The goal of Buddhism is a state of lasting, unconditional happiness known as enlightenment. To bring us to this state, Buddhism points us to lasting values in this impermanent world and gives us valuable information about how things really are. Through understanding the law of cause and effect, using practical tools like meditation to gain [. . .]

The historical Buddha was born in approximately 570 BC in Northern India. After a long search, in deep meditation he recognised the nature of mind and reached enlightenment. The Buddha’s teachings, which make beings fearless, joyful and kind, are the main religion in several East Asian countries. Since the early seventies, the profound Buddhist view, [. . .]

What did Buddha Teach? Buddha taught on what exists ultimately and on what is conditioned, in a way that is directly relevant to our daily lives. Understanding this makes the experience of lasting happiness possible. Buddhism does not proclaim dogmas, but encourages critical questioning. Through the right meditations, the intellectual understanding of the teachings becomes [. . .]

Meditation in a Buddhist context means ‘effortlessly resting in the here and now’. This state can be achieved through methods such as ‘calm abiding’ and ‘insight’ meditation; by working with inner energies; or through focussing on Buddha forms of energy and light. The most effective way however is to identify with one’s own Buddha nature [. . .]

Karma means ‘cause and effect’. It is not ‘destiny’ or ‘fate’. Everyone is responsible for their own life and shapes it through thoughts, words and actions. This understanding enables one to consciously create impressions that lead to happiness and avoid future suffering. Useful karma that has not ripened yet can be strengthened by using the [. . .]

What is liberation and enlightenment? Liberation means to recognise that one’s body, thoughts and feelings are in a state of constant change and hence cannot form a real ‘I’. One no longer experiences oneself as the target, which is the cause of all suffering. From this state, full enlightenment naturally follows. Here the clear light [. . .]

Buddhism offers “effective methods that lead to a direct experience of mind,” says Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, one of the most experienced teachers of Tibetan Buddhism. Buddha’s teachings are like a diamond – unchangeable in nature, yet reflecting the color of the ground upon which it is laid. In this way, without losing their essence, the [. . .]

Karma Kagyu is one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. As a lineage of direct oral transmission, it especially emphasises meditation, and through interaction with a qualified teacher can bring about the full and direct experience of the nature of mind. The Karma Kagyu methods were taught by the historical Buddha Shakyamuni to his [. . .]