Spiritual Teachers

Mingyur Rinpoche talks about overcoming his struggle with panic attacks, the utmost importance of awareness, and how to use appreciation and gratitude to live a joyful life.

Study Buddhism met with Venerable Guo Huei, newly-appointed Abbot President of Dharma Drum Mountain, to discuss Chan Buddhism, the idea of Pure Lands, and the mechanics of cause and effect.

Charok Lama discusses how to stay calm in a busy world, the Tibetan tulku system, and the importance of understanding the fact that death will certainly come to everyone.

Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche discusses the Bön tradition, dream yoga, and the power of mantras.

Choosing our spiritual teacher or a root guru, someone whose inspiration serves as a root to anchor and nourish our spiritual growth, requires us to have examined them well and to feel a sense of instinctive connection.

Even though attachment is a disturbing emotion, developing attachment to our teachers does have a certain benefit, since it leads to trust. What we need to watch out for is exaggerating their good qualities.

The traditional presentations list three points concerning our behavior toward a spiritual teacher. Making offerings, helping them and practicing in accordance with their advice.

A detailed look at the different meanings of the term “Sangha” in the various Buddhist traditions.

There are many misunderstandings about ngondro practices, such as that they are a miracle cure for all our problems.

Ajahn Sulak Sivaraksa discusses the importance of socially engaged Buddhism, why we shouldn’t spend all of our time meditating, and how to fight oppression.