The Twelve Throneholders of Palyul Monastery Khedrup Karma Lhawang – The Fifth Throneholder

Khedrup Karma Lhawang, the great learned and accomplished master, was born in the mid-eighteenth century in Ahchog in the Palyul region of Kham, within the family of Rigzin Kunzang Sherab, with many marvellous signs. Having awakened the sublime potency from a very young age, he could easily master the art of writing and reading without any difficulty. With the three…

The Negative Consequences of Playing Cards As Foretold by Guru Padmasambhava

Homage to Manjushri! When the great master Guru Padma Jungney taught the Condensed Words of Vast Teachings on the top floor of Samye Monastery, he set forth this prophecy to his fortunate disciple Gyalwa Chogyang:  “Listen, my son: When life spans have degenerated to the limit of thirty years, he seven damsin sisters will escape to Tibet. Owing to their evil…

The Benefits of Saving Lives

Unlike any other tradition, Buddhism affirms the unity of all living beings. It is believed that all sentient beings equally possess Buddha-nature, which means all have the potential to become Buddha or an Enlightened One. According to Buddhist teaching, it is said that samsara is the fruition of our own karmic debts. In this field, no sentient beings are considered…

The Benefits and Merit of Vajrasattva Visualization and the Hundred-syllable Mantra Recitation

The visualization of Vajrasattva and the recitation of his hundred-syllable mantra are the supreme methods for cleansing obscurations. Both Indian and Tibetan masters have in common the practice of Vajrasattva mantra recitation. Patrul Rinpoche, from his book The Words of My Perfect Teacher, states: “Vajrasattva promised that if one recites Vajrasattva’s mantra one hundred and eight times in one session,…

Interview with Ven. Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Regarding the Recognition of His Holiness the Fourth Penor Rinpoche

Palyul Times (PT): Khen Rinpoche, with our heartfelt greetings, we beg you for an interview regarding the recognition of His Holiness the Fourth Penor Rinpoche. The news of the rebirth of His Holiness brought an immense sense of happiness to his many disciples, and also marked the end of the sadness and uncertainty left by the passing away of His…

An Introduction to Aryadeva’s Four Hundred Verse Treatise

Some accounts say that Aryadeva was born from a lotus flower in Sri Lanka near the king’s palace and was adopted by the king as his next successor. At an early age, he went to south India, became a monk and studied the Buddhist scriptures thoroughly under Nagarjuna in the Shatavahana kingdom of King Udayibhadra. Aryadeva went to Nalanda University…

Spiritual Advice Given by H.H. the Third Penor Rinpoche during the Fourth Preliminary Practice Session, 19th March, 2004

The preliminary practices consist of three parts: the common outer preliminary practice, the uncommon inner preliminary practice and a part of the actual portion of the instructions on the swift path of phowa (meditation on transferring the consciousness at the time of death). From those practices, the common outer preliminary practice consists of four kinds of contemplation: the rarity of…

Eight Verses of Mind Training

By Geshe Langri Thangpa (1054-1123) 1. With an intention to accomplish the supreme purpose,Greater than a wish-fulfilling jewel,For all sentient beings,May I always cherish them. 2. Whenever I accompany anybodyI will consider myself as the most inferior of all,And from the bottom of my heart,May I hold others with supreme respect. 3. I need to examine all my conductAnd as…

The Eight Auspicious Substances

Tibet is a country known for its beautiful landscape, pristine natural environment, rich culture and unique traditions. In Tibet, people are more inclined towards spiritual accomplishment than fulfilling their own desires.  This habitual pattern in the Tibetans has contributed to the forming of their culture. Since the country is bound by age-old customs, Tibetan people have different ideas and beliefs…

Vulture Peak

Vulture Peak (Skt. Gridhakuta) is one of the most important places associated with the life and teachings of Lord Buddha, besides Bodhgaya and Deer Park. Vulture Peak is a small mountain just outside the ancient city of Rajgir, India. Sixteen years after his Enlightenment, the Buddha turned the Second Wheel of Dharma at this site for an assembly of 5,000…