The Double Dorje: Modern Vajrayana Buddhism.

There have been a depressing number of scandals in major Tibetan Buddhist organizations, particularly (though not only) in the West. It clearly has systemic roots - can the disease be identified? PS. How unprofessional! I uploaded the sound file without the delightful music. This is now the correct one.

"To get enlightened" is such a watery explanation. Mindfulness largely misses the point. This was a retreat about a specific deity. Whatever that is! #Tibetan #Buddhism #Vajrayana #Retreat

Goodbye to Series 2 - and what of the future?

Like it or not, magic is interwoven with Tibetan Buddhism. Is it symbolic? Or is it real?

How do empowerments actually work?

Confession is a big thing in Buddhist practice. But there is no priest to forgive your sins on God's behalf. It is more nuanced than that.

Horror, violence and disgusting soup in Tibetan-style Buddhism. Why don't they get as much attention as sex? Why is it obvious that these things are not for performance "as written", but some people assume that the sexual aspects are? Something to think about! #Buddhism #Tibet #Vajrayana #Horror

Dos, don'ts, and who cares (some do) about wearing the red-and-white striped "Ngagpa shawl".

Trailer for Season 2

Note: the next episode, no 44, will be the last of Season 1. Season 2 is in the works! Buddhism is all about simplicity, isn’t it? Well, no, at least not when it comes to Tibetan style Buddhism. The very essence may be simple, but typical practice makes use of an enormous amount of kit - malas, dorjes, bells, hand-drums large and small, trumpets, vases, conch shells... As beginners, we may well be tempted to start collecting some of those magical bits and pieces, but if we’re not careful we end up with a lot of clutter on our table, and little idea of what to do with it. Is any of this necessary, and how much of it is even useful? Mala with counters, dorje and bell And more: Words or phrases you might want to look up: Mala Mala counter strings and clips Mandala plate with/without rings Dorje and bell Damaru Kangling #Buddhism #Vajrayana #DoubleDorje #Dzogchen #Nyingma #Dorje

Most traditions of Buddhist practice have nothing that resembles the tulku tradition. In the Tibetan traditions, you can’t get away from them. What are they? And what are they good for? Karma Pakshi, one of the first tulkus. Words or phrases you might want to look up: Tulku, emanation body, transformation body Three bodies of the Buddha (kusum, trikaya) Karmapa Karma Pakshi The Second Karmapa Karma Pakshi: Tibetan Mahasiddha Jamgon Kongtrul #Buddhism #Vajrayana #DoubleDorje #Mahamudra #Dzogchen

Some verses you'll hear again and again. Not a definitive list – there ain’t no such thing. But if you know these by heart and can join the recitation at the drop of a hat, you will achieve one great thing: you will look good! The "Three Jewels" (I don't know who to credit - it's all over the 'net) The Refuge formula: Lama la kyab su chi o‘I go for refuge to the lama.’ Sangye la kyab su chi o‘I go for refuge to the Buddha.’ Chö la kyab su chi o‘I go for refuge to the Dharma.’ Gendün la kyab su chi o‘I go for refuge to the Sangha.’ Some words or phrases you might want to look up: Bodhicaryāvatāra Śāntideva #Buddhism #Vajrayana #DoubleDorje #Refuge #Bodhicitta

Empowerments – what happens? You’ve been to a Buddhist ceremony. Perhaps you knew it was an empowerment. Whatever does that mean? Are you cooked? Words or phrases you might want to look up: Einweihung Ermaechtigung, Ermächtigungsgesetz Wang Lung Tri Khata The seed-syllable HRIH