Emptiness. Or nothing?

Emptiness. Or nothing?

Author: Alex Wilding December 18, 2024 Duration: 20:19

Emptiness (shunyata, or tongpa in Tibetan) is an utterly core theme in Buddhist teaching. When we first hear about it, we usually don’t have much idea what it’s about at all. We may mistake it for some kind of void, or a teaching that nothing matters because “everything is empty”. Can we get a handle on it without years of study?

Words or phrases you might want to look up:

  • Perfection of Wisdom
  • Shunyata (spellings in English vary)
  • Prajnaparamita (spellings in English vary)
  • Skandhas
  • William Dalrymple - “From the Holy Mountain”
  • Tetralemma
  • Vajra slivers
  • Prajñaparamita (sutras)
  • Tathagata
  • Edward Conze
  • Manjushri

I noticed that the language of Conze's translations that I quoted is gendered in a way we would probably not be comfortable with these days. Do remember that he was working on these materials in the middle of the last century.

#Buddhism #Vajrayana #DoubleDorje #Emptiness #Shunyata #Prajnaparamita

 

Prajnaparamita as the Mother of all the Buddhas

And I forgot to mention in the podcast itself, none other than...

Nagarjuna


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.
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