# jamesgritz.com ## Posts - [Cool Grove and The Mahakala Caves](https://jamesgritz.com/hello-world/): The Cool Grove Charnel Ground: Sitavana Northeast of Bodh Gaya lies Sitavana, the Cool Grove—a site woven into the fabric of Indian Buddhism and the tantric tradition. Revered as one of the eight great charnel grounds, Sitavana has long been a place where spiritual seekers confront impermanence and the realities of life and death. On the surface, a charnel ground (śmaśāna) is simply a place where bodies are left to decompose, by cremation or burial. But for vajrayana practitioners it’s much more. The charnel ground is not just a place of death and decay, but a place where all our […] - [Why is the guru so important in Vajrayana Buddhism?](https://jamesgritz.com/why-is-the-guru-so-important-in-vajrayana-buddhism/): Over the years I have watched many people with great desire to approach the teacher held back by timidity and fear. Not only new students but also well-seasoned Dharma practitioners. I see these disciples refrain from approaching the teacher, either from discomfort or out of what I consider a false respect or devotion. Many see the teacher as a superhero and as students they are un­worthy of presenting themselves. Dharma teachers are heroic and extremely busy, occupied with teaching and all kinds of projects in their mandala. Still, I have never met an authentic teacher who was not approachable.   […] - [SHORT MOMENTS, MANY TIMES](https://jamesgritz.com/short-moments-many-times/): Perhaps the most profound advice I have received from my teachers that has been passed down through the Dzogchen lineage is “short moments, many times.” It is difficult to sustain rigpa, ordinary mind, the natural state, or whatever you would like to call it. It often comes out of nowhere, when you drop your practice, when you sneeze, or when you have lost awareness stepping off the curb and are almost run over by a car. These are accidental moments over which you have no control. For me, “short moments, many times” is a way to practice. Even in a […] - [BRINGING THE LUNG DOWN](https://jamesgritz.com/bringing-the-lung-down/): There is a particular teaching Tsoknyi Rinpoche has given on a number of occasions that I would like to share. I have found this practice especially helpful during difficult times. I have received these teachings both privately and in public. In a Renunciation Retreat given in Crestone, Colorado, Rinpoche described some of the signs that indicate when your lung (prana or wind) is out of balance and the moving upward prana is giving us trouble. A general sign is a busy feeling in the body, a feeling that we want to move, feeling restless and agitated. Underlying that feeling is […] - [Footsteps of Buddha](https://jamesgritz.com/footsteps-of-buddha/): The Buddha’s life is not just a personal journey, but one that has reverberated through centuries, inspiring countless individuals across cultures and traditions. His teachings continue to offer profound insights into the nature of existence, helping all who seek peace and understanding. For many, the pilgrimage to the places where the Buddha’s life unfolded serves to connect deeply with his message. These places are rich in spiritual significance, each offering a unique window into his path to enlightenment. As his life came to an end, the Buddha gave his followers timeless guidance. He highlighted four key places of pilgrimage that […] ## Pages - [Street Photography](https://jamesgritz.com/street-photography/) - [My account](https://jamesgritz.com/my-account/) - [Checkout](https://jamesgritz.com/checkout/) - [Cart](https://jamesgritz.com/cart/) - [Shop](https://jamesgritz.com/shop/) - [Blog](https://jamesgritz.com/blog/) - [ABOUT JAMES GRITZ](https://jamesgritz.com/about/): James Gritz is an accomplished photographer, author, and filmmaker whose work has been published in numerous books and magazines and exhibited in Europe, Mexico, and the United States. His photography is represented by renowned agencies, including Getty Images, Robert Harding, and Glasshouse Images. James has traveled extensively, capturing the essence of diverse cultures in India, Nepal, Ladakh, Tibet, Bhutan, Cambodia, Africa, Mexico, and Europe. James co-directed Never Give Up, a documentary film on the 17th Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje, during the Kagyu Monlam. The film, shot in India, captures the rich spiritual traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and the 17th Karmapa.​​​ […] - [Contact](https://jamesgritz.com/contact/):   JAMES GRITZ Phone: +34 656 998 818 WhatsApp: +52 8791 0458 - [Workshops](https://jamesgritz.com/workshops/): Mindfulness, Meditation and Photography Workshops To be announced - [Photography & Art](https://jamesgritz.com/photography-art/) - [books](https://jamesgritz.com/books/) - [home](https://jamesgritz.com/) ## Products - [Footsteps of Buddha - Buddhist Pilgrimage in India](https://jamesgritz.com/product/footsteps-of-buddha-buddhist-pilgrimage-in-india/): Preface   The Buddha’s life is not just a personal journey, but one that has reverberated through centuries, inspiring countless individuals across cultures and traditions. His teachingscontinue to offer profound insights into the nature of existence,  helping all who seek peace and understanding. For many, the pilgrimage to the places where the Buddha’s life unfolded serves to connect deeply with his message. These places are rich in spiritual significance, each offering a unique window into his path to enlightenment. A pilgrimage is more than just a journey—it is a transformative experience, both physical and spiritual. Rooted in religious devotion, a […] - [Pith Instructions from my Teachers](https://jamesgritz.com/product/pith-instructions-from-my-teachers/): Essential teachings from major contemporary Kagyu and Nyingma Vajrayana Buddhist teachers, complemented with more than 115 photographs. Featuring Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche Guadalupe Gonzales Rios Jigme Khyentse Rinpoche Tsoknyi Rinpoche Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche His Holiness the 16th Karmapa His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Mingyur Rinpoche   James Gritz is a professional photographer who has travelled extensively with these teachers for decades, documenting their Dharma work. You could say this is your unique window into “the room where it happened.” [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)