by Tirtha Acharya | Oct 21, 2022 | Spirituals
Introduction to what is Nirvana in Buddhism?
Nirvana is the Buddhist ideal of nirvana, a state of perfect peace and bliss. Once a person enters Nirvana, they are completely free to enjoy themselves. They are at peace with the world because of how well everything is going.
Nothing bad or painful happens here. Every Buddhist devotes their entire life to the pursuit of Nirvana. It’s the result of a combination of positive mental states and physical actions. Most Buddhists are fascinated by the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism while striving to achieve it, and they take every opportunity to educate themselves about it.
Samsara is what Buddhists mean when they talk about life continuing forever. They think it is everyone’s duty to help others as much as they can. They have faith that decent individuals will be reborn into more favourable circumstances.
With this fresh start, they’ll reach a state of being not far off from Nirvana in Buddhism. If a Buddhist is evil and does not perform good deeds in this life, they will be reborn into a life further from Nirvana. This is the kind of setback every Buddhist shudder at.
To what extent does Buddhism discuss a state of perfection called Nirvana?
Nirvana in Buddhism is a complex conceptual state of being in Buddhism, in which a person transcends all suffering and recognises their inherent unity with the cosmos. When one’s mind reaches Nirvana, they are freed from the endless cycle of rebirths and are able to live on in an impersonal spiritual realm.
Nirvana in Buddhism, when applied to a person’s spiritual existence, is more nuanced than its literal definition suggests. The word “nirvana” can mean “quench” in two different ways: either a slow extinguishment or a sudden one (like blowing out a candle).
Nirvana in Buddhism, the last destination of Buddhism, is achieved when all desires have been satiated and the individual is completely transformed. Think of a candle that burns until it is suddenly put out. Its energy gets converted into something else, therefore it’s not lost. This is a simplified depiction of the afterlife in Nirvana.
In order to achieve Nirvana in Buddhism, Buddhists work to put out three different “fires.” We can categorise these as love, hatred, and lack of knowledge (delusion). At first glance, this quenching seems to be straight out of the Bible.
The Bible exhorts us to “put to death” any earthy, sinful passions we may be harbouring and warns against allowing them to control or consume us. The Bible also condemns hatred and wilful ignorance.
There are at least seventy-one proverbs that refer to “the stupid,” and not a single one of them is complimentary. The Bible also portrays hatred as a terrible emotion. War is sown by hatred, but love hides all transgressions.
Practice of Nirvana:
The Buddhist worldview holds that everything in it is a test. They think that God is always watching their every move to see if they will behave themselves. Many Buddhists consider the reincarnation process to be infinite. It continues endlessly until the soul has gained the wisdom that will allow it to achieve the enlightened state of Nirvana in Buddhism.
During this time period, Buddhists are particularly motivated to study in order to learn as much as they can about Nirvana. Nirvana in Buddhism is the finish line of this marathon called life, and its attainment is eagerly anticipated. They see life as a series of challenges and obstacles that, if overcome, will make them stronger people. For Buddhists, every event is a teaching moment.
During lifetime, Buddha attained Nirvana in Buddhism. Later, he filled everyone in on his Nirvana experience. Whether or not this is actually attainable for average people is a controversial issue among Buddhists. Many Buddhists dispute the claims of those who say they have achieved Nirvana while still alive. They consider death to be the only way to achieve Nirvana.
Nirvana in Buddhism
“Nirvana” is the Buddhist ideal of enlightenment.
Nirvana in Buddhism, a state of enlightenment in Buddhism, means “to blow out” or “to extinguish.” Like snuffing out a candle. How does one go out in this context? Is this the person’s very essence, their pride, or their very self? The Buddhist worldview precludes any interpretation of the words “extinguish” or “blast” as a reference to the destruction of the soul in this context. Even if nirvana comprises a profoundly altered state of consciousness free from the identification with “I” and “Mine,” the ego or sense of self does not vanish.
The threefold fire of avarice, malice, and attachment that blocks the path to rebirth is put out. The cessation of greed, hatred, and delusion is, in fact, the simplest definition of nirvana in this life.
Nirvana in Buddhism, both in its psychological and moral senses, is undeniably a present-day reality. Calmness, profound spiritual bliss, compassion, and a refined and delicate awareness describe this altered state of consciousness. A person with an enlightened mind does not experience negative thoughts and feelings like uncertainty, worry, and fear.
