Metaphors for buddha-nature

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Topic: Metaphors for buddha-nature

Books

Book
Buddha Nature (Shamar)
14th Shamar Rinpoche's teachings on the Uttaratantra using the 3rd Karmapa's text, Revealing Buddha Nature.
Draszczyk, Martina, trans. Buddha Nature: Our Potential for Wisdom, Compassion, and Happiness. By Shamar Rinpoche. Lexington, VA: Bird of Paradise Press, 2019.

Articles

Article
The Clarity Aspect
When the Buddha taught that all beings have buddhanature, says Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, he wasn’t contradicting the teachings on emptiness—he was clarifying them.
Khyentse, Dzongsar. "The Clarity Aspect." Buddhadharma: The Practitioner's Quarterly, June 17, 2017.
Article
The Sky Dragon's Profound Roar
This teaching on “The Sky Dragon's Profound Roar,” by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche was generously given in response to a special request for teachings by the Nalandabodhi Sangha on October 10, 1999, on the campus of Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. Ari Goldfield served as Rinpoche’s translator. Edited by Cindy Shelton and Amita Gupta, with assistance by Meg Miller.
Gyamtso, Khenpo Tsultrim. "The Sky Dragon's Profound Roar." Teaching given on October 10, 1999 at Naropa University, Boulder, Colorado. Translated by Ari Goldfield. Edited by Cindy Shelton and Amita Gupta, with assistance by Meg Miller. Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamsto: Teachings and Activities (website). Accessed Sept. 24, 2020. http://www.ktgrinpoche.org/teachings/selected-teachings.
Article
Vajrayana Explained
Many people find the Vajrayana teachings strange and confusing, but they offer a direct path to enlightenment. In this teaching, the late Karma Kagyu master Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche — who died on October 6, 2019 — presents a clear explanation of Vajrayana and its main practices of generation and completion, based on a song by the great seventeenth-century yogi, Karma Chakme Rinpoche.
Karthar, Khenpo. "Vajrayana Explained." Buddhadharma: The Practitioner's Quarterly, October 21, 2019.

Interviews

Interview
Buddha-Nature and the Great Perfection in the 11-14th Centuries by David Germano
Karma Phuntsho and David Germano discuss buddha-nature in Dzogchen, early Nyingma tantras, termas, Nyingtik Teachings, and touch on the commentarial writings of Longchenpa and others.

David Germano is the Executive Director of the Contemplative Sciences Center at the University of Virginia. He has taught and researched Tibetan and Buddhist Studies at the University of Virginia since 1992. He is currently focused on the exploration of contemplative ideas, values, and practices involving humanistic and scientific methodologies, as well as new applications in diverse fields; he also holds a faculty appointment in the School of Nursing. He has been a leader in the field of Tibetan Buddhist studies for many years and has long immersed himself in Dzogchen teachings and texts.
Germano, David. "Buddha-Nature and the Great Perfection in the 11-14th Centuries." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, Aug 27, 2022. Video, 1:31:23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5avSvomtFM.
Interview
Elizabeth Callahan Interview on Buddha-Nature
Elizabeth Callahan discusses buddha-nature and its related concepts in an interview with Marcus Perman of Tsadra Foundation.
Interview
Matthieu Ricard: Conversations on Buddha-Nature
In this online interview, the first of a series titled "Conversations on Buddha-Nature," Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho and Matthieu Ricard discuss the meaning of buddha-nature, Matthieu's first encounter with buddha-nature teachings, whether buddha-nature is a seed to be cultivated or something that must be revealed, and whether it is possible to enhance the qualities of buddha-nature without meditation and practice. In addition to these topics, Matthieu also answers questions from the attendees.
Ricard, Matthieu. “Matthieu Ricard: Conversations on Buddha-Nature." Interview by Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Conversations on Buddha-Nature Series 1. October 24, 2020. Video, 1:07:51. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MurIM00GwUc.
Interview
The Purpose of the Buddha-Nature Teachings by Anne Burchardi: Conversations on Buddha-Nature
Anne Burchardi and Lopen Karma Phuntsho discuss the purpose of the buddha-nature teachings in the context of Kagyu and Nyingma traditions and beyond. Handout Available: See an artist's modern rendition of the traditional examples of buddha-nature from the sutras.
Burchardi, Anne. "The Purpose of the Buddha-Nature Teachings." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, December 18, 2021. Video, 1:06:43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmSkPtq3nRg.

Multimedia

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.
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
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
David Germano: On the Aesthetics of Dzogchen and the Vajra as a Metaphor for Buddha-Nature
Germano, David. "On the Aesthetics of Dzogchen and the Vajra as a Metaphor for Buddha-Nature." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, Aug 27, 2022. Video, 10:04. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbaPwLvgW8c.
Germano, David. "On the Aesthetics of Dzogchen and the Vajra as a Metaphor for Buddha-Nature." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, Aug 27, 2022. Video, 10:04. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbaPwLvgW8c.
Video
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, 7th. "Discovering Buddha Nature." Produced by Tergar Learning Community, April 7, 2014. Video, 1:48. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srRcHz9jVrg.
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
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
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
Karl Brunnhölzl: On the Eighth Karmapa Mikyö Dorje's View of Buddha-Nature
Brunnhölzl, Karl. "On the Eighth Karmapa Mikyö Dorje's View of Buddha-Nature." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, February 26, 2022. Video, 8:06. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hI5lAoX4Os.
Brunnhölzl, Karl. "On the Eighth Karmapa Mikyö Dorje's View of Buddha-Nature." Conversations on Buddha-Nature with Lopen Dr. Karma Phuntsho. Produced by the Tsadra Foundation Research Department, February 26, 2022. Video, 8:06. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hI5lAoX4Os.
Video
We Are Frozen
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Video
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.
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.

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

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

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

"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.

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

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

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