Tibetan Buddhism: The Elegant Mind

Beneath the Bodhi tree, as the morning star rose, the veil of human illusion dissolved like mist. The boundaries of Siddhartha’s skin vanished, revealing the universe not as separate fragments, but as a single, luminous tapestry where every creature's sorrow and every flower's joy flowed together.

In that breathless moment, the heavy burdens of desire and fear fell away, and he stepped out of the cycle of shadows to awaken as the Buddha—his mind as vast and unshakeable as the sky.

Here is a luminous account of the 'suchness' experience of the Buddha's enli...

Reflection upon a foundational Diamond Sutra verse yields a clear and relevant message to those on the Mahayana path: Each and every sentient being is equally worthy of our attention, caring, cherishing, virtuous intentions and actions.

This understanding -- from which the great mind of Equanimity, compassion's fertile ground, arises and abides -- is profoundly empowering. 

Feel free to allow your most inclusive visions to emerge and clarify, discover and embrace perspectives beyond your (no longer) comfortably confining mind boundaries, let your imagination soar . . .

Sentient beings come in all bodies, shapes, colors and s...

Indra’s Jewel Net is a profound metaphor from Hindu and Buddhist philosophy representing the infinite, intra-connected and interpenetrating nature of all reality.    For your consideration, here are some characterizations of trees as they are: vital arboreal participants in the essence of Indra's metaphorical jewels.   Each tree, as part of the ecosystem reflects the entire universe  (just as each jewel in Indra's Net reflects every other jewel and the net as well), accordingly, every individual tree reflectively contains the entire forest environment, i.e., their 'Net'.     While separate entities, no tree is isolated; each is a microcosm of the whole, encompass...

As much as Tibetan Buddhism is an intrinsic aspect of the Himalaya, so too are those mysterious beings known to the world as the Yeti. 

Recalling the devastating earthquake(s) that struck Nepal more than 10 years ago (April 2015), here's a "might have been" tale for your consideration.

(Length: 16 minutes)

Written and shared here by Mark Winwood, a member of the teaching faculty at Naropa University (Boulder, CO) and founder/curator of the Tibetan Buddhist study/practice group 'Chenrezig Project' . . . with music composed and performed by the renowned SF Bay-area musician Bobby Vega.

This time of year can be difficult for many -- obligatory family gatherings, stress, pressure, stale relationships, contrived cheer, awkward communications, discomfort.

But consider: perhaps there's no more fertile setting for meaningful Dharma practice -- and the profound rewards that accompany it -- than with and within our own families.  

-- Herein, a tale in which a modern day Bodhisattva provides thoughtful perspectives regarding some not-so-uncommon holiday challenges . . . 

(Length: 17 minutes)

Written and shared here by Mark Winwood, an adjunct faculty member at Naropa University (Boulder, CO) and founder/curator of the Che...

Ignorance, Anger, Confusion, Greed, Jealousy, Arrogance, Cynical close-mindedness, Laziness, Disturbances, Wrong views, Low self-esteem, Fear . . . 

***

In Buddhism they are known as Kleshas, mental hindrances that cloud our mind, setting the stage for unwholesome (i.e., self-grasping sourced) intentions and actions.

Unwelcome stimulants, they are persistent -- sneaky, lurking, powerful -- like highway robbers, always ready to pounce . . . contaminating our perspectives while bringing about unfavorable moods, motivations and vulnerabilities.

But, while cunningly virulent, their nature is impermanently transient . . . they're just thoughts; fleeting, here one moment then gone the next, at times stubborn b...

"Omniscience" -- defined by Merriam-Webster as "having infinite awareness, understanding and insight; possessed of universal or complete knowledge."

Otherwise known in our Mahayana perspectives as perfectly evolved wisdom, compassion and a  complete understanding of everything that could ever be understood in order to fully awaken; to become a brilliantly pure 'helper' of other beings . . . aka Buddhahood.

Fact or fiction?  Fairy tale, wishful thinking or Buddhist contemplative mind-science?  Is this each sentient beings' (yes, including yours) attainable potential, our embryonic "True Nature" . . . or an imaginatively egoistic dream-scape?  

Some are doubtful, others skeptical or cynical, and t...

Direct Experiential Realization, often identified in Buddhist thought as requisite 'kin' to the Awakening Mind; slippery to describe with words alone . . . not referring to intellectual understandings or belief systems, perhaps best understood as authentic, unmediated experience(s) of reality.