Final words:
Nirvana is the Buddhist ideal of nirvana, a state of perfect peace and bliss. Once a person enters Nirvana, they are completely free to enjoy themselves. They are at peace with the world because of how well everything is going. Nothing bad or painful happens here. Every Buddhist devotes their entire life to the pursuit of Nirvana in Buddhism.
It’s the result of a combination of positive mental states and physical actions. Most Buddhists are fascinated by the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism while striving to achieve it, and they take every opportunity to educate themselves about it.
Samsara is what Buddhists mean when they talk about life continuing forever. They think it is everyone’s duty to help others as much as they can. They have faith that decent individuals will be reborn into more favourable circumstances.
With this fresh start, they’ll reach a state of being not far off from Nirvana. If a Buddhist is evil and does not perform good actions in this life, they will be reborn into a life further from Nirvana. This is the kind of setback every Buddhist shudder at.
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by Tirtha Acharya | Oct 21, 2022 | Spirituals
What is kundalini Practice and How to Channelize the energy through practice of Kundalini?
Most of us, whether consciously or subconsciously, act more in response to our surroundings than we do with any kind of deliberate planning, and this applies to both our thoughts and actions. It’s not uncommon for us to go about our daily lives—driving to work, washing dishes, tucking the kids in, or eating—without fully appreciating what’s going on or what we’d like to happen.
Overview of Kundalini Practice:
The Kundalini Practice can help you achieve a heightened state of awareness that can serve as a springboard for a more mindful approach to daily life. Kundalini meditation, which channels primordial energy, is one type of practice that has the potential to be immensely beneficial.
You can release stress and the tendency to go through life on “autopilot” by Kundalini Practice. Yoga Asanas, Pranayama, Kriya Yoga, Mantra, and even Ayurvedic herbs and Potions can all be used to awaken Kundalini. The questers also have a choice in the form of Ras Vigyan.
Mantra sadhana is a risk-free method, so everyone ought to give it a shot. When Kundalini Practice is awakened, a tremendous amount of energy is released into the body, and this energy must be carefully directed through the various organs and systems to prevent any harm.
Slow and risk-free, the mantra sadhana is the way to go. Kundalini Practice is safest when done under the watchful eye of a seasoned yogi or teacher. This technique involves opening the chakras one by one, and there is a total of six. There are seven steps outlined in the document.
Kundalini Practice, which ushers in the body’s innate divinity, requires the guidance of a teacher. Jealousy, greed, anger, ego, egotism, infatuation, and other human weaknesses can all be overcome through this method.
This internal battle between a person’s positive and negative traits can become so intense that it can cause a mental disturbance. That could lead him down a dangerous road that he should avoid at all costs.
A yogi with years of practice under their belt would know better than to let any harm come to their body. Using the mantra, we can wipe out every bad thing in the universe. There are a variety of mantras used to stimulate all seven chakras. An individual’s sadhana alone is not enough to bring about enlightenment.
It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen gradually and steadily. It is not instantaneous to Kundalini Practice. Once the sadhana is completed, and the practitioner experiences a state of mental clarity, activation may take place. To awaken Kundalini, a person must be completely unburdened by any and all negativity and be prepared to practice patience.
For an infinite amount of time, people have been using Kundalini Mantras to awaken the kundalini energy. Kundalini Practice can be awoken through the use of mental meditations, pranayama, and strenuous physical exercise. Mantras are vibrations of sound used to awaken the body’s innate divine energy.
“Guru Mantra” refers to the special “Mantra” that a Guru (spiritual master) imparts to his “Shishya” (disciple). The disciple chants the mantra on a regular basis while maintaining focus, meditation, and complete devotion, adhering to certain guidelines set forth by his master.
The Kundalini Practice is awakened in the disciple through this method. The positive effects of mantra chanting on the brain, spine, and body are a result of the sound vibrations produced by the chanting. With consistent effort, a divine presence eventually manifests.
Since each mantra has a slightly different effect on the human body, the Guru is the one who should choose and impart the mantra to the disciple. This method of Kundalini Practice is the simplest but also the slowest. Mantras can be practiced by anyone; all you need to do is sit quietly, focus your mind, and repeat the Guru’s words.
Purpose of Kundalini Meditation
Kundalini Practice includes a meditation practice called kundalini samadhi, the goal of which is to increase the circulation of life force. It’s predicated on the idea that the energy stored at the base of the spine (the root chakra) must be channeled up through the other six chakras and out the crown chakra at the top of the head.
