Sonam chophel blog

  The establishment of Samye Monastery is a key moment in Tibetan history, traditionally attributed to the efforts of three important figures known as the Khenlop Chosum, the Three Great Ones. These three are: 1. Santaraksita (Khenpo Bodhisattva) – A renowned Indian Buddhist scholar and abbot who was invited to Tibet by King Trisong Detsen. He played a crucial role in the philosophical foundation of Tibetan Buddhism, helping to establish the monastic tradition and Buddhist education in Tibet. 2. Guru Padmasambhava (Lopon Rinpoche) – Also known as Guru Rinpoche, he is considered the second Buddha in the Nyingma tradition. Padmasambhava is credited with introducing Tantric Buddhism to Tibet and subduing the local deities and spirits that were obstructing the spread of Buddhism. 3. King Trisong Detsen (Chogyal) – The Tibetan emperor who reigned during the 8th century and who is credited with inviting Śāntarakṣita and Padmasambhava to Tibet. He was instrumental in establishing Buddhism...

 The conflict between Milarepa, the famous Tibetan yogi and disciple of Marpa, and the Bonpo master Naro Bonchung (also spelled Narochung), is a well-known legend from Tibetan spiritual history. This story takes place at Mount Kailash, a sacred mountain to both Buddhists and followers of Bon, an indigenous Tibetan spiritual tradition. During the 11th century, both the Bon and Buddhist traditions were striving to establish their spiritual dominance in Tibet. Bon, being the older indigenous tradition, found its legitimacy challenged by the rapid spread of Buddhism. The story of the contest between Milarepa and Naro Bonchung symbolizes the clash between these two traditions. Milarepa and Naro Bonchung both wished to claim Mount Kailash as the sacred domain of their respective traditions. To settle the matter, they agreed to a spiritual duel involving a race to the summit of the mountain. Whoever reached the peak first would gain spiritual authority over the region. Naro Bonchung, a po...

 Early Life on milarepa Milarepa, originally named Thopaga, was born into a wealthy family in a village in Tibet. His early life was comfortable, but his father died when he was young. Milarepa uncle and aunt took control of the family wealth, leaving his mother, sister, and him in poverty. Out of bitterness and resentment, his mother urged him to learn black magic to exact revenge on their relatives. Milarepa became adept at dark arts under the guidance of a sorcerer and carried out his mother’s wishes, killing many people, including some relatives, through a magical storm. Though he succeeded in gaining vengeance, he was deeply troubled by the immense harm he had caused. Realizing the karmic consequences of his actions, Milarepa was overwhelmed with guilt and sought redemptions. Seeking a way to atone for his sins, Milarepa sought out spiritual guidance. He eventually became the disciple of the great Tibetan Buddhist master Marpa, also known as "the Translator." Marpa was k...

 1/ Hinayana or less vehicles, which focus on individual liberation through personal efforts and wisdom. Hinayana main goals is to achieve arhatship which means a fully enlighten being who has broken the cycle of life and death. Hinayana practice a strict monastic discipline, meditation and ethical conduct . 2/ Mahayana which means greater vehicle focus on enlighten for all living being and not just for individual liberation. Mahayana goals is to achieve bodhisattva. Mahayana practice compassion and wisdom. 3/ vajaryana which means diamond vehicle which  on speedy path of enlightenment using esoteric practice and ritual. Vajaryana main goal is to achieve Buddhahood in a single lifetime through tantric practice.

 The Eightfold Path is a fundamental teaching in Buddhism, part of the Fourth Noble Truth, which outlines the path to end suffering (dukkha) and achieve enlightenment (nirvana). It provides practical guidance for ethical and mental development. The eight aspects are often divided into three categories: wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline. Here's a breakdown: 1. Right View (Samma Ditthi) – Wisdom Understanding the nature of reality and the Four Noble Truths (suffering, its cause, its cessation, and the path leading to its cessation). 2. Right Intention (Samma Sankappa) – Wisdom Developing the right intentions and motivations, such as renunciation, goodwill, and harmlessness. 3. Right Speech (Samma Vaca) – Ethical Conduct Speaking truthfully, avoiding lies, gossip, harsh speech, and slander. 4. Right Action (Samma Kammanta) – Ethical Conduct Acting in ways that are ethical and non-harmful, which includes avoiding killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct. 5. Right Livelihoo...

 The life of lord Buddha, he was born in lumbini. Siddhartha was born into royal family, his father was king suddhodana who ruled the shakaya clan. His mother, queen Maya passed away shortly after his birth. Siddhartha grew up in luxury and his father wanted him to follow the royal path rather than becoming spiritual leader. At the age of 16, Siddhartha married princess yashodhara and gave birth to a son Rahula. Despite being wealthy Siddhartha felt an inner discontent. His curiosity about life outside the place, let him to several journeys.  One day he encountered four sights, which change his life. An old man, a sick man, a dead man and an ascetic. Those four encountered made him realize the suffering that exists in human life. At the age of 29, Siddhartha renounce his loyal life, leaving behind his wife, child and kingdom to pursue enlightenment. He spent six years in ascetic practice hoping to find the answer to suffering.  Siddhartha settled under bodhi tree in bodhi...