Monthly Archives: December 2017

The well of no origin

Posted on December 30, 2017 by Tozen

Please share what you have, so I may quench this thirst.

The well is over there. Why don´t you taste the water yourself? read more

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Highlights from the Mahāparinirvāṇasūtra

Posted on December 28, 2017 by Vajragoni

Reflecting back upon the introductory blog from this series, along with the analysis of the Self from contemporary scholars like Dr. Tony Page and Dr. Chris Jones, the other salient construct revolved around Shimoda Masahiro’s hypothesis that the early stupa-based communities discovered the “hidden Buddha Nature” best in context of a sutra-based formulation. This construct indicated that the primary catalyst for such a shift was sparked by the early dharmakathika, or (Dharma masters). At the time of writing this I stated, “During our exegesis of the Mahāparinirvāṇasūtra hopefully some pertinent passages will affirm [these] assertions.” The forthcoming “highlights” of the series will indicate the nature of this shift and the “spirit-behind” such a noble direction. read more

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The Moon Parable

Posted on December 27, 2017 by Vajragoni

The Mahāparinirvāṇasūtra makes excellent use of parables in order to construct analogies as to the True Buddha Nature. The Moon Parable stands out in analogizing how the cycles of the Moon reflect the perennial nature of the Tathagata. read more

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Entering the Garbha-Self

Posted on December 26, 2017 by Vajragoni

Number Twelve is the flagship chapter for the Mahāparinirvāṇasūtra; it further details the True Nature of the Self and then highlights its salvific context as, “After hearing this sutra one thereupon understands that all living beings possess Buddha-nature, and this is the reason why I expound the Mahāparinirvāṇasūtra.” read more

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Origin of the One who Suffers

Posted on December 25, 2017 by Vajragoni

Chapter Ten: On the Four Truths

There’s an interesting copy of this chapter translated by Charles Patton found on the old Dark Zen website. The notable difference from other copies concerns the line, “That which is called [the sufferer] is not called the noble truth of suffering.” The translation otherwise found says “That which is called [suffering].” Whatever the reason was for the change, it fits in perfectly with the main thrust of the chapter as “the origin of the one who suffers”. The subsequent exegesis will further explain this examination. The opening line will include the change as found at that Dark Zen site. read more

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Dharma of the Evil One

Posted on December 24, 2017 by Vajragoni

Chapter Nine: On Good and Evil

(Mark L. Blum translation):

As a carry-over from the last chapter, Kāśyapa inquires from the Blessed One as to whether or not one should continue to depend upon and find refuge in the āryapudgala during his absence. The Buddha responds in the affirmative, stating that they counteract the powers of the evil one: read more

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The Fab-Four

Posted on December 22, 2017 by Vajragoni

Chapter Eight: The Four Dependables

(Mark L. Blum translation):

The Buddha said:

Good man, within this Subtle Sutra of the Great Nirvana there are four kinds of people who capably protect the true-dharma, promote the true-dharma, and keep the true-dharma in their thoughts. They bring much in the way of blessings and mercy to the world, for they are supports for the world, [sources of] tranquil bliss for humans and gods alike. read more

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Modes of Liberation

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Vajragoni

At the beginning of Part II of Chapter Seven a discussion arises as to the exact nature of “the hidden treasury”. The Real Treasury of the Tathagatas was covered in Chapter Three with the quote from Zen Master Keizan’s Transmission of Light: “I have the treasury of the eye of truth, the ineffable mind of nirvana.” The Blessed One explains to Kāśyapa the inner-core of this realization: read more

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A Lion’s Earring

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Vajragoni

Chapter Seven is a vast potpourri covering more ethical and proper propriety (right choice of meat and wine) issues for both monks and laity, but the real meat of this interval revolves around the Nature of the Tathagata, in particular in terms of permanency, spectacular prowess at transformational abilities, and how nirvanic Tathagatahood constitutes liberation. The Yamamoto-Page translation lumps them altogether as one-chapter, whereas the Blum translation (wisely so) bifurcates them into separate bodies. We have chosen the course of the latter and will subdivide the seventh chapter into two parts. read more

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The Virtue of the Tathāgata

Posted on December 16, 2017 by Vajragoni

Although brief in length, Chapter Six on the Virtue of the Name is nonetheless expansive and bold in execution in terms of bringing home the message and import of the Mahāparinirvāṇasūtra. It even makes the bold proclamation that it’s consequential weight far and above transcends the significance of any other sutra. read more

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