The goal of Kundalini Practice method of energy release is to open up channels of communication between your brain and your body, allowing you to heal on multiple levels (mental, physical, and spiritual). This method of centering yourself on your breath is meant to help you be in the here-and-now, create a new pace, and have meaningful conversations with your best self.
Possible Benefits
At Nepal Yoga home, Learning Kundalini Practice can improve your quality of life by helping you focus your attention and energy. In particular, this can be observed in the following ways:
- Focusing on the task at hand and keeping distracting thoughts at bay
- Interrupting your typical routines and forcing you to become more self-aware
- Harmonizing mental, physical, and spiritual health
- Gaining the motivation and inspiration to get things done in your life
- Body-awareness training
- Improving thought processes and sanity
- Aiding in the alleviation of stress and worry
- Aiding in relaxation and inner calm
- Enhancing mental health and performance
- Increasing quality of sleep and addressing other sleep-related concerns
- Teaching diaphragmatic breathing and increasing lung capacity
How does the Practice Works?
Here are the first baby steps you should take in your Kundalini Practice journey. Keep in mind that baby steps are better than no steps at all. Choose an amount of time you can devote to meditation that you feel confident you can keep up with every day. Don’t try to do too much too soon, or you might end up feeling overwhelmed and giving up. Don’t discount the benefits of even the shortest daily session of Kundalini meditation.
Conclusion:
Remember that it’s okay to take baby steps if you’re interested in learning Kundalini Practice and that incorporating meditation into your daily life can be challenging. If you’ve never meditated before, even trying for two minutes at a time could be challenging. But keep going for it. It takes practice to quiet your mind, but even a few minutes of doing so can have a significant effect.
by Tirtha Acharya | Sep 11, 2022 | Spirituals
Significance of number 108 in Spirituality and 1008 the auspicious number
Have you ever pondered the significance of the number 108 in Spirituality in Indian religion? Have you ever questioned the logic behind the recommended repetition of a mantra 108 times? We’ve compiled a list of potential explanations for these inquiries.
The number 108 in Spirituality holds special significance in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Reasons and meanings for this can be found in many places. Here are some of them:
The number 108 in Spirituality is composed of three digits, each of which can be understood symbolically. The number 1 represents being all alone and united in spirit. In shunya samadhi, the soul purges itself of its karmic burdens, and this is symbolised by the number 0.
Only after the removal of the Karmic body can the Soul’s 8gunas be seen. There are eight karmas that make up this karmic body, and they protect the eight gunas that make up a soul. The combination of the numbers 1 and 0 is 108, which stands for “the way to freedom.”
What are various meanings of the number 108?
We take about 108,000 breaths a day. The significance of breath control in any sadhana is thus underscored by the fact that the percentage of its total is 108 that signifies number 108 in Spirituality. The Navkar Mantra pads all represent different gunas.
There are 12 gunas for Arihants, 8 for Siddhas, 36 for Aacharyas, 25 for Upadhyays, and 27 for Sadhus. When we add up all of these gunas, we get 108. This means that there are a total of 108 characteristics shared by the most deserving souls that shows number 108 in Spirituality.
When the distance to the Sun is divided by the Sun’s diameter, the result is approximately 108. In a similar vein, the diameter of the Moon yields a result of number 108 in Spirituality when divided by the distance between the Moon and Earth. As a result, we mistakenly attribute the same relative size to the Sun and Moon, despite their obviously different actual sizes.
The number of swapna doshas, or planetary energies, is 108 that shows number 108 in Spirituality. The subconscious brain is responsible for dreaming, or swapna, and it is this brain that can shape your future and grant you atmadarshan. You can rid your subconscious mind of sloth and the swapnadoshas by chanting any mantra 108 times.
Karma Ashrava can leave a mark on your soul in 108 different ways. By recognising number 108 in Spirituality, a guru as shri 108/1008, you show reverence for the guru’s liberation efforts and the fact that the guru is not amassing Karm ashravas around his or her soul.
There can be no more than 108 Souls for number 108 in Spirituality who reach Moksh in a single samay. There can be no more than 108 Souls in Nigod (microbes and inorganic matter) that enter the cycle of birth and death in a single samay and thus become active participants in this Universe.
A total of 27 nakshatra can be seen in the night sky, and their circular presence affects four cardinal directions. The magnitude of this energy is represented by the pattern of 108, in number 108 in Spirituality which can be calculated by multiplying 27 by 4.
Life’s events are the direct result of our past actions, which are influenced by the nine planets that make up our “Karmic body.” There are 12 zodiac signs that are used to classify people. The number 108 in Spirituality provides insight into the planetary motions in our Karm Marg. In the same way that 129 equals 108.
