Nagarjuna Cultural Center

The Avalokiteshvara Mantra, also known as the Six-Syllable Mantra, embodies the boundless compassion of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.

The Lion’s Roar: Exposition of Buddha-Nature New Course Launch.

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Master's Teachings (Los Angeles Time)

Fri Immeasurable Life Sutra Sat The Lion’s Roar: Exposition of Buddha-Nature

Senior Practitioners’ Teachings (Thailand Time)

Mon Eight Verses for Training the Mind Tue Treasury of Valid Cognition Wed Four Hundred Stanzas on the Middle Way (Catuḥśataka) Thu The Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra) Fri Ngöndro / Immeasurable Life (C)

May 2026 Chiang Mai Thailand

May 1–21, 2026: Three-week meditation retreat in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Chinese New Year 2026 San Diego USA

March Spring Festival Chan Retreat in Nagarjuna Cultural Center's San Diego Retreat Center.

October 2025 Chiang Mai Thailand

October 2025 Meditation retreat，the main venue in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Participate in Vesak Day commemoration activities

Cognition and Expression Part One

Beyond logical arguments, Buddhists offer meditation as a powerful avenue for exploring the non-computational nature of cognition.

Cognition and Expression Part Two

One prominent distinction between Eastern and Western philosophy lies in the approach to cognition: while Western philosophy relies on the senses, Eastern philosophy emphasizes the cessation of the senses for transcendent cognition.

Cognition and Expression Part Three

Why discuss these differences? As Buddhist disciples, our practice aims to pursue consciousness cognition. We need to understand what consciousness cognition truly entails.

The Relationship Between Buddhist Theory and Practice

Buddhist theory encompasses both teachings and practices.

Three Ways of Generating Bodhicitta（Part One）

There are three ways of generating bodhicitta. The first is the king-like aspiration: I will first attain Buddhahood, and then lead all sentient beings to Buddhahood. The second is the ferryman-like aspiration: Like a ferryman who carries everyone across the river, I will attain Buddhahood together with all sentient beings. The third is the shepherd-like aspiration: May all sentient beings attain Buddhahood first, I shall become a Buddha only after the last one has done so.

Why Can Conceptual Bodhicitta Gradually Become Genuine?

A firm and stable bodhicitta is one of the prerequisites for entering the Accumulation Path (saṃbhāra-mārga). This is because the mind possesses an intrinsic capacity for connection: our motivation links together everything we do under its influence. The motivation behind an action determines the corresponding result. This is what we commonly call dependent origination (pratītyasamutpāda).

Even Conceptual Bodhicitta Is Precious

Therefore, although today we distinguish between conceptual bodhicitta and genuine bodhicitta, as followers of the Mahāyāna, we should always hold the very term bodhicitta in the deepest reverence. Even conceptual bodhicitta should never be dismissed or treated lightly.

Over A Decade of Practice, Yet Still Unhappy Upon Seeing Others: What Went Wrong

If one lacks even the slightest intention to serve others, is unwilling to endure even a small loss for others’ benefit, yet constantly proclaims, “For the benefit of all sentient beings, I vow to attain Buddhahood,” then who is being deceived?

Does Buddhism Permit Seeking Human and Heavenly Blessings?

Does Buddhism permit the seeking of human and heavenly blessings? The answer is yes. However, Buddhism also points out that this orientation is neither complete nor ultimate. Why? Because no matter how perfect such blessings may seem, from the perspective of impermanence, their final outcome is still suffering.

Four Stages of Madhyamaka Practice

The First Stage: Consider All Phenomena are Empty in Nature The Second Stage: Consider Emptiness is Phenomena The Third Stage: Considers Dependent Origination as the Absence of Mental Fabrications The Fourth Stage: Consider Free of Mental Fabrications as Equipoise-nature

How Can One Obtain Human and Heavenly Blessings Through Buddhism?

Seeking human and heavenly blessings is not especially difficult. One needs only a certain degree of devotion, the keeping of basic ethical precepts, the arising of sincere faith, and the making of offerings within one’s capacity—for example, supporting temples, monastics, and accomplished teachers; making offerings above and giving charity below; releasing animals, practicing generosity, or serving as a volunteer.

Is Enlightenment Meaningful?

Enlightenment is an extraordinarily remarkable attainment. Particularly within Tibetan Buddhism, it signifies the possibility of attaining Buddhahood during the intermediate state (bardo) and becoming forever liberated from saṃsāra. Today, people tend to regard billionaires or presidents as extraordinarily successful, yet from a Buddhist perspective, such achievements are not especially significant.