Noble Caring Through Pain
Noble Caring after Receiving a Diagnosis
Samye’s NLNCND team coordinator, Andrea Sherman, has written a poignant and very helpful article about her approach to a new diagnosis.
May 12, 2023
Hilary Herdman
Hilary Herdman, Ph.D, studied and taught at Rangjung Yeshe Institute at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery since 2000. Hilary was a founding member of Dharmachakra Translation Committee. She continued her education by completing an MA and later a a Ph.D at the University of Bristol, UK. She is a member of Samye Institute Steering Committee and helps produce content for the site and for retreats and events.
Buddhist Philosophy
Tukdrup Barché Kunsel Shrine Diagram
Many students ask questions about how to set up a proper Tukdrup Barché Kunsel shrine for group practice or at home. Phakchok Rinpoche has kindly requested his artist to prepare detailed diagrams that we may follow.
February 1, 2023
Buddhist Philosophy
Rituals at Tibetan Buddhist Dharma Centers
Rituals at Tibetan Buddhist Dharma Centers can delight, intrigue, and/or confuse newcomers. Here we offer some brief guidelines for the curious onlooker.
February 27, 2022
Buddhist Philosophy
Being Patient and Farsighted and Enduring Hardship
As social beings, we humans learn from those around us. And because we don’t have fixed, unchanging solidity as beings, we make choices. We can choose to follow our innate goodness. If we associate with loving, kind, and open-hearted people, we will naturally develop those qualities. When we acknowledge our basic goodness, we lean toward virtue and surround ourselves with others who share that view.
August 10, 2021
Buddhist Philosophy
Speaking Moderately and in a Gentle Way
As social beings, we humans learn from those around us. And because we don’t have fixed, unchanging solidity as beings, we make choices. We can choose to follow our innate goodness. If we associate with loving, kind, and open-hearted people, we will naturally develop those qualities. When we acknowledge our basic goodness, we lean toward virtue and surround ourselves with others who share that view.
June 1, 2021
Buddhist Philosophy
Not Being Influenced by Evil Companions
As social beings, we humans learn from those around us. And because we don’t have fixed, unchanging solidity as beings, we make choices. We can choose to follow our innate goodness. If we associate with loving, kind, and open-hearted people, we will naturally develop those qualities. When we acknowledge our basic goodness, we lean toward virtue and surround ourselves with others who share that view.
May 12, 2021
Buddhist Philosophy
Having Little Jealousy
Jealousy sneaks up on us in many ways and it can be a tricky mental state to isolate. The Tibetan term (phrag dog) is a translation from the Sanskrit word Īrṣyā. According to the Mahayana Abhidharma, jealousy is one of the subsidiary unwholesome mental factors. The Indian and Tibetan words encompass two separate English terms: jealousy and envy. Jealousy derives from the negative emotion of anger or ill will. Envy also may manifest as resentment or anger, but it may also be mixed with attachment or greed.
March 16, 2021
Buddhist Philosophy
Repaying Debts on Time and Not Cheating With Weights and Measures
Although some readers might believe Buddhism and business have little to do with one another, history shows us a different story. The Buddha himself taught merchants and rulers, and members of the merchant class aided in spreading the teachings throughout Asia. Buddhist teachers and rulers recognized that laypeople need to take or give loans and to exchange commercial goods. But in doing so, we can be expected to conform to standards of fairness, honesty, and compassion in our interactions.
March 4, 2021
Buddhist Philosophy
Repaying Those Who Have Previously Shown Kindness
In this article, Hilary Herdman continues her exploration of the Sixteen Principles of Societal Human Values.
November 3, 2020
Buddhist Philosophy
Having Moderate Food and Wealth
In this article, Hilary Herdman continues her exploration of the Sixteen Principles of Societal Human Values.
September 17, 2020
Buddhist Philosophy
Choosing Good Role Models
Hilary Herdman discusses Songtsen Gampo’s advice in choosing suitable role models.
August 25, 2020
Buddhist Philosophy
Birth of Guru Rinpoche
Phakchok Rinpoche shares stories of the miraculous birth of Guru Rinpoche, the Lotus-born Master of Uḍḍiyāna.
July 29, 2020