Join us in an accessible discussion of Direct (and Indirect) Realizations; we unpack 'wisdom' notions from the Heart Sutra; the non-dual perspectives reflected within the Avatamsaka (aka Flower Garland) Sutra, the role of intellect and related practical how-to's included-in and emerging-from Shamatha (calm abiding) and Vipassana (insight) meditation practices.

(Length: 25 minutes)

The Elegant Mind...

For your consideration: core Buddhist philosophy, primarily focusing on the Four Noble Truths (including the Eightfold Path) and the authentic learning/empowerment(s) of direct experience.

-- Includes a discussion on the Dukkha-provoking, mistaken-views/notions of ‘Self', practical thoughts on karmic inclinations, Nirvana and the 'Sixteen Aspects of the Four Noble Truths', a teaching said to have been shared by Asanga, the influential Buddhist philosopher in the 4th century CE.

(Length: 25 minutes)

The Elegant Mind is presented by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, with music composed and performed by the renowned SF Ba...

'TEACHERS' (aka those we learn from) . . . are everywhere, and always have been.

Consider the people you've encountered while traveling along the path(s) of your life -- both in your past and those who are here now.

Try to clear your mind of feelings of attachment and/or aversion and ask yourself, with an openly honest heart: “What has this person and/or situation taught me? How have they influenced me, enabling me to be the best person I am today?"

Be patient with this, allow contemplation . . . perhaps you will experience an expanding cl...

Can cultivating genuine kindness and compassion actually make/keep us physically healthier?

Stress-created/supported  chronic inflammation is a stubborn low-level attack on our body, it causes significant wear-and-tear over time and is linked to many diseases (i.e., heart disease, diabetes, etc.) as well as some neuro-degenerative conditions.

But what if a collection of consistent Tibetan Buddhist mind-training contemplative/meditative methodologies  ('Lojong') could actually lower our oft-automatic inflammatory responses to various everyday stressors . . . cultivating and maintaining authentically greater, deeper physical health?

Ancient Wisdom practices > Modern Psychology > Physiological Medicine . . . 

Interconnectedly powerful?  For your...

A brief, accessible and practical discussion on Forgiveness: Compassion's unsung -- and often misunderstood -- hero.

Far from being a sign of weakness or acceptance of wrongdoing (which is often how so many people instinctively view it), forgiveness isn't about ignoring suffering or condoning harmful misdeeds, nor is it weak or powerless.

Forgiveness is a courageous, sometimes difficult mind/heart-felt activity that enables us to let go of stubbornly abiding fear, anger and resentment . . . and here's the 'thing': we don't forgive for any other person's sake, but profoundly for our own Benefit, our own Freedom...

Disbelief, Wariness, Incredulity . . . 

There are many Mahayana Buddhist perceptions and perspectives, notions and insights, practices and methodologies that on the (worldly/samsaric) surface initially might not make sense . . . ideas requiring an open mind in order to penetrate and allow the practical understandings that arouse our curiosity and interest sufficient to lean-in abit and engage -- bringing deeper learning, more penetrating contemplative experiences . . . and progressively awakening moments.

For your consideration . . . a questioning mind is an essential catalyst for both intellectual alertness and developing confidence in one's spiritually innate qualities.  

(Length: 18 minutes)

The Ele...

Ongoing advances in Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), most recently -- and explosively -- led by China's DeepSeek scientists, have stunned the tech/financial world in ways splashed about as pivotal 'wake-up' or 'Sputnik' moments.

Certainly, we live in rapidly shifting times . . . but perhaps there ARE things more practically meaningful than global/political/market cyber-tech developments.

For your consideration: here's a brief discussion of what -- beyond the epochal A.I. algorithms -- authentically engaged, high-performance 'DeepSeek'ing Dharma can awaken/manifest in each of us . . . compliments of our very own human Mind.

(Length: 14 minutes)<...

Visualize a vast railroad terminal resembling New York's Grand Central Station, with freshly deceased people entering all the time, mulling around, eventually trudging from the station waiting room toward the track on which their departure train sits, ready to take them on the journey through the Bardo of Becoming to their next rebirth.

Consider: While we will all be there one day, the specific train for which each of us is ticketed differs, and the experiences of our time upon it -- as well as the individual conditions awaiting at our destination -- are not randomly assigned...

