诗巫南无布达佛寺筹建计划书 Sibu Namo Buddha Buddhist Monastery Project

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

诗巫南无布达佛寺筹建计划书 Sibu Namo Buddha Buddhist Monastery Project 诗巫南无布达佛寺筹建计划书 SIBU NAMO BUDDHA BUDDHIST MONASTERY PROJECT 尊圣的第十七世大宝法王 最尊贵的第九世堪千 噶玛巴邬金钦列多杰 创古仁波切 Namo Buddha Buddhist Society Sibu Lot 1721, Block 9, Seduan Land District, Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia 2 main points of the Buddhist philosophy is to show us that Buddhahood is not something to be found outside ourselves. Rather, it is something we can achieve by looking inside. The Buddha turned the wheel of the Dharma three times, meaning that he taught in three different ways. The first turning of the wheel is called the Hinayana, which consists of the teachings on the Four Noble Truths, Meditation, and developing an understanding of the emptiness of self. The second turning is called Mahayana, which involves the study of BUDDHISM & KAGYU LINEAGE Since the Buddha developed all the qualities of meditation to the utmost stages, he was able to reach enlightenment. He did this to demonstrate that all sentient beings also can reach enlightenment. Once of the 3 the emptiness of phenomena and practicing the bodhisattva path. The third turning is the Vajrayana, which involves the understanding that everything, while empty, is also pervaded by Buddha nature. From the Buddha to his principal disciples, to their disciples and so on, the turning of the wheel of Dharma continued from generation to generation. In the 9th century, Buddhism came to Tibet when King Trisong Detsen invited Guru Padmasambhava and Khenpo Bodhisattva Shantatrakshita there. Since that time, many lineages developed in Tibet, the main ones belong the Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug. The Kagyu Lineage was brought from India by Marpa in the 10th century and continued through the activities of his principal student Milarepa, the great yogi. Milarepa’s main student, Gampopa, passed the lineage on to many student, the foremost being Düsum Khyenpa, the 1st Karmapa. The lineage of Karmapas, successive 4 reincarnations of Düsum Khyenpa, protected of Dharma. Finally, the ultimate path taught and expanded these teachings in an unbroken in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition is the line down to His Holiness, the 1st Gyalwang Vajrayana, the diamond-like vehicle, which Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje. teaches the methods for attaining liberation Tibetan Buddhism, and particularly the in this very lifetime through directly seeing Kagyu Lineage, is built on the foundation of the nature of mind. the Hinayana, the first turning of the wheel Through the blessings and teachings of of Dharma, and the renunciation of samsara. the Kagyu forefathers, this lineage has both Based upon that, and seeing the suffering an extremely powerful monastic and lay of all sentient beings, it includes many tradition. From this point of life, whether in skillful means to alleviate that suffering, a monastery or driving to work. both for oneself and for others, which is the Mahayana, the second turning of the wheel Very Venerable the Ninth Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche 5 hrangu Rinpoche was monastic refugee camp in Bengal and H.H. Tborn in Kham in 1933. Dalai Lama awarded him the degree of Geshe At the age of four he was Lharampa. On his return to Rumtek he was formally recognized by the appointed the Abbot of Rumtek monastery Sixteenth Karmapa and and the Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist the previous Situ Rinpoche studies at Rumtek. He has been the personal as the ninth incarnation of teacher of the four principal Karma Kagyu the great Thrangu tulku. Entering Thrangu tulkus: Shamar Rinpoche, Situ Rinpoche, monastery, from the ages of six to sixteen he Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, and Gyaltsab studied reading, writing, grammar, poetry, Rinpoche. Because of his vast knowledge and astrology, memorized ritual texts, and of the Dharma, Rinpoche was appointed by completed two preliminary retreats. At H.H. the Dalai Lama to be the personal tutor sixteen, under the direction of Khenpo for the Seventeenth Gyalwang Karmapa. Lodro Rabsel, he began the study of the three Since 1976, Thrangu Rinpoche has vehicles of Buddhism while staying in retreat. begun giving authentic Buddhist teachings At twenty-two, Rinpoche received full extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and ordination from the Karmapa. When he was North America. Rinpoche has now taught twenty-seven he left Tibet for India at 1959. in over 25 countries, and in 12 of them there He was called to Rumtek, Sikkim where the are around 7 monasteries and 20 centers. Karmapa had his seat in exile. He is especially known for making complex At thirty-five, Rinpoche took the geshe teachings accessible to Western students. examination before 1500 monks at Buxador Thrangu Rinpoche is a recognized great master of Mahamudra meditation. 