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Watch and listen to teachings, speeches, and discussions from Tibetan teachers, scholars, and translators.

Video
Primordial Self Esteem - Being Confident in Our Buddha-Nature
In this short clip, Tsultrim Allione relates the authentic confidence—compassion for others—that arises as a result of knowing that we are awake somewhere underneath our confusion.
Allione, Tsultrim. "Primordial Self Esteem - Being Confident in Our Buddha-Nature." Produced by Tara Mandala, August 25, 2016. Video, 1:17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctgVpDj69Os.
Video
About the Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra with Arne Schelling
In this video Arne Schelling offers information about the Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra. The video serves as an introduction to an online buddha-nature study program with Khenpo Chöying Dorje.
Schelling, Arne. "About the Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra with Arne Schelling." Produced by Dharma Mati Berlin, October 9, 2020. Video, 3:56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmbEEbTVcrQ.
Video
Kalu Rinpoche on Tathāgatagarbha
In this video, part of a four-part lecture on the nature of mind given at the Kamalashila-Institut in Wachendorf, Germany, in 1982, Kalu Rinpoche explains the nature of mind vis-a-vis the concept of tathāgatagarbha, or buddha-nature, and speaks of the mind's innate luminosity. Lama Chökyi Nyima (Richard Barron) translates the talk into English. For the entire four-part series of lectures, visit shangpakagyu.org
Kalu Rinpoche. "Kalu Rinpoche on Tathāgatagarbha." Excerpt from a four-part lecture titled "The Nature of Mind" given at the Kamalashila-Institut, Wachendorf, Germany, 1982. Filmed and edited by Wolfgang Neugebauer. In Tibetan with English translation by Lama Chökyi Nyima (Richard Barron). Video, 17:06. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxUSU8LRYLw.
Video
Filippo Brambilla at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
Filippo Brambilla examines how a broad range of philosophical views translated to Tsoknyi Gyatso's (1880–1940) position on buddha-nature. On the basis of key passages from two of his major philosophical works, Brambilla argues that Tsoknyi Gyatso sought to harmonize the orthodox perspective of his own (Jonang) tradition on this subject with that of the Gelukpas.
Brambilla, Filippo. "Empty of True Existence, Yet Full of Qualities. Tshogs gnyis rgya mtsho (1880–1940) on Buddha Nature." Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 41:47. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1cTYaIFa4g
Video
What Is the Purpose of Buddha-Nature Teachings? by Karl Brunnhölzl
Karl Brunnhölzl talks about the purpose of buddha-nature teachings by drawing from the primary Indian source in which they are found, the Uttaratantra. He describes the purpose of such a teaching as eliciting a transformation in outlook, an outlook in which sentient beings do not recognize the true nature of reality. The teachings on buddha-nature point out the unreality of the adventitious stains while also serving to help one uncover the naturally abiding qualities of the mind. From a disclosure model perspective, this has a tremendous impact in terms of practice, in that one only needs to deal with the adventitious stains to reveal what is already there, rather than having to create something anew.
Brunnhölzl, Karl. “What Is the Purpose of Buddha-Nature Teachings?” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, December 3, 2018. Video, 3:58. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVUa8LOb_4Q.
Video
On the Future of Buddha-Nature Studies by Karl Brunnhölzl
Karl Brunnhölzl lays out the areas that are yet to be explored within buddha-nature studies. Among the areas he suggests are ripe for exploration are Longchenpa's writings on buddha-nature, the many types of shentong views that exist, as well as the views of various Sakya authors.
Brunnhölzl, Karl. “On the Future of Buddha-Nature Studies.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, December 3, 2018. Video, 1:33. https://youtu.be/ex_6hi_58YY.
Video
What Is Luminosity? by Karl Brunnhölzl
Karl Brunnhölzl discusses the concept of luminosity within the context of buddha-nature. While such an idea suggests a sense of light or something that is visual, he explains that it more accurately refers to the natural clarity of the mind that is there all the time.
Brunnhölzl, Karl. “What Is Luminosity?” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, December 3, 2018. Video, 4:21. https://youtu.be/pOeoZJIHdL8.
Video
Emptiness or Luminosity: What's the Deal?
Karl Brunnhölzl discusses the qualities of buddha-nature as they relate to emptiness or luminosity with insightful comments about how to relate to each concept in our practice.
Brunnhölzl, Karl. "Emptiness or Luminosity: What's the Deal?" Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, December 3, 2018. Video, 2:09. https://youtu.be/5ColQ_xRPYo.
Video
On His Book When the Clouds Part by Karl Brunnhölzl
Karl Brunnhölzl discusses his motivation for writing his book on the Uttaratantra called When the Clouds Part and how the project took shape.
Brunnhölzl, Karl. “On His Book When the Clouds Part.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, December 3, 2018. Video, 4:12. https://youtu.be/PrMMjo6fDwg
Video
What Is Buddha-Nature? by Karl Brunnhölzl
Karl Brunnhölzl provides a brief definition of buddha-nature.
Brunnhölzl, Karl. “What Is Buddha-Nature?” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, December 3, 2018. Video, 00:46. https://youtu.be/RmB7lZm3jBc.
Video
On Chapter 1 Verse 28 of the Uttaratantra by Karl Brunnhölzl
Karl Brunnhölzl, author of When the Clouds Part, discusses chapter 1 verse 28 of the Uttaratantrashastra, the famous verse in this text which talks about the three reasons all sentient beings have buddha-nature.
Brunnhölzl, Karl. “On Chapter 1 Verse 28 of the Uttaratantra.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, December 3, 2018. Video, 5:50. https://youtu.be/6ZTHfbtX5Z8.
Video
Vajrayana Practice & Buddha-Nature by Karl Brunnhölzl
Karl Brunnhölzl discusses the relationship between buddha-nature teachings and practice. He explains that, from a disclosure model perspective, practice primarily entails working on the obscurations that cover over one's innate buddha-nature. Furthermore, practice also entails the subtle refinement of practice and eventually the giving up of working on the obscurations, as, from the perspective of buddha-nature, both the obscurations and their remedies reflect a dualistic mind and are both part of the obscurations. The issue then becomes one of recognizing or not recognizing one's own buddha-nature.
Brunnhölzl, Karl. “Vajrayana Practice & Buddha-Nature.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, December 3, 2018. Video, 7:20. https://youtu.be/fEwwwz_dmx8.
Video
Why Study Buddha-Nature? by Karl Brunnhölzl
Karl Brunnhölzl briefly discusses why one might engage with the teachings on buddha-nature. In contrast to the Judeo-Christian concept of Original Sin, he explains that buddha-nature teaches that all beings are essentially good.
Brunnhölzl, Karl. “Why Study Buddha-Nature?” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, December 3, 2018. Video, 2:07. https://youtu.be/ucYPoDioF_U.
Video
Is Buddha-Nature a Radical Teaching? by Karl Brunnhölzl
Karl Brunnhölzl discusses whether the teachings on buddha-nature can be considered a radical teaching. He suggests that it is indeed radical, as it fundamentally raises questions about who we are and what it means to be on the path.
Brunnhölzl, Karl. "Is Buddha-Nature a Radical Teaching?" Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, December 3, 2018. Video, 3:26. https://youtu.be/l86nQ9ac58M.
Video
Celebrating Buddha-Nature
On September 19, 2020, the Tsadra Foundation celebrated Buddha-Nature teachings and officially launched an online educational resource. Karma Phuntsho hosted the event as the new Writer-In-Digital-Residence, and we learned more about Buddha-Nature teachings from His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Alak Zenkar Rinpoche, Geshe Thupten Jinpa, Lama Shenpen Hookham, Dr. Karl Brunnhölzl, and Alex Gardner.
Tsadra Foundation. "Buddha-Nature Event: 19 September 2020." Buddha-Nature: A Tsadra Foundation Initiative. Recorded September 19, 2020. Video, 2:33:07. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7AS1Iltnto.
Video
The Debate over Buddha-Nature by Karl Brunnhölzl
Karl Brunnhölzl discusses why there has historically been such debate over the teaching of buddha-nature. He suggests that one of the main points of contention has not been whether buddha-nature is considered a Buddhist teaching or not. Rather, the debate has centered around interpretations of what buddha-nature actually means or implies. Does it imply a truly existent nature, or something that has always been there from the beginning? Or does it resemble something more akin to a nonaffirming negation that implies that buddha-nature is ultimately empty. Brunnhölzl explains that many Tibetan thinkers fall somewhere between these two poles.
Brunnhölzl, Karl. “The Debate over Buddha-Nature.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, December 3, 2018. Video, 4:21. https://youtu.be/jMV3uHDWg_o.
Video
Which Tibetans Wrote about Buddha-Nature? by Karl Brunnhölzl
Karl Brunnhölzl discusses the various Tibetan figures who addressed and wrote about buddha-nature teachings and the Uttaratantra. Among the Tibetans he mentions include: the Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje; Dölpopa; Tāranātha; the Eighth Karmapa Mikyö Dorje; Gyaltsap Je Darma Rinchen; Jamgön Kongtrul; Mipam Gyamtso; Longchenpa; Gö Lotsāwa; and Śākya Chokden.
Brunnhölzl, Karl. “Which Tibetans Wrote about Buddha-Nature?” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, December 3, 2018. Video, 6:58. https://youtu.be/wWzrtDltUwE.
Video
On the Origins and Authorship of the Uttaratantrashastra by Karl Brunnhölzl
Karl Brunnhölzl responds to a question regarding the origins and authorship of the Uttaratantrashastra. He describes how there is evidence that the Uttaratantra and its commentary was considered to be a singular text in India. However, the issue of when it arrived in Tibet and who brought it there is still a matter for further research.
Brunnhölzl, Karl. “On the Origins and Authorship of the Uttaratantrashastra.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, December 3, 2018. Video, 4:31. https://youtu.be/uzRwoCR-85Y.
Video
A Jonangpa Defense of the Shentong View of Buddha-Nature: A Mock Debate by Douglas Duckworth and Jose Cabezon
In a mock debate, Douglas Duckworth and José Cabezón debate the Jonangpa view of buddha-nature.
Duckworth, Douglas, and José Cabezón. "A Jonangpa Defense of the Shentong View of Buddha-Nature: A Mock Debate." Produced by the Tsadra Foundation. AAR Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, Nov. 20, 2018. Video, 11:51.
Video
On the Terminology Associated with Buddha-Nature by Elizabeth Callahan
In this video Elizabeth Callahan discusses the various terminology that is used when talking about buddha-nature. She describes buddha-nature as who we are at our very core and goes on to discuss several terms that are associated with uncovering this buddha-nature within Mahāyāna, Vajrayāna, and Mahāmudrā contexts.
Callahan, Elizabeth. “On the Terminology Associated with Buddha-Nature.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, November 9, 2019. Video, 8:29. https://youtu.be/ValneCRetjc.
Video
On the Term Ordinary Mind by Elizabeth Callahan
In this video Elizabeth Callahan explains the term ordinary mind, a term that is often used in the Kagyu tradition, and its use as a term to describe buddha-nature. Ordinary mind, she explains, is the nature of mind that is not in its deluded state.
Callahan, Elizabeth. “On the Term Ordinary Mind.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, November 9, 2019. Video, 2:16. https://youtu.be/qx1NAke8aV0
Video
What Is Buddha-Nature? by Elizabeth Callahan
In this video Elizabeth Callahan discusses the meaning of buddha-nature, a term that, she describes, refers to who sentient beings really are. Buddha-nature is not something that we have to acquire. Rather it is always present as our best qualities. She goes on to discuss how buddha-nature is sometimes made manifest or recognizable during moments of great suffering and tragedy.
Callahan, Elizabeth. “What Is Buddha-Nature?” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, November 9, 2019. Video, 3:00. https://youtu.be/0vOxXvDIpsU.
Video
Christian Charrier & Patrick Carré at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
Christian Charrier and Patrick Carré share insights from their new translation of 'Jam mgon Kong sprul’s commentary on the Uttaratantraśāstra into French entitled Traité de la Continuité suprême du Grand Véhicule.
Charrier, Christian, and Patrick Carré. "Uttaratantraśāstra: A New French Translation from Tibetan According to ‘Jam mgon Kong sprul’s Commentary." Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 40:49. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sgz0XThTwGE.
Video
It Is Your Buddha Nature That Sees, Hears and Speaks!―Dharma Talk by Daehaeng Kun Sunim
In this Dharma teaching, Daehaeng Kun Sunim (1927–2012), a Seon (Zen) master and Buddhist nun from Korea, responds to questions about the concept of Juingong (the underlying mind) from an audience member.
Daehaeng Kun Sunim. "It Is Your Buddha Nature That Sees, Hears and Speaks!" Produced by the Hanmaum Seon Center. Video, 7:28. https://youtu.be/WGueeTv1fq0.
Audio
Buddha-Nature: Taught by Cortland Dahl, October 2019
Cortland Dahl teaches a four-part series on buddha-nature during the month of October 2019 at the Tergar Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Each talk begins with a brief 15–20 minute meditation session.
Dahl, Cortland. "Buddha-Nature." Pt. 1 of 4. Recorded at Tergar Madison Meditation Center, Madison, WI, October 10, 2019. Audio, 1:31:21. https://soundcloud.com/tergar/buddha-nature-cortland-dahl-20191010-tmad.
Video
Book Launch: Revisiting Buddha-Nature in India and China by Dr. Christopher Jones and Dr. Li Zijie
In this online book-launch event, Dr. Christopher Jones and Dr. Li Zijie discuss their new books on the topic of buddha-nature. Below are the respective abstracts from each author:


The Buddhist Self: On Tathāgatagarbha and Ātman (Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press, 2020) by Christopher Jones

It has long been recognized that Indian Buddhist writings concerned with buddha-nature, or more narrowly the enigmatic expression tathāgatagarbha, have a complex relationship with foundational Buddhist teachings about 'not-self' (anātman). Drawing upon and developing recent scholarship concerning the relative ages of Indian Buddhist works that deal with buddha-nature, The Buddhist Self explores the likely trajectory of this complex relationship. Constituent chapters deal with all Indian texts, across Indic, Chinese and Tibetan sources, that deal with buddha-nature and the matter of how far it should be conceptualized in terms of selfhood. I argue that it is likely that our earliest sources for teaching about tathāgatagarbha, perhaps beginning with the Mahāparinirvāṇa-mahāsūtra, are those which understood this term to refer to what could also be called the self (ātman). It is only later in the development of tathāgatagarbha literature that teachings about buddha-nature were elaborated to stress that this is not, after all, something of a caveat to teachings about absence of self. As such, teaching about tathāgatagarbha was perhaps originally presented as the Buddha's revelation of what is enduring and precious in the constitution of all sentient beings, and was in part a dynamic move to enter wider Indian discourse about the nature and value of the self. In 2021 The Buddhist Self was awarded the Toshihide Numata Book Award.


Kukyō ichijō hōshōron to higashiajia bukkyō: Go—nana seiki no nyoraizō, shinnyo, shushō no kenkyū『究竟一乗宝性論』と東アジア仏教 ── 五—七世紀の如来蔵・真如・種姓説の研究 [The Ratnagotravibhāga and East Asian Buddhism: A Study on the Tathāgatagarbha, Tathatā and Gotra between the 5th and 7th Centuries] (Tokyo: Kokusho kankōkai, 2020) by Li Zijie


My monograph explores theories on tathāgatagarbha, tathatā and gotra in East Asian Buddhism between the 5th and the 7th centuries, with a focus on the influence of the Ratnagotravibhāga [Chin. Jiujing yisheng baoxing lun 究竟一乘寶性論]. There are major differences between the Sanskrit text and its Chinese translation of the Ratnagotravibhāga, which had an immeasurable influence on East Asian Buddhism and has yet to be explored. I furthermore discuss the background, such as the Pusa dichi jing 菩薩地持經 and the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra [Chin. Lengqie jing 楞伽經], and the influence of the Ratnagotravibhāga on the Dasheng qixin lun 大乘起信論, Jizang 吉藏, Huiyuan of Jingying temple 淨影寺慧遠, Fazang 法藏, and some writings in Korean and Japanese Buddhism.
Jones, Christopher, and Li Zijie. "Book Launch: Revisiting Buddha-Nature in India and China." Produced by SOAS (University of London), Centre of Buddhist Studies, February 18, 2021. Video, 1:47:49. https://youtu.be/8mKnUnmp4zw.
Video
Maitreya's Sublime Continuum on Buddha Nature by Don Handrick
"Maitreya's Sublime Continuum on Buddha Nature" by Don Handrick


A part of "The Life and Legacy of Lama Tsongkhapa" presented by Tse Chen Ling

This event was held at Tse Chen Ling in San Francisco on September 20 and 21, 2019. Over the course of two days (three sessions), Don Handrick examined Tsongkhapa's exposition of enlightenment based on Maitreya's text "Sublime Continuum."

Maitreya's "Sublime Continuum" on Buddha Nature

What is enlightenment? How is it possible? Who can achieve it? One of Mahayana Buddhism’s most important teachings is the doctrine of tathagatagarbha, or buddha nature, the innate pure and changeless essence of the mind which gives rise to the fundamental potential for each being to attain full enlightenment or buddhahood. In this course we will examine selected verses from the first chapter of Maitreya’s Sublime Continuum of the Mahayana (Mahayana-uttaratantra Shastra), a text replete with rich poetic imagery and metaphor, to explore this profound and inspiring topic. . . .

"The Life and Legacy of Lama Tsongkhapa"

Je Tsongkhapa Lobsang Drakpa (1357- 1419) was one of the greatest figures in the history of Tibetan Buddhism and the founder of the Gelug tradition. The year 2019 marked the 600th anniversary of Lama Tsongkhapa's parinirvana. To celebrate this, Tse Chen Ling offered a 14-month long series of programs that celebrated the life and lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa. These programs reflected the core teachings and unique features of the Gelug tradition. (Source Accessed Nov 12, 2020)
Handrick, Don. "Maitreya's Sublime Continuum on Buddha Nature." Pt. 1 of 3. Produced by Tse Chen Ling Center, San Francisco, September 20–21, 2019. Video, 2:01:28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Myqf_aYQf6I.
Video
Revealing Your Buddha-Nature: Teaching by Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche at the 2012 PBC Dzogchen Winter Retreat
On January 14, 2012, during the first teaching of the Padmasambhava Buddhist Center's Dzogchen Winter Retreat on the Buddha of Compassion in West Palm Beach, Florida, Venerable Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche taught on how to reveal the buddha-nature within us by using the Vajrayana methods taught by Buddha Shakyamuni, Guru Padmasambhava, Tsasum Lingpa, Venerable Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche, and so many great lineage masters.


In English with his direct, characteristic humor, Khenpo Rinpoche presents the "shining star" of buddha-nature in the minds of sentient beings as the same nature as the buddhas. He says, "We are always guided by this nature all the time whether we realize it or not."

Rinpoche talks about two techniques: the gradual approach and the instant approach. The sūtra approach, the causal Mahayana using of kindness, compassion, joy to achieve the result through gradual effort, and the tantra approach: the resultant Mahayana. Whether it's the causal or resultant approach, the same motivation needs to be present.
Dongyal, Khenpo Tsewang. "Revealing Your Buddha-Nature." Filmed January 14, 2012 in West Palm Beach, FL. Video, 9:55, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFDWZyMgOQQ.
Video
Karmapa on the Nature of Mind
[START at 6 min 45 secs]. On the morning of January 3, 2013, the Gyalwang Karmapa gave an impromptu teaching on the nature of mind to a large group of international students gathered at the Root Institute for Wisdom Culture, Bodhgaya. Teaching in a mixture of Tibetan and English, he began the session by inviting questions from the students gathered. The first question was soon put forward: How do we experience Buddha-nature on a practical level? "I thought that if you asked me questions it would make it easier for me," he joked in English in response to the depth of the question, adding, "But this question makes it more complicated for me!"

