Empowerments

Empowerments

Author: Alex Wilding January 22, 2025 Duration: 20:32

Empowerments – what happens?

You’ve been to a Buddhist ceremony. Perhaps you knew it was an empowerment. Whatever does that mean? Are you cooked?

Words or phrases you might want to look up:

  • Einweihung
  • Ermaechtigung, Ermächtigungsgesetz
  • Wang
  • Lung
  • Tri
  • Khata

The seed-syllable HRIH


Hosted by Alex Wilding, The Double Dorje: Modern Vajrayana Buddhism explores what it means to walk a tantric path today. This isn't a theoretical study, but a grounded conversation about integrating profound teachings into everyday life. The focus here is often on the lay practitioner's journey, delving into the roles and experiences of Ngagapas-householder yogis-and the living traditions of the Nyingma school. Each episode grapples with the real questions that arise when ancient practices meet contemporary complexities, from managing relationships and work to navigating doubt and discovery. You'll hear discussions on scripture, ritual, and meditation, but always through the lens of practical application. The aim is to demystify Vajrayana without diminishing its depth, offering a space for sincere exploration. This podcast serves as a companion for those curious about how these potent teachings can transform not just one's inner world, but the way we move through the modern one. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered how the esoteric becomes embodied in the ordinary.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 60

The Double Dorje: Modern Vajrayana Buddhism.
Podcast Episodes
Jyekundo / Yushu: travelling in East Tibet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:51
A traveller's tale from eastern Tibet three decades ago! The great prayer wheel at Mani Dunkhor. Some words you might like to look up: Sakya Mala Vajra Yushu Jyekundo Mani-Dunkhor Trisong Detsen Śāntarakṣita #Buddhism #V…
Lost and lonely in samsara [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:04
Refuge, the Three Jewels and the Bodhisattva vow... Words or phrases you might want to look up: Refuge (Buddhist) Dharma Sangha Three Jewels Bodhisattva Bodhicitta Perfect Conduct – Ascertaining the Three Vows (by Dudjom…
Bad gurus, tosh gurus and good gurus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:51
A heavy criticism of the whole "Shambhala" cult, describing the behaviour of Chogyam Trungpa and his chief defender, Pema Chodron, recently went viral on the net. I had intended to express some thoughts about these issue…
The Four Revolting Thoughts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:11
More often called the "Four Thoughts to Turn the Mind": precious human birth, impermanence, karma and suffering. Something to think about Approximate text at the Blue Sky blog Words or phrases you might want to look up:…
The Mantra of Guru Rinpoche - with tunes! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:03
The Guru Rinpoche (or "Vajra Guru") mantra. Includes four tunes for singing! Approximate script at my blog #Buddhism #Vajrayana #Tibet #DoubleDorje #tantra #mahamudra #dzogchen #lama #mantra #meditation #nyingma #kagyu #…
Tantra - is it all about sex? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:48
To what degree does sex have anything to do with Buddhist tantra? Terms you might want to look up: Tantra Guru Rinpoche Milarepa Niguma Vajrayogini Lobsang Rampa Tummo Vajrayana Dakini Sangyum Approximate script availabl…
Going to "take teachings". Eh? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:13
What do Buddhist practitioners and students mean when they go to "take teachings"? What to expect, how to feel comfortable. Picture irrelevant - but charming! Approximate script may be found at this blog post #Buddhism #…
The colours of the mantra go round and round... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:14
Another look at the mani (OM MANI PEME HUNG). The six syllables, their six colours, and the six worlds. Plus a description for anyone who might be confused about clockwise, anticlockwise, facing in, facing out... Approxi…
How is a sadhana built? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:05
What is the structure of a typical sadhana practice? What parts must it have, what can it have, and how do they fit together? Approximate script with possible variations and errors, is at the Blue Sky, White Clouds blog.…
Spooky beings - is anybody there? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:07
Tibetan Buddhist practice refers a lot to beings on "the other side" who might help or hinder. Do we have to believe in them in order to practice? Gyalpo Losar Approximate script can be found at this blog Words you might…