Buddhism for Beginners

Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo gave this teaching Christmas eve 1995. In it she describes the hope and fear that is magnified during the holiday season, using it as a way to understand the habits of our minds. During the holiday season our minds become even more unstable than usual, according to Jetsunma. Our hopes and fears increase. "The more we grasp outwardly and try to secure what we want...the less happy we will be." Jetsunma discusses a compassionate way of life as a way to true and lasting happiness.Support the showFor more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

Our spiritual life can be a precious living truth inside of us if we develop a deep and ultimate connection with our spiritual path. Jetsunma explains to us that this is not easy to do because our society is materialistic and removed from the natural current of life.Support the showFor more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

Jetsunma takes us to a deeper understanding of the interdependence of the practices of Refuge and Bodhicitta. Leading us through the mental equations that will result in the cessation of suffering, she points out, "The cessation of suffering does not come about when everything external gets alright." The answer to the question, "How in the world am I going to fix this?" is: you're not...in the world. We have to move beyond the realm of cyclic existence to get the answer. In a less than perfect world we decide to reach for something perfect that we can't see yet. Only then can we bring comfort to others.Support the showFor more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

The ideas of competition and materialism are taught to us as virtues during our childhood. Collecting things and going somewhere are pivotal ways of viewing our life's progress. Jetsunma steers us away from these misconceptions: "Every moment is something that you have a sacred relationship with, because you move into the awareness that there is nothing that you can do that is separate from your own nature." We must realize that we are not doing anything or anybody a favor by living a spiritual life. We are simply expressing that which is true.Support the showFor more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

The five senses are about distinction - the idea of self-nature being inherently real. They are extensions of our ego. Why is the understanding of our own true nature so difficult for human beings? Jetsunma answers, "Because we are practicing the mantra of separation constantly, on five different levels at once!" Ngündro, a preliminary foundational Buddhist practice, is the support for all other practices that follow. It is designed to pry our minds loose from the conceptualization, delusion and over-intellectualization that our five senses have been reporting to us for aeons.Support the showFor more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

We are taught to never truly surrender our heart, to never risk in order to experience great passion, to always keep something aside for ourselves. Our quest for safety leads us to compartmentalize our experiences and keep everything in a neat, controlled place. Jetsunma calls us to give rise to the phenomenal flame of compassion as the only thing that will truly keep us safe. If our feeling of safety comes from having control over our experiences, we are the least safe of all.Support the showFor more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

When Jetsunma was in her early 20's she practiced examining all aspects of life: physical, mental, emotional. What she found in the things of samsara: "There's no future in this." At the same time, meditating upon the natural, luminous state that is free of contrivance, she would cry, realizing that this primordial nature is free of all causes of suffering yet none of us have awakened to it. This practice, clearly outlined in detail, gives rise to a breadth and depth of compassion that makes the rest of one's life very simple. Accomplishing this, there is no longer any decision to be made. All of one's life becomes a vehicle to benefit all beings. Later Jetsunma learned that this practice is called Chöd in Tibet.Support the showFor more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

There is a deep prejudice in the West that has become almost invisible to us: the idea that one's spiritual life is somehow separate from the rest of one's life. This results in the habit of denial about the truth of our situation and we are literally paralyzed on the Path. We are trapped by the narcotic of samsaric living, seduced into a feeling of safety. Jetsunma brings us the Buddha's heart teaching on how to wake up to what must be done in order to prepare for our next life. If we don't, our next life will not be what we want it to be.For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.orgSupport the show

Growing up in a materialistic culture, being taught to "be all that you can be", actually produces obstacles to the path to enlightenment. The definition of neurotic is acting in a way that is inappropriate according to reality. The Buddha teaches that this "self" into whose pockets you are putting things, is an erroneous concept. Instead, Jetsunma advises how, through the practice of devotion on the Vajrayana Path, one can stop developing the ego through all this collecting. Discriminating between what is ordinary and what is precious, one can look at one's teacher and say, "This is the face of Truth", and thereby enter the door to liberation.For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.orgSupport the show

Each of us has our own "perceptual bubble", describes Jesunma Ahkon Lhamo, as she unveils for us the dynamics of how we perceive, and react to, everything around us.   For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org  Support the show

