Tag Archives: Icchantikas

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. Chapter 15: … Continue reading →

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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 … Continue reading →

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Dharmatā

Posted on December 12, 2017 by Vajragoni

It may be of interest to some of the readership as to what is the method employed when undertaking the exegesis of the Sutras in these Dharma-series. Firstly, the given Chapters are diligently read and digested in terms of its … Continue reading →

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The Astounding Assembly

Posted on December 5, 2017 by Vajragoni

Our choice of translation for this series on the Mahāparinirvāṇasūtra is by Kosho Yamamoto, from Dharmakshema’s Chinese version and edited and revised by Dr. Tony Page in 2007. From time to time we will also draw-upon the translation from the … Continue reading →

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Assessing the Setting

Posted on December 3, 2017 by Vajragoni

Our study of the Mahāparinirvāṇasūtra is not to be confused with its distant cousin, the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, which gives a more “historical account” of the Buddha’s last days. The Sutta does give a fascinating story of his having a meal … Continue reading →

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The Place of Precious Things

Posted on December 11, 2012 by Vajragoni

19. “On the eighth day of the tenth moon, the Master said to me: That which is called the City of Illusion contains the Two Vehicles, the Ten Stages of a Bodhisattva’s Progress, and the two forms of Full Enlightenment.1 … Continue reading →

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