6 A Brief Biography of Vajra Master Ngawang (the resident master of the centre) Vajra Master along with other aspects of performing pujas Ngawang was born in and practicing. He studied Sutras, Tantras, 1966, at Dzongkha, a and traditional sciences with Khenpo Ngedon small village in the Rinpoche, with his efforts; he made it a northern Tibet, near successful completion. He received the Great the birthplace of the Empowerment of Kalachakra, the Bodhisattva Great Yogi Milarepa. vow, and teachings on Entering the Action of a His parents Chimé Bodhisattva (the Bodhicaryavatara) from His and Sangchok have Holiness the Dalai Lama. Likewise, from the extreme faith in Lord of Refuge Kalu Rinpoche, he received Buddha, Dharma and Shanga, so, they sent the empowerment and transmission of the him to a monastery and become a monk at his Treasury of the Discoveries of the Awareness- age of 7. That was the time of Civil Revolution Holders (Rigdzin Terdzö) along with 40 in China, Vajra Master Ngawang found that Tulkus, Lamas and a sangha of 500 monks. He it was very difficult to practice Dharma and received empowerments, transmissions, and rituals, to attain his aim of Boddhi input, he instructions from several important Lamas of moved to Nepal. At his age of 15, he entered the Sakya, Geluk, and Nyingmapa schools. Thrangu Monastery, Namo Buddha and After that, Vajra Master Ngawang received his Dharma Teaching as well as the completed the traditional three-year, three- practice training. month, three-day retreat of the Karma There, he learned the liturgies and rituals Kamtsang (Kagyu) lineage at Namo Buddha, 7 Nepal, one of the most holy places where once vow, empowerments and transmissions. our Teacher the Lord Buddha in previous He continues to give spiritual training, lives offered his body to a starving tigress, discourses how to realize in everyday life the in case to save the cubs. During the retreat quintessence of Vajrayana Buddhism. he learned the practices of Mahamudra, Vajra Master Ngawang wishes to instructions, śamatha and vipaśyanā from accumulate all his merits and dedicate them Retreat Master Sonam Rinchen. He studied to salvage all sentient beings from misery by Tantra and practiced the common and giving them the Joy of Dharma. He performs uncommon preliminaries thoroughly. He life-stocks release ceremonies, visits elderly received the teaching of Six Yogas of Naropa home with gifts and fruits to those seniors. and the empowerments, transmissions and He blesses those suffering difficulties instructions from his root guru, the Precious and having obstacles, releases them from Lord of Refuge V.V Thrangu Rinpoche. sorrow and helps them overcome their When the retreat ended, he remained in the pains by rituals services. He inspires people monastery as a Vajra Master, disciplinarian, around him with his great compassion and a counselor to the monastic Sangha. In order encourages them to practice Bodhicitta, the to propagate the genuine Buddhist Dharma only way to be awakened. to various countries, in accordance with the Vajra Master Ngawang is now the Resident wish of the Lord of Refuge Thrangu Rinpoche, Vajra Master of Namo Buddha Buddhist he starts his propaganda in Dharma by giving Society in, Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia, where teaching to the student oversea. He gives he brings love and joy to the community. instructions to Dharma groups and students on kindness and compassion, the refuge 8 A Letter from Vajra Master Ngawang about the Construction of a New Monastery In 2006, a Buddhist centre was founded religions even though Malaysia is a Muslim in Sibu, Sarawak, to spread and develop country. We aim to build a Buddhist monastery Buddhism and the Karma Kagyu tradition in whereby we have engaged an architect, Mr particular. It was named Sibu Namo Buddha James Sie together with an engineer, Mr Buddhist Society by V. V Khenchen Thrangu Hwang Lee Siw who has offered for their free Rinpoche. One of my disciples sponsored services in drafting and submission of their the centre, and has also since completed the drawings to the relevant local authorities for preliminary practice for Mahamudra. approval. Hence, on behalf of our Society, I From that time onward, many people have humbly request sponsors to support and help benefitted and received the rich blessings our undertaking either in kind or effort. of the Buddha’s teachings; and I now have We would be most happy to accept any numerous disciples far and near. monetary help; small or big; or in way of Malaysians are multi-cultural good providing the cost of purchase of building people. The members of the centers treat me materials or by way of other means of respectfully and are very co-operative and contribution would be greatly appreciated. kind helping at the centre with full dedication. May we all be blessed with the presence The government of Sarawak hasof both His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang graciously granted us a piece of land to build Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje and the Very a monastery in Sibu. We are all very thankful Venerable 9th Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche to the government for showing us their great to grace our opening ceremony. generosity; respecting the practice of all Warmest Wishes 9 The Main Objective and Reasons for Establishing a Monastery in Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia Sibu Namo Buddha Buddhist Society was of Malaysia.
