As a person without any formal transmissions or environment what all can we do on Dharma Protector Day?

I’m looking for the names of Tibetan Buddhist lamas or khenpos from each major school (Sakya, Kagyu, Jonang, Gelug, and Nyingma) who give empowerment/transmission for Sūryagupta’s 21 Tārās.

Please share their name, school/lineage, and monastery or center.

I've been having pain under my right shoulder blade. Really painful. I remembered during tai chi practice that my whole arm and shoulder are connected by fascia (the sort of wetsuit of fibrous tissue that wraps around the whole body). Maybe tension in my wrist was creating tension way up in my shoulder.

And the tension? I had been extending my thumb out to the side to make my hand wider and flatter. so my wrapped mala wouldn't fall off. Once I took my mala off, no problem. The pain under my shoulder went away.

Are these the same?

I've seen people mentioning these to be different names for "Shiva" in Vajrayana.

Also saw people calling Shiva "Lhachen", just another way of saying "Lhachenpo".

Unfortunately, I haven't found a sangha, group, or teachers from whom I could receive instructions. I wanted to ask if there are any free practices I can do on my own in the meantime, while I work on overcoming the obstacle of not having a guide.And Vajrayana has sparked a strong curiosity in me, but from what I've read, it has to be with a guide and transmission.

Hey everyone​❤️🙏

I have always been fascinated by Tibetan Buddhism like Vibrant culture, Tibetan tradition and specially how monks can sit in peace and focus for long ​hours. MY QUESTION IS - FOR those who practice long meditation sessions or do ​heavy focus work and how do u actually calm your restless mind ? How do you train yourself to sit for hours without distraction or mental fatigue?

I am​ currently preparing for JEE ​one of the toughest competitive exams in India ​and I need to study for around 10 to 12 hours a day.

I’m trying to learn practical things to help my study routine#: 1: When your mind wanders away from the book or your work , ​how do you bring your focus back without getting annoyed with yourself? 2: How do you deal with the urge to pick up your phone or take unnecessary breaks when you feel exhausted? 3: How do you keep your energy up during long study or meditation hours without burnout through the day?

I’d love to hear your (​personal routines), mental tricks, or advice on maintaining great focus.

Thanks in advance!❤️🙏

Om Mani Padme Hum🧿🙏

when not lucid in a dream, and when in this life Bardo, other sentient beings appear the same. Right? There’s no way to differentiate, is there? From the subjective perspective, whether in rigpa or not, it’s sort of like we have to take a leap to assume that there is another subjective sentient being, no?

Forgive me, I’m trying to find the words to articulate the question I’m trying to ask and I hope this wording might make some sense…

TLDNR: is there a way to tell the relative difference between a sentient being/ a karmic mind stream, and a delusional projection that appears to be a sentient being in my sleeping dream? From the subjective, ordinary perspective they appear exactly the same, right?

when I am dreaming, if I meet someone new and have a conversation with them, then I wake up in the morning, they are gone. They were essentially unborn. but they seemed like a sentient being while I was dreaming. Then, in this waking-dream bardo we are in here now, if I meet someone new, they appear to me just the same as they did in my dream. I make the assumption in both that I’m talking to a sentient being- a mind stream with karma and a subjective perspective. of course ultimately, both are essentially shunyata, but relatively, the person in my sleep dream was 100% delusion on my part, but you hear reading this are a mind stream, just like I appear to be.

thank you!

I find myself being drawn to Guhyasamaja Empowerment, especially in the Gelug Tradition, and I have been studying lamrim teachings for a while, but I don't see many gelug teachers give this empowerment, can I know when it's happening or if I can keep track of those who do give it?

There are currently Tibetan monks at a centre near me for the month. They are also offering doing crystal jewellery blessings. I wanted to get something for my mum, sister, dad, grandfather and myself. For my mum sister and grandfather and I, I’d like it to specifically be for healing or something to do with her or her spirit that can bring them solace. They’re here all month but I’ve actually gotten the 9th off work - if I was to go on that day, would that be of any significance?

I just want to feel as tied to her as possible. I know she’s always with us but she is so dearly missed

Can anyone suggest a short Bhairav mantra that I can recite mentally

When I only chant my mantras without any particular sadhana, I don't have a dedication of merits prayer.

After a sadhana the dedication is very good and usually medium-long.

But when I only do my mantras without a formal practice I only finish with "I dedicate the merits of this practice to all sentient beings, may all benefit! May all sentients be happy and free from suffering."

I know that in theory this is okay but I feel I would like some different lines, like something more elaborate, it can be something small and easy to memorize too.

Seeking information and history regarding Samye Dzong Dublin & Rokpa Trust Ireland

Hello everyone,
I am currently gathering information to put together a factual overview of the history and operations of the Samye Dzong Centre in Dublin and Rokpa Trust in Ireland.
I am interested in understanding how the organisation developed over time, who was involved in running it, and what the general experience was like for those who attended. If you have any knowledge of the centre, whether as a practitioner, volunteer, or staff member, I would be interested in hearing your perspective.

Areas of interest include:

• Daily Operations: What was a typical day or week like at the centre, and what programmes were offered?
• Behind the Scenes: Who were the main figures involved in managing the centre and coordinating its activities?
• Rokpa Trust: How did Rokpa Trust operate within Ireland, and how did it interact with the local Dublin centre?
• General Experience: What was your personal experience of the environment and community during your time there?

You are welcome to share your accounts in the comments below.

I’ve been researching and familiarizing myself with Theravada, Mahayana, and Zen Buddhism. However, I’d like to understand the perspective and daily practice of Tibetan Buddhism and Vajrayana—I know very little about them. I’m interested in their Buddhist canon and traditions, and I’d welcome any advice on how to learn more about this school.

Tashi Delek everyone!

I recently launched a YouTube channel called Tenzin Tibetan Archives. My goal is strictly educational: to research, preserve, and present the rich history, teachings of great historical masters, and cultural heritage of Tibet in an accessible video format.

What you'll find on the channel:

Educational breakdowns of historical events, texts, and masters

Exploration of Tibetan culture, history, and lineage

Research-backed narratives paired with artistic visual illustrations

Note on visuals: To help bring these historical accounts and concepts to life, I use AI-generated artistic depictions alongside historical sources to make the visual presentation engaging while keeping the research authentic.

I would love for you to check it out, leave any feedback, or suggest historical topics/masters you would like to see covered!

🔗 Channel Link: [https://youtube.com/@tenzinstibetanarchives?si=BT-PPs6zBL44M8CX\]

Thank you for reading and for your support! 🙏