Chakra is an antiquated Sanskrit term for a revolving or rotating wheel. Meaning “energy centres” in yoga, it describes where the life force circulates.
There are 112 chakras total, with 108 located in the physical body and 4 located in the astral. To represent these accessible energy centres that enable us to go beyond the material world, the rosary has 108 beads which again shows number 108 in Spirituality. The ancient Yogis discovered that only the 7 major chakras need to be activated in order to feel a surge of energy.
What is the spiritual meaning of 1008 the auspicious number?
Apart from number 108 in Spirituality, you made a good decision when you stopped expecting immediate gratification in exchange for opening your heart and mind to the world, as the angel number 1008 and number 108 in Spirituality relates to the realms of romance and pastimes. Nothing can stop you from following your heart’s desires from this point forward.
The road you’ve chosen may be littered with both minor setbacks and major challenges. Nonetheless, there will be a great deal more celebration and contentment. It is imperative that you have unwavering faith in this universal law. The energies of the number 1 are present in angel number 1008, along with those of the number 8. (8).
The angels in the message for number 108 in Spirituality are trying to reassure you by mentioning the One. Although you seem to be acting in a confused manner, this does not make your course of action any less correct. By drawing on the One’s qualities of insight and sound judgement, you can keep your eye on the prize at all times.
In the angels’ message, the number 108 in Spirituality serves as proof that your recent efforts to better your financial and social standing were divinely inspired. So, until your situation changes, there’s nothing stopping you from continuing along the same path.
If you see the number 18, it means that your hard work and dedication, coupled with your stellar reputation and professional standing, will finally pay off. Many people in the world lack both of these qualities and are in need of someone they can entrust with their money. Seize the opportunity to guarantee your success.
Brief Description of Angelic Event Identified with the Number 1008
If you are spiritually attuned from number 108 in Spirituality and want to raise people’s consciousness about spiritual matters, the time is now, as indicated by the Angel Number 1008.
You can accomplish number 108 in Spirituality by devoting your life to spiritual practise or by working as a spiritual mentor. So, the angels will assist you in realising your full potential and achieving phenomenal success in this endeavour.
In a nutshell, pay attention to number 108 in Spirituality and their interpretations in order to enhance your life. Angel number 1008 and number 108 in Spirituality encourages you to find positive ways to prepare for and welcome change in order to speed up your development and expand your success.
by Tirtha Acharya | Aug 31, 2022 | Spirituals
AUM- The sound of the Universe and Its Significance
Many yogis, spiritualists, and people actively involved in religious practices have made chanting of spiritual symbol AUM a regular part of their lives for centuries. As a means to achieve cosmic union and internal harmony (including the brain), the blending of sound, breath, and rhythm in chanting has been revered as sacred in many different traditions.
During yogic and meditative practices, it is common to chant the sound “Aum.” It is believed that the word “AUM,” or the sound or vibration represented by “AUM,” is sacred in Vedic religions. It has spiritual overtones as both a sound and a symbol.
According to Hindu mythology, the universe itself was born from the reverberation of the Spiritual symbol AUM. Furthermore, AUM is the vibrational sound of Pranava that represents the four aspects of the Supreme Being.
This is because the vibrations of the sound of the Spiritual symbol AUM are similar to the sound of the universe, bringing the chanter closer to the divine. Repetition of the Aum mantra has a profound effect on the mind and can increase one’s level of awareness.
Among the many symbols shared by Hindus and Buddhists are the Aum sign and the chants or recitations that accompany it. Everyone, no matter their background or faith, can feel its impact.
Aum History
Inscriptions and manuscripts have traditionally begun with the Spiritual symbol AUM since the sixth century.
The Upanishads, the holiest Hindu scriptures, are where the concept of Aum first appeared. In these texts, Aum is described as eternal and representative of all three epochs of time: the past, the present, and the future. The Aum mystery has deeper explanations in the Vedanta philosophy.
According to the 14th Dalai Lama, the three letters of Aum represent a Buddhist practitioner’s imperfect and imperfect body, speech, and mind before enlightenment. In addition, they represent the Buddha’s enlightened mind, speech, and body.
According to Indian religious theory, the universe was birthed from the vibration of a single note played by God. Everything we were was this sound. There is a belief that the universe and everything in it began as a single syllable of sound called the Spiritual symbol AUM. The Christian and Islamic “Amen” are thought to have been derived from “Aum.”
