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Monthly Archives: March 2014
Nichiren Nights and the Great Tendai Sun
From this series on the Lotus Sutra it’s not hard to imagine why mystical-movements evolved from its teachings. The Japanese Tendai-School has its roots within the Chinese Tiantai Tradition and was established by a monk named Saichō, whom like his … Continue reading
Lotus Sutra Dharanis
Dhāraṇīs are special mystical-invocations used to provide spiritual-protection for its recipients. The ones encountered in chapter 26 are meant to protect the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and its devotees. Herein we find many diverse beings uttering dhāraṇīs, from Bodhisattvas … Continue reading
The Universal Gateway of the Bodhisattva Who Hears the Cries of the Poor
Those reading this title from Chapter 25 from translations that don’t utilize the sanskrit might not realize this refers to non-other than our own beloved Avalokiteśvara. This entire chapter is in honor of the Greatest (in our own saha-realm) Bodhisattva … Continue reading
Posted in The Lotus Sutra
Tagged Avalokiteśvara, Bodhisattva, Kannon, Kuan Yin, Kwan Um, suffering, Universal Gateway
2 Comments
What Need Forgiveness?
Recently a question was asked about understanding of forgiveness from a Ch’an perspective. An aspiring Ch’an adept would learn soon enough that this is a totally meaningless question. For instance, the Diamond Sutra would ask, “Forgiveness from what and for … Continue reading
Posted in Spirituality, Uncategorized
Tagged Absolute Host, action, Angulimala, forgiveness, form, Ryusui
5 Comments
A Most Compassionate Light
Thereupon, the Buddha Śākyamuni emitted a ray of light from his topknot (uṣṇīṣa), the mark of a great person, and also from the tuft of white hair between his eyebrows (ūrṇā), thus illuminating all the buddha worlds in the east … Continue reading
Self-Immolation
Without question the most extreme forms of homage that traces its roots back to the Lotus Sutra (in particular Chapter 23) is that of self-immolation. Of course the most recent occurrences of this extremity are occurring in Tibet, where Tibetans … Continue reading
Posted in The Lotus Sutra
Tagged Dharma, Ganges Rivers, Medicine King, Mount Sumeru, perseverance, sacrifice, self-immolation, ten-directions
2 Comments
Sweet Anointing From Above
Upon hearing the Blessed One expound on his eternal-lifespan, the Lotus Sutra goes on to explain in the ensuing chapters how immeasurable sentient beings may draw merit from this realization. (from Chapter 17) At that time the Buddha addressed Bodhisattva … Continue reading
Posted in The Lotus Sutra
Tagged anointing, auspicious mark, bodhisattva mahāsattvas, Dharma, Lotus Sutra, merit, Śākyamuni’s lifespan
4 Comments
The Hidden Elixir That Heals All Woes
Chapters 13-21 addresses the spiritual careers of bodhisattvas accompanied with prescriptions for right conduct and proper ways in which to reverence the Lotus Sutra. Chapter 16 is unique on its own since it focuses on the vast spiritual career of … Continue reading
Posted in The Lotus Sutra
Tagged Buddhadharma, Lankavatarian, Primordial Elixir, Sakyamuni Buddha, skillful means, suffering
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The Days of Hermits, Scoundrels, and a Dragon Princess
Chapter 12 is the quintessential text in Buddhism conveying the all-encompassing ascendancy of Buddha-nature. It reveals that regardless of one’s moral stature, sexual identity, or karmic-predispositions, the potential-seed of Buddhahood is indigenous to all sentient beings. The “awakening” to one’s … Continue reading
Posted in The Lotus Sutra
Tagged Bodhisattva, Buddha Nature, Dharma, Dragon-Daughter, Ganges River, Naga, True Dharma, Wisdom
2 Comments
Atsuya Okuda—the Sound of the (zen) Bamboo Flute
Tozen dropped-off this marvelous link…enjoy! Atsuya Okuda, producer of The Sound of Zen 2002 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sound_of_Zen music-link: http://okudaatsuya.com/sound_koku.html (click on any of the Japanese words above the black bar to hear his creations). Read more […]