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: 50

The Double Dorje: Modern Vajrayana Buddhism.
Podcast Episodes
Paraphernalia - Bits and Bobs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:12
Note: the next episode, no 44, will be the last of Season 1. Season 2 is in the works! Buddhism is all about simplicity, isn’t it? Well, no, at least not when it comes to Tibetan style Buddhism. The very essence may be s…
Termas and Tertons - Treasures from Out There! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:29
Termas and tertons – spiritual treasures and their finders – are an inescapable feature of some branches of Tibetan Buddhism. Come along for the magical ride! A phurbu A ngagpa, undoubtedly a practitioner of termas.Note…
Tulkus – what’s THAT about? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:00
Most traditions of Buddhist practice have nothing that resembles the tulku tradition. In the Tibetan traditions, you can’t get away from them. What are they? And what are they good for? Karma Pakshi, one of the first tul…
Bitten by the Ghosts of the Stones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:03
Come with me over the plains of Amdo in a little blue and white bus 30 years ago. We have a couple of dozen pilgrims, two Chinese drivers and a supply of diamox. Should be fine! Stupa at Benchen Words or phrases you migh…
Bread and Butter Verses [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:18
Some verses you'll hear again and again. Not a definitive list – there ain’t no such thing. But if you know these by heart and can join the recitation at the drop of a hat, you will achieve one great thing: you will look…
What is the Lama for? Actually? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:36
Q: Is the lama your boss? Big daddy? Friend? Mate? Therapist? A: Mostly not Then what? Words or phrases you might want to look up: Jamgon Kongtrul Treasury of Knowledge Longchen Rabjampa #Buddhism #Vajrayana #DoubleDorje…
Empowerments [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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, Ermä…
Am I a vajrayana practitioner? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:40
Or are you a vajrayana practitioner? Is it a question of rites and rituals and pictures and mantras? Or is it something deeper? Empowerment card showing a vajra Words or phrases you might want to look up: Vajrayana Samay…
Namo Buddha - best of three? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:18
Namo Buddha - the smallest, but perhaps most beautiful, of the three stupas of the Kathmandu valley: Where the Buddha is said to have sacrificed himself to a tigress: And where this temple, study and retreat centre now s…
Ultimate Practices? Mahamudra and Dzogchen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:26
Mahamudra and dzogchen are often spoken of as the “highest” practices of Tibetan Buddhism. How very exciting! Are they really? What does “highest” mean anyway? And what is the difference between mahamudra and dzogchen? M…