As the laughter died down, the Gyalwang Karmapa delivered a profound and reasoned teaching on Buddha-nature and the nature of mind. "All sentient beings are endowed with the potential for complete Buddhahood," he began.

They are inherently Buddhas, and inherently that Buddha-nature is completely free of any stains -- it is stainless, and perfect. Yet, at the level of relative or immediate experience, our experience is not this way. Our experience is that this perfectly pure Buddha-nature is veiled by our confused outlook.

Shifting the teaching to a deeper level, the Gyalwang Karmapa then described the dharmakaya, or the Buddha's enlightened mind. "Lord Gampopa said that the nature of thoughts is dharmakaya," he explained.

Thoughts and dharmakaya are inseparable. We have this dualistic approach of seeing dharmakaya as pure and thoughts as impure, but we need to understand the inseparability of thoughts and dharmakaya.

The Gyalwang Karmapa spoke directly in English as he continued:

Every moment that we have thought, every moment that thought arises, we have the opportunity to recognize the nature of thought as emptiness or dharmakaya, whatever you want to call it. Thought and the emptiness of its nature are inseparable. We can't make them separate; there's no separation. Because thought itself is emptiness that means actually in everyday life we have lots of opportunity to recognize and realize the nature of thought, or nature of emptiness, or dharmakaya. But we just follow the appearances, the illusions -- we don't look deeper.

The Gyalwang Karmapa then responded to several more questions from the audience, teaching briefly on the progressive views of emptiness within Tibetan Buddhism which culminate in the final Madhyamaka view. The final questioner echoed the thoughts of many gathered when she asked the Gyalwang Karmapa how his students could help and support him. "I feel energized and inspired by all the love and the support that I receive from all of you. That really is sufficient. I don't need anything more than your love and support," he replied, to resounding applause.

Continuing an annual tradition, the teaching took place at the request of the Root Institute for Wisdom Culture. The Gyalwang Karmapa taught to an overflowing gompa, with hundreds of students spilling out into the surrounding balconies and gardens. In addition to mostly international students, the audience also included local Indian children from the Root Institute's school.
Karmapa, 17th. "The Nature of Mind: A Teaching at the Root Institute." Filmed January 3, 2013 in Bodhgaya, India. Produced by Tsurphu Labrang Media. Video, 1:04:37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_uccsZNg5g.
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Karmapa on the Buddha-Nature School: Celebrating the Buddha-Nature Website Inauguration
His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje, gave a speech in celebration of the launch of the Buddha-Nature website by the Tsadra Foundation and he discussed the connection of the Karma Kagyu lineage with Buddha-Nature teachings, as well as his thoughts on the term "Buddha-Nature School."
Karmapa, 17th. "Karmapa on the Buddha-Nature School: Celebrating the Buddha-Nature Website Inauguration." Filmed September 19, 2020. Video, 9:23. https://youtu.be/DKmkQkzVqJ8.
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Karmapa on The Nature of All Beings
A commentary across lifetimes. H.H. the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, comments on a quote of the 3rd Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje: "The nature of all beings is always Buddha" (འགྲོ་བའི་རང་བཞིན་རྟག་ཏུ་སངས་རྒྱས་).
Karmapa, 17th. "All Beings Are Buddha by Nature." Interview with H.H. Karmapa conducted at Vajra Vidja Institute, Sarnath, Varanasi, India, February 2015. Video, 1:41. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pll8nGuWtU&list=PL8sDrkwWlohTjleLphxWRmLge5hgbpAXM.
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Martina Draszczyk at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
Martina Draszczyk discusses the early Kagyu masters and explores how their meditation-oriented approach is based in both affirming buddha-nature as the ground and goal of Buddhist soteriology and avoiding its reification into an entity with real properties.
Draszczyk, Martina. "Buddha Nature as Seen by Early Bka’ brgyud Masters." Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 37:27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoMUdg40Qv8.
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A Definition of Buddha-Nature by Douglas Duckworth
Douglas Duckworth offers a definition of buddha-nature.
Duckworth, Douglas. "A Definition of Buddha-Nature." Interview by Alex Gardner. AAR Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, Nov. 20, 2018. Video, 8:45. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvBflqZ4t2w.
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On the Topic of Buddha-Nature Understood as Luminosity versus Buddha-Nature Understood as Emptiness by Douglas Duckworth
Douglas Duckworth discusses the debate about buddha-nature understood as luminosity (or as having qualities) versus buddha-nature understood as emptiness.
Duckworth, Douglas. "On the Topic of Buddha-Nature Understood as Luminosity (or as Having Qualities) versus Buddha-Nature Understood as Emptiness." Interview by Alex Gardner. AAR Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, Nov. 20, 2018. Video, 7:24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezum9pXNl44.
Audio
Buddha Nature in Tibet: Transformation of the Ground: Talk by Douglas Duckworth
This talk will address syntheses forged in Tibet among the doctrines of Madhyamaka, Yogācāra, and buddha-nature (tathāgatagarbha). Buddha-nature is a distinctively Mahāyāna Buddhist doctrine, taking a place along side of the Yogācāra doctrine of the basic consciousness (ālayavijñāna) and the universal emptiness (śūnyatā) of Madhyamaka. In Tibet we see buddha-nature converge with and transform these central Mahāyāna doctrines. Paired with buddha-nature, the doctrine of emptiness in Madhyamaka pivots from a “self-empty” lack of intrinsic nature to an “other-empty,” pure ground that remains. In narratives of disclosure characteristic of the doctrine of buddha-nature, we see parallel shifts in the foundations of Yogācāra, as grounds of distortion like the basic consciousness, the dependent nature, and self-awareness are reinscribed into a causal story that takes place within a pure, gnostic ground. (Source Accessed July 15, 2020)
Duckworth, Douglas S. "Buddha Nature in Tibet: Transformation of the Ground." Recorded 2017 at Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal. Audio, 1:24:26. https://soundcloud.com/rangjung-yeshe-institute/dr-douglas-duckworth-buddha-nature-in-tibet-transformations-of-the-ground.
Video
On the Concepts of Presence and Absence as a Means for Understanding Buddha-Nature by Douglas Duckworth
Douglas Duckworth discusses the concepts of presence and absence as a means for understanding buddha-nature and touches on his work on Mipam Gyatso.
Duckworth, Douglas. "On the Concepts of Presence and Absence as a Means for Understanding Buddha-Nature." Interview by Alex Gardner. AAR Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, Nov. 20, 2018. Video, 7:40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f_Yf9U1SF8&t=3s.
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On the Dialectical Relationship between Presence and Absence in Discussions on Buddha-Nature by Douglas Duckworth
Douglas Duckworth talks about the dialectical relationship between the notions of presence and absence in discussions on buddha-nature.
Duckworth, Douglas. "On the Dialectical Relationship between Presence and Absence in Discussions on Buddha-Nature." Interview by Alex Gardner. AAR Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, Nov. 20, 2018. Video, 11:07. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCDDayidTRI.
Video
Douglas Duckworth at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
Douglas Duckworth presents how buddha-nature is interpreted by Mipam Gyatso (1846–1912). He shows that while Mipam accepts that the qualities of the buddha are primordially present, unconditioned, and not newly produced, they are also empty of inherent existence.
Duckworth, Douglas. "Sentient Beings Within: Buddha-Nature and the Great Perfection." Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 42:46. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slBWdnUfS8w.
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On Buddha-Nature and Emptiness by Douglas Duckworth
Douglas Duckworth discusses the concept of buddha-nature vis-a-vis the notion of emptiness.
Duckworth, Douglas. "On Buddha-Nature and Emptiness." Interview by Alex Gardner. AAR Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, Nov. 20, 2018. Video, 6:58. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuTyzVZH8S8.
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Buddha-Nature: Teaching by Khenpo Dudjom Dorjee Rinpoche at Karma Thegsum Choling Dallas
Khenpo Dudjom Dorjee Rinpoche speaks on the inherent buddha-nature of beings using traditional metaphors: like a jewel, free from any impurities and powerful to relieve suffering; like the sky, unchanging and free from clouds; and like water, naturally pure.
Dorjee, Dudjom. "Buddha Nature." Produced by Karma Thegsum Chöling Dallas, February 21, 2010. Video, 8:23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfH82y-pLW0.
Video
We Are Frozen
If you remove the cold from the ice, it becomes what it has always been - water. Our buddha nature is like water under the influence of the cold, the poisons of the mind.
Everest, Tsering. "We Are Frozen." Pt. 1 of 2. Filmed April 28, 2019 at Chagdud Gonpa Odsal Ling, Brazil. Video, 8:39. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcsNP5fumks.
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Longchenpa's View of Buddha-Nature by Wulstan Fletcher
Wulstan Fletcher discusses the unique way in which Longchenpa (1308-1364) approaches the topic of buddha-nature in his writings. Here he describes Longchenpa's language as somewhat difficult to understand, given his often poetic manner of expression. Furthermore, he also talks about the manner in which Longchenpa combines the second and third turning of the wheel of the Dharma and how he sees them as inseparable. Always speaking from the point of view of the Great Perfection (Dzogchen), Lonchenpa's approach was one that would influence later Nyingmapa thinkers such as Mipham Rinpoche.
Fletcher, Wulstan. “Longchenpa's View of Buddha-Nature.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, November 9, 2019. Video, 7:06. https://youtu.be/JOTrcR3gndI.
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On His Personal Encounter with Buddha-Nature Teachings by Wulstan Fletcher
Wulstan Fletcher describes his own experience with the teachings of buddha-nature. In particular he speaks about how his study of the emptiness teachings of Madhyamaka has been essential to his understanding of buddha-nature. He goes on to discuss how practice is a means of developing the recognition of the buddha-nature within.
Fletcher, Wulstan. “On His Personal Encounter with Buddha-Nature Teachings.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, November 9, 2019. Video, 7:39. https://youtu.be/IqAWmB_nDRM.
Video
On Mipham and the Nyingma Approach to Buddha-Nature by Wulstan Fletcher
Wulstan Fletcher discusses Mipham's view of buddha-nature. He describes how he was influenced by Longchenpa's view of the inseparability of the second and third turnings of the wheel of the Dharma. He goes on to discuss Mipham's approach to the two truths (conventional and ultimate), in particular the way in which ultimate reality is described as the union of the two truths. Buddha-nature, he explains, is that which transcends the duality of permanence and impermanence. It is a permanence that transcends this binary. However, for Mipham, and more generally for the Nyingma, buddha-nature is not to be understood as a "real" substantive thing. Nor is it to be understood as a nonaffirming negation, as a mere emptiness.
Fletcher, Wulstan. “On Mipham and the Nyingma Approach to Buddha-Nature.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, November 9, 2019. Video, 19:04. https://youtu.be/ZUquZdCSXA8.
Video
What Is Buddha-Nature? by Wulstan Fletcher
Wulstan Fletcher explains buddha-nature as the deepest aspect of oneself, a wellspring of goodness and wisdom that is always present. One only needs to uncover it in order to experience true happiness. He describes it as something that can be relied upon in times of great suffering, as it can remind one that the suffering that is experienced is impermanent and is something that can be removed.
Fletcher, Wulstan. “What Is Buddha-Nature?” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, November 9, 2019. Video, 4:36. https://youtu.be/1XmwW45aGio.
Audio
The Mind: Intrinsically Empty, Naturally Radiant: Teaching by Joseph Goldstein
Excerpt from a Dhamma talk by meditation teacher Joseph Goldstein where he discusses the Buddhist teachings of shunyata and bodhichitta, the unity of wisdom and compassion, and how it is grounded in an experiential understanding of the emptiness of our fixed self nature that we develop through mindfulness practice and meditation. Only by recognizing the intrinsic emptiness of our ego-centric patterns and identity can we come into alignment with our deeper buddha nature, which is naturally radiant and ceaselessly responsive.

"The mind's nature is vivid as a flawless piece of crystal. Intrinsically empty, naturally radiant, ceaselessly responsive." –Shabkar (Source Accessed July 17, 2020)
Goldstein, Joseph. “The Mind: Intrinsically Empty, Naturally Radiant.” Recorded March 25, 2006 at Insight Meditation Society - Forest Refuge, Barre, MA. Audio, 13:06. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PctzOkbGu0A
Audio
Buddha Nature: A Collection of Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamsto's Teachings on Buddha Nature
This is a collection of audio and video recordings of Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso's teachings on the topic of buddha-nature. The years in which these teachings were given currently span from 1979 to 2001. Represented are translations of his teachings (given in Tibetan) into several languages. Some talks are translated into English and French, some are translated into German, while in others the teachings are translated into English only. While not all of the translators are named, those that are include Shenpen Hookham, Jerome Edou, Ari Goldfield, and Acharya Tenpa Gyaltsen Negi.


Buddha Nature, Karma Chodrub Gyamtso Ling, 1979
Buddha Nature, Munich 1987
Buddha Nature, Karma Theksum Choling, Albany 1998
Buddha Nature, Karma Triyana Dharmachakra 1999
Buddha Nature and Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva, Hawaii 1999
Buddha Nature, Karmê Chöling 2000
Buddha Nature, Dechen Chöling, 2000
Buddha Nature, Melbourne 2000
Buddha Nature, New York 2001
Buddha Nature, Hartford 2001
Buddha Nature, Florida 2001

Visit the Marpa Foundation's Digital Library of Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso.
Gyamtso, Khenpo Tsultrim. "Buddha Nature: A Collection of Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamsto's Teachings on Buddha Nature. The Marpa Foundation's Digital Library of Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche. http://ktgr.dscloud.me/moodle/course/index.php?categoryid=25.
Video
Teachings on the Uttaratantra by Gyumed Khensur Lobsang Jampa Rinpoche
Do Ngak Kunphen Ling of Redding, CT and the Mahayana Sutra and Tantra Center of New Jersey are pleased to announce an extraordinary nine-day teaching to be given by Gyumed Khensur Lobsang Jampa Rinpoche on the singularly important Buddhist philosophical work entitled The Treatise on the Higher Doctrine of the Great Vehicle (S: Mahāyānottaratantra¬śāstra, T: Theg pa chen po rgyud bla ma’i bstan bcos), which is also known by the name Distinguishing the Spiritual Lineage of the Three Jewels (S: Ratnagotravibhāga, T: dKon mchog gi rigs rnam par dbye ba). This treatise is one of the Five Teachings of Maitreya, all of which were said to have been revealed to Asanga by the Bodhisattva Maitreya. The central teaching of the Higher Doctrine is the topic of the “spiritual lineage” (Skt: gotram, Wyl: rigs), which is known popularly as “Buddha Nature” and represents the quality, both in a potential and an actualized form, by means of which all sentient beings possess the ability to attain the supreme enlightenment of a Buddha. The root text of the Higher Doctrine, written in verse form, comprises five chapters that are organized around seven “adamantine” topics. The first chapter deals with the first four topics, which are the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha, and the spiritual lineage. Each of the next three chapters deals with the remaining three topics of enlightenment, a Buddha’s virtuous qualities, and a Buddha’s enlightened activities. The concluding chapter describes the benefits that are gained by a person who possesses devotion toward the subject matter presented in the treatise.
Khensur, Gyumed. "Uttaratantra (Buddha Nature)." Pt. 1 of 16. Streamed live on August 13, 2016 by Do Ngak Kunphen Ling and the Mahayana Sutra and Tantra Center of New Jersey. Video, 1:49:55. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIeSENCwGzI.
Video
David Higgins at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
David Higgins explores the Eighth Karmapa Mikyö Dorje’s (1507–1554) prolific writings on tathāgatagarbha, which contain several extended discussions on the topic of how buddha-nature relates to different conceptions of selfhood.
Higgins, David. "Buddha-Nature and Selfhood." Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 41:28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHzI1PxptpI.
Video
Ken Holmes on Buddha Nature
The final talk in a six-part series on the Dharma. In this installment Ken discusses the three turnings of the wheel of Dharma with a special focus on the third turning and the associated topic of buddha-nature.
Holmes, Ken. "The Dharma, Part Six: Buddha Nature." Filmed February 16, 2013 in La Ciotat, France. Video, 22:40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn4MbfU2KMA.
Video
Lama Shenpen Speaks on Buddha Nature
Fresh from her return from the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia (July 16–19, 2019), Lama Shenpen Hookham speaks to the Awakened Heart Sangha about the topic of buddha-nature.
Hookham, Shenpen. "Lama Shenpen Speaks on Buddha Nature." Produced by Awakened Heart Sangha. Filmed at The Hermitage of The Awakened Heart, Gwynedd, North Wales, July 27, 2019. Video, 1:22:21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To4-nLGvSCU.
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Shenpen Hookham at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
Lama Shenpen Hookham discusses the Rangtong (rang stong) and Shentong (gzhan stong) interpretations of Buddhism and how the seeds of the controversy around Tathāgatagarbha and the Shentong interpretation of Buddhism was present even at the time of the Buddha.
Hookham, Shenpen. "The Impact of a Shentong Interpretation of Tathāgatagarbha Doctrine from the Point of View of a Western Buddhist Practitioner." Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 41:03. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM93AeQIR4I.
Audio
The Shentong Interpretation of Tathagatagarbha Doctrine
“The Shentong interpretation of Tathagatagarbha doctrine does not imply there is no need for the path. However, according to Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, it does try to counter an ambitious, goal orientated approach to it. If Buddha were something newly produced by following the path, it would be a conditioned phenomena, the product of self-effort; it would not arise simply through complete relaxation of conceptual contrivance.” (From: The Buddha Within) (Source Accessed August 13, 2020)

