The 14th Dalai Lama, more a Hindu Mahayana Buddhist teacher preaching Tibetan Vajrayana than Buddhism, demonstrates a poor grasp of what the historical Buddha taught about "self" (anatta).
What Hinduism calls the soul/self or ฤtman (Pali Atta, ฤtman (Hinduism Buddhified), what to followers of the pre-Hindu Old Vedic Religion (the Brahmin priests' Brahmanism) is ultimately the same as Brahman(GOD), comparing drops of water to the vast ocean they merge with and ultimately return to after experiencing a sense of separation. The historical Buddha did not talk like this at all.
ANY explanation of what happens to the "self" (soul, ego, personality, essence of a person) after death (indeed of what happens in this very life from moment to moment) must include reference and a discussion of Dependent Origination. For what arises and what seems to arise is not the same; similarly, what passes away and what seems to pass away is not the same.
The one bad habit the Buddha feared most (Little Light of Wisdom) Dec. 6, 2025: In this episode we explore a powerful teaching the Buddha gave to his son, Rahula, now a young monk. He used a simple glass of water and a royal war elephant. Together we learn:
Why the Buddha said there is one bad habit that opens the door to every other bad action
How an empty glass shows what happens to our good qualities when we lie
How a king’s elephant teaches us about trust, courage, and honesty
Why lying creates confusion, blame, and karmic trouble in our lives
How telling the truth protects our heart, our friendships, and our future
๐ This story is perfect for kids, teens, parents, and anyone who wants to grow in wisdom, kindness, and truthfulness. #BuddhaWisdom #DhammaTalk #BuddhistStories
Find this helpful? Please like, share, and subscribe so more people can learn these beautiful historical teachings. ๐ฑ
(Steve Mera Official) Oct. 11, 2025: In this thrilling Part 18, investigative researchers Steve Mera and Nathaniel Gillis dive into the mind-bending world of non-human intelligence and occultism. Why are rockets blasting off into space adorned with mysterious, ancient, and supernatural sigils? And what’s the story behind these ceremonial launches?
Who or what is NASA truly honoring?
Nathaniel Gillis stands at the forefront of groundbreaking research, uncovering the real essence of this phenomenon. Don’t miss his NEW PROJECT: parasymposia.com. thenathanielgillis (NHI is ETI)
This video looks at the Buddhist teaching of “not-self” [that ALL things are impersonal] alongside insights from modern neuroscience.
Let’s see why the constant feeling of [me, myself, and] “I” may not be a fixed entity [remaining fixed through time] but an impersonal process the mind creates moment by moment.
Let’s learn about the Five Aggregates clung to as self —
and how they shape the idea of a personal self. Modern brain science also points to the same conclusion: There’s no single control center in the brain that is “I.”
This isn’t about denying life, being confused by it, or falling into nihilism. It’s about understanding the true nature of experience and freeing ourselves from unnecessary ignorance, attachment (clinging), aversion, and tremendous amounts of suffering. What could set us free? The Truth sets one free.
It's a practice, not a theory of origins.
[For anyone who foolishly says that because there is no self there is nothing, there is the profound ultimate truth of Dependent Origination, that all things that come to be come to be dependent on causes and conditions and not without them. But just as these things, these elements or ingredients, are not the constituent-composite-thing that seems to come into being when they come together, just so the only thing that really comes into being is unsatisfactory. It is ignorance (illusion). It is radically impermanent (in constant flux and hurtling towards destruction). Seeing this with clarity, with right view (vipassana, lit. "clear seeing"), the mind/heart lets go of what it was previously clinging to so fiercely. It is, according to the Buddha, on according of not seeing the truth of Dependent Origination that we continuously wander on through uncountable lives in search of pleasure, pleasant distractions, and fulfillment without find anything but unsatisfactoriness. But if I'm not my thoughts, who’s thinking them? Buddhism's answer changes everything and it can be verified, which leads to enlightenment in this very life!]
Let’s walk through the practical path of Virtue (Ethics, Morality, Kind), Stillness (Calm, Singlepointed, Concentration), and Wisdom (Insight, Right View, Enlightenment), leading to clarity and a deeper sense of freedom.
03:16 - What we’re made of
09:14 - How the mind creates the story of “me”
14:13 - When we let go completely [because we have seen things as they really are], peace reveals itself
19:05 - Life without the “self” — not “empty” but free
What really happens after death, according to Buddhism?
Rebirth leads to me.
This in-depth reflection explores the nature of rebirth, karma, the final moments of consciousness in one life before rearising in the next, and the 31 Planes of Existence (reduced to Six Realms in Three Spheres and countless worlds)—not as distant beliefs, but as states of mind shaped by intention.
