Hi all,

With Tibetan New Year (Losar) falling last week, and the Dalai Lama announcing his resignation from the political aspect of his role this week, my new articles are both focused on Tibetan Buddhism. I promise that in coming weeks I will be focused on other traditions as well.

Vajrayana or Tantric Buddhism
Vajrayana or Tantric Buddhism, found in both Tibetan and Japanese schools, is an esoteric form of Buddhism emphasizing direct transmission of teachings and the possibility of enlightenment in this lifetime.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art20763.asp

The Future of the Dalai Lama
The current Dalai Lama, leader of the Tibetan people, is in his 70s, triggering concerns about who will succeed him and how they will be chosen. He has also recently resigned from the political aspect of his role. Learn why and what this means.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art46931.asp

Feel free to weigh in in the forum: http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=351 .

In closing, here is a traditional Tibetan refuge prayer, sometimes renewed at Losar:

I take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the supreme Sangha,
Until I attain Enlightenment.
By the merit I accumulate from practicing generosity and the other perfections,
May I attain Enlightenment in order to benefit all living beings.

In Peace,
Lisa Erickson
Buddhism Editor
http://buddhism.bellaonline.com

One of hundreds of sites at BellaOnline.com