Monthly Archives: March 2012

The Propagation of the Dharma

Posted on March 31, 2012 by Vajragoni

14. The Propagation of the Dharma (Burton Watson) Then the Buddha addressed the bodhisattva Maitreya, saying, “Maitreya, I now take this Law of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, gathered over countless millions of asamkhya kalpas, and entrust it to you. In the latter age … Continue reading →

Posted in The Vimalakirti Sutra, Zen | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Mark against Evil

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Vajragoni

For this study of the Vimalakirti Sutra I have been referring to four different translations. My primary source has been Robert Thurman’s text; the root base of his text is akin to another, truly marvelous, translation by the renowned Belgian … Continue reading →

Posted in The Vimalakirti Sutra, Zen | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Out on a Limb: Part 2

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Vajragoni

12.Vision of the Universe Abhirati and the Tathagata Aksobhya, cont’d The venerable Sariputra then asked the Buddha, “Lord, in which buddha-field did the noble Vimalakirti die, before reincarnating in this buddha-field?” The Buddha said, “Sariputra, ask this good man directly … Continue reading →

Posted in The Vimalakirti Sutra, Zen | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Out on a Limb: Part 1

Posted on March 25, 2012 by Vajragoni

12.Vision of the Universe Abhirati and the Tathagata Aksobhya Thereupon, the Buddha said to the Licchavi Vimalakirti, “Noble son, when you would see the Tathagata, how do you view him?” Thus addressed, the Licchavi Vimalakirti said to the Buddha, “Lord, … Continue reading →

Posted in The Vimalakirti Sutra, Zen | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

The Beatitudes

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Vajragoni

11.Lesson of the Destructible and the Indestructible Meanwhile, back at the main assembly, a strange golden-like hue descends and encompasses everything. Ananda is awestruck and inquires from the Blessed One what this could mean. The Buddha says that this auspicious … Continue reading →

Posted in The Vimalakirti Sutra, Zen | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Mystical Spice

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Vajragoni

10.The Feast Brought by the Emanated Incarnation At the opening of this chapter we once again find Śāriputra still with that dull-witted, conventional outlook on life; before he was concerned with the lack of chairs for the assembly, now he’s … Continue reading →

Posted in The Vimalakirti Sutra, Zen | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Sound of Silence

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Vajragoni

9.The Dharma-Door of Nonduality We now come to the most famous passage in the whole sutra: Vimalakriti’s Noble Silence. It deserves special consideration. We find all of the Bodhisattvas expounding ad nauseam (all dribbling nonsense) their take on the nature … Continue reading →

Posted in The Vimalakirti Sutra, Zen | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Spoofed Again

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Vajragoni

A little commercial-break from the Sutra… Being an avid fan of the Original Dark Shadows (circa 1966-1971), I’ve been looking forward with eager anticipation to viewing the long overdue Trailer for the upcoming Tim Burton/Johnny Depp remake, due out in … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Vajragoni

8. The Family of the Tathagatas Then, the crown prince Manjusri said to the Licchavi Vimalakirti, “Noble sir, how does the bodhisattva follow the way to attain the qualities of the Buddha?” Vimalakirti replied, “Manjusri, when the bodhisattva follows the … Continue reading →

Posted in The Vimalakirti Sutra, Zen | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Victor Victoria

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Vajragoni

7 The Goddess, cont’d Sariputra: Goddess, what prevents you from transforming yourself out of your female state? Goddess: Although I have sought my “female state” for these twelve years, I have not yet found it. Reverend Sariputra, if a magician … Continue reading →

Posted in The Vimalakirti Sutra, Zen | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment