Buddhism for Beginners

There is a deep prejudice in the West that has become almost invisible to us: the idea that one’s spiritual life is somehow separate from the rest of one’s life. This results in the habit of denial about the truth of our situation and we are literally paralyzed on the Path. We are trapped by the narcotic of samsaric living, seduced into a feeling of safety. Jetsunma brings us the Buddha’s heart te...

Growing up in a materialistic culture, being taught to "be all that you can be", actually produces obstacles to the path to enlightenment. The definition of neurotic is acting in a way that is inappropriate according to reality. The Buddha teaches that this "self" into whose pockets you are putting things, is an erroneous concept. Instead, Jetsunma advises how, through the prac...

Each of us has our own "perceptual bubble", describes Jesunma Ahkon Lhamo, as she unveils for us the dynamics of how we perceive, and react to, everything around us.  Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

One of the first things we hear about in Buddhism is "turning the mind to Dharma". This is a study of the first teachings of the Buddha. Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo walks us through this process, and explains how necessary it is to motivate us on the path.  Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

The Buddha teaches us that the root of all suffering is desire. We've all had the experience of fulfilling one desire only to be overcome with the next. Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo helps us unravel this endless loop to look at how we can begin to pacify this thirst in our minds. Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

The basis for understanding your true nature is Bodhicitta - the compassionate intent to benefit all beings. Kindness then becomes the essence of your practice. Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo guides us in understanding how this works.  Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

Since all of us have the Buddha nature intact within us, we are all equal. How we can practice that is addressed by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo in this teaching on the reality of who we are. Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

How does one fight desire in our minds? In this teaching, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo teaches the way of the compassionate warrior. Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

What is karma? In this teaching, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo explains how the interdependence of cause and effect affects our lives. Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

It takes extraordinary effort to lift out of suffering and reach enlightenment. On the way, you rely on the lineage, the Guru, and the knowledge of cause and result. Then step by step, you will reach your goal. Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

In this teaching, focusing on the supports of Dharma, and the treasure they represent, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo explains that in truth, the Lama never leaves you. Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

In this teaching, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo takes us through the steps that will support and lead to our own enlightenment as well as those who have hopes of us. Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

One of the few successful programs in treating substance abuse has been AA. Jetsunma explains how the AA method can be applied to our addiction to samsara.  Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

In this live teaching from 1991, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo, following His Holiness Penor Rinpoche,  opens the doors to the sphere of truth; sharing with us the qualities of activity expressed by the Dakini. Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

In this teaching, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo gives us an in-depth understanding of the Buddhist concept of merit and how it works in our lives. Through lucid explanation and example, Jetsunma shows us how meritorious intention and activity can lead us swiftly on the path to Buddhahood. Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

There is a whole world outside of our concepts. Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo gives us the keys to unlocking it.  Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo not only explains the logic of the equality of all beings, she takes us through various ways to experience our sameness.  Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

The "Four Noble Truths" was the first teaching given by the Buddha. In it he describes the truth of suffering, the end of suffering and the path out of suffering. Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo shows us that applying these teachings in our lives will bring good results and increase our happiness.  Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

Growing up in a materialistic culture, being taught to "be all that you can be", actually produces obstacles to the path to enlightenment. The definition of neurotic is acting in a way that is inappropriate according to reality. The Buddha teaches that this "self" into whose pockets you are putting things, is an erroneous concept. Instead, Jetsunma advises how, through the prac...

In traditionally Buddhist countries in the East, concepts like emptiness and Bodhicitta are common knowledge. Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo explains how the fact that we did not grow up with this mind-set gives us a disadvantage, and how to work through it. For more resources and teachings you can visit www.tara.org Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

Awakening to enlightenment involves breaking habits we have had since "time out of mind". Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo gives us some methods using the Buddha's teachings that will help us accomplish our goal. Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

Have you ever wondered what makes up those "voices in your head"? They arise from discursive thought and Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo takes us through the process of identifying their cause, and applying their antidote. Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo explains clearly what it means to be a Buddhist and take refuge in the 3 jewels. Contrasting that is how we actually live our lives. This leads us to decision time. Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

Ever wonder why Buddhists talk so much about "merit" or "virtue"? Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo answers these questions and explains what merit is, why you need it, and what to do to get it and keep it. Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org

Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo takes us through the steps that will support and lead to our own enlightenment as well as those who have hopes of us.  This teaching was originally given on 4/27/1999 Support the show For more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org