One of the first things we hear about in Buddhism is "turning the mind to Dharma". This is a study of the first teachings of the Buddha. Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo walks us through this process, and explains how necessary it is to motivate us on the path.  For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org Support the show

The Buddha teaches us that the root of all suffering is desire. We've all had the experience of fulfilling one desire only to be overcome with the next. Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo helps us unravel this endless loop to look at how we can begin to pacify this thirst in our minds.For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org Support the show

The basis for understanding your true nature is Bodhicitta - the compassionate intent to benefit all beings. Kindness then becomes the essence of your practice. Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo guides us in understanding how this works. For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.orgSupport the show

Since all of us have the Buddha nature intact within us, we are all equal. How we can practice that is addressed by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo in this teaching on the reality of who we are.For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.orgSupport the show

How does one fight desire in our minds? In this teaching, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo teaches the way of the compassionate warrior.For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.orgSupport the show

What is karma? In this teaching, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo explains how the interdependence of cause and effect affects our lives.For more teachings, practices and resources visit www.tara.orgFit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Transform Your Relationship To Alcohol In 2023Learn the evolutionary process to help you get alcohol out of your way and keep it there!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

It takes extraordinary effort to lift out of suffering and reach enlightenment. On the way, you rely on the lineage, the Guru, and the knowledge of cause and result. Then step by step, you will reach your goal.For more teachings, resources and practices, visit www.tara.orgSupport the show

In this teaching, focusing on the supports of Dharma, and the treasure they represent, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo explains that in truth, the Lama never leaves you.For more teachings, resources and practices, visit www.tara.orgSupport the show

In this teaching, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo takes us through the steps that will support and lead to our own enlightenment as well as those who have hopes of us.For more teachings, practices, virtual temple, and resources, visit www.tara.org Support the show

One of the few successful programs in treating substance abuse has been AA. Jetsunma explains how the AA method can be applied to our addiction to samsara. For more teachings, practices, virtual temple, and resources, visit www.tara.orgSupport the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/441f9f97-db53-4e64-b9b8-39a83906d2d3)

In this live teaching from 1991, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo, following His Holiness Penor Rinpoche,  opens the doors to the sphere of truth; sharing with us the qualities of activity expressed by the Dakini.Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/441f9f97-db53-4e64-b9b8-39a83906d2d3)

In this teaching, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo gives us an in-depth understanding of the Buddhist concept of merit and how it works in our lives. Through lucid explanation and example, Jetsunma shows us how meritorious intention and activity can lead us swiftly on the path to Buddhahood. For more teachings, meditation resources and our virtual temple, visit www.tara.orgSupport the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/441f9f97-db53-4e64-b9b8-39a83906d2d3)

There is a whole world outside of our concepts. Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo gives us the keys to unlocking it. For online teachings, meditation resources and our virtual temple visit www.tara.orgSupport the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/441f9f97-db53-4e64-b9b8-39a83906d2d3)

Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo not only explains the logic of the equality of all beings, she takes us through various ways to experience our sameness. For more teachings and resources visit Tara.orgSupport the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/441f9f97-db53-4e64-b9b8-39a83906d2d3)

The "Four Noble Truths" was the first teaching given by the Buddha. In it he describes the truth of suffering, the end of suffering and the path out of suffering. Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo shows us that applying these teachings in our lives will bring good results and increase our happiness. For more teachings & resources, visit www.tara.orgSupport the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/441f9f97-db53-4e64-b9b8-39a83906d2d3)

Growing up in a materialistic culture, being taught to "be all that you can be", actually produces obstacles to the path to enlightenment. The definition of neurotic is acting in a way that is inappropriate according to reality. The Buddha teaches that this "self" into whose pockets you are putting things, is an erroneous concept. Instead, Jetsunma advises how, through the practice of devotion on the Vajrayana Path, one can stop developing the ego through all this collecting. Discriminating between what is ordinary and what is precious, one can look at one’s teacher and say, "This is the face of Truth", and thereby enter the door to liberation.For more teachings and resources, visit www.tara.orgSupport the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/441f9f97-db53-4e64-b9b8-39a83906d2d3)