Recommended publications
  • His Holiness the Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, to Visit University of Redlands in Rare U.S
    His Holiness the Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, to visit University of Redlands in rare U.S. tour March 18, 2015 The University of Redlands will welcome His Holiness the Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, to campus March 24, 2015, as the only Southern California stop on his third trip to the United States. Reigniting a years-long connection with the University and special bond with students, the Karmapa will interact with Redlands students, faculty, and alumni and accept an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, presented by University President Ralph Kuncl. He will then offer a public lecture, "Living Interdependence," at 7 p.m. in Memorial Chapel. The Karmapa heads the 900-year-old Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and guides millions of Buddhists around the world. At the age of 14, he made a dramatic escape from Tibet to India to be near His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his own lineage teachers. Currently 29 years old, the Karmapa is a leader of the new century. He created an eco- monastic movement with over 55 monasteries across the Himalayan region acting as centers of environmental activism. Leading on women's issues, he recently announced plans to establish full ordination for women, a step that will change the future of Tibetan Buddhism. His latest book, The Heart is Noble: Changing the World from the Inside Out, co-edited by University of Redlands Professor of Religious Studies and Virginia C. Hunsaker Distinguished Teaching Chair, Karen Derris, the Karmapa speaks to the younger generation on the major challenges facing society today, including gender issues, food justice, rampant consumerism and the environmental crisis.
    [Show full text]
  • Probabilistic Travel Model of Gangtok City, Sikkim, India FINAL.Pdf
    European Journal of Geography Volume 4, Issue2: 46-54, 2013 © Association of European Geographers ANALYSIS OF TOURISM ATTRACTIVENESS USING PROBABILISTIC TRAVEL MODEL: A STUDY ON GANGTOK AND ITS SURROUNDINGS Suman PAUL Krishnagar Govt. College, Department of Geography Nadia, West Bengal, India. Pin-741101 http://www.krishnagargovtcollege.org/ [email protected] Abstract: Tourism is now one of the largest industries in the world that has developed alongside the fascinating concept of eco-tourism. The concept of tourism could be traced back to ancient times when people travelled with a view to acquiring knowledge of unknown lands and people, for the development of trade and commerce, for religious preaching and also for the sheer adventure of discovery. In fact the system of tourism involves a combination of travel, destination and marketing, which lead to a process of its cultural dimension. Gangtok as a core centre of Sikkim has potential command area over different tourist spots in East Sikkim, which are directly linked by a network of roads centering Gangtok and are perfectly accessible for one-day trips. The tourist attractions of East Sikkim are clustered mostly in and around Gangtok, the state capital. This study shows the tourism infrastructure as well as seasonal arrival of tourists in the Gangtok city and to develop the probabilistic travel model on the basis of tourist perception which will help the tourism department for the further economic development of the area. KeyWords: Eco-tourism, command area, tourist attractions, probabilistic travel model 1. INTRODUCTION Tourism is now one of the largest industries in the world that has developed alongside the fascinating concept of eco-tourism.