Lama Shenpen Hookham speaks with students at RYI about the Shentong interpretation of Tathāgatagarbha on April 15, 2019.
Hookham, Shenpen. "The Shentong Interpretation of Tathagatagarbha Doctrine." Recorded April 15, 2019 at Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal. Audio, 1:15:34. https://soundcloud.com/rangjung-yeshe-institute/lama-shenpen-hookham-the-shentong-interpretation-of-tathagatagarbha-doctrine.
Video
The Heart Sutra and the Shentong View
Lama Shenpen Hookham concludes her discussion on Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness with a discussion on the Heart Sūtra and how it relates to the Shentong view.
Hookham, Shenpen. "The Heart Sutra and the Shentong View." Produced by Awakened Heart Sangha, May 14, 2018. Video, 1:27:28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jloVnOwn3NM.
Video
Defining Buddha-Nature by Jamie Hubbard and Paul Swanson
Jamie Hubbard and Paul Swanson take a crack at a definition for buddha-nature.
Hubbard, Jamie, and Paul Swanson. "What Is Buddha-Nature?" Interview by Marcus Perman, Alex Gardner, and José Cabezón. AAR Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, Nov. 2018. Video, 4:04. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukl-9s9HZe4.
Video
On Their Book Pruning the Bodhi Tree and Responses to Critical Buddhism by Jamie Hubbard and Paul Swanson
Jamie Hubbard and Paul Swanson discuss their book Pruning the Bodhi Tree and the scholarly responses to Critical Buddhism.
Hubbard, Jamie, and Paul Swanson. "On Their Book Pruning the Bodhi Tree and Responses to Critical Buddhism." Interview by Marcus Perman, Alex Gardner, and José Cabezón. AAR Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, Nov. 2018. Video, 6:56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPbu8N5Jr34.
Video
Buddha-Nature according to Zhiyi and the T'ien T'ai Tradition by Jamie Hubbard and Paul Swanson
Paul Swanson discusses the way in which Zhiyi understood the concept of buddha-nature and goes on to place that theory in the broader context of T'ien T'ai Buddhism.
Hubbard, Jamie, and Paul Swanson. "Buddha-Nature according to Zhiyi and the T'ien T'ai Tradition." Interview by Marcus Perman, Alex Gardner, and José Cabezón. AAR Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, Nov. 2018. Video, 4:19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI4wpr4NAjk.
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On Hakamaya Noriaki and Matsumoto Shiro's Doctrinal Positions, the Japanese Response, and the Legacy of Critical Buddhism by Jamie Hubbard and Paul Swanson
Jamie Hubbard and Paul Swanson discuss Hakamaya Noriaki and Matsumoto Shiro's doctrinal positions, the Japanese response, and the legacy of Critical Buddhism.
Hubbard, Jamie, and Paul Swanson. "On Hakamaya Noriaki and Matsumoto Shiro's Doctrinal Positions, the Japanese Response, and the Legacy of Critical Buddhism." Interview by Marcus Perman, Alex Gardner, and José Cabezón. AAR Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, Nov. 2018. Video, 12:20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmpBqnXso_s.
Video
Critical Buddhism: An Overview by Jamie Hubbard and Paul Swanson
Jamie Hubbard and Paul Swanson discuss Critical Buddhism, a trend in Japanese Buddhist scholarship associated primarily with the work of Hakamaya Noriaki and Matsumoto Shiro.
Hubbard, Jamie, and Paul Swanson. "Critical Buddhism: An Overview." Interview by Marcus Perman, Alex Gardner, and José Cabezón. AAR Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, Nov. 2018. Video, 10:52. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWbTA-L5I_w&t=19s.
Video
On the Issue of Buddha-Nature and Practice in East Asian Buddhist Traditions by Jamie Hubbard and Paul Swanson
Jamie Hubbard discusses how one of the critical features of East Asian Buddhist traditions consists of reconciling the concept of buddha-nature with the reality of everyday life. This situation has, he argues, opened up new avenues for practice.
Hubbard, Jamie, and Paul Swanson. "On the Issue of Buddha-Nature and Practice in East Asian Buddhist Traditions." Interview by Marcus Perman, Alex Gardner, and José Cabezón. AAR Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, Nov. 2018. Video, 3:49. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrBsxf0vk7o.
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On Hakamaya Noriaki and Matsumoto Shiro's Criticism of Tathāgatagarbha by Jamie Hubbard and Paul Swanson
Jamie Hubbard and Paul Swanson discuss the criticisms laid out by Hakamaya Noriaki and Matsumoto Shiro with respect to the doctrine of buddha-nature, or Tathāgatagarbha.
Hubbard, Jamie, and Paul Swanson. "On Hakamaya Noriaki and Matsumoto Shiro's Criticism of Tathāgatagarbha." Interview by Marcus Perman, Alex Gardner, and José Cabezón. AAR Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, Nov. 2018. Video, 4:44. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-ceLJnM8hM.
Video
On Their Own Position on the Critical Buddhism Debate by Jamie Hubbard and Paul Swanson
Jamie Hubbard and Paul Swanson discuss their own personal relationship to the material in their book Pruning the Bodhi Tree and Critical Buddhism.
Hubbard, Jamie, and Paul Swanson. "On Their Own Position on the Critical Buddhism Debate." Interview by Marcus Perman, Alex Gardner, and José Cabezón. AAR Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, Nov. 2018. Video, 5:31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBf4xyzdwSQ.
Video
The Dalai Lama Speaks on Nyingma Dzogchen Nature of the Mind
The Fourteenth Dalai Lama speaks on the Nyingma Dzogchen nature of the mind in 2009, with translation by Thupten Jinpa.
Dalai Lama, 14th. "The Dalai Lama Speaks on Nyingma Dzogchen Nature of the Mind." Translation by Thupten Jinpa. 2009. Video, 15:58. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YM32T-MJAf0.
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Christopher V. Jones at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
Christopher Jones discusses the development of the concept of buddha-nature in the first five hundred years of the Common Era. He postulates that the most likely trajectory of buddha-nature thought in India entailed a reimagining of the expression tathāgatagarbha away from its contentious "ātmavādin" origins.
Jones, Christopher V. "Selfhood, Secrecy, Singularity: Reassessing the Early Life of the Tathāgatagarbha in India." Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 45:01. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARzGpIOwFYc.
Audio
Shadows of a Former Self: The "True Self" Taught by the Tathāgatagarbha Literature
Christopher V. Jones discusses the concept of the "true self" as taught in the early Tathāgatagarbha literature.
Jones, Christopher V. "Shadows of a Former Self: The 'True Self' Taught by the Tathāgatagarbha Literature." Recorded March 3, 2015 at the Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies. Audio, 1:04:11. https://soundcloud.com/user-715146666/shadows-of-a-former-self-the-true-self-taught-by-the-tathagatagarbha-literature.
Video
Sina Joos at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
Sina Joos discusses the ways in which Tāranātha utilizes the famous nine examples from the Ratnagotravibhāga in his Dbu ma theg mchog to assert his understanding of buddha-nature as zhentong (other-emptiness). She also compares Tāranātha’s position on Buddha-nature to Dolpopa's own view.
Joos, Sina. "The Role of the Ratnagotravibhāga in Tā ra nā tha’s dBu ma theg mchog." Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 40:46. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxn5XgPGnSU.
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Khenpo Ngawang Jorden at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
Khenpo Ngawang Jorden discusses Gorampa’s interpretation of the concept of buddha-nature presented in his Supplement to the Three Vows. In particular his presentation is focused on Gorampa's refutation of the Jonang view of buddha-nature, as represented by the writings of Dolpopa and his zhentong philosophy.
Jorden, Khenpo Ngawang. "Revisiting Gorampa on Buddha Nature." Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 45:05. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmhgtw5HwCE.
Audio
Inherent Buddha Nature
Kaiji Jeffrey Schneider gives a general dharma talk on buddha-nature at the San Francisco Zen Center. He begins with a discussion of the five skandhas and discusses how the later notion of tathāgatagarbha represented a radical shift in the Buddhist understanding of the mind and consciousness.
Schneider, Jeffrey. "Inherent Buddha Nature." Recorded January 16, 2018 at San Francisco Zen Center's City Center. Audio, 32:01. https://soundcloud.com/sanfranciscozencenter/inherent-buddha-nature.
Video
Kazuo Kano at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
Kazuo Kano discusses the term tathāgatagarbha and its appearance in tantric scriptures and commentaries composed by Indic authors and shows how and for what purposes this term has been integrated into tantric contexts. In terms of precursors to the tantric usages, he notes mentions such as that found in the Mahāparinirvāṇasūtra, in which practitioners are taught to think of themselves as a stūpa—that is, a reliquary that contains a buddha within it and as such are objects of worship. As for Indian authors, he discusses the views of Ratnākaraśānti as representative of the Yogācāra school and the notion of the three vehicles (triyāna), and he discusses Abhayākaragupta as representative of the Madhyamaka school and the notion of a single vehicle (ekayāna). Some brief mention is also made of Kamalaśīla, who represents a synthesis of the two schools.
Kano, Kazuo. "Examples of the Term tathāgatagarbha Appearing in Indic Tantric Literature." Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 42:13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIVDu1Ig7H8.
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Casey Kemp at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
Casey Kemp presents an overview and analysis of Jigten Gonpo’s explanation of luminosity as outlined in his text 'Od gsal rnam lnga gcig tu bsre ba'i man ngag, a pith instruction on merging (bsre ba).
Kemp, Casey. "The Luminous Basis for Buddhahood: ’Jig rten mgon po’s Pith Instructions for Merging the Nature of Mind with the Dharmakāya." Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 41:36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7VQkhK1CE0.
Audio
The Buddha Within: Buddha Nature and the Path of Meditation
In this evening talk, Khenpo Kunga shares his insights about Buddha nature and the path of meditation and how we can apply them in everyday life. (Source Accessed August 14, 2020)
Khenpo Kunga. "The Buddha Within: Buddha Nature and the Path of Meditation." Produced 2017 by the Tergar Meditation Community, Minneapolis, MN. (In Tibetan with English Translation.) Translated by Jeremy Manheim. Audio, 1:45:10. https://soundcloud.com/tergar/the-buddha-within-buddha-nature-and-the-path-of-meditation.
Video
The Ideology of Tathagatagarbha by Khenpo Sodargye
Khenpo Sodargye explains the ideology of buddha-nature (tathāgatagarbha) at Xiamen University, Fujian, China. (In Chinese)
Khenpo Sodargye. "The Ideology of Tathagatagarbha." (In Chinese.) Produced by Khenpo Sodargye's Team. University Lecture Series. December 12, 2016, Video, 46:12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j35-r3GdjD8.
Video
Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra: Taught by Khenpo Sodargye, May 2019
The Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra is one of the five great treatises given by Lord Maitreya to Asanga. It is a commentary on the teachings of the third turning of Dharma wheel in explaining the buddha-nature. Many great masters say it can be revered as a “commentary bridging the Exoteric and Vajrayana Buddhism”. It provides an important philosophical foundation for understanding the workings of the Buddhist path, particularly for Vajrayana practitioners.
Khenpo Sodargye. "The Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra." Pt. 1 of 15. In Chinese with English translation. Produced by Khenpo Sodargye's team, May 2019. Video, 1:00:17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4OiLLo1e_Y.
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Khenpo Tamphel at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
Drawing on the text entitled A Mahāmudrā Investigation into Confusion: An Instruction for Identifying the Process of Confusion by Jikten Sumgon, Khenpo Tamphel explains how, according to this text, sentient beings and buddhas are related, how confusion arises that leads to saṃsāra, and how recognition of the true nature of sentient beings is the way to enlightenment.
Tamphel, Khenpo Könchok. "The Difference Between a Sentient Being and a Buddha: 'Jig rten gsum mgon’s Instruction on the Process of Confusion." Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 47:23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GbYgx3ozDM.
Video
Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche Talks about Buddha-Nature
Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche talks about buddha-nature and offers a brief guided meditation. This segment is part of a larger talk on the Lotus Sūtra given in New Delhi on March 18, 2018.
Khyentse, Dzongsar. "Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche Talks about Buddha-Nature." Produced by Vidyaloke. New Delhi, March 18, 2018. Video, 6:45. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJgu45zB8C8.
Video
Just Seeing Is Buddha-Nature: Talk by Bon Soeng at Empty Gate Zen Center
Zen Master Bon Soeng teaches on a verse from the Compass of Zen by Zen Master Seung Sahn (Shambhala Dragon Editions, 1997).
Soeng, Bon. "Just Seeing Is Buddha-Nature." Filmed March 13, 2013 in Berkeley, CA. Video, 33:05, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN9vZjMh65A.
Video
Buddha Nature and Permission: Anne Klein at Dawn Mountain
"Your buddha-nature is really all there is. And it is never ever violated."
Klein, Anne. "Buddha-Nature and Permission." Produced by Dawn Mountain Online, July 26, 2016. Video, 1:07. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HXPia-AzlM.
Video
Rev. Kokyo Henkel: On the Use of the Term "Atman" in Buddha-Nature Scriptures
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "On the Use of the Term 'Atman' in Buddha-Nature Scriptures." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 5:02. https://youtu.be/XlKbPTxJE3o.
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "On the Use of the Term 'Atman' in Buddha-Nature Scriptures." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 5:02. https://youtu.be/XlKbPTxJE3o.
Video
Rev. Kokyo Henkel: On the Famous Mu Koan
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "On the Famous Mu Koan." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 4:26. https://youtu.be/YPAoanRK0F4.
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "On the Famous Mu Koan." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 4:26. https://youtu.be/YPAoanRK0F4.
Video
Rev. Kokyo Henkel: Zhiyi's Six Dharma Gates to the Sublime and the Relationship between Tiantai and Zen
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "Zhiyi's Six Dharma Gates to the Sublime and the Relationship between Tiantai and Zen." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 4:14. https://youtu.be/6n8SpHNZC4o.
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "Zhiyi's Six Dharma Gates to the Sublime and the Relationship between Tiantai and Zen." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 4:14. https://youtu.be/6n8SpHNZC4o.
Video
Rev. Kokyo Henkel: On the Connection between Zen and Dzogchen
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "On the Connection between Zen and Dzogchen." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 7:56. https://youtu.be/3jhWo3MtvxY.
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "On the Connection between Zen and Dzogchen." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 7:56. https://youtu.be/3jhWo3MtvxY.
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Rev. Kokyo Henkel: On His First Encounter with Buddha-Nature Teachings
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "On His First Encounter with Buddha-Nature Teachings." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 4:10. https://youtu.be/S-5SXBcPnd8.
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "On His First Encounter with Buddha-Nature Teachings." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 4:10. https://youtu.be/S-5SXBcPnd8.
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Rev. Kokyo Henkel: On the Various Early Influences on the Formation of the Zen Tradition
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "On the Various Early Influences on the Formation of the Zen Tradition." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 8:05. https://youtu.be/6w6KD6Ez8Yc.
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "On the Various Early Influences on the Formation of the Zen Tradition." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 8:05. https://youtu.be/6w6KD6Ez8Yc.
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Rev. Kokyo Henkel: On Dogen's Articulation of Buddha-Nature
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "On Dogen's Articulation of Buddha-Nature." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 3:58. https://youtu.be/he2iN7V23g8.
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "On Dogen's Articulation of Buddha-Nature." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 3:58. https://youtu.be/he2iN7V23g8.
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Rev. Kokyo Henkel: Does the Zen Tradition Have an Equivalent to Mandala Practice in Vajrayana?
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "Does the Zen Tradition Have an Equivalent to Mandala Practice in Vajrayana?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 3:05. https://youtu.be/7BXKaoiMcZ0.
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "Does the Zen Tradition Have an Equivalent to Mandala Practice in Vajrayana?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 3:05. https://youtu.be/7BXKaoiMcZ0.
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Rev. Kokyo Henkel: Sources of Buddha-Nature Teachings in the Zen Tradition
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "Sources of Buddha-Nature Teachings in the Zen Tradition." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 20:56. https://youtu.be/vvdgwHudOrU.
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "Sources of Buddha-Nature Teachings in the Zen Tradition." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 20:56. https://youtu.be/vvdgwHudOrU.
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Rev. Kokyo Henkel: On the Term "Big Mind"
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "On the Term 'Big Mind'." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 3:56. https://youtu.be/IlSnKFUTH80.
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "On the Term 'Big Mind'." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 3:56. https://youtu.be/IlSnKFUTH80.
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Rev. Kokyo Henkel: On the Differences between Zen and Dzogchen and the Practice of Shikantaza, or "Just Sitting"
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "On the Differences between Zen and Dzogchen and the Practice of Shikantaza, or 'Just Sitting'." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 8:07. https://youtu.be/PkEA0bYGLAM.
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "On the Differences between Zen and Dzogchen and the Practice of Shikantaza, or 'Just Sitting'." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 8:07. https://youtu.be/PkEA0bYGLAM.
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Rev. Kokyo Henkel: On Mazu's Statements: "Mind Itself Is Buddha" and "Ordinary Mind Is the Way"
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "On Mazu's Statements: 'Mind Itself Is Buddha' and 'Ordinary Mind Is the Way'." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 3:01. https://youtu.be/CpEBZZnL-sE.
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "On Mazu's Statements: 'Mind Itself Is Buddha' and 'Ordinary Mind Is the Way'." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 3:01. https://youtu.be/CpEBZZnL-sE.
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Rev. Kokyo Henkel: Resource Recommendations for Learning about Buddha-Nature in the Zen Tradition
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "Resource Recommendations for Learning about Buddha-Nature in the Zen Tradition." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 5:25. https://youtu.be/GaTapNdwKRo.
Henkel, Rev. Kokyo. "Resource Recommendations for Learning about Buddha-Nature in the Zen Tradition." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, June 26, 2021. Video, 5:25. https://youtu.be/GaTapNdwKRo.
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Yaroslav Komarovski: On the Various Types of Tathagatagarbha in Shakya Chokden's Writings
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On the Various Types of Tathagatagarbha in Shakya Chokden's Writings." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 10:57. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dk8AtHdsVI.
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On the Various Types of Tathagatagarbha in Shakya Chokden's Writings." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 10:57. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dk8AtHdsVI.
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Yaroslav Komarovski: On the Development of Shakya Chokden's Views
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On the Development of Shakya Chokden's Views." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 6:51. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIiLV6g27F0.
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On the Development of Shakya Chokden's Views." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 6:51. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIiLV6g27F0.
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Yaroslav Komarovski: On the Life & Works of Shakya Chokden
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On the Life & Works of Shakya Chokden." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 4:44. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SFGMtwozpA.
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On the Life & Works of Shakya Chokden." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 4:44. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SFGMtwozpA.
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Yaroslav Komarovski: On Shakya Chokden's Terminology in Articulating the Buddha-Nature
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On Shakya Chokden's Terminology in Articulating the Buddha-Nature." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 9:56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXeVspw-zfY.
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On Shakya Chokden's Terminology in Articulating the Buddha-Nature." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 9:56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXeVspw-zfY.
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Yaroslav Komarovski: What Does Shakya Chokden Mean by Ultimate Sentient Beings?
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "What Does Shakya Chokden Mean by Ultimate Sentient Beings?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 3:46. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydT_Abjuuwc.
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "What Does Shakya Chokden Mean by Ultimate Sentient Beings?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 3:46. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydT_Abjuuwc.
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Yaroslav Komarovski: On His First Encounter with the Teachings on Buddha-Nature
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On His First Encounter with the Teachings on Buddha-Nature." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 2:53. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKrFZWtvYTc.
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On His First Encounter with the Teachings on Buddha-Nature." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 2:53. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKrFZWtvYTc.
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Yaroslav Komarovski: On How Shakya Chokden Inspired His Book Tibetan Buddhism & Mystical Experience
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On How Shakya Chokden Inspired His Book Tibetan Buddhism & Mystical Experience." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 4:50. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPnB9zJZVZc.
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On How Shakya Chokden Inspired His Book Tibetan Buddhism & Mystical Experience." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 4:50. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPnB9zJZVZc.
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Yaroslav Komarovski: On Shakya Chokden's Unique Interpretation of Buddha-Nature
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On Shakya Chokden's Unique Interpretation of Buddha-Nature." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 3:12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ml06Lck7oo.
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On Shakya Chokden's Unique Interpretation of Buddha-Nature." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 3:12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ml06Lck7oo.
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Yaroslav Komarovski: On Buddha-Nature in Shakya Chokden's Tantric Writings
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On Buddha-Nature in Shakya Chokden's Tantric Writings." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 5:10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpZp2hIT2cA.
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On Buddha-Nature in Shakya Chokden's Tantric Writings." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 5:10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpZp2hIT2cA.
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Yaroslav Komarovski: On Shakya Chokden's Understanding of Madhyamaka
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On Shakya Chokden's Understanding of Madhyamaka." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 5:37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aL_6wAXWaAM.
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On Shakya Chokden's Understanding of Madhyamaka." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 5:37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aL_6wAXWaAM.
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Yaroslav Komarovski: On How He Came to Specialize in the Works of Shakya Chokden
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On How He Came to Specialize in the Works of Shakya Chokden." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 5:08. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51SveklPd84.
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On How He Came to Specialize in the Works of Shakya Chokden." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 5:08. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51SveklPd84.
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Yaroslav Komarovski: On Where We Find Discussions of Buddha-Nature in Shakya Chokden's Works
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On Where We Find Discussions of Buddha-Nature in Shakya Chokden's Works." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 4:46. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMiaDziTO9s.
Komarovski, Yaroslav. "On Where We Find Discussions of Buddha-Nature in Shakya Chokden's Works." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 30, 2021. Video, 4:46. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMiaDziTO9s.
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Seiji Kumagai at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
Seiji Kumagai discusses the theory of “innate enlightenment” (hongaku) in Japanese Buddhism. He argues that Shinran clearly showed a negative attitude toward innate enlightenment despite the fact that he used terms which are often regarded to be associated with the theory.
Kumagai, Seiji. "How the Concepts of 'Buddha-Nature' (Tathāgatagarbha) and 'Innate Enlightenment' (Hongaku) Were Interpreted by Shinran (1173–1263), Founder of the Jōdo-Shin-Shū School of Japanese Pure Land Buddhism." Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 47:28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KwdudJF4hc.
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Donald S. Lopez, Jr. - Keynote of the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
In his keynote lecture to the Vienna Tathāgatagarbha Symposium, Donald Lopez provides an overview of the history and influence of tathāgatagarbha doctrine as well as its various interpretations across the Mahāyāna world.
Lopez, Donald S., Jr. “Tathāgatagarbha: A Brief History.” Keynote lecture at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 40:17. https://youtu.be/0SSSdNNbeu8.
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Hong Luo at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
Hong Luo discusses Ratnākaraśānti’s understanding of self-awareness (svasaṃvedana/svasaṃvitti) and its relationship to buddha-nature in his Prajñāpāramitopadeśa.
Luo, Hong. "Observing the Link between Self-awareness and Buddha Nature in Ratnākaraśānti’s Prajñāpāramitopadeśa." Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 39:00. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5iFwWLJUAc.
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The Three Nature (Trisvabhāva) Theory in the Yogācāra Texts of the Five Maitreya Works
This presentation will address the influences of the Tathāgatagarbha (“buddha nature”) model of reality in the three Yogācāra texts of the Maitreya Works (i.e., the Mahāyānasūtrālaṃkāra, Madhyāntavibhāga, and Dharmadharmatāvibhāga). It will be argued that the integration of a particular understanding of buddha nature contributes to remedy the flaws Yogācāra has in the eyes of Mādhyamikas, namely that a considerable group of sentient beings is completely cut off from liberation, and that a dependently arising mind exists on the level of ultimate truth.
      Prof. Dr. Klaus-Dieter Mathes is a professor of Tibetan and Buddhist Studies at the University of Vienna. His research interests include the Indian origin of the Tibetan Mahāmudrā traditions, buddha nature and the Tibetan gzhan stong tradition. He spoke with students at RYI on April 3, 2018. (Source Accessed Aug 13, 2020)
Mathes, Klaus-Dieter. "The Three Nature (Trisvabhāva) Theory in the Yogācāra Texts of the Five Maitreya Works." Recorded April 3, 2018 at Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal. Audio, 1:23:42. https://soundcloud.com/rangjung-yeshe-institute/prof-dr-klaus-dieter-mathes-the-three-nature-trisvabhava-theory-in-the-yogacara-texts.
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Klaus-Dieter Mathes at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
Klaus-Dieter Mathes discusses Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen’s position on Buddha-nature. He describes how his student Zhangtön Sönam Drakpa defends his teacher's position by arguing that one faces eight undesired consequences if one does not strictly differentiate buddha-nature from the ground consciousness.
Mathes, Klaus-Dieter. “Zhang ston Bsod nams grags pa’s Defense of Dol po pa’s Clear-Cut Distinction between Buddha Nature and the Ground Consciousness.” Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 40:48. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-ALrY63cho.
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Uttaratantrashastra at Rigpa Shedra East 2009 with Klaus-Dieter Mathes
In this audio recording, Prof. Klaus-Dieter Mathes, the first Western scholar to be invited to give a talk at the Rigpa Shedra East, discusses the Uttaratantrashastra to a gathering of students.
Mathes, Klaus-Dieter. "Uttaratantrashastra at Rigpa Shedra East 2009 with Klaus-Dieter Mathes." Rigpa Shedra East, Pharping, Nepal, February 15, 2009. Audio, 1:37:40. http://www.rigpawiki.org/Media/Audio/2009/20090215PH1400-KD-Mathes-Uttaratantra.mp3.
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Klaus-Dieter Mathes - Welcome Speech of the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
Klaus-Dieter Mathes welcomes the attendees of the Tathāgatagarbha Symposium to the University of Vienna, offers brief remarks on his own interest in the topic, and acknowledges those who assisted in creating the conference.
Mathes, Klaus-Dieter. “Welcome Speech of the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium.” Opening remarks presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 5:55. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3eFot99daI.
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Lama Surya Das at the Garrison Institute
Lama Surya Das offers his perspective on what it means to center oneself in Buddha-nature, how one lives and acts in the wakeful state, the balance of inner and outer life, the relationship between enlightenment and social transformation, and more. He talks with Robert Gabriele, Chief Operating Officer at the Garrison Institute.
Das, Surya. "Lama Surya Das at the Garrison Institute." Produced by the Garrison Institute, July 2010. Video, 31:06. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQtXkVjg1F4.
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Abiding within the Buddha-Nature by Mindrolling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche
In this profound 90-minute teaching, by one of the greatest living Buddhist teachers of our time, Mindrolling Jetsun Khandro Rinpoche speaks of our incessant movement, propelled by a search for happiness. She goes on to demonstrate how we perform unvirtuous actions when faced with challenges, and the great need for us to slow down our experiences through stillness, silence and non-thought. For a transcription of the talk in PDF format, click here.
Khandro Rinpoche. "Abiding within the Buddha-Nature." Produced by Vidyaloke. Filmed at Vana, Dehradun, India, March 6, 2019. Video, 2:08:29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0XBC1-k7Sg&t=3120s.
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Your True Nature: Talk on Refuge and Buddha-Nature by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
In this short video, Tibetan meditation teacher Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche teaches how our true nature is fundamentally pure and good. When we take refuge in the Buddha, he explains, we are ultimately taking refuge in our own Buddha nature. This video is excerpted from a series of teachings entitled, Ngöndro: The Foundational Practices, Parts I & II.
Mingyur, Yongey. "Your True Nature." Produced by Tergar Learning Community, February 29, 2012. Video, 4:43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCd9lTgHuUc.
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Buddha-Nature and Creativity
Does your mind feel cluttered? Unable to think clearly? Find it difficult to get the creative juices flowing? Buddhist teacher and meditation master Mingyur Rinpoche looks at the close connection between Buddhism and creativity, and how calming down our minds generates space for creativity in our lives.
Mingyur, Yongey. "Buddha-Nature and Creativity." August 30, 2018, Video, 1:37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVV469EDRcU.
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Discovering Buddha Nature: Talk by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
In this short teaching, Mingyur Rinpoche describes buddha-nature with the metaphor of a diamond covered in mud, explaining how the innate purity of awareness can be obscured, but never changed.
Mingyur, Yongey. "Discovering Buddha Nature." Produced by Tergar Learning Community, April 7, 2014. Video, 1:48. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srRcHz9jVrg.
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Uncovering the Buddha Within with Mingyur Rinpoche
In this video, Mingyur Rinpoche explains that the enlightened qualities of buddhahood are already complete within us, and describes the process of learning to recognize and discover our own buddha nature and become completely free. This teaching is part of the Foundations of Tibetan Buddhism online course. Learn more at https://tergar.org/vajrayana
Mingyur, Yongey. "Uncovering the Buddha Within with Mingyur Rinpoche." Produced by Tergar Meditation Community, November 7, 2020. Video, 10:56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqUAbakyWLs.
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Tulku Orgyen Phuntsok Buddha Nature Class: Teachings on the Uttaratantra
Tulku Orgyen Rinpoche's five weeks Online Teaching Course on Lord Maitreya's Uttaratantra Shastra, which explores what we call Buddha Nature, recorded in weekly sessions from April 25th to May 23rd 2018.