The Aum Symbol
The Aum symbol represents the purest essence from which all other things emerge. Knowledge and language like this are eternal; they have no beginning and no end. When we see or hear the Aum symbol or chant, it helps us to calm down, takes a deep breath, and focus on our breathing.
Because of the striking resemblance between the Aum and the elephant form of the Hindu god Ganesha, the two are often used interchangeably. The meanings of this Hindu deity and the Aum are strikingly similar. For Ganesha, the path to bliss involves clearing away distractions and letting go of material desires.
Three states are represented by the Aum symbol’s three curves: deep sleep at the top, dreaming at the middle and waking at the bottom. There is a crescent above these arcs, which represents the illusion (or “Maya”) that stands in the way of reaching true bliss.
The Spiritual symbol AUM final dot is supposed to stand for ecstatic emancipation or completeness. Among other similar religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism all hold the Aum symbol in the highest esteem. It is included in symbols and texts representing those faiths.
Aum Symbol Meaning
There are few more revered Hindu symbols than the sound of Aum. The Sanskrit word for “sound out loudly” is Aum.
Following Hindu belief, Aum can be interpreted as: An “A” represents the awake, “U” represents the dream, and “M” represents the unconscious, or deep sleep, state.
Aum is the beginning of the most important mantras in both Hinduism and Buddhism. The Upanishads assert that the sound “Aum” is the very essence of God. This cosmic vibration, also known as the Mula mantra or the “root” syllable, is what binds the universe’s atoms together.
Significance of OM
- The spiritual symbol AUM can help you feel better on the inside and welcome you into a new era of optimism.
- Repeating the AUM mantra while breathing it in cleanses your system and the space around you.
- Concentration improves as you work to keep your attention on the breath and the sound of AUM.
- The healing energy of the mantra AUM strengthens defenses.
- Chanting spiritual symbol, AUM raises levels of sattva, which maintains internal harmony.
- The vibrations from a low, rumbling AUM chant travel up the throat and into the sinuses. As a result, it helps to open up the sinuses and clear out the nasal passages.
- In order to induce a state of profound physical and mental relaxation, the chanting of the sacred AUM sound is traditionally done at the start and finish of a yoga session. When the mind and body are at peace, meditative practices like yoga becomes accessible.
- The AUM mantra’s cleansing vibrations help those in their immediate vicinity.
- The AUM mantra has been shown to be good for the heart. Stress is reduced, and blood pressure is maintained through mental relaxation. A regular heartbeat results from controlled blood pressure.
- The vocal cord muscles are strengthened through repeated spiritual symbol AUM chanting, resulting in a higher quality of voice. The elderly can make good use of this perk.
- The power of the spiritual symbol AUM mantra is magnified when it is chanted in a group. All around, powerfully good vibes are being generated.
- By repeating the sacred mantra AUM, you connect with the truth and the cosmos. Over time, the effect of repetition on fostering self-awareness becomes apparent.
- Many people have reported that their skin becomes more radiant after they begin regularly chanting AUM. The skin is thoroughly cleansed by the element of breath. The internal health that this positive energy promotes shows on the outside.
- When chanting the AUM mantra, it is important to sit up straight and for the sound to originate in the abdomen, both of which help to fortify the muscles that protect the spinal cord.
- According to studies, the sound of the spiritual symbol AUM helps to calm the mind.
by Tirtha Acharya | Aug 25, 2022 | Spirituals
Guru shishya tradition/ Parampara
The spiritual, intellectual, and emotional connection between guru and shishya is the vehicle through which wisdom is transmitted. All three of these faiths use a form of the Guru shishya tradition known as the guru-shishya Parampara. When learning from a guru, the shishya often stays at the guru’s house. Instructing his students, the guru leads them to enlightenment. The shishya’s obedience and devotion to the guru are essential to the relationship.
In Dharmic religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, as well as in Tibetan and Zen traditions, the term guru shishya Parampara (the Guru shishya tradition) refers to a lineage of teachers and students. There may be separate gurukuls for each Parampara, each of which is associated with a particular sampradaya or tradition. Akharas, Viharas, Gompas, Mathas, and Temples are all possible locations for such gurukuls.
What are the basics thoughts related to guru shishya Parampara?
An Overview of the Guru shishya tradition Dharma is passed down from guru to shishya in a mentoring relationship known as parampara, in which the guru imparts knowledge and wisdom to the student. The Dakshina is an offering made by the student to the teacher at the beginning of a formal Parampara lesson (offering). After that, whatever it is that the guru and the shishya are trying to teach each other is done through the unique and ever-evolving relationship between them.
