Buddhism in the West

Some two thousand five hundred years ago, Shakyamuni Buddha showed the deed of gaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya, India. He then spent the remainder of his life teaching others what he had learned out of compassion and concern for their welfare. Although the Buddha wandered India and gave teachings to whomever he would meet, he disclosed the entire Buddhist path in three stages which are known as the 'Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma'.

His first teaching was the Four Noble Truths which has formed the foundation of all schools of Buddhist doctrine as we know them today. The second turning of the wheel expounded the profound aspects of the path; those concerning the nature of phenomena, which are the basis for what are known as the 'Prajnaparamita Sutras'. Thirdly he elaborated the potential to become a Buddha which lies within us all, our 'Buddha Nature', while presenting the teachings on the nature of phenomena in a more accessible way.

As Buddha travelled India and taught his doctrine, he adapted his teachings to suit different people's needs and capacities. Thus there is a rich variety to be found within his teachings, ranging from the simple to the profound, and from this many different schools of Buddhism have evolved in various countries. Today, these teachings are practiced in Tibet, Japan, Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Burma and other South-east Asian countries. There is a growing interest in many western countries.

The Geshe Degree

The first Tibetan Buddhist tradition to award a degree at the conclusion of the course of studies were the Sakyas and like the geshe degree, it was granted on the basis of proficiency in dialectical debate. It was called Ka-shi - four subjects, or Ka-chu - ten subjects. The subjects were examined together, so one exhibitory debate could prove a candidate's proficiency in all the subjects. Several of these were held. In Tsongkhapa's time this degree was awarded at Samphu, Kyormolung and Dewachen (later Ratö) monasteries.

Geshe Michael Roach

WARNING: Geshe Michael Roach is a danger to his students, the community and to Buddhism.

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE DANGERS OF GESHE MICHAEL ROACH

Geshe Michael Roach is teacher of Buddhism and Yoga who is gaining popularity in the USA and other countries. He is a published author and holds the title of Geshe (a doctorate in Tibetan Buddhist studies taking over 20 years to complete). He currently lives at Diamond Mountain University in Arizona.

Geshe Michael Roach's behaviour is currently causing controversy and concern within much of the Buddhist community due to his relationship with female students and unconventional teachings.