Based on early Buddhist texts, this teaching points beyond the idea of a fixed self and reveals a deeper truth: liberation begins not at death, but in this very moment. [If we were to understand Dependent Origination, this moment itself could be the moment of realization and awakening to the Truth.]
00:00 - Who are we—before we ask where we’ll go
04:23 - What shapes the path after death?
09:18 - What are the [31 Planes of Existence, summarized as Six Realms, and countless] worlds of rebirth?
14:47 - What happens in the last moment of consciousness?
19:56 - The final answer: beyond maps and destinations
๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฌ๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ: At [Buddhism Podcast] channel, we are committed to sharing the beauty and wisdom of Buddhist teachings with the purpose of education and inspiration. All our content is created with deep respect for the historical Buddha’s teachings, aiming to promote understanding, mindfulness, and compassion in everyday life.
Our goal is to present the values and practices of Buddhism in a way that is accessible and beneficial to everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. We do not seek to influence or alter anyone’s faith but simply to offer insights into the timeless wisdom of Buddhism as a source of guidance and positivity.
This channel is a space for learning, reflection, and connection, guided by the principles of respect, kindness, and truth. If you have any feedback or concerns, we welcome open and respectful dialogue. Thank you for supporting our mission to share the meaningful messages of Buddhism with the world." #BuddhistWisdom #NoSelf #SpiritualAwakening
Mirror self memes (tenor.com); Buddhism Podcast, Aug. 10, 2025; Dhr. Seven, Amber Larson, Pat Macpherson (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly
(Soul In Reflection)
Aug. 4, 2025: Edgar Cayce shocked the world when he revealed salt as humanity's hidden spiritual technology. In 1936, he saved a dying child using sacred salt rituals that doctors called impossible.
This video exposes why biblical texts encrypted salt as divine connection, how our tears contain crystallized prayers, and the specific techniques Cayce used to unlock psychic abilities through salt work.
Discover why ancient civilizations guarded salt secrets, how salt bridges physical and spiritual realms, and the documented healing cases that prove salt activates dormant spiritual DNA.
Learn Cayce's salt meditation methods for accessing past lives, receiving divine guidance, and accelerating consciousness evolution.
The kitchen cabinet holds the key to spiritual awakening that mystery schools protected for millennia. Based on 14,000 documented psychic readings and A.R.E. archives.
Best-selling author Mark Kurlansky turns his attention to a common household item with a long and intriguing history: salt. The only rock we eat, salt has shaped civilization from the very beginning, and its story is a glittering, often surprising part of the history of humankind. A substance so valuable it served as currency (Latin sal, which gives us our word "salary," our ration of life-sustaining sodium chloride used as wages), salt has influenced the establishment of trade routes and cities, provoked and financed wars, secured empires, and inspired revolutions. Populated by colorful characters and filled with an unending series of fascinating details, Salt is a supremely entertaining, multi-layered masterpiece. More
Alan Watts: Understanding Buddhism, Concepts Explained
(Equanimity) Alan Watts (alanwatts.org) explores and contemplates the difference between Hinduism, Buddhism, and beliefs in Western civilization. Listen in and contemplate these various perspectives on reality. From "Alan Watts: Metaphysics Philosophy vs. Psychologists."
ABOUT: AUSTRALIA. Equanimity promotes all aspects of positive mental health and perspectives that have inspired and motivated humans for thousands of years. We seek to create our own interpretations and new perspectives from ancient wisdom based on our 21st century outlook on life. These philosophical perspectives are covered under YouTube's creative commons license. Aug. 13, 2024. #philosophy #alanwatts #psychology
(MorgueOfficial) In the Bible, "God" demanded bloodsacrifices, the death (murder) of innocent men, women, and children, and repeatedly unleashed plagues and floods to destroy humanity. Why would a "loving God" constantly demand sacrifice and worship? What if that weren’t God but actually the Devil? Who were the Cathars?
Hear it in Berkeley on KPFA or Los Angeles on KPFK. What does the Nature's plant farmacyhave to help us on our journey to calm and ease?
Planting Medicine airs Tuesdays at 1:00 pm (Pacific Time). The show enhances the community’s knowledge of HERBAL MEDICINE by sharing voices of traditional, holistic healers and healing practices.
LISTEN: Herbs for Fear | KPFAPlanting Medicine – 1:00 pm, March 18, 2025 (heard on March 11th)
“I don't identify as an herbalist, healer, or have a particular interest in medicine.
