Brief Review  In the first session, we introduced the topic of Karma: Who’s to Blame? We saw that the approach we need to follow is an analytic one in which we examine each of the three components: karma, self and blame. If we want to get a harmonious picture of how these...

Introduction I make heartfelt obeisance to the precious Kagyu line. Although manifestly enlightened countless ages ago, you have been emanating in whatever bodies have been suited for taming those needing to be tamed, so that even hearing your names eliminates the fears of...

Combining Mahamudra with Other Sutra and Tantra Practices and with the Four Types of Behavior As for the third part, the concluding material, there are also the actions for enhancing your progress. When, without meandering, you have totally immersed yourself in the mental hold...

Introduction  Mahamudra is a Sanskrit word, and it means “the great seal.” When we talk about a seal, we’re talking about these things that they used to have, where you dipped it in wax, then you made a stamp on something, and it guarantees the authenticity of a document...

The Essential Points Concerning the Body and Mind As for the actual fundamental part, there are two (sections): a stilled and settled state of shamatha and an exceptionally perceptive state of vipashyana. As for the first, in general, there are many methods for developing...

Review  We’ve spoken about how on any spiritual journey, like going on a caravan, we need to make preparation for the various things that we’re going to bring with us on our journey. What’s usually referred to as the preliminary practices is the preparation; it’s the...

Examining the Essential Nature of the Settled Mind The second (main section) is the exceptionally perceptive state of vipashyana. Have the essential points of your body posture be as before; but, in this case, as your way of gazing is extremely important, direct your eyes,...

Review  In our discussion about the issue of free will or choice versus predetermination or determinism, we saw that there are many, many factors that are involved and many pieces of the Buddhist teachings that we have to put together in order to understand what’s going...

An in-depth series of talks on how the question of free will versus predetermination fits into the Buddhist presentation of karma.

Blame for our karma is based on the misconceptions involved with grasping for a self-established “me,” whereas taking responsibility for our karma is based on correct understanding of voidness and dependent arising.