Buddhist Teachings

Guru Padmasambhava made a promise and commitment that certain things would occur for whoever recites his mantra. They will experience a change in whatever is ailing them, whatever appears as an obstruction, illusion, and any poison that gives rise to suffering will be transformed. The mantra, even the short version, OM AH HUNG VAJRA GURU PADMA SIDDHI HUNG, said in any moment can unravel what appears as confusion.
– Ven. Dhyani Ywahoo, 108 Quotations

Guru Padmasambhava

Thangka of Guru Padmasambhava. Art Directors & TRIP / Alamy Stock Photo

Sunray offers an array of Buddhist teachings and practices at the Peace Village or in Sunray communities. Study and practice of texts and practices, such as the Heart Sutra, ngondro, and teachings from the sacred streams of wisdom of Buddha Amitabha, Guru Padmasambhava, and Khandro Yeshe Tsogyal, are among the Buddhist teachings and practices available to students who seek to deepen their understanding of the one taste of AniYunWiwa Cherokee teachings and Hinayana/Mahayana/Vajrayana/Dzogchen Buddhist teachings.

Programs are announced each year in Sunray’s Calendar of Events. They are offered and taught by Ven. Khandro Dhyani Ywahoo, guest Buddhist lamas from both the Nyingma school and Drikung Kagyu lineage, and students of Ven. Dhyani who have taken Refuge, Bodhisattva and Vajrayana Buddhist vows and are knowledgeable of Buddhist dharma teachings practiced within Sunray.

Several of Sunray’s spiritual practices have been recognized as advanced teachings, expressing “one taste” of the Native American and Buddhist dharma teachings. For example:

  • Sunray’s Diamond Body practice was recognized as an advanced teaching by the late Ven. Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche and Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche (the Khenpo Rinpoches), founders of the Padmasambhava Buddhist Center.
  • The Medicine Wheel Mandala teaching cycle is an advanced Native American healing meditation. In the 1980s, this teaching was recognized by the Khenpo Rinpoches as expressing the “one taste.” The teaching cycle was redesigned and refined with their advice and support, and according to HH Dudjom Rinpoche’s instruction.