Category: Buddhism
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What is a Near Enemy?
The concept of the “near enemy” in Buddhism is a fascinating and insightful aspect of Buddhist philosophy that delves into the subtle nuances of human emotions and states of mind. This concept helps to differentiate between genuine wholesome mental states and their seemingly similar, but ultimately unwholesome, counterparts. Understanding the near enemies is crucial for…
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What is Basic Goodness?
The concept of Basic Goodness is a fundamental principle in Shambhala Buddhism. It refers to the inherent and primordial nature of human beings, which is seen as pure, awake, and compassionate. This intrinsic nature is not something that needs to be improved or developed; rather, it is always present and can be discovered through meditation…
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Longing for sacredness
In the Shambhala tradition, the spiritual warrior feels a kind of perennial sadness known as longing — a deep desire for the feeling of sacredness. Feeling sadness and joy at the same time is the goal — “like sweet-and-sour pork” said Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, or saudade in Brazil. The recognition of this sadness in all…
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What is Shambhala Buddhism?
Shambhala Buddhism is a modern spiritual tradition that blends the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism with principles of mindfulness, meditation, and creating an enlightened society. It was introduced in the West by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist teacher, in the early 1970s. The word “Shambhala” comes from ancient Indian and Tibetan texts and refers to…