The Uttaratantra is one of the Five Treatises of Lord Maitreya, which elucidates the Buddha's definitive teachings on Buddha-essence, the inherent qualities and potential for Buddhahood present in all beings. Just as an acorn, when given the right conditions, can become an oak, the seed of our Buddha Nature can be activated and cultivated. When nourished through teachings, meditation, and contemplation, its essence can flourish into profound spiritual development. This precious text also clarifies the nature and quality of Buddhahood.

As a basis for his teachings, Tulku recommends: Buddha Nature: The Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra with Commentary by Arya Maitreya (Author), Jamgon Kongtrul (Editor), Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso (Editor), Rosemarie Fuchs (Translator).
Phuntsok, Tulku Orgyen. "Buddha Nature." A Six-Part Teaching on the Uttaratantra Shastra. Pt. 1 of 6. Produced by the Odiyana Institute, 2018. Video, 1:20:20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtQ5xyMtlAg.
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Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo: Is the Traditional Tibetan Approach the Best Method for Westerners to Train in Tibetan Buddhism?
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "Is the Traditional Tibetan Approach the Best Method for Westerners to Train in Tibetan Buddhism?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 4:04. https://youtu.be/2sCLpIDAhnE.
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "Is the Traditional Tibetan Approach the Best Method for Westerners to Train in Tibetan Buddhism?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 4:04. https://youtu.be/2sCLpIDAhnE.
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Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo: How Do We Transform Difficult Circumstances into a Catalyst for Spiritual Transformation and Human Flourishing?
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "How Do We Transform Difficult Circumstances into a Catalyst for Spiritual Transformation and Human Flourishing?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 4:38. https://youtu.be/D6_-IrFljok.
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "How Do We Transform Difficult Circumstances into a Catalyst for Spiritual Transformation and Human Flourishing?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 4:38. https://youtu.be/D6_-IrFljok.
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Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo: Reflecting on Her Activism for the Status of Nuns and the Patriarchal Element of Vajrayana Buddhism
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "Reflecting on Her Activism for the Status of Nuns and the Patriarchal Element of Vajrayana Buddhism." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 5:21. https://youtu.be/jFBNbK7o_Rc.
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "Reflecting on Her Activism for the Status of Nuns and the Patriarchal Element of Vajrayana Buddhism." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 5:21. https://youtu.be/jFBNbK7o_Rc.
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Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo: How to Convince People of Their Innate Goodness?
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "How to Convince People of Their Innate Goodness?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 3:48. https://youtu.be/E5hxRjYI9_k.
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "How to Convince People of Their Innate Goodness?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 3:48. https://youtu.be/E5hxRjYI9_k.
Video
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo: How Can Women and Girls Formulate a Buddhist-Inspired Feminism?
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "How Can Women and Girls Formulate a Buddhist-Inspired Feminism?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 3:43. https://youtu.be/77k0SKcjQ_E.
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "How Can Women and Girls Formulate a Buddhist-Inspired Feminism?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 3:43. https://youtu.be/77k0SKcjQ_E.
Video
Dealing with Depression: Interview with Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo on Study Buddhism
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo discusses buddha-nature beautifully for a general audience.
Palmo, Tenzin. "Dealing with Depression." Interview by Matt Linden and Yura Milyutin. Produced by Study Buddhism (Website), September 2016. Video, 3:30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0ChZpIBgSo.
Video
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo: On Balancing Practice with Daily Life
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "On Balancing Practice with Daily Life." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 3:15. https://youtu.be/R0-cm8rIq5c.
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "On Balancing Practice with Daily Life." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 3:15. https://youtu.be/R0-cm8rIq5c.
Video
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo: On Her Childhood Belief in Innate Perfection and Her Early Spiritual Journey
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "On Her Childhood Belief in Innate Perfection and Her Early Spiritual Journey." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 6:40. https://youtu.be/BcJJ3cKyBEI.
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "On Her Childhood Belief in Innate Perfection and Her Early Spiritual Journey." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 6:40. https://youtu.be/BcJJ3cKyBEI.
Video
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo: How Does One Actualize Buddha-Nature As a Layperson?
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "How Does One Actualize Buddha-Nature As a Layperson?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 5:20. https://youtu.be/M_MOG-J0IbM.
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "How Does One Actualize Buddha-Nature As a Layperson?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 5:20. https://youtu.be/M_MOG-J0IbM.
Video
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo: What Improvements Can Be Made in Transmitting Teachings Such As Buddha-Nature?
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "What Improvements Can Be Made in Transmitting Teachings Such As Buddha-Nature?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 5:19. https://youtu.be/5FArkWiVq1E.
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "What Improvements Can Be Made in Transmitting Teachings Such As Buddha-Nature?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 5:19. https://youtu.be/5FArkWiVq1E.
Video
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo: On Guru Devotion
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "On Guru Devotion." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 8:22. https://youtu.be/2Ar8J-Ilx1A.
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "On Guru Devotion." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 8:22. https://youtu.be/2Ar8J-Ilx1A.
Video
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo: On the Value of Reclusion vs. Engagement and Starting a Nunnery
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "On the Value of Reclusion vs. Engagement and Starting a Nunnery." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 8:25. https://youtu.be/6iM1XpP7kkY.
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "On the Value of Reclusion vs. Engagement and Starting a Nunnery." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 8:25. https://youtu.be/6iM1XpP7kkY.
Video
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo: What Is Innate Perfection or Buddha-Nature?
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "What Is Innate Perfection or Buddha-Nature?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 8:00. https://youtu.be/Wy278BzAhqE.
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "What Is Innate Perfection or Buddha-Nature?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 8:00. https://youtu.be/Wy278BzAhqE.
Video
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo: Advice on Daily Practice
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "Advice on Daily Practice." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 3:11. https://youtu.be/8FqhpNRPsrI.
Palmo, Jetsunma Tenzin. "Advice on Daily Practice." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, September 25, 2021. Video, 3:11. https://youtu.be/8FqhpNRPsrI.
Audio
Basics of Buddha-Nature: Mipham's Roaring Lions Public
Dr. Pettit speaks about the basics of Buddha-Nature (bde gshegs snying po’i rigs = sugatagarbhagotra) according to Mipham Rinpoche, with additional reference to some Pāli Suttas, Nāgārjuna’s Praise of Dharmadhatu, and the Uttaratantra. He bases his remarks on Mipham’s text, The Lion’s Roar: Exposition on Buddha Nature (bde gshegs snying po stong thun chen mo seng ge nga ro). John Whitney Pettit holds graduate degrees from Harvard University and Columbia University in the study of World Religions and Buddhist Studies. He has been the student of the previous Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and also heard or translated teachings from prominent masters representing the Nyingma tradition and the other schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He is the translator and author of Mipham’s Beacon of Certainty (1999) and of a forthcoming anthology volume on the subject of Buddha-nature. Since 1998 he has lived in or near New York’s Hudson Valley, working on occasional translations, carving mani stones and communing with the genius loci. He spoke with students at RYI on the 27th of March, 2019. (Adapted from Source Aug 13, 2020)
Pettit, John W. "Basics of Buddha-Nature: Mipham's Roaring Lions Public." Recorded March 27, 2019 at Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal. Audio, 1:14:20. https://soundcloud.com/rangjung-yeshe-institute/basics-of-buddha-nature-miphams-roaring-lions-public.
Video
Robert Thurman: On the Different Conceptions of Buddha-Nature within the Various Schools of Tibetan Buddhism
Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho discusses themes of freedom, spirituality, and buddha-nature with world-renowned Buddhist scholar, translator, writer, and activist Robert Thurman.
Thurman, Robert. "Robert Thurman: On the Different Conceptions of Buddha-Nature within the Various Schools of Tibetan Buddhism." Interview by Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Buddha-Nature as the Foundation of Freedom: Conversations on Buddha-Nature Series 2. November 28, 2020. Video, 12:13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtbfXkkX7Tg.
Video
Matthieu Ricard: Reading Recommendations for Learning about Buddha-Nature
Excerpt from "Conversations on Buddha-Nature" with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho
Ricard, Matthieu. "Reading Recommendations for Learning about Buddha-Nature." Interview by Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Conversations on Buddha-Nature Series 1. October 24, 2020. Video, 2:02. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwKpIbkjHQ0.
Video
Dorji Wangchuk: How Can Ordinary Buddhists Access the Profound Teachings on Buddha-Nature?
Wangchuk, Dorji. "How Can Ordinary Buddhists Access the Profound Teachings on Buddha-Nature?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 3:17. https://youtu.be/RkpIR_cTmpA.
Wangchuk, Dorji. "How Can Ordinary Buddhists Access the Profound Teachings on Buddha-Nature?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 3:17. https://youtu.be/RkpIR_cTmpA.
Video
Dorji Wangchuk: Is "Other-Emptiness" Taught as Part of the Curriculum in Nyingma Shedras Today?
Wangchuk, Dorji "Is "Other-Emptiness" Taught as Part of the Curriculum in Nyingma Shedras Today?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 3:54. https://youtu.be/visvFgxXkUw.
Wangchuk, Dorji "Is "Other-Emptiness" Taught as Part of the Curriculum in Nyingma Shedras Today?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 3:54. https://youtu.be/visvFgxXkUw.
Video
Robert Thurman: On the Western Understanding of Buddha-Nature
Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho discusses themes of freedom, spirituality, and buddha-nature with world-renowned Buddhist scholar, translator, writer, and activist Robert Thurman.
Thurman, Robert. "Robert Thurman: On the Western Understanding of Buddha-Nature." Interview by Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Buddha-Nature as the Foundation of Freedom: Conversations on Buddha-Nature Series 2. November 28, 2020. Video, 5:01. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQlxh3uad1s.
Video
Matthieu Ricard: Is Buddha-Nature a Seed to Be Cultivated or Something that Must Be Revealed?
Excerpt from "Conversations on Buddha-Nature" with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho
Ricard, Matthieu. "Is Buddha-Nature a Seed to Be Cultivated or Something that Must Be Revealed?" Interview by Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Conversations on Buddha-Nature Series 1. October 24, 2020. Video, 4:40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTgZcaYOM1c.
Video
Dorji Wangchuk: The Textual Sources and Advocates of Buddha-Nature Theory in the Early Transmission Period
Wangchuk, Dorji. "The Textual Sources and Advocates of Buddha-Nature Theory in the Early Transmission Period." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 3:56. https://youtu.be/hOM2RwrLroI.
Wangchuk, Dorji. "The Textual Sources and Advocates of Buddha-Nature Theory in the Early Transmission Period." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 3:56. https://youtu.be/hOM2RwrLroI.
Video
Robert Thurman: On His Own Spiritual Practice
Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho discusses themes of freedom, spirituality, and buddha-nature with world-renowned Buddhist scholar, translator, writer, and activist Robert Thurman.
Thurman, Robert. "Robert Thurman: On His Own Spiritual Practice." Interview by Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Buddha-Nature as the Foundation of Freedom: Conversations on Buddha-Nature Series 2. November 28, 2020. Video, 7:21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FBEXoEAAfY.
Video
Dorji Wangchuk: How Were Rongzompa's Works Received and Integrated in the Nyingma Tradition?
Wangchuk, Dorji. "How Were Rongzompa's Works Received and Integrated in the Nyingma Tradition?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 4:26. https://youtu.be/QnNTq24E1fk.
Wangchuk, Dorji. "How Were Rongzompa's Works Received and Integrated in the Nyingma Tradition?" Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 4:26. https://youtu.be/QnNTq24E1fk.
Video
Matthieu Ricard: On His Experience Writing about the Life Stories of Enlightened Masters
Excerpt from "Conversations on Buddha-Nature" with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho
Ricard, Matthieu. "On His Experience Writing about the Life Stories of Enlightened Masters." Interview by Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Conversations on Buddha-Nature Series 1. October 24, 2020. Video, 7:18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlKT8DOFYV4.
Video
Dorji Wangchuk: On the Relationship between Tathāgatagarbha Theory and Pratītyasamutpāda
Wangchuk, Dorji. "On the Relationship between Tathāgatagarbha Theory and Pratītyasamutpāda." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 7:34. https://youtu.be/OxvIEFyhvKA.
Wangchuk, Dorji. "On the Relationship between Tathāgatagarbha Theory and Pratītyasamutpāda." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 7:34. https://youtu.be/OxvIEFyhvKA.
Video
Matthieu Ricard: On the Importance of the Preliminary Practices and Cultivating Compassion and Altruism
Excerpt from "Conversations on Buddha-Nature" with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho
Ricard, Matthieu. "On the Importance of the Preliminary Practices and Cultivating Compassion and Altruism." Interview by Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Conversations on Buddha-Nature Series 1. October 24, 2020. Video, 8:17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvZR8BfEDXY.
Video
Robert Thurman: On How Buddha-Nature Can Help Us to Cope with Depression and Stress
Thurman, Robert. "Robert Thurman: On How Buddha-Nature Can Help Us to Cope with Depression and Stress." Interview by Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Buddha-Nature as the Foundation of Freedom: Conversations on Buddha-Nature Series 2. November 28, 2020. Video, 7:46. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9t8nmplVms.
Thurman, Robert. "Robert Thurman: On How Buddha-Nature Can Help Us to Cope with Depression and Stress." Interview by Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Buddha-Nature as the Foundation of Freedom: Conversations on Buddha-Nature Series 2. November 28, 2020. Video, 7:46. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9t8nmplVms.
Video
Matthieu Ricard: On What Has Made His Life Meaningful
Excerpt from "Conversations on Buddha-Nature" with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho
Ricard, Matthieu. "On What Has Made His Life Meaningful." Interview by Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Conversations on Buddha-Nature Series 1. October 24, 2020. Video, 2:59. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-x2LS_iHN0.
Video
Dorji Wangchuk: Buddha by Nature or Buddha by Nurture? On the Views of Rongzompa, Longchenpa, and Mipam
Wangchuk, Dorji. "Buddha by Nature or Buddha by Nurture? On the Views of Rongzompa, Longchenpa, and Mipam." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 10:19. https://youtu.be/zWtzs-1-S4Q.
Wangchuk, Dorji. "Buddha by Nature or Buddha by Nurture? On the Views of Rongzompa, Longchenpa, and Mipam." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 10:19. https://youtu.be/zWtzs-1-S4Q.
Video
Robert Thurman: On the Reception of Buddhism in the West
Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho discusses themes of freedom, spirituality, and buddha-nature with world-renowned Buddhist scholar, translator, writer, and activist Robert Thurman.
Thurman, Robert. "Robert Thurman: On the Reception of Buddhism in the West." Interview by Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Buddha-Nature as the Foundation of Freedom: Conversations on Buddha-Nature Series 2. November 28, 2020. Video, 5:53. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IHAt3W4Z_A.
Video
Matthieu Ricard: On the Transition from a Western Scientific and Philosophical Perspective to a Buddhist One
Excerpt from "Conversations on Buddha-Nature" with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho
Ricard, Matthieu. "On the Transition from a Western Scientific and Philosophical Perspective to a Buddhist One." Interview by Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Conversations on Buddha-Nature Series 1. October 24, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPo_9zMpf-k&t=15s.
Video
Dorji Wangchuk: Rongzompa and His Position on Buddha-Nature
Wangchuk, Dorji. "Rongzompa and His Position on Buddha-Nature." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 10:03. https://youtu.be/yj6k07_8gIU.
Wangchuk, Dorji. "Rongzompa and His Position on Buddha-Nature." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 10:03. https://youtu.be/yj6k07_8gIU.
Video
Robert Thurman: On Buddha-Nature and the Risk of It Being Used to Build Further Egoism
Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho discusses themes of freedom, spirituality, and buddha-nature with world-renowned Buddhist scholar, translator, writer, and activist Robert Thurman.
Thurman, Robert. "Robert Thurman: On Buddha-Nature and the Risk of It Being Used to Build Further Egoism." Interview by Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Buddha-Nature as the Foundation of Freedom: Conversations on Buddha-Nature Series 2. November 28, 2020. Video, 7:33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3b2ubPu9fbE.
Video
Matthieu Ricard: How Can We Reconcile the Teachings on Buddha-Nature with the Prasangika Madhyamaka System?
Excerpt from "Conversations on Buddha-Nature" with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho
Ricard, Matthieu. "How Can We Reconcile the Teachings on Buddha-Nature with the Prasangika Madhyamaka System?" Interview by Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Conversations on Buddha-Nature Series 1. October 24, 2020. Video, 5:40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8Vz1kFr7yI.
