What is Liberation and Enlightenment?

In the process of achieving Liberation, one first discovers that body, thoughts, and feelings are in a constant state of change and flux. There is therefore no basis for a real existing ego or 'self.' Realizing that, one stops feeling like a target and thus stops taking one's suffering personally. Enlightenment is the second and ultimate step. Here, the clear light of mind radiates through every experience. In every moment mind enjoys its self-arisen abilities and everything becomes spontaneous and effortless.

What are the Differences Between Buddhist Schools?

The historical Buddha Shakyamuni gave 84,000 teachings for people to reach enlightenment. His methods include meditation, the study of philosophy, psychology, skillful debate, and above all, the cultivation of a pure view in all situations. All Buddhist methods develop mind's inherent richness and clarity enabling people of varying interests and abilities to avoid suffering and find lasting happiness. His students who wanted to avoid suffering received the Theravada or "Minor Way", instructions about cause and effect. Those who wanted to do more for others were given the Mahayana or "Major Way," the teachings on wisdom and compassion. And when people had strong confidence in their own and other's Buddha nature, Buddha taught them the Vajrayana or "Diamond Way." In Buddhism, one distinguishes between these three main "vehicles."

Theravada Buddhism places great importance on calming and focusing the mind. The goal is liberation from all suffering, conditioned existence or "samsara." This occurs through realizing that the "self" is not of a lasting nature. Without this understanding, liberation cannot be reached. It emphasizes the avoidance of all harmful actions. This form of Buddhism took root predominately in Southern Asia and prevailed largely in monastic communities. Today it is practiced by lay people as well.

Mahayana Buddhism, The Great Vehicle, is especially for those living full lives in family and society. It holds vast teachings on Buddhist philosophy and psychology and aims for full enlightenment through the development of compassion and wisdom. One generates the bodhisattva attitude, the wish to benefit countless beings, and recognizes the inherent "emptiness" of all outer and inner phenomena. Since situations, thoughts and feelings change all the time, they are ultimately empty of any lasting reality.

Zen Buddhism is related to the Great Vehicle. In the practice of Zen, one simplifies one's life, sits for long periods of time in a non-distracted state, and ponders paradoxical questions known as koans. These methods help to free mind from habitual intellectual tendencies and allow spontaneous insights to arise.

The Diamond Way or Vajrayana Buddhism is Buddha's ultimate teaching. By using methods with and without form, he initiated his students into the experience of their inherent Buddha nature. In Tibet, the Diamond Way was mainly transmitted through the "Red Hat" schools. Here, the teacher is the direct link to enlightenment, and is considered as important as the Buddha himself. The view is that all phenomena are inherently pure, and that enlightenment is our natural state. What makes Diamond Way unique is the variety of methods or "skillful means" to attain full enlightenment. The methods consist of the different levels of the Tantras, and of Mahamudra, The Great Seal. Through identification with one's own Buddha nature, both in meditation and in everyday life, realization unfolds effortlessly. Mind's potential expresses itself fully when there is no longer a separation between the perceiver, that which is perceived, and the perception itself.

What can Buddha's Teachings Offer Western Societies?

"Effective methods that lead to a direct experience of mind," answers Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, one of the most experienced teachers of Tibetan Buddhism. Buddhas' teachings are like a diamond-unchangeable in its nature, yet reflecting the color of the ground upon which it is laid. In this way, without losing their essence, the teachings have adapted to the cultural conditions of different societies. First the teachings were transmitted in India for 1500 years and after that, for another 1000 years, in Tibet. Today, the limitlessness of the Diamond Way (Vajrayana) Buddhist view and its methods are more and more appealing to the well-educated and independent people of the West. The Diamond Way opens the most skillful methods of the Buddha to the modern world. It helps us discover and develop our inner richness for the benefit of all beings as well as ourselves.

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