What are the four preliminaries?

The common or ordinary preliminaries consists of a series of deep reflections or contemplations on the following four topics:

  • the freedoms and advantages of precious human rebirth.
  • the truth of impermanence and change.
  • the workings of karma.
  • the suffering of living beings within samsara.

What is Seven Point Mind Training?

The 7 Points of Mind Training (Lojong) is a classic Tibetan Buddhist teaching designed to wake us up to the boundlessness of our heart and to cultivate truthfulness and harmony in our relationships.

What is Vajrasattva mantra?

Tibetan Buddhism As such, Vajrasattva practice is an essential element of Tibetan Buddhist practice. In addition to personal practice, the Vajrasattva mantra is regarded as having the ability to purify karma, bring peace, and cause enlightened activity in general.

What is Yamantaka?

Yamantaka is a violent aspect of the Bodhisattva Manjushri, who assumes this form to vanquish Yama, the god of death. By defeating Yama, the cycle of rebirths (samsara) that prevents enlightenment is broken.

What is the meaning of mandala offering?

offering of the entire universe
A “mandala offering” in Tibetan Buddhism is a symbolic offering of the entire universe. Every intricate detail of these mandalas is fixed in the tradition and has specific symbolic meanings, often on more than one level.

What is the meaning behind a mandala?

The word mandala itself simply means “circle” in Sanskrit. Definitions of mandala. any of various geometric designs (usually circular) symbolizing the universe; used chiefly in Hinduism and Buddhism as an aid to meditation. type of: design, figure, pattern. a decorative or artistic work.

What is the practice of tonglen?

Tonglen is a Tibetan Buddhist meditation practice that is known as “giving and taking or sending and receiving.” On the inhale, you take in the pain and suffering of yourself and others and on the exhale you give space, compassion and healing to yourself and others.