Video
Dorji Wangchuk: On How Buddha-Nature Theory May Be Shaped by Western Studies and Practice and the Implications of Tathāgatagarbha Theory
Wangchuk, Dorji. "On How Buddha-Nature Theory May Be Shaped by Western Studies and Practice and the Implications of Tathāgatagarbha Theory." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 8:15. https://youtu.be/NHy4sKZoc_k.
Wangchuk, Dorji. "On How Buddha-Nature Theory May Be Shaped by Western Studies and Practice and the Implications of Tathāgatagarbha Theory." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 8:15. https://youtu.be/NHy4sKZoc_k.
Video
Dorji Wangchuk: On the Impact of Rongzompa, Longchenpa, and Mipam on the Nyingma Tradition
Wangchuk, Dorji. "On the Impact of Rongzompa, Longchenpa, and Mipam on the Nyingma Tradition." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 8:44. https://youtu.be/pEES25DoqyM.
Wangchuk, Dorji. "On the Impact of Rongzompa, Longchenpa, and Mipam on the Nyingma Tradition." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 8:44. https://youtu.be/pEES25DoqyM.
Video
Robert Thurman: On His First Encounter with the Concept of Buddha-Nature
Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho discusses themes of freedom, spirituality, and buddha-nature with world-renowned Buddhist scholar, translator, writer, and activist Robert Thurman.
Thurman, Robert. "Robert Thurman: On His First Encounter with the Concept of Buddha-Nature." Interview by Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Buddha-Nature as the Foundation of Freedom: Conversations on Buddha-Nature Series 2. November 28, 2020. Video, 7:42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zUI-Ls75o0.
Video
Dorji Wangchuk: Resources for the Nyingma Understanding of Buddha-Nature
Wangchuk, Dorji. "Resources for the Nyingma Understanding of Buddha-Nature." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 2:59. https://youtu.be/jRFZpWF2brA.
Wangchuk, Dorji. "Resources for the Nyingma Understanding of Buddha-Nature." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 2:59. https://youtu.be/jRFZpWF2brA.
Video
Matthieu Ricard: On His First Encounter with Buddha-Nature Teachings
Excerpt from "Conversations on Buddha-Nature" with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho
Ricard, Matthieu. "Matthieu Ricard: On His First Encounter with Buddha-Nature Teachings." Interview by Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Conversations on Buddha-Nature Series 1. October 24, 2020. Video, 13:35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMoo0m9TR4s&t=15s.
Video
Dorji Wangchuk: On His First Encounter with the Concept of Buddha-Nature
Wangchuk, Dorji. "On His First Encounter with the Concept of Buddha-Nature." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 2:38. https://youtu.be/okzqa9D7l8s.
Wangchuk, Dorji. "On His First Encounter with the Concept of Buddha-Nature." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 2:38. https://youtu.be/okzqa9D7l8s.
Video
Robert Thurman: On Buddha-Nature as a Positive Philosophical Concept
Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho discusses themes of freedom, spirituality, and buddha-nature with world-renowned Buddhist scholar, translator, writer, and activist Robert Thurman.
Thurman, Robert. "Robert Thurman: On Buddha-Nature as a Positive Philosophical Concept." Interview by Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Buddha-Nature as the Foundation of Freedom: Conversations on Buddha-Nature Series 2. November 28, 2020. Video, 12:36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-AWjV2mWZU.
Video
Matthieu Ricard: On Overcoming "Wicked-World" Syndrome
Excerpt from "Conversations on Buddha-Nature" with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho
Ricard, Matthieu. "On Overcoming 'Wicked-World' Syndrome." Interview by Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Conversations on Buddha-Nature Series 1. October 24, 2020. https://youtu.be/Z5CbvCspBlM.
Video
Dorji Wangchuk: Longchenpa and His Position on Buddha-Nature
Wangchuk, Dorji. "Longchenpa and His Position on Buddha-Nature." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 3:28. https://youtu.be/BKbGrmfa0kk.
Wangchuk, Dorji. "Longchenpa and His Position on Buddha-Nature." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, July 31, 2021. Video, 3:28. https://youtu.be/BKbGrmfa0kk.
Video
Katrin Querl at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
Katrin Querl presents an overview of Jikten Gonpo's position on Buddha-nature as outlined in the textual corpus known as the Single Intention (Dgongs gcig) and in two of this work's earliest commentaries.
Querl, Katrin. "Preliminary Notes on the Notion of Buddha Nature in the Single Intention." Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 43:53. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp3GJz3-5DY.
Audio
Buddha-Nature — Episode 22 of True Words: A Shingon Buddhist Podcast
This week's topic is Buddha Nature, in Sanskrit: tathāgatagarbha (如来藏). All sentient beings are considered to be in possession of the Buddha Nature, the potential to attain enlightenment. In this episode we discuss a bit about how to understand this concept, and compare it to philosophical ideas of human nature and its connection with morality.
Finch, Rev. George Kosho. "Buddha-Nature." True Words: A Shingon Buddhist Podcast, episode 22. Produced by the Foundation for Shingon Buddhism. August 5, 2017. Audio, 15:34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpQM8qG8k0k.
Video
On His First Encounter with Buddha-Nature Teachings by Ringu Tulku
Ringu Tulku describes how the first time he engaged with buddha-nature teachings was via the Lion’s Roar: Exposition of Buddha-Nature (Bde gshegs snying po'i stong thun chen mo seng+ge'i nga ro) by Mipam Gyatso. He explains how this approach was unusual and was determined by the availability of texts.
Ringu Tulku. “On His First Encounter with Buddha-Nature Teachings.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 10, 2019. Video, 2:08. https://youtu.be/mVOxtut0Bi4.
Video
Buddha Nature by Ringu Tulku Rinpoche
Ringu Tulku. "Buddha Nature." Pt. 1 of 3. Produced by and filmed at Karma Sonam Dargye Ling Temple, December 1, 2015. Video, 1:37:22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8BD50jtFgg.
Ringu Tulku. "Buddha Nature." Pt. 1 of 3. Produced by and filmed at Karma Sonam Dargye Ling Temple, December 1, 2015. Video, 1:37:22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8BD50jtFgg.
Video
On Various Texts That Teach about Buddha-Nature by Ringu Tulku
Ringu Tulku discusses the various texts that teach about buddha-nature beyond the Uttaratantraśāstra. He points to Nāgārjuna's praises, sūtras that are considered to be part of the third turning of the wheel of Dharma, Gampopa's Jewel Ornament of Liberation, Tāranātha's Jonang teachings, and works by Śākya Chokden, Longchenpa, and Mipam Rinpoche.
Ringu Tulku. “On Various Texts That Teach about Buddha-Nature” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 10, 2019. Video, 5:24. https://youtu.be/jjrS-TWoHJ8.
Video
On How Beginning Students Might Engage with Buddha-Nature Teachings by Ringu Tulku
Ringu Tulku talks about how beginning students might start to orient themselves toward buddha-nature teachings in practice. He explains that it is important to recognize that everybody has the seed of wisdom and compassion within them, which can develop over time. The development of this wisdom through education, training, etc., is the practice of Buddhism and is what the path is all about.
Ringu Tulku. “On How Beginning Students Might Engage with Buddha-Nature Teachings.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 10, 2019. Video, 9:05. https://youtu.be/HZ2EGsfaLEw.
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Why Was Buddha-Nature Taught as Part of the Third Turning of the Wheel of the Dharma? by Ringu Tulku
Ringu Tulku explains why buddha-nature teachings appear during the third turning of the wheel of the Dharma. He contends that the Buddha taught it later on in order to avoid confusion over whether buddha-nature was similar to the Hindu notion of ātman. This is why, he implies, the Buddha taught about emptiness first, so that buddha-nature teachings would not be understood to be positing a kind of substantial self.
Ringu Tulku. “Why Was Buddha-Nature Taught as Part of the Third Turning of the Wheel of the Dharma?” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 10, 2019. Video, 2:32. https://youtu.be/wmgYoSja0Q8.
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On Jamgon Kongtrul and the Different Approaches to Understanding Buddha-Nature by Ringu Tulku
Ringu Tulku discusses Jamgön Kongtrul's Rime, or nonpartisan, approach to buddha-nature as opposed to the typical three-fold Tibetan approach of negating others' views, positing one's own view, and engaging in further debate. Such an approach, he suggests, while important, tends to lead to dogmatic views. He goes on to describe how the differences in views of buddha-nature are generally subtle differences, different ways to talk about the same thing. He continues by explaining how, according to Kongtrul, if one is engaged in analyzing reality, then the rangtong approach is best. And if one is trying to describe the experience of buddha-nature, then the zhentong approach works to accomplish this. In this way Kongtrul brings these two approaches together and sees them as two different ways of describing the same thing.
Ringu Tulku. “On Jamgon Kongtrul and the Different Approaches to Understanding Buddha-Nature.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 10, 2019. Video, 9:10. https://youtu.be/IVcFzZ7r-co.
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What Is Buddha-Nature? by Ringu Tulku
In describing the meaning of buddha-nature, Ringu Tulku explains that the point to be understood is that there is no essential difference between an enlightened being and an ordinary being, as both are the same. The enlightened being only recognizes who he/she is and the other does not. He goes on to explain how the buddha-nature teachings indicate that the enlightened state is possible for everyone, not just for a select few. The seeds of the idea of Buddha-nature, he continues, are present even in the early sūtras, and gradually such teachings became more explicit over time, especially in the Vajrayana.
Ringu Tulku. “What Is Buddha-Nature?” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 10, 2019. Video, 8:14. https://youtu.be/LdI_620Uj0M.
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On the Meaning of Chapter 1 Verse 28 of the Ratnagotravibhāga by Ringu Tulku
Ringu Tulku explains the three reasons that are posited for why sentient beings have buddha-nature in chapter 1, verse 28 of the Ratnagotravibhāga. He explains that the first verse is referring to the notion that all beings have the same consciousness, a consciousness that is, at its core, luminous and clear. The second verse is referring to the idea that all phenomena are the same; it is appearance and emptiness. There is no differentiation between phenomena; hence the notion that, in reality, saṃsāra and nirvāṇa are the same. It is only that a person experiencing nirvana is experiencing reality in an undeluded way, whereas a saṃsāric being sees reality in a deluded way. The difference is in perception. The third verse is referring the fact that everyone possesses some seed of wisdom that can develop. For these reasons all beings are said to have buddha-nature. In his concluding remarks he discusses the relationship between a sentient being and a buddha.
Ringu Tulku. “On the Meaning of Chapter 1 Verse 28 of the Ratnagotravibhāga.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 10, 2019. Video, 13:26. https://youtu.be/pkd9S_V6Dlk.
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On Teaching Buddha-Nature to Beginners by Ringu Tulku
Ringu Tulku talks about how the most important thing that Western students should understand about buddha-nature teachings is that buddha-nature refers to one's basic goodness. One always retains this sense of basic goodness, an idea that he places in contrast to the notion of Original Sin. He points out that Gampopa's text Jewel Ornament of Liberation teaches buddha-nature right from the beginning, an approach which he suggests makes sense for Westerners.
Ringu Tulku. “On Teaching Buddha-Nature to Beginners.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 10, 2019. Video, 3:18. https://youtu.be/RNFC4OdeRFw.
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On the Relationship between a Sentient Being and a Buddha by Ringu Tulku
In this excerpt, Ringu Tulku discusses the relationship between a sentient being and a buddha. He discusses how a Buddha is a being that sees reality in an undeluded, clear way, and when beings do not see reality clearly, they are called sentient beings. That is, a buddha is not something that exists on its own, apart from sentient beings; it is more like a description for a being who has developed wisdom to its fullest and experiences reality as it is. He goes on to explain how sometimes the categories of "sentient being" and its association with saṃsāṛa and "Buddha" and its association with nirvāṇa are often reified, and this tends to lead to confusion.
Ringu Tulku. “On the Relationship between a Sentient Being and a Buddha” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 10, 2019. Video, 5:07. https://youtu.be/6rTj6lLcUR0.
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On the Nature of Mind and Its Relationship to Buddha-Nature by Ringu Tulku
Ringu Tulku continues his discussion of buddha-nature by further distinguishing what Buddha nature means. He explains that buddha-nature is not something external or something that is in our bodies to be located. Rather, buddha nature describes the way we are. He explains that the consciousness of the Buddha, which is clear and luminous, is the same as every other consciousness, but we do not recognize this as such. We instead tend to react to our experiences with dualistic thinking, which leads to negative emotions and to saṃsāric experience. Given that our minds share the same capacity for enlightenment as the Buddha, the task is then to recognize this and transform our experience.
Ringu Tulku. “On the Nature of Mind and Its Relationship to Buddha-Nature.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 10, 2019. Video, 7:46. https://youtu.be/0NKhxlJCelo.
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On the Uttaratantrashastra as a Bridge between Sutra and Tantra by Ringu Tulku
Ringu Tulku. “On the Uttaratantrashastra as a Bridge between Sutra and Tantra” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 10, 2019. Video, 2:10. https://youtu.be/lNUpq1Rq2n0.
Ringu Tulku. “On the Uttaratantrashastra as a Bridge between Sutra and Tantra” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, October 10, 2019. Video, 2:10. https://youtu.be/lNUpq1Rq2n0.
Audio
Trusting in Our Own Buddha Nature
Rinso Ed Sattizahn gives a dharma talk at San Francisco Zen Center's City Center on the topic of buddha-nature. He touches on selections from Dōgen's Genjōkōan to illustrate this Buddhist teaching.
Sattizahn, Rinso Ed. "Trusting in Our Own Buddha Nature." Recorded December 8, 2018 at San Francisco Zen Center's City Center. Audio, 36:22. https://soundcloud.com/sanfranciscozencenter/trusting-in-our-own-buddha.
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Khenpo Sherab Sangpo: Teachings on Buddha Nature
Khenpo Sherab Sangpo offers teachings and guided meditation on the topic of buddha-nature during a retreat on February 15, 2020 at Bodhicitta Sangha: Heart of Enlightenment Institute in Minneapolis Minnesota.
Sangpo, Khenpo Sherab. "Khenpo Sherab Sangpo: Teachings on Buddha Nature." pt. 1 of 4. Produced by Bodhicitta Sangha: Heart of Enlightenment Institute, February 15, 2020. Video, 55:57, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd_wGlk9HQc.
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Kurtis Schaeffer at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
Kurtis Schaeffer discusses Jikme Lingpa's view and attitude toward buddha-nature as found in his major philosophical work, the Treasury of Precious Qualities, and in various other writings. He shows how Jikme Lingpa maintained an antinomian approach to buddha-nature in the context of Great Perfection thought.
Schaeffer, Kurtis. "Notes from the Cave: 'Jigs med gling pa on Buddha-Nature." Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 37:04. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x32COWVlJ38.
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Michael Sheehy at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
Michael Sheehy explores the “images of emptiness” or expressions of emptiness in the Kālacakra Tantra. He discusses how these were interpreted by Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen (1292-1361) and his immediate disciples to be direct expressions of tathāgatagarbha.
Sheehy, Michael. "Tantric Zhentong Visions of Tathāgatagarbha in Tibetan Kālacakra Yoga Manuals." Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 46:01. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm7z5pR1EGA.
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Buddhism's Buddha-Nature and Confucianism's Idea of Inherent Goodness by Sheng Yen
Buddhism's buddha-nature and Confucianism's idea of inherent goodness are different in that Buddhism's "nature" is emptiness while that of Mencius and Xunzi means a person's character or disposition, which is something substantial. Buddhism teaches us to engage in spiritual practice in order to rid ourselves of vexations, thereby manifesting our original buddha-nature, while Mencius and Xunzi both advocated the importance of education: Education can turn good into evil and evil into good. (Source Accessed Nov 17, 2020)
Sheng Yen. "Buddhism's Buddha-Nature and Confucianism's Idea of Inherent Goodness." Produced by Dharma Drum Mountain, January 3, 2016. Video, 8:33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv2qlACVB8I.
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One's True Mind and Inherent Nature by Sheng Yen
Our true mind is the pure mind of wisdom free of defilements. Our inherent nature refers to the nature of our being something common, which is also called the Buddha-nature. By taking refuge in our inner buddha-nature and letting go of our guest mind, which is subject to vexations, we can see our true mind, which is beyond defilement but functions as wisdom. To take refuge in oneself, one must first be able to realize the nature of his mind by the guidance of the Three Jewels. (Source Accessed Nov 17, 2020)
Sheng Yen. "One's True Mind and Inherent Nature: How to Take Refuge in Oneself." Produced by Dharma Drum Mountain, December 28, 2012. Video, 8:43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsA7rG2jvpI.
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Buddha-Nature: A Talk by Khenpo Tshewang Sonam in Thimphu, Bhutan
Khenpo Tshewang Sonam gives a discourse on the topic of Buddha-Nature in Thimphu, Bhutan.
Sonam, Khenpo Tshewang. "Buddha-Nature." Produced by Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho, Thimphu, Bhutan, 2021. Video, 16:14. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c21zUyp7bKs.
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Jacqueline Stone at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
Jacqueline Stone discusses the doctrine of original enlightenment (hongaku hōmon) and the debate over whether such a concept negates the need for practice and legitimates sinful acts. She explores the notion of original enlightenment as it is portrayed in the twelfth-century text known as Shinnyo kan (Contemplation of Suchness).
Stone, Jacqueline. "From Buddha Nature to Original Enlightenment: 'Contemplating Suchness' in Medieval Japan." Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 47:26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zXXWsD39hc.
Audio
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind (Audio Book)
Zen mind is one of those enigmatic phrases used by Zen teachers to throw you back upon yourself, to make you go behind the words themselves and begin wondering. "I know what my own mind is," you tell yourself, "but what is Zen mind?" And then: "But do I really know what my own mind is?" Is it what I am doing now? Is it what I am thinking now?" And if you should then try to sit physically still for a while to see if you can locate it—then you have begun the practice of Zen, then you have begun to realize the unrestricted mind.