    [Show full text]
  • VT Module6 Lineage Text Major Schools of Tibetan Buddhism
    THE MAJOR SCHOOLS OF TIBETAN BUDDHISM By Pema Khandro A BIRD’S EYE VIEW 1. NYINGMA LINEAGE a. Pema Khandro’s lineage. Literally means: ancient school or old school. Nyingmapas rely on the old tantras or the original interpretation of Tantra as it was given from Padmasambhava. b. Founded in 8th century by Padmasambhava, an Indian Yogi who synthesized the teachings of the Indian MahaSiddhas, the Buddhist Tantras, and Dzogchen. He gave this teaching (known as Vajrayana) in Tibet. c. Systemizes Buddhist philosophy and practice into 9 Yanas. The Inner Tantras (what Pema Khandro Rinpoche teaches primarily) are the last three. d. It is not a centralized hierarchy like the Sarma (new translation schools), which have a figure head similar to the Pope. Instead, the Nyingma tradition is de-centralized, with every Lama is the head of their own sangha. There are many different lineages within the Nyingma. e. A major characteristic of the Nyingma tradition is the emphasis in the Tibetan Yogi tradition – the Ngakpa tradition. However, once the Sarma translations set the tone for monasticism in Tibet, the Nyingmas also developed a monastic and institutionalized segment of the tradition. But many Nyingmas are Ngakpas or non-monastic practitioners. f. A major characteristic of the Nyingma tradition is that it is characterized by treasure revelations (gterma). These are visionary revelations of updated communications of the Vajrayana teachings. Ultimately treasure revelations are the same dharma principles but spoken in new ways, at new times and new places to new people. Because of these each treasure tradition is unique, this is the major reason behind the diversity within the Nyingma.
    [Show full text]
  • Dharma Quotations
    Dharma Quotations 1. The Main Problem The three poisons are attachment, aggression, and ignorance. The chief of them is ignorance. The root of ignorance is the belief of an ego. --- Thrangu Rinpoche Commentary on the Chod Practice 2. Conduct Many people study and practice the dharma diligently, but they do not arrive at any positive result. Many lamas are unhappy that they have not been able to engender realization in their pupils; the pupils are also unhappy, thinking, “I haven’t been able to gain realization and experience hasn’t come in my mind.” The reason for this is that many lamas emphasize view and meditation but not conduct. The lamas hand this attitude on to their pupils, who also see view and meditation as important and conduct as not so important. There is the accumulation of wisdom and the accumulation of merit. The accumulation of wisdom is emphasized and given much attention while the accumulation of merit is regarded as insignificant. This is the reason why results are not achieved. We should keep the practice of physical good actions and good speech in mind from day to day and from month to month and not forget them throughout our life. We should practice good actions of the body, use good speech, and use our possessions in order to accumulate good actions. We should avoid negative actions with our body and speech and through our possessions. If we keep that in mind all the time and put it into practice, then we will gather the accumulation of merit. If it is possible to gather the accumulation of merit in this way, then it will be impossible not to achieve beneficial results arising from the accumulation of merit when it comes to meditation practice and learning about the view.
    [Show full text]
  • Secret Buddhism: Vajrayana Practices, 1995, 223 Pages, Kalu Rinpoche, 0963037161, 9780963037169, Clearpoint Press, 1995
    Secret Buddhism: Vajrayana Practices, 1995, 223 pages, Kalu Rinpoche, 0963037161, 9780963037169, ClearPoint Press, 1995 DOWNLOAD http://bit.ly/1J3RgaK http://www.alibris.co.uk/booksearch?browse=0&keyword=Secret+Buddhism%3A+Vajrayana+Practices&mtype=B&hs.x=19&hs.y=26&hs=Submit DOWNLOAD http://fb.me/2KDyc3dJ7 http://bit.ly/1ntPSHQ Tara the Feminine Divine , Bokar Rinpoche, 1999, Buddhism, 176 pages. Luminous Essence A Guide to the Guhyagarbha Tantra, Jamgon Mipham, Jun 16, 2009, Religion, 272 pages. Luminous Essence is a complete introduction to the world of tantric thought and practice. Composed by the renowned Tibetan master Jamgon Mipham (1846-1912), the text provides. Gently whispered oral teachings by the Very Venerable Kalu Rinpoche ; foreword by His Emminence the XIIth Tai Situpa, Karma-raṅ-byuṅ-kun-khyab-phrin-las (Khenpo Kalu.), Kalu Rinpoche, Elizabeth Selandia, 1994, Body, Mind & Spirit, 292 pages. This compilation of teachings presents the oral wisdom of Kalu Rinpoche, revered worldwide as a teacher of Vajrayana Buddhism. Here are his views on the mastery on the three. Dzalendara and Sakarchupa Stories from Long, Long Ago of the Former Lives of the Gyalwa Karmapa, Katia Holmes, Chödrak Tenpel (Khenpo.), 1981, Religion, 113 pages. The Historical Context of Newār Buddhism The Vajrayana Tradition of Nepal, Shanker Thapa, 2005, Buddhism, 150 pages. Establishing Appearances as Divine Rongzom Chokyi Zangpo on Reasoning, Madhyamaka, and Purity, Heidi Koppl, Aug 12, 2012, Religion, 152 pages. Establishing Appearances as Divine, a concise treatise by the eleventh-century Tibetan Buddhist philosopher Rongzom Chökyi Zangpo, sets out to prove the provocative point that.