“So initially I wasn't sure why I felt so drawn to participate in the first cohort of The Home Herbalist (previously the Now and Then Herbal Apprenticeship).
“Several years later, I continue to thank my lucky stars that I followed that impulse and connected with Sam, Renรฉe, and the beautiful cohort I was privileged to be a part of.
“I think about conversations we had and lessons I learned from them just about every day. With deeply thoughtful, grounded, informative, compassionate, and soulful curriculum, teaching, and guidance, I don't hesitate to recommend this program even if, like me, you don't identify as an herbalist or healer.
“For me it was a loving investment in my own everyday relationship to plants, magic, and medicine on a personal level.
“Watching Sam and Renรฉe follow their paths and cultivate meaningful work in community and relationship is a joy and an inspiration.”
(The Eleusinian Society) Today we look into the strange style and imagery behind the British hard rock band Led Zeppelin and their ties to occultism, Aleister Crowley, Egypt, and maybe the devil.
MTD Media LLC., 2023.
Spiritualism and the Occult
Om system in Thai Forest Tradition
While Buddhism does not encourage preoccupation with such matters, it does not deny the existence of various classes of "discarnate" beings (spirits).
They dwell in various realms and on various planes of existence, some higher and happier than this world, others, such as so-called "hungry ghosts" (petas), more miserable.
They are relatively real — tha is, no less "real" than we ourselves in this [illusory] world. They all, without exception, are in samsara or "birth-and-death." Therefore, their stay in any of the many realms within the 31 Planes of Existence they may inhabit is temporary, though in some cases it may be unbelievably long-lasting by human standards, feeling like an eternity.
There is in line with the idea of rebirth on earth, since what realm one is reborn in depends on one's karma (deeds), the human condition being only one of the various possibilities (though a specifically important one, since enlightenment and liberation from any other realm is held to be virtually impossible).
[While this would seem to be true, devas in various realms seemed to have a greater success rate than humans in achieving knowledge-and-vision of what the Buddha was teaching humans. The Buddha was a "teacher of gods (devas) and men (humans)." The percentage of devas who took an interest is unknown, nor is it known how many devas there are (or how many "humans" there are existence since this world is not the only human world. Humans occupy a plane of existence not a singular planet. And there are countless such worlds. Every world-system or cakkavala has a human plane. (Human beings in Buddhism). Regardless of how many there are, more devas attained liberation through wisdom than humans. The Buddha devoted a portion of his daily schedule to teaching devas to ensure their success. Humans got the rest of his time. The full range and influence of the Buddha is imponderable.]
"Stairway to Heaven" is diabolically occult?
Therefore, a human rebirth is considered as desirable as it is rare — a precious opportunity that would be a folly to waste. It is also stated in the texts that humans have a "mind-made [subtle] body, complete in all its parts," which would seem to correspond to the "astral" or "etheric" body referred to by occultists.
Responsible occultists — of whom there are many — are, of course, aware of the dangers of incautious involvement with these matters, which they often stress. The inhabitants of the various realms are not enlightened beings. While some are undoubtedly much wiser and more advanced than the average human, others are not and can exert a malevolent power.
It is outside the province of Buddhist monastics to practice any of the occult arts. It is in fact forbidden that they do so, although it is not infrequently found being done in the East.
Western Buddhists should not concern themselves with such matters. If they nevertheless do so (as many will, whatever is said to the contrary), they should at least be extremely careful to consult only responsible and conscientious practitioners of a high moral standard.
Such people are not hard to find and are often very fine characters. But it should always be borne in mind that even genuine messages from the dead and departed can be misleading, since they are still, in varying degrees, ignorant. For this reason, the well-known triviality of many "spirit" messages proves nothing about their genuineness.
Beings in higher worlds are known in Buddhism as devas, and it seems certain that many of them are truly concerned to help humankind as far as is possible with their power. It might even be suggested that there is no essential difference between the higher devas and the bodhisattvas of Mahayana Buddhism.
Some people are naturally psychic, and some even develop psychic powers as a result, or byproduct, of (jhanic, samadhi) meditation. Such powers are real, but it is unwise to seek after or cling to them if attained. If they are gained with insufficient insight or moral purification, they can be disastrous.
It is another of the many illusions of the modern liberal humanist that such things as "witchcraft" do not exist. Righteous indignation at the cruel treatment of real or alleged witches in the past should not lead us to imagine that the whole thing was completely mythical. So we should be very wary of seeking contact with the psychic planes, not because they do not exist, but because they do.(If they did not exist, comparatively little harm would be done by seeking them out). Source
Full moon in Leo portal is open! 8 things we need to know!