The innocence of this first inquiry—just asking what you are—is beginner's mind. The mind of the beginner is needed throughout Zen practice. It is the open mind, the attitude that includes both doubt and possibility, the ability to see things always as fresh and new. It is needed in all aspects of life. Beginner's mind is the practice of Zen mind.

This book originated from a series of talks given by Zen Master Shunryu Suzuki to a small group is Los Altos, California. He joined their meditation periods once a week and afterwards answered their questions and tried to encourage them in their practice of Zen and help them solve the problems of life. His approach is informal, and he draws his examples from ordinary events and common sense. Zen is now and here, he is saying; it can be as meaningful for the West as for the East. But his fundamental teaching and practice and drawn from all the centuries of Zen Buddhism and especially from Dogen, one of the most important and creative of all Zen Masters.

This book is about how to practice Zen as a workable discipline and religion, about posture and breathing, about the basic attitudes and understanding that makes Zen practice possible, about non-duality, emptiness, and enlightenment. Here one begins to understand what Zen is really about. And, most important of all, every page breathes with the joy and simplicity that make a liberated life possible. (Source: inside jacket)


To follow along with the text, click here
Suzuki, Shunryu. Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind. Read by Peter Coyote. Audio, 2:56:20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vDfq1Yt5to.
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Does a Dog Have Buddha Nature?
Tenshin Reb Anderson gives a dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm on the topic of buddha-nature, later addressing the question, "Does a dog have buddha-nature?"
Anderson, Tenshin Reb. "Does a Dog Have Buddha Nature?" Recorded July 22, 2018 at San Francisco Zen Center's Green Gulch Farm. Audio, 47:06. https://soundcloud.com/sanfranciscozencenter/does-a-dog-have-buddha-nature.
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Teachings on Buddha-Nature: Commentary on the Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra by Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin
Teachings on the Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra by Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin at Tibetan Meditation Center, Frederick, MD. According to the posters, the third installment was lost due to recording errors, and the teachings from May 15, 2016 (part 14) have been lost due to a sound encoding problem.
Tenzin, Khenpo Tsultrim. "Teachings on Buddha-Nature: Commentary on the Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra." Pt. 1 of 20. Produced by Tibetan Meditation Center, Frederick, MD, September 27, 2015. Video, 1:49:02. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjjAyQdDSLU.
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Discourse on the Uttaratantra: A Talk by The 14th Dalai Lama in Holland
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama teaches in a traditional line-by-line commentary of the Mahayanottaratantrashashtra in this video from Holland in 1986. Alexander Berzin interprets His Holiness into English. Seven diamond-strong points of the in five chapters, the first four points, which introduce "the source", or buddha-nature, are presented in the first chapter, the second chapter discusses the fifth point, the state of purified growth of enlightenment fifth point, the third chapter presents the sixth point which is the qualities of that state of purified growth, the fourth deals with the seventh point, the enlightening influence, and the fifth chapter discusses the benefits of studying the text. The text itself discusses the clear light nature of the mind which is covered over by cognitive and afflictive obscurations. Once these obscurations have been purified, the clear light nature of mind is revealed.
Dalai Lama, 14th. "Discourse on Uttaratantra." Pt. 1 of 4. Interpreted by Alexander Berzin, Filmed May 1986 in Holland. Produced by Study Buddhism. Video, 1:37:22, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsiVRQ3T6EY.
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The Fourteenth Dalai Lama on Buddha-Nature
The Dalai Lama delivers an address entitled "Buddha-Nature" to members of the Theosophical Society in America at the Society's headquarters at Olcott (named for the founder of the Theosophical Society, Colonel Henry Steel Olcott), in Wheaton, Illinois, on July 21st, 1981. The Dalai Lama's comments on buddha-nature come after a series of preliminary remarks at 14 min, 23 secs.
Dalai Lama, 14th. "The Fourteenth Dalai Lama on Buddha-Nature." Produced by the Theosophical Society in America, Olcott, Wheaton, Illinois, July 21, 1981. Video, 29:03. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Tkf5cgX5ds.
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The Furthest Everlasting Continuum and Three Principal Aspects of the Path
His Holiness the Dalai Lama's three-day teaching on The Furthest Everlasting Continuum (Sanskrit - Uttaratantra; Tibetan - Gyü Lama) and Tsongkhapa's Three Principal Aspects of the Path at the request of Russian Buddhists at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamsala, HP, India on May 10–12, 2019. On the third day His Holiness conducts the ceremony for generating the awakening mind (bodhichitta). His Holiness speaks in Tibetan followed by an English translation. Note: In the first 27 minutes of part 1, there are technical difficulties with the English translation.
Dalai Lama, 14th. "The Furthest Everlasting Continuum and Three Principal Aspects of the Path." Pt. 1 of 3. Produced by the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Recorded at the Main Tibetan Temple, Dharamsala, H.P., India, May 10, 2019. Video, 55:33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faL13tq0M1s.
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We Are Enlightened by Nature
Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche provides encouragement that we are all enlightened by nature, and the path is a process of discovering that enlightened nature. Meditation practice serves to help us contact the nature directly. If we are in retreat and are making progress in that discovery process, we can relax because we are moving towards our goal.
Dzigar Kongtrul, 2nd. "We Are Enlightened by Nature." Modern Day Bodhisattva Seminar, Talk 3. Produced by Wisdom Productions at Mangala Shri Bhuti, June 7, 2015. Video, 5:14. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvXpgRu1wt4.
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Buddhism: One Teacher, Many Traditions: Chapter 14: Buddha Nature: A Talk by Thubten Chodron
Thubten Chodron guides viewers through her book, Buddhism: One Teacher, Many Traditions in this video series produced by Sravasti Abbey. This talk addressing Chapter 14 discusses buddha-nature by way of emptiness. Venerable Thubten Chodron presents that emptiness is the reason that the mind's afflictions and obscurations can be purified and that purification process reveals buddha-nature inherent in the minds of all beings.
Chodron, T. "Buddhism: One Teacher, Many Traditions. Chapter 14: Buddha Nature." Pt. 1 of 4. Produced by Sravasti Abbey, November 15, 2017. Video, 1:15:30, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XpyXg7sAnw.
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On Buddha-Nature as a Topic of Debate by Tokpa Tenpa
Continuing his discussion of the curriculum at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling, Tokpa Tulku explains that buddha-nature can be a part of debate. However, it is a much more difficult topic than attempting to debate the topic of emptiness. The difficulty lies in the fact that buddha-nature is beyond one's experience.
Tokpa Tulku. “On Buddha-Nature as a Topic of Debate.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, April 22, 2019. Video, 2:32. https://youtu.be/nio3b9t9PMY.
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On the Three Reasons That All Beings Have Buddha-Nature by Tokpa Tulku
Tokpa Tulku discusses the three reasons all beings have buddha-nature, which come from chapter 1 verse 28 of the Uttaratantraśāstra, or Gyü Lama. As for the first reason, he points to the fact that the Buddha was once a deluded sentient being. Therefore, if the Buddha, through developing wisdom, attained enlightenment, this proves that sentient beings have buddha-nature, that they can also achieve the same. The second verse, he explains, points to the notion that the Buddha's mind and the mind of a sentient being are the same; while they are different in terms of their obscurations and level of delusion, from the ultimate point of view they are of the same nature. As for the third reason, he points to the fact that all sentient beings want to be happy and free of suffering, a quality which proves that all beings have buddha-nature.
Tokpa Tulku. “On the Three Reasons That All Beings Have Buddha-Nature.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, April 22, 2019. Video, 6:29. https://youtu.be/yx60OVqkuxc.
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Khenpo Tokpa Tulku: The Sublime Continuum
In this talk given to students during RYI's Buddhist philosophy class on The Sublime Continuum by Arya Maitreya, Khenpo Karma Gyurme (also known as Khenpo Tokpa Tulku) covers the following topics:

In the first talk, he explains what marks the beginning of the bodhisattva path and the distinction between a noble bodhisattva and an aspiring bodhisattva. Furthermore, he explains the difference between emotional compassion and wisdom-based compassion. He introduces the four means of magnetizing, a skillful method used by Bodhisattvas to benefit others.

In the second talk, he expands on the four means of magnetizing; generosity, pleasant speech, teaching according to the needs of beings, and being consistent in conduct. He explains how noble bodhisattvas implement these methods and provides practical advice to aspiring bodhisattvas on how to engage with them. The translation is by RYI's translator, Anya Zilman. (Source Accessed Sep 30, 2020)
Tokpa Tulku. "Khenpo Tokpa Tulku: The Sublime Continuum." 2 pts. A talk given to students during RYI's Buddhist philosophy class on The Sublime Continuum by Arya Maitreya. In Tibetan, with English translation by Anna Zilman. Produced by the Rangjung Yeshe Institute, n.d. Video, pt. 1, 1:26:38; pt. 2, 1:30:21. https://www.ryi.org/free-online-resources.
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On Rangtong and Shentong Views of Buddha-Nature by Tokpa Tulku
Tokpa Tulku describes the differences between the rangtong and shentong views of buddha-nature. He follows Mipam rinpoche in describing these seemingly opposing views as two different ways of describing the same buddha-nature. While many scholars have emphasized the emptiness aspect or the luminous or permanent aspect of buddha-nature, both, he suggests, need to be brought together in order to go beyond extremes and dualistic thinking.
Tokpa Tulku. “On Rangtong and Shentong Views of Buddha-Nature.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, April 22, 2019. Video, 4:12. https://youtu.be/VJZ3wU4W9Gw.
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On Learning about the Uttaratantrashastra in the Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Shedra by Tokpa Tulku
Tokpa Tulku discusses his experiences learning about the Uttaratantrashastra, or Gyü Lama, in the Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling shedra. This is a topic, he explains, that comes later on in the eighth year of studies, after the the study of the sūtras. He describes how the text acts as a bridge between sūtra and tantra, as there is a certain transition that one goes through when moving from one to the other. The text aids in this transition.
Tokpa Tulku. “On Learning about the Uttaratantrashastra in the Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Shedra.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, April 22, 2019. Video, 4:13. https://youtu.be/Jj3gRgZ3dl0.
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On How to Approach Buddha-Nature in Practice by Tokpa Tulku
In this video Tokpa Tulku begins by describing the difficulty inherent in understanding the unity of emptiness and luminosity, or appearance, an understanding made more difficult by our habitual patterns of thinking. He goes on to describe how buddha-nature is considered the ground of one's practice, as it is concerned with the view and the possibility of becoming a buddha. Gaining certainty that one has buddha-nature aids in one's practice. It is especially important in modern times, where people are looking elsewhere for security and happiness. Buddha-nature, in contrast, is that which is always within you, as a refuge.
Tokpa Tulku. “On How to Approach Buddha-Nature in Practice.” Interview by Marcus Perman. Tsadra Foundation Research Department, April 22, 2019. Video, 7:47. https://youtu.be/N932YmrzHAE.
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Buddha Potential 1: Uttaratantra by Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche at Land of Medicine Buddha
In this nine-part series, Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche teaches on chapter one of the Uttaratantra, Sublime Continuum of the Mahayana by Maitreya. This important text clarifies the meaning of our Buddha potential, in particular the emptiness of the mind that allows evolution to a state of complete enlightenment, and gives an extensive explanation of the meaning of the Three Jewels--Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. This teaching was given at Land of Medicine Buddha in 2003 and includes both Tibetan and English interpretation by Voula Zarpani. The first part includes six parts of six classes and three discussion classes led by Venerable George Churinoff.
Tsenshab, Kirti. "Buddha Potential 1: Uttaratantra by Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche." Pt. 1 of 9. Filmed at Land of Medicine Buddha, Soquel, CA, 2003. Video, 1:27:14. https://vimeo.com/136634699.
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Buddha Potential 2: Uttaratantra by Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche at Land of Medicine Buddha
In this seven part series, Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche teaches on chapter one of the Uttaratantra, Sublime Continuum of the Mahayana by Maitreya. This text clarifies the meaning of our Buddha potential, in particular the emptiness of the mind that allows evolution to a state of complete enlightenment, and gives an extensive explanation of the meaning of the Three Jewels - Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. This teaching was given at Land of medicine Buddha in 2004 and includes both Tibetan and English interpreted by Venerable Tse Yang.
Tsenshab, Kirti. "Buddha Potential 2: Uttaratantra by Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche." Pt. 1 of 7. Filmed at Land of Medicine Buddha, Soquel, CA, 2004. Video, 1:35:47. https://vimeo.com/141332642.
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Loving-Kindness and Buddha-Nature: Talk by Bardor Tulku Rinpoche at the First Annual Benefit for Kunzang Palchen Ling
At the first annual benefit for Kunzang Palchen Ling, Bardor Tulku Rinpoche gave a talk on loving-kindness and compassion, but the first part of the talk was focused on buddha-nature. Rinpoche emphasizes that any person who truly wants to make a difference in their lives can focus on these teachings of loving-kindness and compassion to liberate themselves from suffering of karma and afflictive emotions.
Bardor Tulku. "Loving Kindness and Buddha-Nature." Produced by Kunzang Palchen Ling, July 11, 2009. Video, 9:53. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjZrw6T18Tw.
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What Is Buddha-Nature? Who Am I? What Is My Purpose? By Robina Courtin
A native Australian, Venerable Robina Courtin has practiced as a nun in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition for 26 years. In this video she explains the meaning of buddha-nature in her down-to-earth style.
Courtin, Robina. "What Is Buddha-Nature? Who Am I? What Is My Purpose?" December 21, 2019. Video, 4:42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5meufC7v7A.
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Buddha Nature by Ven. Ajahn Brahm
Ajahn Brahm responds to a question about whether human nature is closer to the Mahayana Buddhist idea of “buddha nature” or the Christian idea of “original sin.”
Ajahn Brahm. "Buddha Nature by Ven. Ajahn Brahm." Recorded December 27, 2002. Audio, 55:18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69VQ8Ok4WlA.
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On the Awakening of Faith in the Mahāyāna by Venerable Dhammadipa
Venerable Dhammadipa discusses the significance of the text Awakening of Faith in the Mahāyāna, a text which he has translated into Czech.
Thero, Ven. Dhammadipa. "On the Awakening of Faith in the Mahāyāna." Interview by Marcus Perman. Salon Tibétain, Tsadra Foundation, Boulder, CO, Jan 30, 2019. Video, 15:45. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T31Tk_Pj_nI.
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On Yogachara, Shamatha and Vipashyana Meditation, and Tathāgatagarbha as Skillful Means by Venerable Dhammadipa
Venerable Dhammadipa discusses the Yogachara tradition and some of its main texts, touching upon the importance of Shamatha and Vipashyana meditation.
Thero, Ven. Dhammadipa. "On Yogachara, Shamatha and Vipashyana Meditation, and Tathāgatagarbha as Skillful Means." Interview by Marcus Perman. Salon Tibétain, Tsadra Foundation, Boulder, CO, Jan 30, 2019. Video, 3:22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl18UDkaB-4.
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On How He Came to Study the Yogachara Tradition by Venerable Dhammadipa
Venerable Dhammadipa describes how he came to study the Yogachara tradition, having been first ordained in the Theravada tradition.
Thero, Ven. Dhammadipa. "On How He Came to Study the Yogachara Tradition." Interview by Marcus Perman. Salon Tibétain, Tsadra Foundation, Boulder, CO, Jan 30, 2019. Video, 6:15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsQpIOx_9rQ.
Audio
Buddha Nature and the Yogācāra Analysis of Mind in The Awakening of Faith
Ven. Dhammadipa (“Island of Dharma”) is ordained in both Theravāda and Mahāyāna traditions and teaches śamatha and vipaśyanā meditation at monasteries and universities worldwide in addition to studying and translating Buddhist texts from Pali, Sanskrit, and Chinese. He spoke with students at RYI on October 6, 2015 about the topic of Buddha-Nature in the text The Awakening of Faith in Mahāyāna.
Thero, Ven. Dhammadipa. "Buddha Nature and the Yogācāra Analysis of Mind in The Awakening of Faith." Recorded October 6, 2015 at Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal. Audio, 1:43:28. https://soundcloud.com/rangjung-yeshe-institute/ven-dhammadipa-buddha-nature-and-the-yogacara-analysis-of-mind-in-the-awakening-of-faith.
Video
On the Nature of Mind in Yogachara by Venerable Dhammadipa
Venerable Dhammadipa discusses the nature of mind in the Yogachara tradition, touching upon notions such as luminosity, emptiness, and suchness.
Thero, Ven. Dhammadipa. "On the Nature of Mind in Yogachara." Interview by Marcus Perman. Salon Tibétain, Tsadra Foundation, Boulder, CO, Jan 30, 2019. Video, 10:17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Z5CKnHRJ9E.
Video
On the Roots of Tathāgatagarbha and His Position on the Concept by Venerable Dhammadipa
Venerable Dhammadipa discusses the concept of tathāgatagarbha, or buddha-nature, and its appearance in Chinese Buddhist traditions, noting that one hardly finds anything about the concept in the Theravada tradition.
Thero, Ven. Dhammadipa. "On the Roots of Tathāgatagarbha and His Position on the Concept." Interview by Marcus Perman. Salon Tibétain, Tsadra Foundation, Boulder, CO, Jan 30, 2019. Video, 7:35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvQ4W0U7JY8&t=248s.
Video
Essence of Buddha-Nature by B. Alan Wallace
In this video segment B. Alan Wallace talks about buddha-nature and the concept of tathāgatagarbha. This talk was part of a Spring 8-week retreat on Shamatha, Vipashyana, and Mahamudra, based upon two texts: Panchen Lozang Chökyi Gyaltsen’s Highway of the Jinas: A Root Text on the Precious Geluk-Kagyü Mahamudra Tradition, and Karma Chagmé’s Naked Awareness: Practical Teachings on the Union. (Source Accessed Nov 17, 2020)
Wallace, B. Alan. "Essence of Buddha-Nature." Produced by Jeffrey Khoo, Claudio Li Caizi, Brenton Palmer-Angell, and Diogo Rolo. Filmed during a Spring eight-week retreat on Shamatha, Vipashyana, and Mahamudra held April–May 2016 at Lama Tsongkhapa Institute, Pomaia, Italy. Video, 27:53. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHMFbgfX6ys.
Video
Dorji Wangchuk at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
Dorji Wangchuk discusses critiques of Buddha-nature theory as non-Buddhist and as opposed to the Buddha's teaching on dependent arising. In particular, he looks at how Rongzom Chökyi Zangpo interprets the tathāgatagarbha theory in relation to the pratītyasamutpāda theory.
Wangchuk, Dorji. "Rong-zom-pa on the Tathāgatagarbha and Pratītyasamutpāda Theories." Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 45:33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0slogomESI8.
Video
About Faith: Everyone Has Buddha-Nature
Was Buddha a human or a god? Harvard Divinity School student Yin Guan, MTS ’19 gives the 2-minute story about the Buddha-nature within us all.
Guan, Yin. "About Faith: Everyone Has Buddha-Nature." Produced by Jade Rei Sylvan. Video, 1:38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vILGYjab20w.
Video
Buddha Nature: What is it? How is it different from soul? A Teaching from Zasep Tulku
"Everyone has Buddha Nature," explains H.E. Zasep Tulku Rinpoche in a "learning from the Teachers" video on the topic from BuddhaWeekly. In this short video teaching, Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche explains why understanding “Buddha Nature” — in Sanskrit, tathāgatagarbha — can really inspire your Buddhist practice. This short teaching was in response to a question from a student. The student asked: What is Buddha Nature? Why is it important? How is it different from the concept of soul?
Zasep Tulku. "Buddha Nature: What Is It? How Is It Different from Soul?" Produced by Buddha Weekly, February 5, 2018. Video, 13:03. https://buddhaweekly.com/buddha-nature-important-video-teaching-venerable-zasep-rinpoche-mantra-chanting-yoko-dharma/.
Video
Michael Zimmermann at the 2019 Tathāgatagarbha Symposium
In light of the argument that the theory of Buddha-nature is non-Buddhist, Michael Zimmerman summarizes more recent research on the earliest history of buddha-nature thought in India and discusses possible reasons for why the idea that all sentient beings have buddha-nature made its appearance.
Zimmermann, Michael. "New Research on the Concept of Buddha-Nature in India: The Beginnings." Paper presented at the University of Vienna Symposium, Tathāgatagarbha Across Asia, Vienna, Austria, July 2019. Video, 45:00. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYkBSSAJ-zo.
Video
All Living Beings Have Buddha-Nature: The Genesis of the Concept of Universal Buddhahood
This lecture will focus on one particular strand of thought in the history of Buddhism. Often neglected by scholars and even deemed to be non-Buddhist, the idea of universal buddhahood unfolded enormous influence throughout the history of Buddhism. The concept that all living beings have buddha-nature has its beginning in the early centuries of the common era in India. Its impact was crucial for the spread of Buddhism in Asia.