    [Show full text]
  • Kalachakra Pujaавбдгжеиз © Вбдгжев ¤ Kalachakra Puja Авбдгжеиз
    KalacharkrḲa fₕor WͩoĆrld Peace By His Emżżżż inȾȾȾȾ en᯹᯹᯹᯹ ceՈՈՈՈ Bᯡᯡᯡᯡ eееееru⍪⍪⍪⍪ K˶˶˶˶hy­­­­ enͶͶͶͶ ts e Rinpoche 17 to 19 October 2008 17 October 2008 Friday ¤ ¢¡¤£¦¥¨§© 9.00 am to 6.00 pm Kalachakra Puja 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm Lama Dance 18 October 2008 Saturday ¢¡¤£¦¥¨§© 9.00 am to 6.00 pm Kalachakra Puja 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm Kalachakra Preparation Initiation ¢¡¤£¦¥¢ ¤ ¤ 19 October 2008 Sunday ¢¡¤£¦¥¨§ © 9.00 am to 6.00 pm Kalachakra Puja 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm Kalachakra Actual Initiation ¢¡¤£¦¥¢ ¤ Venue Sponsor: Organised By: Khyenkong Tharjay Buddhist Charitable Society Ngee Ann Cultural Centre 26A Lorong 23 Geylang Singapore 388364 Ngee Ann Auditorium Tel: 67473982 Teochew Bldg. 97 Tank Road www.khyenkong-tharjay.org For enquiries, please call 97972662 or 81610020 1 Buses: 64, 123, 139, 143 (Nearest MRT : Dhoby Ghaut Or email [email protected] Station/Dhoby Ghaut) Kalachakra Tantra The word Kalachakra means “Wheel of Time” and refers to the unique representation of the cycles of time contained within the Kalachakra Tantra. The meaning of the word tantra is “eternal stream of continuity”. According to tradition, the Kalachakra Tantra was taught by Buddha Shayamuni to King Suchandra of the mythical kingdom of Shambhala around 2,500 years ago, and its practice cultivated there ever since. Shambhala – also known as Shangrila – is a paradisiacal realm, a land of joy and purity, in which both worries and suffering are unknown. Some sources view Shambhala as a land existing purely in the dimension of energy. The Kalachakra Tantra reached India from Shambhala around 1,000 years ago, before being transmitted to Tibet, where it continues to be practiced today.
    [Show full text]
  • Monastic Dance in Rumtek Monastery
    Bulletin of Tibetology MONASTIC DANCE IN RtTMTEK 1\10NASTERY -Anandamayee Gho.'ih Sikkim is inhabited by Bhotia (Bod), Rong (dazong) and the MOil Besldes them the Bcngalee, the Mara\\ari. the Bihari and the Nepalese live there. As a result of that the cul­ tural scope of Sikkim throws a multi-coloured view and speaks about the sumtotal of a community both physical and mental. The perfonning art is dancc. music. song, visual art and architecturc that show the external aspects of mind of a people belonging to a particular locality. So the communicative culture may be either uni-ethnic or multi-ethnic according to the people residing in a particular place. As regard the people{s) of Sikkim they hold a legacy of many hundred year grown and nurturcd in the lap of the mount Kanchanjangha. Kanchanjangha is regarded as the guardian deity of the land. Tista and Rangit make Sikkim the land of rice that is dazong (bra dzons). It suggests that the Sikkimese culture stands on economic prosperity since the olden days. The location of Sikkim is strategically important to connect Tibet. presently Tibet Autonomous Region (That is TAR) of China on the North and Bengal on the South and \lathula and Jalepla mountain passes to south Tibet (Lhoka). According to the tradition popular in Sikkim, Padmasambhava is said to have stepped in Sikkim. That makes the land purified. The Bhutias (Bod pa) then feel Sikkim as a holy land blessed by KanchanJangha. Similarly the Rong pa. the Lepcha find Sikkim as a scat of their "acred deih.