This time of year can be difficult for many -- obligatory family gatherings, stress, pressure, stale relationships, contrived cheer, awkward communications, discomfort.

But consider: perhaps there's no more fertile setting for meaningful Dharma practice -- and the profound rewards that accompany it -- than with and within our own families.  

-- Herein, a tale in which a modern day Bodhisattva provides thoughtful perspectives regarding some not-so-uncommon holiday challenges . . . 

(Length: 16 minutes)

Presented by Mark Winwood, an adjunct faculty member at Naropa University (Boulder, CO) and founder of the Chenrezig Project, with music com...

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Years ago, a Tibetan craftsman created the Thangka for her, presenting a luminous Gautama Buddha surrounded by empowering deities and Dharma protectors.

She's spent abundant meditative hours in the Thangka's presence; fondly sitting with it, adoring and appreciating it as one would a most precious friend.

In all their time together, the Buddha had remained Nobly silent, never audibly speaking to her . . . until today. 

(Length: 12 minutes)

Written and presented by Mark Winwood, a faculty member at Naropa University in Boulder, CO  and founder of the Chenrezig Project, wi...

Call it what you will: enlightenment, realization, awakening, illumination, profound maturity, sageness, bliss . . . noble and empowering . . . brilliant and humble . . . courageous and practical . . . the 'stuff' of poetry.  

Cultivating the enlightening mind is, for those who venture in its direction with diligence and authenticity, an adventurous journey on the path toward that which is most profoundly -- and exquisitely -- down-to-earth. 

(Length: 11 minutes)

Written and shared here by Mark Winwood, on the teaching faculty at Naropa University (Boulder CO)  and the founder of the Chenrezig Project (mwinwood@gmail.com) with musical accompaniment by San Francisco Bay-area musician Bob...

Ignorance, Anger, Confusion, Greed, Jealousy, Arrogance, Cynical Doubt, Laziness, Wrong Views, Low Self Esteem, Fear.

In Buddhism these are known as Kleshas, mental hindrances that cloud our mind, setting the stage for unwholesome (i.e., self-centered) intentional actions.

They are stubborn -- sneaky, lurking -- like highway robbers, always ready to pounce . . . contaminating our perspectives while bringing about unfavorable moods and vulnerabilities.

But they are transient . . . just thoughts, and so . . . enter Lojong (Tibetan mind training).

(Length: 12 minutes)

Written and shared here by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project (mwinwood...

We often cannot change our external environment. We certainly cannot change many (or most) of the people we encounter.

But Mindfulness practice can lead us to clearly 'see' -- and help us to genuinely understand -- what is happening in the present moment (i.e., as it is happening) rather than being confused and/or lost in our thoughts, opinions and reactions.

Through experiential mindfulness, we can insightfully change in remarkable ways.

And consider: once we are changed, everything changes.

(Length: 17 minutes)

Written and shared here by Mark Winwood...

From a divine 17th century French Canadian cathedral . . .  to a young couple presenting Medicine Buddha-oriented offerings in the midst of northern Colorado's 'Rawah Wilderness' -- a tale of bountiful faith and practice touching distant times and realms.

(Length: 14 minutes)

Written and shared here by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project (mwinwood@gmail.com), with musical accompaniment by San Francisco Bay-area musician Bobby Vega in collaboration with Chris Rossbach.

"Tonglen" is a Tibetan term that implies 'exchanging oneself with others’.

It refers to a meditation practice found in Himalayan/Mahayana Buddhism which allows the awakening of genuine compassion. "Tong" translates as 'giving or sending', and "len" as 'receiving or taking.'

Tonglen practice is experiential; it gradually wears away our habitually obsessive grasping at a false sense of self (e.g., stubborn ego fixation / relentless identification with the personality).

Through meditative visualization(s), Tonglen effectively reverses our familiar pattern of avoiding suffering and seeking pleasure. As this occurs, we finally liberate ourselves fr...

Reflections on Buddhist Dharma, Indra’s Jewel Net and the Trees with which we share our planet . . . as metaphor for the vast intra-connectedness of phenomena, ideas and life.

Since all things are intimately -- and infinitely -- intertwined with one another, every action is echoed throughout time and space, creating a butterfly effect across the cosmos . . . and practically, within each moment of our experience(s).

Let your contemplative imagination take wing . . . 