Direct forerunners of the idea that all living beings have buddha-nature are the Lotus Sutra and parts of the Avataṁsaka (華嚴經). The lecture will discuss how the concept of buddha-nature came into existence, what kind of factors were crucial for this development, and how the idea was described in its earliest literature. Recent years have seen a fresh and unexpected re-arrangement of the early history of buddha-nature thought. These new developments will also be presented and evaluated.
Zimmermann, Michael. "All Living Beings Have Buddha-Nature: The Genesis of the Concept of Universal Buddhahood." Produced by Glorisun Global Network for Buddhist Studies and FROGBEAR, October 7, 2019, at The University of British Columbia. Glorisun Distinguished Lecture Series. Video, 1:06:34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZg45nKtOTM.

Uttaratantra - The Ultimate Continuum, or Gyü Lama, is often used as a short title in the Tibetan tradition for the key source text of buddha-nature teachings called the Ratnagotravibhāga of Maitreya/Asaṅga, also known as the Mahāyānottaratantraśāstra. Skt. उत्तरतन्त्र Tib. རྒྱུད་བླ་མ་ Ch. 寶性論

These are the root verses of the Uttaratantra attributed to Maitreya by the Tibetan tradition.

These are the root verses of the Uttaratantra attributed to Maitreya by the Tibetan tradition.

tathāgatagarbha - Buddha-nature, literally the "womb/essence of those who have gone (to suchness)." Skt. तथागतगर्भ Tib. དེ་བཞིན་གཤེགས་པའི་སྙིང་པོ་ Ch. 如来藏

sems nyid - Commonly found in Dzogchen and Mahāmudrā literature, this term denotes the true, natural state of mind as it is. Often used in these traditions as a synonym for buddha-nature. Skt. चित्तत्व Tib. སེམས་ཉིད་

tathāgatagarbha - Buddha-nature, literally the "womb/essence of those who have gone (to suchness)." Skt. तथागतगर्भ Tib. དེ་བཞིན་གཤེགས་པའི་སྙིང་པོ་ Ch. 如来藏

prabhāsvaratā - In a general sense, that which clears away darkness, though it often appears in Buddhist literature in reference to the mind or its nature. It is a particularly salient feature of Tantric literature, especially in regard to the advanced meditation techniques of the completion-stage yogas. Skt. प्रभास्वर Tib. འོད་གསལ་ Ch. 光明

prabhāsvaratā - In a general sense, that which clears away darkness, though it often appears in Buddhist literature in reference to the mind or its nature. It is a particularly salient feature of Tantric literature, especially in regard to the advanced meditation techniques of the completion-stage yogas. Skt. प्रभास्वर Tib. འོད་གསལ་ Ch. 光明

prabhāsvaracitta - The luminous aspect of mind that is often contrasted with its empty aspect. It is often used figuratively to reference the cognizant, or knowing, aspect of mind and sometimes more literally as the natural luminosity of mind and luminous wisdom that is experienced in meditation. Skt. प्रभास्वरचित्त Tib. འོད་གསལ་གྱི་སེམས་ Ch. 光明心

Jonang - The Jonang tradition was established by Dölpopa Sherab Gyaltsen, a thirteenth-century Sakya monk famous for his Zhentong teachings. The Jonang teachings and monasteries were suppressed in Tibet in the seventeenth century but survived in Amdo. Tib. ཇོ་ནང་

gzhan stong - The state of being devoid of that which is wholly different rather than being void of its own nature. The term is generally used to refer to the ultimate, or buddha-nature, being empty of other phenomena such as adventitious defiling emotions but not empty of its true nature. Tib. གཞན་སྟོང་

tridharmacakrapravartana - Three successive stages of the Buddhist teachings. Though they are traditionally attributed to the historical Buddha, modern scholarship tends to view them as developmental stages that occurred over the course of an extended period of time, with interludes of several centuries, in which we see major doctrinal shifts often based on seemingly newly emergent scriptural sources. Skt. त्रिधर्मचक्रप्रवर्तन Tib. ཆོས་འཁོར་རིམ་པ་གསུམ་

neyārtha - Refers to something that is taught for a specific reason, rather than because it is entirely true. Skt. नेयार्थ Tib. དྲང་དོན་

nītārtha - Refers to a teaching that is literally true. Skt. नीतार्थ Tib. ངེས་དོན་

prasajyapratiṣedha - A negation that merely denies the existence of something without implicitly suggesting an alternative. Skt. प्रसज्यप्रतिषेध Tib. མེད་དགག་

Geluk - The Geluk tradition traces its origin to Tsongkhapa, who propagated a modified version of the Kadampa lojong and lamrim teachings. It is the dominant tradition of Tibet, having established its control of the government under the figure of the Dalai Lama. Tib. དགེ་ལུགས་

guṇa - The qualities or attributes of an enlightened being. Skt. गुण Tib. ཡོན་ཏན་ Ch. 功德

āgantukamala - Mental stains that are not inherent to the nature of the mind but are temporarily present as the residue of past actions or habitual tendencies. It is sometimes iterated as adventitious defilements (Skt. āgantukakleśa, Tib. glo bur gyi nyon mongs), which references the fickle and temporary nature of disturbing emotions that lack an ultimately established basis for existence. Skt. आगन्तुकमल Tib. གློ་བུར་གྱི་དྲི་མ་

āgantukamala - Mental stains that are not inherent to the nature of the mind but are temporarily present as the residue of past actions or habitual tendencies. It is sometimes iterated as adventitious defilements (Skt. āgantukakleśa, Tib. glo bur gyi nyon mongs), which references the fickle and temporary nature of disturbing emotions that lack an ultimately established basis for existence. Skt. आगन्तुकमल Tib. གློ་བུར་གྱི་དྲི་མ་

gzhan stong - The state of being devoid of that which is wholly different rather than being void of its own nature. The term is generally used to refer to the ultimate, or buddha-nature, being empty of other phenomena such as adventitious defiling emotions but not empty of its true nature. Tib. གཞན་སྟོང་

Sakya - The Sakya tradition developed in the eleventh century in the Khön family of Tsang, which maintained an imperial-era lineage of Vajrakīla and which adopted a new teaching from India known as Lamdre. Tib. ས་སྐྱ་

gzhan stong - The state of being devoid of that which is wholly different rather than being void of its own nature. The term is generally used to refer to the ultimate, or buddha-nature, being empty of other phenomena such as adventitious defiling emotions but not empty of its true nature. Tib. གཞན་སྟོང་

śūnyatā - The state of being empty of an innate nature due to a lack of independently existing characteristics. Skt. शून्यता Tib. སྟོང་པ་ཉིད་ Ch. 空,空門

Tsen Tradition - Tsen Khawoche's "meditative tradition" of exegesis of the Uttaratantra; it is one of two major Tibetan traditions of exegesis, both stemming from students of Sajjana. Tib. བཙན་ལུགས་

Kagyu - The Kagyu school traces its origin to the eleventh-century translator Marpa, who studied in India with Nāropa. Marpa's student Milarepa trained Gampopa, who founded the first monastery of the Kagyu order. As many as twelve subtraditions grew out from there, the best known being the Karma Kagyu, the Drikung, and the Drukpa. Tib. བཀའ་བརྒྱུད་

dharmakāya - "Truth body" or "true being" — One of the three bodies of a buddha. In Mahāyāna Buddhism, it often refers to a kind of fundamental principle or the true nature of reality itself. Skt. धर्मकाय Tib. ཆོས་སྐུ་ Ch. 法身

āvaraṇa - Literally, that which obscures or conceals. Often listed as a set of two obscurations (sgrib gnyis): the afflictive emotional obscurations (Skt. kleśāvaraṇa, Tib. nyon mongs pa'i sgrib pa) and the cognitive obscurations (Skt. jñeyāvaraṇa, Tib. shes bya'i sgrib pa). By removing the first, one becomes free of suffering, and by removing the second, one becomes omniscient. Skt. आवरण Tib. སྒྲིབ་པ་

Dzogchen - Dzogchen is an advanced system of meditation techniques to reveal the innate state of perfection primarily, but not exclusively, espoused by the Nyingma Buddhist tradition and the Tibetan Bön tradition. Skt. महासन्धि Tib. རྫོགས་ཆེན།

tha mal gyi shes pa - A Mahāmudrā term for the basic state of consciousness that has not been fabricated or altered in any way. Tib. ཐ་མལ་གྱི་ཤེས་པ་

āvaraṇa - Literally, that which obscures or conceals. Often listed as a set of two obscurations (sgrib gnyis): the afflictive emotional obscurations (Skt. kleśāvaraṇa, Tib. nyon mongs pa'i sgrib pa) and the cognitive obscurations (Skt. jñeyāvaraṇa, Tib. shes bya'i sgrib pa). By removing the first, one becomes free of suffering, and by removing the second, one becomes omniscient. Skt. आवरण Tib. སྒྲིབ་པ་

prasajyapratiṣedha - A negation that merely denies the existence of something without implicitly suggesting an alternative. Skt. प्रसज्यप्रतिषेध Tib. མེད་དགག་

ātman - Though it can simply be used as the expression "I" or "me", in Indian thought the notion of self refers to a permanent, unchanging entity, such as that which passes from life to life in the case of people, or the innate essence (svabhāva) of phenomena. Skt. आत्मन् Tib. བདག་ Ch. 我,灵魂

According to the Tibetan tradition this is Asaṅga's commentary to the Uttaratantra.

gzhan stong - The state of being devoid of that which is wholly different rather than being void of its own nature. The term is generally used to refer to the ultimate, or buddha-nature, being empty of other phenomena such as adventitious defiling emotions but not empty of its true nature. Tib. གཞན་སྟོང་

Mahāyāna - Mahāyāna, or the Great Vehicle, refers to the system of Buddhist thought and practice which developed around the beginning of Common Era, focusing on the pursuit of the state of full enlightenment of the Buddha through the realization of the wisdom of emptiness and the cultivation of compassion. Skt. महायान Tib. ཐེག་པ་ཆེན་པོ། Ch. 大乘

Vajrayāna - The esoteric Buddhist tradition which developed as a syncretic system involving deity worship, use of mantras, physical energy, and mystical practices. It is also known as the mantra tradition and the tantric school as a result of being based on texts known as tantras. Skt. वज्रयान Tib. རྡོ་རྗེ་ཐེག་པ། Ch. 金剛乘

Mahāmudrā - Mahāmudrā refers to an advanced meditation tradition in Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna forms of Into-Tibetan Buddhism that is focused on the realization of the empty and luminous nature of the mind. It also refers to the resultant state of buddhahood attained through such meditation practice. In Tibet, this tradition is particularly associated with the Kagyu school, although all other schools also profess this tradition. The term also appears as part of the four seals, alongside dharmamūdra, samayamudrā, and karmamudrā. Skt. महामुद्रा Tib. ཕྱག་རྒྱ་ཆེན་པོ།

gotra - Disposition, lineage, or class; an individual's gotra determines the type of enlightenment one is destined to attain. Skt. गोत्र Tib. རིགས་ Ch. 鍾姓,種性

tha mal gyi shes pa - A Mahāmudrā term for the basic state of consciousness that has not been fabricated or altered in any way. Tib. ཐ་མལ་གྱི་ཤེས་པ་

tha mal gyi shes pa - A Mahāmudrā term for the basic state of consciousness that has not been fabricated or altered in any way. Tib. ཐ་མལ་གྱི་ཤེས་པ་

Uttaratantra - The Ultimate Continuum, or Gyü Lama, is often used as a short title in the Tibetan tradition for the key source text of buddha-nature teachings called the Ratnagotravibhāga of Maitreya/Asaṅga, also known as the Mahāyānottaratantraśāstra. Skt. उत्तरतन्त्र Tib. རྒྱུད་བླ་མ་ Ch. 寶性論

ātman - Though it can simply be used as the expression "I" or "me", in Indian thought the notion of self refers to a permanent, unchanging entity, such as that which passes from life to life in the case of people, or the innate essence (svabhāva) of phenomena. Skt. आत्मन् Tib. བདག་ Ch. 我,灵魂

anātman - The nonexistence of the self as a permanent, unchanging entity. Skt. अनात्मन् Tib. བདག་མེད་པ་ Ch. 无我

ātman - Though it can simply be used as the expression "I" or "me", in Indian thought the notion of self refers to a permanent, unchanging entity, such as that which passes from life to life in the case of people, or the innate essence (svabhāva) of phenomena. Skt. आत्मन् Tib. བདག་ Ch. 我,灵魂

tathatā - Suchness itself, absolute reality, or thusness, as in the ultimate state of being of phenomena. Skt. तथता Tib. དེ་བཞིན་ཉིད་

gotra - Disposition, lineage, or class; an individual's gotra determines the type of enlightenment one is destined to attain. Skt. गोत्र Tib. རིགས་ Ch. 鍾姓,種性

tathatā - Suchness itself, absolute reality, or thusness, as in the ultimate state of being of phenomena. Skt. तथता Tib. དེ་བཞིན་ཉིད་

These are the root verses of the Uttaratantra attributed to Maitreya by the Tibetan tradition.

These are the root verses of the Uttaratantra attributed to Maitreya by the Tibetan tradition.

sūtra - Sūtras mainly refer to the discourses delivered by the Buddha and his disciples, and the Sūtra corpus is one of the three main sets of teachings which form the Buddhist canon. Skt. सूत्र Tib. མདོ། Ch. 佛经

The Awakening of Faith is a key source text for buddha-nature theory in East Asian Buddhism.

Uttaratantra - The Ultimate Continuum, or Gyü Lama, is often used as a short title in the Tibetan tradition for the key source text of buddha-nature teachings called the Ratnagotravibhāga of Maitreya/Asaṅga, also known as the Mahāyānottaratantraśāstra. Skt. उत्तरतन्त्र Tib. རྒྱུད་བླ་མ་ Ch. 寶性論

Geluk - The Geluk tradition traces its origin to Tsongkhapa, who propagated a modified version of the Kadampa lojong and lamrim teachings. It is the dominant tradition of Tibet, having established its control of the government under the figure of the Dalai Lama. Tib. དགེ་ལུགས་

sūtra - Sūtras mainly refer to the discourses delivered by the Buddha and his disciples, and the Sūtra corpus is one of the three main sets of teachings which form the Buddhist canon. Skt. सूत्र Tib. མདོ། Ch. 佛经

tantra - Tantra, when juxtaposed with Sūtra, generally refers to the scriptures and texts which discuss esoteric topics. While the term is used to refer to texts on other topics, it is mostly used to refer to the genre of scriptures and texts on themes and topics associated with Vajrayāna Buddhism. Skt. तन्त्र Tib. རྒྱུད། Ch. 密宗

Madhyamaka - Along with Yogācāra, it is one of the two major philosophical schools of Mahāyāna Buddhism. Founded by Nāgārjuna around the second century CE, it is rooted in the Prajñāpāramitā Sūtras, though its initial exposition was presented in Nāgārjuna's Mūlamadhyamakakārikā. Skt. मध्यमक Tib. དབུ་མ་ Ch. 中觀見

sems nyid - Commonly found in Dzogchen and Mahāmudrā literature, this term denotes the true, natural state of mind as it is. Often used in these traditions as a synonym for buddha-nature. Skt. चित्तत्व Tib. སེམས་ཉིད་

Gampopa's famous work on the stages of the Buddhist path.

