Psychology of Buddhism

Introduction to the topic

You are standing in front of a mirror, and in this reflection is hidden the secret of your true essence. "Revival is not granted by anyone, no one keeps it for you; only through a deep realization of one's inner essence, the essence of awakening thus revealed is called awakening," says the ancient Sutra of the Perfect Gathering of the Dharma, like a Tibetan sage whispering in your ear the truth hidden in the depths of your heart.

This capacity for awakening, dormant in each of us like a lotus seed in muddy water, is the Buddha-nature, the tathagatagarbha. In order to free ourselves from the shackles of fear and suffering, which we impose on ourselves like heavy chains, we need to discover this inner nature. The great teachers, like skilful guides, offer us different paths to this inner city of unity: mahamudra, dzogchen, the union of clarity and emptiness.

To see the beauty of the sunrise over the Himalayas, you need not only mountains, but also open, sensitive eyes. The same is true in practice: you need to develop a subtle perception of both your inner world and external reality. It's like tuning a musical instrument, where each string must sound in unison to create a harmonious melody. "TADYATA (OM) GATE GATE PARAGATE PARASAMGATE BODHI SVAHA" – Like an echo in mountain caves, this mantra from the "Heart Sutra" reminds us of the path to enlightenment.

Many of us, like travelers lost in the fog, focus on only one part of the path, which is the development of our inner self. But, as a wise Tibetan monk says, "one wing will not lift a bird into the sky." We also need to learn to see the world around us in its true essence, in its emptiness, as Nagarjuna says.

The first step is how to learn to see the reflection of the moon in a dewdrop. This requires awareness, attention and insight, like an eagle soaring high in the mountains.

The second step is how to see the invisible thread that connects all things. It has to do with understanding emptiness, like revealing a secret hidden in an ancient manuscript. "By comprehending emptiness, but being devoid of compassion, you will not enter the higher path," warns St. Sarah, reminding that wisdom without compassion is like an empty vessel.

Why was the Buddha silent after waking up? Because words cannot fully convey the depth of this experience, like trying to describe the fragrance of a flower in words. To see the true nature of reality, you need to study ancient texts, reflect, meditate, like a climber conquering the top of a mountain.

Emptiness is not nothing, it is an understanding of the interconnectedness of all things, it is like seeing a pattern in a carpet where each thread plays a role. And this understanding is like a universal medicine that heals not only our wounds, but also the wounds of the world around us, like a mountain stream washing over the stones.

Revelation in Silence: Buddhist Psychology – A Bridge Between Ancient and Modern

Imagine a mountain monastery shrouded in fog, where time flows according to its own, unhurried laws. In this secluded place, far from the hustle and bustle of the modern world, knowledge about the human mind, about its depths and possibilities has been polished for centuries. This knowledge, carefully preserved and passed down from generation to generation, forms the basis of Buddhist psychology – an amazing fusion of wisdom, compassion and practical methods that can transform our lives.

What is Buddhist psychology? It is not just a set of philosophical concepts or religious dogmas. It is an in-depth study of the nature of the mind, its functioning, its tendencies and potentials. It is a practical system aimed at achieving inner peace, liberation from suffering, and the development of wisdom and compassion. As the Buddha said,