    [Show full text]
  • BUDDHIST CIRCUIT Meditation Culture & Traditions
    BUDDHIST CIRCUIT Meditation Culture & Traditions 10 nights/11 Days Bagdogra - Gangtok 01 (5500 fts/120 kms/4 hrs) Arrival at Bagdogra Airport. Meet and assist by our representative and then some check out formalities at the airport. Introduction to the drivers and the team, we board the car to travel to Gangtok (120 kms/4 hrs). We can do some refreshment break in a way side restaurant at Rangpo meanwhile we clear our formalities of permit at the border check post. After this we will drive to Gangtok to check in at our hotel. Evening Free to refresh and settle down. At 6 Pm Introduction of the team and programme by our representative. Talk about History and Buddhism in Sikkim by Guide / Resource Person. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. 02 Buddhist Monastic Tour We start the day with the meditation & Yoga programme in the morning and which will be supervised by resource person/Meditation teacher followed by talks and meditation experience. Breakfast will be served after the programme concludes. After breakfast, we leave for Rumtek Monastery/Dharma chakra centre (24 kms/1 hr)belonging to the Kagyu sect of Buddism.The monastery is said to be the replica of Tshurpu monastery in Tibet and was founded as the official seat in exile to His Holiness The Karmapa, head of the Kagyu lineage by the Late 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. Rumtek monastery, originally built in the mid 17oo's, But when Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, 16th Karmapa, arrived in Sikkim in 1959 after fleeing Tibet, the monastery was in ruins.
    [Show full text]
  • Distinguishing Dharma and Dharmata by Asanga and Maitreya with a Commentary by Thrangu Rinpoche Geshe Lharampa
    Distinguishing Dharma and Dharmata by Asanga and Maitreya with a Commentary by Thrangu Rinpoche Geshe Lharampa Translated by Jules Levinsion Asanga in the fourth century meditated on Maitreya for twelve years and then was able to meet the Maitreya Buddha (the next Buddha) directly, who gave him five works including this text. Asanga then went on to found the Mind-only or Chittamatra school of Buddhism. This text, which contains both the root verses of Maitreya and a commentary on these verses by Thrangu Rinpoche, begins by giving the characteristics of dharma which is ordinary phenomena as we perceive it as unenlightened beings. Phenomena is described in detail by giving its characteristics, its constituents or elements, and finally its source which is the mind. Discussed are the eight consciousnesses especially the alaya consciousness and how it creates the appearance of this world. Understanding dharma allows us to understand how we build up a false illusion of this world and this then leads to our problems in samsara. Next, the text discusses dharmata or phenomena as it really is, not as it appears, in detail. In describing this sphere of reality or pure being, the text gives the characteristics of dharmata, where it is located, and the kinds of meditation needed to develop a perception of the true nature of reality. Finally, there is a discussion of how one transforms ordinary dharma into dharmata, i.e. how one reaches awakening or enlightenment. This is discussed in ten famous points and this is actually a guide or a map to how to proceed along the Buddhist path.