The authenticity of the guru in Guru shishya tradition, along with the shishya’s respect, devotion, obedience, and dedication to the guru, regardless of the guru’s age or appearance, is what makes this relationship so effective at facilitating the transfer of knowledge. The student, with the guru’s help, comes to master the wisdom the guru carries within.
The importance of Guru shishya Parampara
Gu” denotes the shadows, while “Ru” indicates the light. So, “Guru” can mean “from darkness to light” or “one who leads from darkness to light.” A spiritual guide who leads their shishya (student) from spiritual darkness to the light of enlightenment or samadhi is called a guru.
Traditional Indian education always included the Guru-Shishya Parampara. The Guru and the Student (Shishya) would develop a close emotional, intellectual, and spiritual bond through this training of living and learning together.
Guru shishya tradition is through this profound connection that the guru is able to guide the Shishya from naiveté to understanding and ultimately to enlightenment. Thus, the closeness of guru and disciple is a component of the social order but also a watershed moment in the development of each individual member of society. Biopsychosocial science, the living science of education, has been lost to the people of this modern age.
What is the influence of the teacher-student relationship on learning?
There is no doubt that the quality of the relationship between a teacher and their students affects the quality of their education. Numerous studies have shown that students of all ages and walks of life perform better in school when they feel their teachers care about them as individuals and take an interest in their personal goals and passions.
How can teachers build strong bonds with their students? In what ways do you think this will impact students’ ability to learn?
The study reveals several significant details about Guru shishya tradition, including
Teachers’ warmth, care, empathy, assistance, safety, and academic encouragement all play a part in their student’s success in the classroom. Studies show that when students exhibit these habits, they are more engaged in their learning, which in turn improves their attendance and performance.
A good rapport between a teacher and a student can spread quickly through a school and affect the students outside of it. If a student has a good rapport with their teacher, they are more than likely to make an effort to form friendships with other students.
Teachers must be able to adapt to their students’ unique personalities if they want to foster connections with them. Teachers who show that they organize each student as an individual usually have the greatest impact on their students’ learning. This is especially true when students come from a variety of backgrounds.
The bonds between educators and their students are important at any age. It’s a common misconception that younger students are more reliant on their teachers for academic adjustment than older students, but studies show that positive relationships between teachers and students are crucial for students of all ages.
What are the benefits of Guru shishya tradition/ Parampara?
The value of a good rapport between teachers and their students
The benefits of a strong and supportive Guru shishya tradition extend far beyond the classroom and into the larger school community. Teachers, students, parents, and principals can all benefit from maintaining and building upon their strong rapport.
Fostering a close relationship with one’s teacher is associated with higher academic achievement than is the case for students whose relationships with their teachers are characterized by tension or hostility.
Students, especially those with learning disabilities and low socioeconomic status, benefit from positive teacher-student relationships because of the positive effects they have on students’ sense of self-worth.
Teachers can benefit greatly from positive relationships with their students because they are motivated to develop their own interpersonal and professional abilities.
Relationship-building strategies for educators by Guru shishya tradition
Make a plan – Most students thrive in a routine setting. Thus, it is the responsibility of educators to make their expectations crystal clear to their students. The maintenance and reinforcement of rules and regulations is an ongoing responsibility.
Teachers should show their students that they care by teaching with energy and enthusiasm. As a result, the classroom climate will improve, which is great news for everyone’s education. In order to be successful, teachers need to be able to bring out the best in each and every one of their students. The foundation of high-quality teaching and learning is the development of strong relationships between teachers and their students.
Exhibit a constructive outlook; this fosters a sense of community among students and motivates them to work together during learning. When students are less worried about making mistakes, they are more likely to try new things. Teachers should serve as a source of motivation for their students, assisting them in establishing realistic goals and looking to them for direction.
Conclusion
Guru shishya tradition relationship that are strong and mutually beneficial take time and work on the part of everyone involved. Positive interactions between students and teachers have been shown to have numerous advantages.
by Tirtha Acharya | Jan 19, 2022 | Spirituals
Tibetan Buddhism and Four Traditions
More than seven billion people are living on this planet. They live in various regions and countries and belong to various races. There are also various traits that humans have developed by living continuously in certain regions for many generations. Aside from physical traits and regional differences, there is also one thing that is common to a certain number of people in the world, and it is religion.
There are many religions in the world and many people belong to these various religions. Christian, Muslim, Hinduism, and Buddhism are some of the most followed religions in the world as their followers are maximum in numbers. They were formed at various points in time and also branched in time. Like Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism into Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and so on.