(Length: 14 minutes)

Written by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project.  Accompanying music composed and performed by the renowned San Francisco Bay...

For your contemplation: Appreciative thoughts and kindness-empowering visualizations are shared in this gentle meditation.

As the River flows . . .  May all beings be happy -- May all beings be safe -- May all beings be well -- May all beings be peaceful and at ease.

Sit comfortably, focus, center . . . approach and enter your meditative mind.  Or simply listen. 

(Length: 28 minutes)

Written and shared here by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project.

It is auspicious awareness for Dharma practitioners to remain mindful of how each of our lifetime's event/moments present opportunities for empowering wisdom to arise and abide.

Then, as insights blossom, long-held perspectives and self-oriented attitudes, no longer useful or relevant, may transform in vastly unexpected ways.

Consider: the flourishing of these insights -- and how we engage with them -- depends on no one but ourselves.

(Length: 13 minutes)

Written and shared here by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project with accompanying music composed and performed by the San Francisco Bay-area...

The inherently potent merging of Tibetan Buddhism-supported mind states, in concert with the vibrational qualities of Sanskrit sounds and syllables, provides a direct, enriching stimulus to the energies -- and results -- of our Dharma practice.

This has been understood and experienced by practitioners for centuries, who will recite teachings and prayers in their own Tibetan language but have preserved and practice their mantra recitations in Sanskrit, knowing a mantra's intrinsic 'merit' lies mainly in its vibrational qualities rather than in any psychological meaning that society, culture, civilization or humans have placed on it.

But...

Everything is changing, advancing . . . collectively and individually . . . moment-by-moment.

Until instinctive insights begin to manifest, reactions to impermanence set many of our challenges into motion, swirling into what Siddhartha termed afflictive mind-states (aka kleshas) of "dukkha" – ignorance-sourced confusions and complications leading to insecurity,  discontent, stress, anxiety . . . catchword “suffering”.

But with understanding comes appreciation and, once embraced, impermanence becomes profoundly fertile . . . vast and empowering . . . bringing forth perpetual opportunities . . . fluid, evolving, blossoming.

Impermanence -- it's the Greatest Show on Earth . . . fantastically alive . . . playing non-stop, both outside and inside your mind.

(Length: 12.5 minutes)

Written...

Visualize a vast railroad terminal resembling New York City’s Grand Central Station, with newly dead people entering all the time, mulling around, eventually moving from the waiting room toward the track on which their departure train sits, ready to take them away on a sojourn through the Bardo of Becoming to their next destination.

And while we will all be there one day, the specific train for which each of us is ticketed differs, and the experiences of our journey upon it -- as well as the conditions resident within our destination -- are not randomly de...

The legendary Lao Tzu was living and teaching a harmonious way of being -- simple, modest and true -- traveling throughout China centuries before Siddhartha's birth.

Upon achieving enlightenment, Siddhartha Buddha refined, deepened and shared similar ways to all who were inclined to listen. Then, after his death, these teachings were assembled and gradually morphed into what we today know as Buddhism's Mahayana curriculum.

The teachings of Lao Tzu . . . 

The awakened Bodhisattva path . . . 

Both so ancient, yet so relevant today.

(Length: 13 minutes)

Written by Mark Winwood of th...

Consider: How convenient would it be to have a 'Karma' Replay Command Center into which we could call when needed to replay an action or moment we had participated in? 

An at-the-ready 'redo' button for any occurrence that, upon reflection, we'd like to correct or fix the 'why' or 'how' we behaved with others . . . and thereby repairing or 're-contenting' the unwholesome karmic seed that had been planted in our mindstream.

Nice to have?  You bet.

Useful?  Sure thing.

Necessary?  Let's talk . . .

(Length: 12 minutes)

Written by Mark Winwood of t...

"How does my mind work?"

It was a question posed to the 21st Century Bodhisattva at the conclusion of a teaching.

After pausing to collect her thoughts, the Bodhisattva smiled softly and began to speak not only about the experiential mechanics of mind-flow, but of the path of progressive engagement that empowers one to begin to understand for themself.

(Length: 14 minutes)

Written by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, with accompanying music composed and performed by the SF-bay area musician Bobby Vega.

The historians tell us Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, lived more than 2,500 years ago in Northern India. Having uncovered and freed the enlightened mind, it is said he taught the path of similar achievement to others for 45 years, until his death at the age of 80.

