PSYCHOLOGY OF BUDDHISM: A practical guide to self-knowledge.

ashes of history, seeks to recreate the spirit and traditions of its great predecessor.

      Major works related to Nalanda:

      Nalanda was the cradle of many important Buddhist texts and philosophical works. Although many of the original manuscripts have been lost, translations and references have survived, giving a glimpse of the richness of the university's intellectual heritage. Among the most significant works are:

      Nagarjuna's Mulamadhyamakarika (Basic Verses on the Middle Way): A fundamental text of the Madhyamika school that explores the concept of emptiness (sunyata).

      Aryadeva's Chatuhshataka (Four Hundred Verses): A commentary on Nagarjuna's philosophy, clarifying key aspects of Madhyamika.

      Vasubandhu's writings, including Abhidharmakosha (Treasury of Abhidharma): Although Vasubandhu worked in various centers, his influence on the development of Buddhist philosophy at Nalanda was considerable. The Abhidharmakosha has become an important text for the study of Buddhist psychology and metaphysics.

      Dignaga's writings on logic and epistemology: Dignaga laid the foundations of Buddhist logic, influencing the subsequent development of philosophical thought.

      Shantideva's writings, including Bodhicharyavatara (The Bodhisattva's Way of Life): A poetic text describing bodhisattva ideals and practices that was very popular at Nalanda.

      Nalanda is not just a page in history, it is a living heritage, a symbol of the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual depth. It has preserved for us invaluable Buddhist teachings, influenced the development of world culture and remains a beacon of education, reminding us of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and international cooperation in the field of education. The rebirth of Nalanda is not just about rebuilding the ancient walls, it is about returning to the origins of wisdom to light the way for future generations.

      Psychology of Buddhism

      Introduction to the topic

      You are standing in front of a mirror, and in this reflection is hidden the secret of your true essence. "Revival is not granted by anyone, no one keeps it for you; only through a deep realization of one's inner essence, the essence of awakening thus revealed is called awakening," says the ancient Sutra of the Perfect Gathering of the Dharma, like a Tibetan sage whispering in your ear the truth hidden in the depths of your heart.

      This capacity for awakening, dormant in each of us like a lotus seed in muddy water, is the Buddha-nature, the tathagatagarbha. In order to free ourselves from the shackles of fear and suffering, which we impose on ourselves like heavy chains, we need to discover this inner nature. The great teachers, like skilful guides, offer us different paths to this inner city of unity: mahamudra, dzogchen, the union of clarity and emptiness.

      To see the beauty of the sunrise over the Himalayas, you need not only mountains, but also open, sensitive eyes. The same is true in practice: you need to develop a subtle perception of both your inner world and external reality. It's like tuning a musical instrument, where each string must sound in unison to create a harmonious melody. "TADYATA (OM) GATE GATE PARAGATE PARASAMGATE BODHI SVAHA" – Like an echo in mountain caves, this mantra from the "Heart Sutra" reminds us of the path to enlightenment.

      Many of us, like travelers lost in the fog, focus on only one part of the path, which is the development of our inner self. But, as a wise Tibetan monk says, "one wing will not lift a bird into the sky." We also need to learn to see the world around us in its true essence, in its emptiness, as Nagarjuna says.

      The first step is how to learn to see the reflection of the moon in a dewdrop. This requires awareness, attention and insight, like an eagle soaring high in the mountains.

      The second step is how to see the invisible thread that connects all things. It has to do with understanding emptiness, like revealing a secret hidden in an ancient manuscript. "By comprehending emptiness, but being devoid of compassion, you will not enter the higher path," warns St. Sarah, reminding that wisdom without compassion is like an empty vessel.

      Why was the Buddha silent after waking up? Because words cannot fully convey the depth of this experience, like trying to describe the fragrance of a flower in words. To see the true nature of reality, you need to study ancient texts, reflect, meditate, like a climber conquering the top of a mountain.

      Emptiness is not nothing, it is an understanding of the interconnectedness of all things, it is like seeing a pattern in a carpet where each thread plays a role. And this understanding is like a universal medicine that heals not only our wounds, but also the wounds of the world around us, like a mountain stream washing over the stones.

      Revelation in Silence: Buddhist Psychology – A Bridge Between Ancient and Modern

      Imagine a mountain monastery shrouded in fog, where time flows according to its own, unhurried laws. In this secluded place, far from the hustle and bustle of the modern world, knowledge about the human mind, about its depths and possibilities has been polished for centuries. This knowledge, carefully preserved and passed down from generation to generation, forms the basis of Buddhist psychology – an amazing fusion of wisdom, compassion and practical methods that can transform our lives.

      

      What is Buddhist psychology? It is not just a set of philosophical concepts or religious dogmas. It is an in-depth study of the nature of the mind, its functioning, its tendencies and potentials. It is a practical system aimed at achieving inner peace, liberation from suffering, and the development of wisdom and compassion. As the Buddha said, "The mind is the source of everything. As thoughts are, so is life." These words, simple at first glance, encapsulate the quintessence of the Buddhist approach to understanding human existence.

      The history of the study of Buddhist psychology dates back more than two and a half millennia. Originating in India, the Buddha's teachings have spread throughout the world, enriching and adapting to different cultural contexts. A special place in this process is occupied by the Tibetan tradition, in particular the Nalanda School, which is famous for its systematic and in-depth study of the psychology of the mind. The Nalanda Monasteries were veritable centres of knowledge, where scholars and practitioners carefully studied the texts, debated and developed methods of meditation and introspection.

      Today, when the Western world is experiencing a boom in interest in mental health and spiritual practices, Buddhist psychology is gaining a new lease of life. Her wisdom, tested by time, turns out to be surprisingly consonant with the problems and challenges of modern society. Stress, anxiety, depression, loss of meaning in life – these problems, which have become the scourge of our time, find deep understanding and effective solutions in Buddhist teachings.

      Why is the study of Buddhist psychology so important and beneficial? First of all, it offers a deep understanding of the causes of our suffering. Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths, which begin with the recognition of the existence of suffering (dukkha). But Buddhism does not stop at stating facts. It offers a path to liberation from this suffering by pointing to its roots – our grasping, desires and ignorance. As the Dalai Lama said: "The root of suffering is ignorance." Understanding this relationship gives us the opportunity to look at our problems from a new angle and begin to work on their true causes.

      Buddhist psychology provides not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical tools for working with the mind. Meditation, mindfulness, compassion – these practices, which are actively used in Western psychotherapy today, have deep roots in the Buddhist tradition. They help us develop mindfulness, calm the mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and strengthen our emotional stability.

      For whom is Buddhist psychology intended? The answer is simple: for everyone who strives for inner peace, happiness and well-being. It will be useful for professional psychologists and psychotherapists who are looking for new approaches and methods