In traditionally Buddhist countries in the East, concepts like emptiness and Bodhicitta are common knowledge. Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo explains how the fact that we did not grow up with this mind-set gives us a disadvantage, and how to work through it.For more resources and teachings you can visit www.tara.orgSupport the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/441f9f97-db53-4e64-b9b8-39a83906d2d3)

Awakening to enlightenment involves breaking habits we have had since "time out of mind". Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo gives us some methods using the Buddha's teachings that will help us accomplish our goal.Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/441f9f97-db53-4e64-b9b8-39a83906d2d3)

Have you ever wondered what makes up those "voices in your head"? They arise from discursive thought and Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo takes us through the process of identifying their cause, and applying their antidote.Learn more at ww.tara.org Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/441f9f97-db53-4e64-b9b8-39a83906d2d3)

Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo explains clearly what it means to be a Buddhist and take refuge in the 3 jewels. Contrasting that is how we actually live our lives. This leads us to decision time.Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/441f9f97-db53-4e64-b9b8-39a83906d2d3)

Ever wonder why Buddhists talk so much about "merit" or "virtue"? Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo answers these questions and explains what merit is, why you need it, and what to do to get it and keep it.Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/441f9f97-db53-4e64-b9b8-39a83906d2d3)

Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo takes us through the steps that will support and lead to our own enlightenment as well as those who have hopes of us. This teaching was originally given on 4/27/1999Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/441f9f97-db53-4e64-b9b8-39a83906d2d3)

This episode is the first in a series on "The Bodhisattva Way of Life" by Shantideva. This course is taught by Khenpo Pem Tseri Sherpa from Kunzang Palyul Choling.Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/441f9f97-db53-4e64-b9b8-39a83906d2d3)

This is a recording of a public talk given by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo entitled "Planting Your Dharma Garden"For more teachings, meditations and resources please visit www.tara.orgSupport the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/441f9f97-db53-4e64-b9b8-39a83906d2d3)

Washing your hands is not about you -- and neither is meditation. In this class, participants will learn how to use the technique of one-pointed concentration to calm and center their minds, and how that practice opens the door to compassion. Both relaxing and healing, this meditation can be practiced by anyone, regardless of religious tradition. Sources:Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo: Stabilizing the MindJetsunma Ahkon Lhamo: Introduction to Meditation: Right ConcentrationHH Penor Rinpoche: An Ocean of BlessingsTsoknyi Rinpoche: Fearless SimplicityKhenpo Palden Sherab & Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal: The Door to Inconceivable Wisdom and Compassion Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche: Peyote vs Shamatha vs Vipassana vs Habanero vs Mariachi vs MojitoAMZ-023 - Buddhism for Beginners seriesSunday March 8th 2019Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/441f9f97-db53-4e64-b9b8-39a83906d2d3)

The ideas of competition and materialism are taught to us as virtues during our childhood. Collecting things and going somewhere are pivotal ways of viewing our life’s progress. Jetsunma steers us away from these misconceptions: "Every moment is something that you have a sacred relationship with, because you move into the awareness that there is nothing that you can do that is separate from your own nature." We must realize that we are not doing anything or anybody a favor by living a spiritual life. We are simply expressing that which is true.Originally taught by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo on August 4th, 1996Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/441f9f97-db53-4e64-b9b8-39a83906d2d3)

Generosity is the antidote to greed, which is one of the poisons that keeps us revolving in the six realms, never truly seeing our true nature. This teaching was originally given by Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo on November 6th, 1991Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/441f9f97-db53-4e64-b9b8-39a83906d2d3)

Bodhicitta is Your Essence (Part 1 of Your Treasure is the Bodhisattva Heart)Bodhicitta, the Great Compassion, the Great Awakening, is often misunderstood by western students. To have an emotional experience of compassion is not "it". In fact, the true experience of Bodhicitta cannot be described. Yet, it is inseparable from the ground of being, from the Path, and from Buddhahood. Jetsunma guides us through the disciplines required to uncover our innate treasure: the one heart of Bodhicitta.Teaching originally given September 15th, 1996.Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/441f9f97-db53-4e64-b9b8-39a83906d2d3)