(Eye of Wisdom) Feb. 12, 2025: The full moon in Leo peaks today, February 12th, but the real shift? That kicks in tomorrow. The 2/12 portal is already opening, but its full power truly ignites on Feb. 13th, bringing a surge of energy that will hit everyone, whether they’re ready or not.
#spirituality #universe #spiritual #astrology
Researched, scripted, edited, and produced by The Eye of Wisdom team
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The content used in this video adheres to Creative Commons and/or is sourced from the public domain.
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The Buddhist lunar observance: uposatha
.
Moon over sacred Shwedagon Pagoda, Burma
The weekly "Sabbath" day (a word that literally means Saturday), the Buddha pointed out, was aligned with the moon since ancient times. He continued the tradition by encouraging followers to step up their spiritual exertions in these ways:
Rather than the normal adherence to the Five Precepts (abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, or consuming intoxicants that lead to heedlessness), Eight Precepts are undertaken for the day. Visiting the temple or monastic complex for studying, hearing, and practicing the Dharma, the Buddha's Teachings, is done to rededicate oneself to the practice of the Path to awakening.
This is often called the "fasting day" not because one does not eat but because one fasts from noon onwards, not taking dinner or anything after the sun is directly overhead. (We often take three or more meals a day, and fast food commercials tell us to add another late night This is to preserve energy to put forth in one's kammathana or "field of endeavor," one's meditation subject or striving to establish a good habit, such as overcoming a particular obstacle or impediment to one's practice.
Say, for example, laziness were an issue. One might undertake the dhutangaor "sane ascetic" practice of not lying down for 24 hours and instead strive diligently while sitting, standing, or walking. This should only be undertaken under the supervision of a sufficiently skillful teacher for guidance, for otherwise we might only be exacerbating our imbalances without actually addressing what needs addressing.
If we tend to overeat, we might fast the whole day.
If we overtalk, we might observe noble silence or complete silence to balance out our tendency.
If we have an issue with some unskillful karmic habit, we might address it intensively on this day with help from a monk, nun, or meditation teacher.
In my case, I might notice an issue with getting angry or annoyed or being irritable and may therefore want to practice loving-kindness (metta bhavana) for the full day.
Others may constantly find themselves distracted or addicted to their phones and may want to strengthen their mindfulness (sati) by attending to the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, or at least the first, which is "mindfulness of the body" unbroken for a whole day.
Another may think the biggest issue is lust, greediness, or selfish behavior, in which case sharing, sacrificing for others, helping, giving, or letting go might be wise.
In ancient India, "Buddhists" (disciples of the Enlightened One, the Buddha) would come to the monastery and spend the whole day and night (24 hours) there dressed all in white. This was the custom even in modern times in Theravada Buddhist countries.
Rather than sleeping, one might meditate the whole night or take just a few hours, say maybe four, of rest before returning home and resuming normal activities and the Five Precepts.
The Buddha highly praised "keeping the Sabbath," keeping one day -- in accordance with a phase of the moon visible to everyone looking up at the sky, particularly the full moon -- sacred, holy, or for intensive effort. Most of us will not become monastics even temporarily in this life, but we can have the benefits of monastic practice and quick progress even while leading a completely worldly life if we always remember the uposatha. - Dharma Editor Seven, Wisdom Quarterly 2025
Eye of Wisdom, Feb. 12, 2025; Sarah Hall, Feb. 9, 2025; Ananda (Dharma Buddhist Meditation), Jen B., CC Liu (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly
When is He coming? I've been waiting a long time, and He seems late. It's like "Waiting for Godot" down here, Bashur. What could possibly be holding Him up?
It is unclear who or why certain Bashur material was pulled off YouTube. We did not pull it. Until it returns, there is more. Above are two replacement videos until more psychic material about Jesus (Jess) and the Buddha (Sid) surfaces.
Channel Darryl Anka puts on a show, or is a spirit entity/counsel/collective calling itself "Bashar" running through a channel named Darryl? Possessing, stepping into, entering, it must be that the energies and personality traits of one mix with the other. Or why would Bashar have such a funny way of saying "HI!" like an ET imperfectly with human ways? None of that matters. What does matter is what he's saying. Is it true, is it useful, is it of benefit to humanity? If nothing else, it sure is a lot like the kind of stuff Abraham and Seth and these disembodied teachers (probably a lot of them from biblical and Sumerian, Akkadian, Persian times, too). At least Bashar has a sense of humor and while sounding jerky is not actually a jerk.
