantras to overcome enemies, but you could use special mantras to protect your body and life. We can say clearly there was a tradition of reciting them." "Thus, there may not have been so much recitation of mantras, yidam deities and rituals as in the complete… Continue reading THE POWER OF ‘TRUE WORDS’: ‘ORIGINAL BUDDHISM’, FORBIDDEN MANTRAS AND THE REIGN OF BUDDHIST EMPEROR ASHOKA (‘Origins of Secret Mantra’ by 17th Karmapa)