Kadam - The Kadam tradition, which traces its origin to the teachings of Atiśa, was the first of the so-called New Schools of Tibetan Buddhism, traditions which arose during or after the Second Propagation of Buddhism (phyi dar) in the tenth century. Tib. བཀའ་གདམས་

Tsen Tradition - Tsen Khawoche's "meditative tradition" of exegesis of the Uttaratantra; it is one of two major Tibetan traditions of exegesis, both stemming from students of Sajjana. Tib. བཙན་ལུགས་

paryudāsapratiṣedha - A negation that denies one thing in such a way that it clearly implies another. Skt. पर्युदासप्रतिषेध Tib. མ་ཡིན་དགག་

Yogācāra - Along with Madhyamaka, it was one of the two major philosophical schools of Mahāyāna Buddhism. Founded by Asaṅga and Vasubandhu around the fourth century CE, many of its central tenets have roots in the Saṃdhinirmocanasūtra and the so-called third turning of the dharma wheel (see tridharmacakrapravartana). Skt. योगाचार Tib. རྣལ་འབྱོར་སྤྱོད་པ་ Ch. 瑜伽行派

ālayavijñāna - A neutral base consciousness that is posited as the storehouse for the seeds of past karmic actions in which they remain in a latent state until the circumstances arise for them to ripen as karmic consequences. Skt. आलयविज्ञान Tib. ཀུན་གཞིའི་རྣམ་ཤེས་ Ch. 藏識,阿賴耶識

śūnyatā - The state of being empty of an innate nature due to a lack of independently existing characteristics. Skt. शून्यता Tib. སྟོང་པ་ཉིད་ Ch. 空,空門

svabhāva - The nature or essence of a thing, which originates only from itself and is not dependent on any external entities, causes, or conditions. Skt. स्वभाव Tib. རང་བཞིན་ Ch. 自性

paratantrasvabhāva - The second of the three natures, according to the Yogācāra school. It is the dependent nature that is used to describe the relationship between mind and its objects, though there is a clear emphasis on the latter. Hence, this nature is concerned with the nature of seemingly external objects that arise in dependence upon causes and conditions. Skt. परतन्त्रस्वभाव Tib. གཞན་དབང་གི་རང་བཞིན་

svasaṃvedana - An important term for the Yogācāra that refers to a consciousness of consciousness itself, or how one knows that they know something. It was a hotly debated topic that was disputed by followers of the Madhyamaka. In Tibet it would later become a common Dzogchen term, though with the entirely different meaning of one's own innate awareness (rig pa), a crucial concept in the Dzogchen teachings. Skt. स्वसंवेदन Tib. རང་རིག་ Ch. 自證分

Dzogchen - Dzogchen is an advanced system of meditation techniques to reveal the innate state of perfection primarily, but not exclusively, espoused by the Nyingma Buddhist tradition and the Tibetan Bön tradition. Skt. महासन्धि Tib. རྫོགས་ཆེན།

rang stong - The state of being empty of self, which references the lack of inherent existence in relative phenomena. Tib. རང་སྟོང་

gzhan stong - The state of being devoid of that which is wholly different rather than being void of its own nature. The term is generally used to refer to the ultimate, or buddha-nature, being empty of other phenomena such as adventitious defiling emotions but not empty of its true nature. Tib. གཞན་སྟོང་

Nyingma - The Nyingma, which is often described as the oldest tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, traces its origin to Padmasambhava, who is said to have visited Tibet in the eighth century. Tib. རྙིང་མ་

sarvākāravaropetāśūnyatā - As opposed to a mere voidness, this phrase refers to an emptiness that is endowed with enlightened qualities and attributes. Tib. རྣམ་ཀུན་མཆོག་ལྡན་གྱི་སྟོང་པ་ཉིད་

Nyingma - The Nyingma, which is often described as the oldest tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, traces its origin to Padmasambhava, who is said to have visited Tibet in the eighth century. Tib. རྙིང་མ་

paramārthasatya - "Ultimate truth" or "absolute truth"; the reality of things as they truly are. Skt. परमार्थसत्य Tib. དོན་དམ་བདེན་པ་ Ch. 第一義諦,眞諦

tantra - Tantra, when juxtaposed with Sūtra, generally refers to the scriptures and texts which discuss esoteric topics. While the term is used to refer to texts on other topics, it is mostly used to refer to the genre of scriptures and texts on themes and topics associated with Vajrayāna Buddhism. Skt. तन्त्र Tib. རྒྱུད། Ch. 密宗

These are the root verses of the Uttaratantra attributed to Maitreya by the Tibetan tradition.

gotra - Disposition, lineage, or class; an individual's gotra determines the type of enlightenment one is destined to attain. Skt. गोत्र Tib. རིགས་ Ch. 鍾姓,種性

guṇapāramitā - In the Śrīmālādevī Siṃhanāda Sūtra it is explained that the dharmakāya of a buddha possesses the four perfect qualities of purity, bliss, permanence, and self. Skt. गुणपारमिता Tib. ཡོན་ཏན་ཕ་རོལ་ཏུ་ཕྱིན་པ་ Ch. 功德波羅蜜

rgyu'i rgyud - The mind's natural mode that abides as suchness, which remains unchanged from the state of an ordinary being up until enlightenment. Tib. རྒྱུའི་རྒྱུད་

tridharmacakrapravartana - Three successive stages of the Buddhist teachings. Though they are traditionally attributed to the historical Buddha, modern scholarship tends to view them as developmental stages that occurred over the course of an extended period of time, with interludes of several centuries, in which we see major doctrinal shifts often based on seemingly newly emergent scriptural sources. Skt. त्रिधर्मचक्रप्रवर्तन Tib. ཆོས་འཁོར་རིམ་པ་གསུམ་

rang stong - The state of being empty of self, which references the lack of inherent existence in relative phenomena. Tib. རང་སྟོང་

bodhi - Enlightenment or awakening. In Tibetan it is translated as "purified" (byang) and "perfected" (chub), which corresponds to Siddhartha Gautama's achievement of purifying all obscurations and perfecting or attaining all qualities associated with a buddha. Skt. बोधि Tib. བྱང་ཆུབ་ Ch. 菩提,悟,覺

An important sūtra source for the Ratnagotravibhāga, particularly for its discussion of the nine examples that illustrate how all sentient beings possess buddha-nature.

buddhadhātu - A synonym for tathāgatagarbha widely used throughout the East Asian Buddhist traditions, as found in its translations as the Chinese term fó xìng and Japanese term busshō. Skt. बुद्धधातु Tib. སངས་རྒྱས་ཀྱི་ཁམས་ Ch. 佛性

One of the sūtra sources for the Ratnagotravibhāga, which is only extant in its Chinese translation.

One of the more prominent sūtra sources for the Uttaratantra, this text tells of the story of Śrīmālādevī taking up the Buddhist path at the behest of her royal parents based on a prophecy of the Buddha.

"This sūtra became an important scriptural source for the discussion of buddha-nature in China and is famous for associating the term buddhadhātu with tathāgatagarbha.

One of the tathāgatagarbha sūtras.

One of the tathāgatagarbha sūtras.

Descent into Laṅka Sūtra, a very influential text in East Asia and Nepal.

ekayāna - The notion that ultimately there is only one vehicle, or means, of achieving enlightenment. Skt. एकयान Tib. ཐེག་པ་གཅིག་པ་ Ch. 一乘

gzhan stong - The state of being devoid of that which is wholly different rather than being void of its own nature. The term is generally used to refer to the ultimate, or buddha-nature, being empty of other phenomena such as adventitious defiling emotions but not empty of its true nature. Tib. གཞན་སྟོང་

dharmadhātu - The fundamental expanse from which all phenomena emerge. Skt. धर्मधातु Tib. ཆོས་དབྱིངས་ Ch. 法界

prakṛtisthagotra - The potential for awakening that is inherently present in all beings. Skt. प्रकृतिस्थगोत्र Tib. རང་བཞིན་གནས་རིགས་ Ch. 本性住種性

Great Madhyamaka - The term Great Madhyamaka is utilized in different contexts depending on the tradition. In the Jonang tradition, it generally refers to the Zhentong Madhyamaka philosophy as it was developed and systematized by Dölpopa. In this context, the Great Madhyamaka refers to the presentation of ultimate truth, while Madhyamaka describes the emptiness of the relative level of truth. In the Nyingma tradition, Great Madhyamaka refers to the subtle, inner Madhyamaka that unifies the philosophical positions of Nāgārjuna and Asaṅga. This is presented in opposition to the coarse, outer Madhyamaka that is the dialectic approach of Prāsaṅgika and Svātantrika. In the Kagyu tradition, the term is used in a similar vein in that Madhyamaka is used to refer to philosophical inquiry, while Great Madhyamaka is used to refer to the view arrived at through yogic accomplishment. However, in all of these traditions, Great Madhyamaka is heavily associated with buddha-nature (tathāgatagarbha) and the definitive status of these teachings. Skt. महामध्यमक Tib. དབུ་མ་ཆེན་པོ་

trisvabhāva - According to the Yogācāra school, all phenomena can be divided into three natures or characteristics: the imaginary nature (parikalpitasvabhāva), the dependent nature (paratantrasvabhāva), and the perfect or absolute nature (pariniṣpannasvabhāva). Skt. त्रिस्वभाव Tib. རང་བཞིན་གསུམ་

rang stong - The state of being empty of self, which references the lack of inherent existence in relative phenomena. Tib. རང་སྟོང་

paratantrasvabhāva - The second of the three natures, according to the Yogācāra school. It is the dependent nature that is used to describe the relationship between mind and its objects, though there is a clear emphasis on the latter. Hence, this nature is concerned with the nature of seemingly external objects that arise in dependence upon causes and conditions. Skt. परतन्त्रस्वभाव Tib. གཞན་དབང་གི་རང་བཞིན་

parikalpitasvabhāva - The first of the three natures, according to the Yogācāra school. It is the imaginary nature which is falsely projected onto an object out of confusion. Skt. परिकल्पितस्वभाव Tib. ཀུན་བཏགས་ཀྱི་རང་བཞིན་

pariniṣpannasvabhāva - The third of the three natures, according to the Yogācāra school. It is the perfect nature that represents the most authentic understanding of phenomena, which is classically defined as the complete absence of the imaginary nature within the dependent nature. Skt. परिनिष्पन्नस्वभाव Tib. ཡོངས་སུ་གྲུབ་པའི་རང་བཞིན་

paramārthasatya - "Ultimate truth" or "absolute truth"; the reality of things as they truly are. Skt. परमार्थसत्य Tib. དོན་དམ་བདེན་པ་ Ch. 第一義諦,眞諦

saṃvṛtisatya - "Relative truth" or "conventional truth"; the erroneously perceived reality common to the unenlightened. Skt. संवृतिसत्य Tib. ཀུན་རྫོབ་བདེན་པ་ Ch. 世俗諦,俗諦

triyāna - Commonly seen in a Mahāyāna context, the three vehicles are the Śrāvakayāna, Pratyekabuddhayāna, and Bodhisattvayāna, which reference the three different types of Buddhist practitioners. However, these three vehicles can also reference the three types of Buddhist teachings of the Hīnayāna, Mahāyāna (or Pāramitāyāna), and the Vajrayāna. Skt. त्रियान Tib. ཐེག་པ་གསུམ་ Ch. 三乗

triyāna - Commonly seen in a Mahāyāna context, the three vehicles are the Śrāvakayāna, Pratyekabuddhayāna, and Bodhisattvayāna, which reference the three different types of Buddhist practitioners. However, these three vehicles can also reference the three types of Buddhist teachings of the Hīnayāna, Mahāyāna (or Pāramitāyāna), and the Vajrayāna. Skt. त्रियान Tib. ཐེག་པ་གསུམ་ Ch. 三乗

ekayāna - The notion that ultimately there is only one vehicle, or means, of achieving enlightenment. Skt. एकयान Tib. ཐེག་པ་གཅིག་པ་ Ch. 一乘

dharmakāya - "Truth body" or "true being" — One of the three bodies of a buddha. In Mahāyāna Buddhism, it often refers to a kind of fundamental principle or the true nature of reality itself. Skt. धर्मकाय Tib. ཆོས་སྐུ་ Ch. 法身

MN - Majjhimanikāya

Ngok Tradition - Ngok Lotsāwa Loden Sherab's "analytic tradition" of exegesis of the Uttaratantra; one of two major Tibetan traditions of exegesis, both stemming from students of Sajjana. Tib. རྔོག་ལུགས་

dharmatā - The true nature of phenomenal existence. Skt. धर्मता Tib. ཆོས་ཉིད་ Ch. 法性

kun gzhi - Although it is commonly used as an abbreviation of ālayavijñāna (kun gzhi'i rnam shes), in later Tibetan traditions, particularly that of the Kagyu and the Nyingma, it came to denote an ultimate or pure basis of mind, as opposed to the ordinary, deluded consciousness represented by the ālayavijñāna. Alternatively, in the Jonang tradition, this pure version is referred to as ālaya-wisdom (kun gzhi'i ye shes). Skt. आलय Tib. ཀུན་གཞི་

trikāya - The three enlightened forms of a buddha one attains when one becomes fully enlightened. They include the truth body (dharmakāya), enjoyment body (saṃbhogakāya), and the emanation body (nirmāṇakāya). The three bodies comprise the many qualities and powers associated with buddhahood and thus are the result sought through Mahāyāna Buddhist practice. Skt. त्रिकाय Tib. སྐུ་གསུམ། Ch. 三身

samudānītagotra - A potential or disposition that is acquired, accentuated, or developed through past karmic actions. Skt. समुदानीतगोत्र Tib. རྒྱས་འགྱུར་གྱི་རིགས་ Ch. 習所成種性

niḥsvabhāva - Lacking inherent existence. Skt. निःस्वभाव Tib. ངོ་བོ་ཉིད་མེད་པ་

svasaṃvedana - An important term for the Yogācāra that refers to a consciousness of consciousness itself, or how one knows that they know something. It was a hotly debated topic that was disputed by followers of the Madhyamaka. In Tibet it would later become a common Dzogchen term, though with the entirely different meaning of one's own innate awareness (rig pa), a crucial concept in the Dzogchen teachings. Skt. स्वसंवेदन Tib. རང་རིག་ Ch. 自證分

trisvabhāva - According to the Yogācāra school, all phenomena can be divided into three natures or characteristics: the imaginary nature (parikalpitasvabhāva), the dependent nature (paratantrasvabhāva), and the perfect or absolute nature (pariniṣpannasvabhāva). Skt. त्रिस्वभाव Tib. རང་བཞིན་གསུམ་

paramārthasatya - "Ultimate truth" or "absolute truth"; the reality of things as they truly are. Skt. परमार्थसत्य Tib. དོན་དམ་བདེན་པ་ Ch. 第一義諦,眞諦

byams chos sde lnga - This refers to a series of five texts that, according to the Tibetan tradition, Asaṅga received directly from Maitreya in the pure realm of Tuṣita. Tib. བྱམས་ཆོས་སྡེ་ལྔ་

guṇa - The qualities or attributes of an enlightened being. Skt. गुण Tib. ཡོན་ཏན་ Ch. 功德

bīja - A seed, commonly used figuratively in the sense of something which has the potential to develop or grow, and likewise as the basic cause for this development or growth. Skt. बीज Tib. ས་བོན་ Ch. 無漏種

neyārtha - Refers to something that is taught for a specific reason, rather than because it is entirely true. Skt. नेयार्थ Tib. དྲང་དོན་

sugatagarbha - Literally, the "essence" or "heart of the Bliss Gone One(s)," a synonym for tathāgatagarbha that is likewise often rendered into English by the term buddha-nature. Though it is often back translated into Sanskrit as sugatagarbha, this term is not found in Sanskrit sources. Skt. सुगतगर्भ Tib. བདེ་གཤེགས་སྙིང་པོ་

pratītyasamutpāda - The notion that all phenomena arise in dependence on causes and conditions. Skt. प्रतीत्यसमुत्पाद Tib. རྟེན་ཅིང་འབྲེལ་བར་འབྱུང་བ་,རྟེན་འབྲེལ་ Ch. 緣起

pratītyasamutpāda - The notion that all phenomena arise in dependence on causes and conditions. Skt. प्रतीत्यसमुत्पाद Tib. རྟེན་ཅིང་འབྲེལ་བར་འབྱུང་བ་,རྟེན་འབྲེལ་ Ch. 緣起

tathāgatagarbha - Buddha-nature, literally the "womb/essence of those who have gone (to suchness)." Skt. तथागतगर्भ Tib. དེ་བཞིན་གཤེགས་པའི་སྙིང་པོ་ Ch. 如来藏

prabhāsvaratā - In a general sense, that which clears away darkness, though it often appears in Buddhist literature in reference to the mind or its nature. It is a particularly salient feature of Tantric literature, especially in regard to the advanced meditation techniques of the completion-stage yogas. Skt. प्रभास्वर Tib. འོད་གསལ་ Ch. 光明

bodhicitta - The altruistic thought to seek enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings. It is said to have two aspects: compassion aimed at sentient beings and their problems and the wisdom of enlightenment as the solution. Skt. बोधिचित्त Tib. བྱང་ཆུབ་སེམས། Ch. 菩提心

Kālacakra - Can refer to either the Kālacakra Tantra and its derivative texts or to the systematic tantric tradition based on these texts, as well as the deity Kālacakra upon which the associated practices are centered. Skt. कालचक्र Tib. དུས་ཀྱི་འཁོར་ལོ། Ch. 時輪

In Sanskrit, "Stainless Light," the most important commentary on the Kālacakra Tantra',' attributed to Puṇḍarīka.

gotra - Disposition, lineage, or class; an individual's gotra determines the type of enlightenment one is destined to attain. Skt. गोत्र Tib. རིགས་ Ch. 鍾姓,種性

original enlightenment - According to East Asian Buddhism, the intrinsic enlightenment of all sentient beings. This is obscured by the many stains present in the ālayavijñāna. When these are purified, the natural state of enlightenment is recovered, a status known as "actualized enlightenment." Ch. 本覺

prabhāsvaratā - In a general sense, that which clears away darkness, though it often appears in Buddhist literature in reference to the mind or its nature. It is a particularly salient feature of Tantric literature, especially in regard to the advanced meditation techniques of the completion-stage yogas. Skt. प्रभास्वर Tib. འོད་གསལ་ Ch. 光明

Uttaratantra - The Ultimate Continuum, or Gyü Lama, is often used as a short title in the Tibetan tradition for the key source text of buddha-nature teachings called the Ratnagotravibhāga of Maitreya/Asaṅga, also known as the Mahāyānottaratantraśāstra. Skt. उत्तरतन्त्र Tib. རྒྱུད་བླ་མ་ Ch. 寶性論

kleśa - Often referred to as poisons, these are a class of disturbing or disruptive emotional states that when aroused negatively affect or taint the mind. Skt. क्लेश Tib. ཉོན་མོངས་ Ch. 煩惱

Bodhisattva - A person who seeks enlightenment for the sake of others. In Mahāyāna Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is a compassionate being who is training on the path to Buddhahood and aspires to eliminate the suffering of all beings and take all sentient beings to the state of enlightenment. The Mahāyāna sūtras including those on buddha-nature generally have Bodhisattvas as the main audience or interlocutors for the Buddha's discourses. Skt. बोधिसत्त्व Tib. བྱང་ཆུབ་སེམས་དཔའ། Ch. 菩薩

kleśa - Often referred to as poisons, these are a class of disturbing or disruptive emotional states that when aroused negatively affect or taint the mind. Skt. क्लेश Tib. ཉོན་མོངས་ Ch. 煩惱

The Awakening of Faith is a key source text for buddha-nature theory in East Asian Buddhism.

Yogācāra - Along with Madhyamaka, it was one of the two major philosophical schools of Mahāyāna Buddhism. Founded by Asaṅga and Vasubandhu around the fourth century CE, many of its central tenets have roots in the Saṃdhinirmocanasūtra and the so-called third turning of the dharma wheel (see tridharmacakrapravartana). Skt. योगाचार Tib. རྣལ་འབྱོར་སྤྱོད་པ་ Ch. 瑜伽行派

The Awakening of Faith is a key source text for buddha-nature theory in East Asian Buddhism.

tathatā - Suchness itself, absolute reality, or thusness, as in the ultimate state of being of phenomena. Skt. तथता Tib. དེ་བཞིན་ཉིད་

Kagyu - The Kagyu school traces its origin to the eleventh-century translator Marpa, who studied in India with Nāropa. Marpa's student Milarepa trained Gampopa, who founded the first monastery of the Kagyu order. As many as twelve subtraditions grew out from there, the best known being the Karma Kagyu, the Drikung, and the Drukpa. Tib. བཀའ་བརྒྱུད་

pratītyasamutpāda - The notion that all phenomena arise in dependence on causes and conditions. Skt. प्रतीत्यसमुत्पाद Tib. རྟེན་ཅིང་འབྲེལ་བར་འབྱུང་བ་,རྟེན་འབྲེལ་ Ch. 緣起

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