What is Religion
Religion is the belief or system in which there are single or multiple supernatural beings that impact the lives of people living in the world and work in mysterious ways. There are many definitions of religion, and it is extremely hard to bind the definition of religion into one sentence as it is many things to many people.
Then the question is if an individual creates his gods and deity then can it be called religion if the single person follows it?
The answer is not as a mass number of people need to follow it to call it a religion. If the belief system of one person grows and many people, follow it then it can be officially called a religion. There are many religions in the world. Some of the religions also got erased as there was no one left to follow them. The father passes the value, norms, and cultures to his offspring like this the system of religion works. However, no in this modern and communicative most are free to choose and follow the religion they like.
About Buddhism
Buddhism is one of the most followed religions in the world. Countries like China, Nepal, India, Thailand, Myanmar are some of the countries that follow Buddhism. Buddhism is the religion that places Buddha as its central figure and the topmost deity in the heavenly hierarchy. Religion is based on the path of spreading peace into the world. Buddhism started from Buddha himself when he was born in Kapilvastu of Nepal.
He was born as a prince in the royal family but then decided to give up the throne and his kingdom to find the path of peace. In time the teaching of Buddha spread then increased people started to follow the path of nonviolence. At first, people rebelled but the peaceful path of Buddha won over them. Slowly from Buddha alone, the path of non-violence and meditation spread, and increased people joined. Now, the path of non-violence had spread over many countries and many people follow the same belief system. The birthplace of Buddha is still preserved in Nepal and is a holy site for millions of Buddhists around the world.
Tibetan Buddhism
The Buddhism that is followed in Tibet and Bhutan is known as Tibetan Buddhism. However, it is also found in the parts of Northern Nepal, India, and some regions of the Himalayas. Tibetan Buddhism is in some ways much similar to mainstream Buddhism while in some things much farther away from it. It is also called Lamaism by some people.
History of Tibetan Buddhism
Buddhism was introduced into Tibet in the period of 7 to 9th century. Songtsan Gampo the Tibetan king of that period brought the Sanskrit scriptures from Nepal and India then translated them into the Tibetan language. Gradually the inclination towards Buddhism increased and people in time got increasingly attracted towards it. In the eight-century king, Trisong detsen further increased the range of Buddhism in Tibet. He declared Buddhism to be the official religion of the state and ordered his army to wear similar clothes and practice Buddhism. This was the period for the beginning of Tibetan Buddhism.
After this came the era of fragmentation, Second dissemination, Mangol dominance, Gaden phodrang government, and quing rule. These are the ruling periods of the Tibetan state where various families and people influenced Tibet and ruled it. The spark of Tibetan Buddhism that was lighted in the early 7th century passed through all of these periods to come to the 20th century.
The 20th century played a major part in the course of Tibetan Buddhism. It is the period where the Quing dynasty fell. Then Tibet became an independent state under the 13th Dalai lama-based government. In this century Tibetan Buddhism was accepted by the people of China also by the involvement of prominent figures.
Then China interfered in the matters of Tibet and by communism tried to discard the religion. Following these events, the 14th Dalai Lama of that period had to flee to the neighboring country India. During this period Trbetian Buddhism suffered heavy loss in terms of history and arts as many of the monasteries and places were destroyed.
In this period Tibetan Buddhism has suffered many losses in Tibet but in that time, it flourished to the neighboring countries. Northern border people of Nepal, Bhutan, India had started to accept Tibetan Buddhism and people started adopting its practices.
In the 21st century, Tibetan Buddhism is still growing. It is growing not just in the neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and India but in the far west also the practices of Tibetan Buddhism are accepted by many. Not today but the monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism were established in Europe and America in the late 1960s.
The people are much more interested in Dalai Lama also. Some joined Tibetan Buddhism and followed in their own countries while some even journeyed to Tibet to learn from the monks and Lamas the ways of Tibetan Buddhism. They even went through all the troubles and learn the true path of Tibetan Buddhism becoming the lamas themselves.
Dalai Lama
Dalai Lama is made by the combination of two words Dalai and Lama. Both of them are Mongolian words. Dalai means big or ocean in the Mongolian language where Lama means master or guru.