Precious work, done remarkably well; obviously the Buddha and his teachings have had a uniquely far-reaching impact.

But consider: While affirming and honoring Siddhartha's awakened accomplishments, perhaps Buddhas are a little more 'everyday' . . . ? 

(Length: 12 minutes)

Written by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, with accompanying music co...

Posed by a student to the 21st Century Bodhisattva at the conclusion of a teaching:

"There's this nagging question, What do I want? The truth is, it's slippery. How can I ever know what I truly want when everything is always changing . . . including my flip-flopping mind, the basis of my entire experience?"  

"Do you have any advice for me?"

After some moments of thought the Bodhisattva began to speak . . . 

(Length: 15 minutes)

Written by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, with accompanying music composed and performed by the SF-bay area mus...

Absolutely everything (i.e., anything) we can point to as 'this' or 'that' is occurring in a dynamically ever-changing manner . . . organic . . . on the fly . . . at times seemingly chaotic . . . the sum of its parts . . . perpetually compiling and re-compiling . . . including the profoundly complex occurrences we refer to as You and Me and Us.

All phenomena emanate from a myriad of causes . . . sounds, tastes, aromas, sights, thoughts, feelings . . . aggregated causes give rise to effects, which then evolve into the causes for new effects . . . on and on . . . ad infinitum.

The methodological science of this process of "dependent origination" resides...

Reflection upon a foundational Diamond Sutra verse yields a clear and relevant message to those on the Mahayana path: Every sentient being is equally worthy of our attention, caring, cherishing, virtuous intentions and actions.

This understanding -- from which the great mind of equanimity, compassion's fertile ground, arises and abides -- is profoundly empowering. 

Feel free to allow your most inclusive visions to emerge and clarify, discover and embrace perspectives beyond your (no longer) comfortable mind boundaries, let your imagination soar . . .

Sentient beings come in all bodies, shapes, colors and sizes . . . and we a...

This time of year can be difficult for many -- obligatory family gatherings, stress, pressure, stale relationships, contrived cheer, discomfort.

But consider: perhaps there's no more fertile setting for meaningful Dharma practice than within our own families.

Because while time shared with those with whom we're most familiar can be challenging, it just might present our greatest opportunities for wholesome growth, and the profound rewards that accompany it.

-- Herein, a tale in which a modern day Bodhisattva provides some thoughtful perspectives . . . 

(Length: 16 minutes)

Presented by Mark Winwood of t...

Teachers -- those we learn from; they are everywhere . . . and always have been.

Consider the people of your life -- in your past and those who are here now.

Try to clear your mind of feelings of attachment and/or aversion and ask yourself, with an openly honest heart: “What has this person taught me? How have they influenced me, enabling me to be the person I am today?"

Be patient with this, allow contemplation . . . perhaps you will experience the clarity through which you see and appreciate them (and yourself) in increasingly -- an...

A Tibetan craftsman created the Thangka for her, depicting a luminous Buddha surrounded by empowering deities and Dharma protectors.

Over the years she has spent many hours in its presence; fondly sitting with it, adoring and appreciating it as one would a precious friend.

The Buddha at its center had never spoken to her.

Until now.

(Length: 12 minutes)

Presented by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, with music composed and performed by the renowned SF Bay-area musician Bobby Vega.

Finally . . . tangible proof.

Announcing: a product that confirms Karma does exist, via a boundless system of seeds (or traces of directional disposition) that both 'plant' and 'blossom' in every moment of consciousness, within all minds.

Introducing Apple's new mobile app >> the i-Karma Kounter.

It's groundbreaking -- driven by complex, proprietary algorithms; a real-time overseer of individual behaviorism, right on your smartphone . . . a perfectly awakened collaboration of technology, personal psychology and Buddhist mind-science . . . practical for anyone interested in reliable 'tap-the-app' Self Knowing at any/all times.

** Yes, this is a parody, but...

In our rush to purchase and consume, everything becomes commodity, and we often forget about -- if we ever considered them at all -- the sources from which our desired goods and products come.  And we easily ignore all that has been done to bring them to us . . . even when extreme hardships have been endured.

Please don't allow that to happen with the profoundly empowering teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, for which deepest appreciation and gratitude for so many is warranted.

(Length: 11 minutes)

Presented by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, with music composed a...