In this video Alan Wallace discusses the breadth of the Buddhist world, continuing is his commentary on how the Pali and Mahayana teachings understand what a sentient being is, as well as how they discuss liberation and enlightenment.

In this reading from Tibetan Buddhism from the Ground Up, Alan Wallace offers us clear account of the view according to the Mahayana path.

This reading is Alan Wallace’s translation of “Chapter Thirteen: The Four Close Applications of Mindfulness,” from Shantideva’s Śikṣasamuccaya, or A Compendium of Practices. Please download the reading, and use it as a reference throughout the course in order to follow along with Alan’s ongoing commentary on the text.

In this lesson, Lama Alan Wallace  offers commentary that takes us to the summit of shamatha practice, defining terms essential to the Theravada tradition, and the Dzogchen tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. We learn that the achievement of  of shamatha is an important stepping stone for the practice and fulfillment of vipashyana. Through study and practice on the application of mindfulness to the mind we enter into the world of vipashyana, learn precisely what Buddhism means by mental afflictions, and precisely how these afflictions obstruct us from liberation. This lesson also includes an insightful discussion between Buddhist philosophy and contemporary science with respect to the Buddhist notions of karma and interdependent origination.

In the following meditation, Alan Wallace guides us in examining appearances, throughout the six domains of experience.

In this video, Alan Wallace offers further background to the practice of mindfulness of breathing. After watching, please practice along with the guided meditation below.

In this chapter from Tibetan Buddhism from The Ground Up, Alan Wallace discusses how Buddhism understands ignorance as the  basis of suffering, and how this ignorance can be transformed into wisdom and compassion.

In this video Alan Wallace offers commentary on the three marks of existence as they relate to the applciation of mindfulness on the body.

In this video Alan Wallace discusses the importance of shamatha in the context of the five obscurations, and the five jhana factors.

In this lesson Lama Alan Wallace introduces us to core teachings relating to the theory and practice of the application of mindfulness to the body and the application of mindfulness to feelings. With commentary on the Pali Canon and several important Mahayana sutras from “Chapter Thirteen: The Four Close Applications of Mindfulness” of Shantideva’s Siksasmuccaya, or A Compendium of Practices, we discover how essential these teachings are across Buddhist traditions. Lama Alan guides us in deepening our practice of shamatha, with commentary and insights from the Dzogchen tradition, and presents initial teachings on the practice of vipashyana, or insight.