In Tibetan Buddhism Dalai Lama is the name that is given to their highest spiritual leader. Dalai Lama is a position rather than a personal name that the highest spiritual leader gets. Tibetan Buddhism says Dalai lama is a spiritual incarnation and reincarnates many times in this world. Dalai Lama is believed to be the tulkus who are believed to be the incarnations of Avalokitesvara. Now, the current Dalai Lama is the 14th Dalai lama in the long line of Dalai lamas.
History of Dalai lama
It is believed in Tibetan Buddhism the spiritual powers have a deep connection with the land of Tibet. Especially, Avalokitesvara the bodhisattva of compassion inclines the land of Tibet. He time and time again- reincarnates in the region to influence the life of the people and guide them towards the proper path and life. Those incarnations are called Dalai lama. The beliefs and the system of Tibetan Buddhism come from the book of Kadam.
It is believed that the book of Kadam belonged to the first Dalai lama. The book has significant importance in Tibetan Buddhism, it is not wrong to say that the book lays the foundation for this religion. It describes Dalai Lamas as the incarnation of Avalokitesvara. However, many individuals were the incarnations of the bodhisattva. Few emperors were believed to be the incarnations of the bodhisattva. The emperors such as Songsten Gampo, Dromtonpa were such individuals who were believed to have been incarnated to lead the life of the Tibetan people to a better future.
There are the records of 14 Dalai lamas, and the 14th is the current one. The first Dalai Lama was Geden Drupa according to sources. However, according to the many sources and the Book of Kadam Geden Drupa may be the first Dalai Lama but he was not the first incarnation of Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. According to myths, legends, and various sources, there were sixty incarnations of Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion before the first Dalai lama Geden Drupa.
The 14th Dalai Lama
Now in the long line of the Dalai lamas the turn of the 14th Dalai lama. His spiritual name is Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso in short form known as Tenzin Gyatso. He was born on 6th July 1935 and is the current Dalai lama. According to various sources, he was born into a farming and horse-trading family. He had many siblings but only seven of the siblings survived. The higher lamas had predicted the birth of the reincarnation of higher spirituality in their home.
Among the seven siblings of Tenzing Gyatso, three were the reincarnation of Rinpoches including himself. It was said that when Tenzin Gyatso spoke, he spoke the language that neither belonged to his mother’s nor his father’s side of the family. There was various selection process of the 14th Dalai lama after the death of the 13th one. With the help of many signs, omens, visions, and procedures they found him and made him the 14th Dalai lama.
The duty of the Dalai Lama was to get their rightful place in the religious and political space of the region. This system began with the fifth Dalai lama.
To India
In the 1950s the condition of Tibet was very unstable. Following these events, Dalai Lama fled from Tibet with the aid of CIA’s special activities division. After going to India, he settled in Assam and provided Sanctuary for the people who had fled Tibet with him. There were more than 80000 people that followed him there. He is still living in India in exile and aiding the people who have faith in him.
The four traditions of Tibetan Buddhism
Nyingma
Nyingma school is the oldest of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Nyingma in the Tibetan language means ancient. It was said to be founded in the 8th century. Nyingma school traces its roots to the period of Padmasambhava who is also known as the second Buddha.
This school believes samantabhadra and Adi Buddha to be the embodiment of Dharmakaya. Dharmakaya is the true body of all of the Buddhas.
Kagyu
kagyu is another of four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Kagyu in the Tibetan language translates to oral lineage or widespread transmission. Its origin can be traced back to the 11th century. It is said that the teaching of Kagyu came from the south to Tibet. Marpa Lotsawa was the one who brought the teaching of kagyu to Tibet and spread it. Marpa was previously a Tibetan householder who traveled to India and Nepal to gain knowledge.
Sakya
Sakya is the third of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. In the Tibetan language, Sakya means grey earth. Its name was derived from the grey-colored landscapes of the poonri hills in southern Tibet. The teaching of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism started back in the 10th century. The tradition was started by Khon Konchog Gyalpo. This tradition also came from India and Nepal through various teachers and translators. Sakya teachings follow the system of Lamdre “path and its fruits.”
Gelug
Gelug is the fourth and final of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded in the 13-14th century. Among the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism, it is the latest to be formed and is the most dominant one among the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Je Tongkhapa is the name of the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. He was a Lama and tantric that lived at the end of the 13th century and the beginning period of the 14th century.
However, it did not emerge as the dominant among the four schools until the 16th century. Lamrim is the central teaching of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Lamrim means graded path. Lamrim is the central path of this school but there are other paths and ways that revolve around the central Lamrim path. The Dalai Lamas before have also given their description of lamrim path. The most noticeable is the 3rd Dalai lama who has given exposition about Lamrim.
