It is commonly understood among Buddhists that the Buddha was a prolific teacher who expounded an enormous wealth of teachings. A mysterious number often mentioned in sūtras and commentaries is that of the 84,000 dharmaskandhas.

How are we to comprehend such an astronomical figure—and the very concept of dharmaskandha itself? In this brief reflection, we will turn to the Chinese and Sanskrit texts within the broader Sarvāstivāda fold in an attempt to unpack some of the mysteries surrounding this intriguing notion of dharmaskandha.

Bibek completed his PhD thesis at Mahidol University (Thailand), translating two Sanskrit Abhidharma texts. He reads Buddhist Chinese, Sanskrit, and Pali. His areas of research and interest include Sarvāstivāda Abhidharma literature, Chinese Āgamas/Mahāyāna texts, Madhyamaka philosophy, Buddhism and science, as well as non-Buddhist Indian philosophy. As a Buddhist practitioner, he believes that integrating modern energy therapies such as EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) with traditional Buddhist practices can help harmonize the mind by removing blockages and neurotic patterns.

Dr. Bibek Sharma - "84,000: Musings Based on Chinese and Sanskrit Śrāvaka Texts"

Khenpo Chödrak Tenphel Rinpoche - an eminent teacher of the Karma Kagyu lineage who is currently lecturing on tantric views and practices at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery - has accepted Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche’s request to present and discuss Buddhism’s three yānas based on Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye’s Treasury of Knowledge and he spoke with students at RYI on Feb, 4, 5 & 6, 2016 and translated by Dr. Thomas Doctor. 

Khenpo Chödrak Tenphel Rinpoche - "The Three Vehicles" Part-II

A cover of a song I heard on a cd by Nawang Khechog, a Tibetan musician who plays flute very nicely.

“Peace Through Kindness" cover

Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) has conducted study programs in Nepal for more than 25 years. Since 2002 RYI has partnered with Kathmandu University offering academic credit for those study programs. In 2009 RYI launched its online learning program. Our aim is to utilise our expertise and experience to enable students from around the world to study Buddhism and Himalayan Languages with us.

Dr. Bibek Sharma - "84,000: Musings Based on Chinese and Sanskrit Śrāvaka Texts"

Rangjung Yeshe Institute

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