    [Show full text]
  • The Tulku System in Tibetan Buddhism: Its Reliability, Orthodoxy and Social Impacts
    The Tulku System in Tibetan Buddhism: Its Reliability, Orthodoxy and Social Impacts By Ramin Etesami A thesis submitted to the graduate school in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts at the International Buddhist College, Thailand March, 20 Abstract The Tulku institution is a unique characteristic of Tibetan Buddhism with a central role in this tradition, to the extent that it is present in almost every aspect of Tibet’s culture and tradition. However, despite this central role and the scope and diversity of the socio-religious aspects of the institution, only a few studies have so far been conducted to shed light on it. On the other hand, an aura of sacredness; distorted pictures projected by the media and film industries;political propaganda and misinformation; and tendencies to follow a pattern of cult behavior; have made the Tulku institution a highly controversial topic for research; and consequently, an objective study of the institution based on a critical approach is difficult. The current research is an attempt to comprehensively examine different dimensions of the Tulku tradition with an emphasis on the issue of its orthodoxy with respect to the core doctrines of Buddhism and the social implications of the practice. In this research, extreme caution has been practiced to firstly, avoid any kind of bias rooted in faith and belief; and secondly, to follow a scientific methodology in reviewing evidence and scriptures related to the research topic. Through a comprehensive study of historical accounts, core Buddhist texts and hagiographic literature, this study has found that while the basic Buddhist doctrines allow the possibility for a Buddhist teacher or an advanced practitioner to “return back to accomplish his tasks, the lack of any historical precedence which can be viewed as a typical example of the practice in early Buddhism makes the issue of its orthodoxy equivocal and relative.
    [Show full text]
  • A Guide to Shamatha Meditation
    A Guide to Shamatha Meditation by Thrangu Rinpoche Geshe Lharampa Copyright © 1999 by Namo Buddha Publications. This teaching is taken from the much longer The Four Foundations of Buddhist Practice by Thrangu Rinpoche. The teachings are based on Pema Karpo’s Mahamudra Meditation Instructions. This teaching was given in Samye Ling in Scotland in 1980. These inexpensive booklets may be purchased in bulk from Namo Buddha Publications. If it is translated into any other language, we would appreciate it if a copy of the translation. The technical terms have been italicized the first time to alert the reader that they may be found in the Glossary. Dorje Chang Lineage Prayer Great Vajradhara, Tilopa, Naropa Marpa, Milarepa, and lord of the dharma Gampopa The knower of the three times, the omniscient Karmapa The holders of the lineage of the four great and eight lesser schools. The lamas Trikung, Tsalung, Tsalpa, and glorious Drungpa and others To all those who have thoroughly mastered the profound path of mahamudra The Dagpo Kagyu who are unrivalled as protectors of beings I pray to you, the Kagyu gurus, to grant your blessing So that I may follow your tradition and example. The teaching is that detachment is the foot of meditation; Not being possessed by food or wealth. To the meditator who gives up the ties to this life, Grant your blessing so that he ceases to be attached to honor or ownership. The teaching is that devotion is the head of meditation. The lama opens the gate to the treasury of the profound oral teachings, To the meditator who always turns to him, Grant your blessing so that genuine devotion is born in him.
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Guidelines for Karma Kagyu Monasteries, Centers And
    ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDELINES FOR KARMA KAGYU BUDDHIST MONASTERIES, CENTERS AND COMMUNITY ContentsContents Pages Foreword by His Holiness, the Seventeenth Karmapa 1 Introduction 3 Acknowledgements Section 1: Forest Protection 6 These guidelines were made possible through Section 2: Water Protection 10 the contributions of the following: Section 3: Wildlife Protection 13 Dekila Chungyalpa, World Wildlife Fund, who provided assistance and advice in the development ������ the guidelines. May her efforts bring benet to all Section 4: Waste Management 16 sentient beings. Leslie and Terris Nguyen Temple, who painted the Section 5: Addressing Climate Change 19 cover thangka and illustrated the text. May their work continue to highlight and restore the legacy of Tibetan Conclusion 23 Buddhist art. The translators who produced the different versions of these guidelines so that they are easy to use by the monastic community and the wider sangha. The many editors and advisors who provided practical suggestions and improvements for the guidelines. People all over the world who work to raise awareness, protect the environment, and build harmonious values. © 2008 His Holiness the Seventeenth Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Drodul Trinley Dorje Material from this book can be used freely but please acknowledge the source Layout and design by Somchai Singsa Printed at Archana, New Delhi www.archanapress.com ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDELINES ... ForewordForeword In the past, people in most parts of the world had a very straightforward relationship with the environment. They used the resources provided by nature as needed and due to the simplicity of their lives, rarely did great damage to the Earth. However, this has changed considerably in more recent times.
    [Show full text]