(Path of Knowledge) Oct. 8, 2024: Explore more deep spiritual insights and exclusive content on Gaia. Start a journey with a 7-day FREE TRIAL here: https://www.gaia.com/invite/join?utm_... Subscribe for more. @pathofknowledge111.
In this video Bashar, channeled by Darryl Anka, uncovers why our soulmate hasn't appeared yet. It's not about time but timing. Bashar explains how our focus on time and waiting can block the natural flow of reality.
Discover how to embrace the present moment, trust in the organizing principle of synchronicity, and follow your passion to align with the perfect timing of life's events.
Learn to appreciate every experience, even those you don't prefer, as essential steps in your journey to finding true love. Stop waiting and start living in the now!
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Space devas wrestle giant naga (dragon) for the glory of the space gods
Is Achintya (the "Imponderable, Inconceivable, Indescribable") the greatest Hindu God we've never heard of?
America's greatest Hindu: Julia Roberts
(Praveen Mohan) Sept. 20, 2024: A strange statue is found in the ancient Hindu temples of Bali. This God has tridents sticking out of it. Who is it? Balinese people call this deity Achintya, but the symbolism is mysterious. Let's decode it.
Whatsapp channel https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va9U Instagram praveenet Facebook praveenmohanfansTwitter iampraveenmohanEmail ID: info.praveenmohan@gmail.com. Patreon for support: praveenmohan. Join channel to get access to perks: @realpraveenmohan. #praveenmohan #hinduism #god
COMMENTARY
Fun during Holi near vimana ashram temple
In the Buddhist view, the "creator God" is Maha Brahma, but there are other divine (deva) creators in higher worlds. Of all these deities, there is no real "creator." How can that be? To the extent that these being make anything, they are creating. But what is it that Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Jews, and other polytheists who became monotheists believe give "God" His "creator" status.
It is the belief that God created souls (selves, egos, personalities with bodies of different kinds), this immortal (the part of us that does not die at death) thing we imagine ourselves to be. Those strands of being (processes of becoming) already existed to the extent they exist, which is utterly dependent on their constituents. "God" did not create that.
Vimanas (UFOs) inspire Hindu temple designs
And though a God or god creates an entire world, world-system (cakkavala), or universe, it does not actually people it with new creations. Parents do not birth new beings into being, even though our materialistic science says they do. We, when making a terrarium, do not fabricate ants or other creatures to occupy it. They preexist and come in by invitation or otherwise.
This "mothership" vimana is biggest ashram
They have no discernible beginning and will not come to an end by simply dying. So whether the Great (maha) Supremo (brahma) reappears at the beginning of another cycle (yuga) or not, all those who follow and subsequently reappear are not appearing for the first time due to this one being's magic, will, or wish.
This may be how it seems, but it is not how it is. It is unclear if Hinduism understands this any better than the Abrahamic faiths, but it is perfectly clear in the Buddha's rejection of an ultimate "creator" or "creation." It is the same spinning cycle that originates depending on impersonal conditions (which are taken to be very personal), the Five Aggregates clung to as "self." What are they? They are:
forms (bodies, material bases, whether subtle or gross);
feelings
perceptions
formations
consciousness(es).
Don't eat your fellow earthlings. Go vegan.
All five are constituent processes, not independent things. And while it may not make sense to say "forms" when we customarily say form, this body (like all our previous and future bodies) is not one unitary, independent thing. It is utterly dependent on the Four Elements (the four qualities of materiality, which themselves are constituent processes, not actual, tangible, elemental "things" like the way we imagine atoms or particles to be).
What does Julia Roberts know that we don't?
Similarly, "consciousness" is NOT one thing. It is not a thing at all but rather an impersonal process taken as personal. There is not one consciousness, but rather there are many mind moments (cittas) and submoments (phases of a moment) in a stream, taken to be one stream as if any stream or river were one thing rather than trillions of ever-moving water molecules passing in and sublimating out of what is regarded as one stream/river.
All of these things are ponderable; moreover, they are discernible and potentially directly visible, not theoretical or something to debate. The Buddha taught them as a means of letting go for the gaining of freedom from all suffering and further rebirth (moksha, liberation, enlightenment, and nirvana). He also taught about Four Imponderables (catu-acintiyas). On the list of these four things, God is not one of them. God very much is ponderable, knowable, attainable. Mysterious to be sure but able to be revealed. So whom did or do the Hindus of Bali regard as the highest Hindu God, Guru Mohan?
Hinduism and Buddhism in Indonesia, the remnants of Indian empire, now mostly Muslim
Did Brahmins and Sri Shankara finally adopt the Buddha's ultimate message of the impersonal nature of all phenomena, particularly everything related to the atman (soul, self, ego, being)?
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