Overview

Buddhism As A Science Of Mind

Buddhism is a journey into the depths of one's heart and mind, the inner reality of one's essence, an exploration of who we are and what we are. This spiritual journey is nothing more and nothing less than discovering this inner reality.

Arcticle on The Science of Mind

by The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche

A Glimpse At The Life Of The Buddha

Shakyamuni Buddha established the spiritual tradition known as Buddhism over 2,500 years ago in ancient India. Prince Siddhartha Gautama, as he was known before he attained awakening, engaged in different spiritual practices for many years. Realizing finally that neither the extreme path of asceticism nor the opposite extreme of hedonism would transform the condition of suffering into the state of great awakening, he resolved to meditate undistractedly under what is now known as the bodhi tree. There, he gained a complete and profound understanding of the nature of mind and of the phenomenal world. Thus, he became known as the Buddha, which means “the awakened one.” True wisdom and compassion are the natural qualities and expression of this awakening and are the heart of the Buddha’s teachings.

Article on The Life Of The Buddha.

by The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche

History of Buddhism

Buddhadharma or Buddhism, as it is widely known today, was founded over 2500 years ago in ancient India by the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni. Over the following centuries, the teachings spread to the other countries of Asia, including Tibet, and now to the West.

Article on A 2500 Year Old Tradition In The Modern World.

Main Traditions Of Buddhism

Buddhism is divided into two main traditions, or "vehicles" (Skt. "yana"). The two vehicles consist of what Is called the Hinayana (the lesser or the basic vehicle) and the Mahayana (the great vehicle). There is a fairly common misunderstanding of the term Hinayana, the lesser vehicle. The term "lesser" does not mean "inferior" in this case. It is the fundamental vehicle, and it is called lower in the same way that one would call the foundation of a house lower than the walls or the roof. The Mahayana is subdivided into the common and the uncommon Mahayana, the latter of which is also traditionally referred to as the Vajrayana (indestructible vehicle).

Article on The Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana.

For additional teachings by The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, go to www.dpr.info

For teachings by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, go to www.ktgrinpoche.org