Tag Archives: Maitreya

Cultivating Śamatha and Vipaśyanā

Posted on November 24, 2019 by Vajragoni

The main emphasis in this chapter of the Saṃdhinirmocana Sūtra is the cultivation of Śamatha and Vipaśyanā. Śamatha is contemplative tranquility, or in Keenan’s translation, quietude (which we prefer since it establishes the very essence of quietude). Vipaśyanā is insight-meditation … Continue reading →

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Bodhisattva Maitreya

Posted on February 18, 2018 by Vajragoni

The Benevolent Bodhisattva Maitreya arose from his seat in the sacred assembly, bowed and then prostrated himself at the feet of the Tathagata and then circumambulated about him three times to the right. He then knelt down and with hands … Continue reading →

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Naga-Gnosis

Posted on August 18, 2017 by Vajragoni

Vasuki: You’ve been aware of Naga-Gnosis for quite some time. Vajragoni: How did I come to this Gnosis? Vasuki: By continually shedding your old skin, so to speak. Coming out of your habits and associations into a transmuted being. You … Continue reading →

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Vasubandhu and the Absolute

Posted on March 24, 2017 by Vajragoni

Vasubandhu (born 316 AD) and his half-brother, Asanga, were the early formulators of the Yogācāra, a profound and intricate school of Mahāyāna philosophy. The most concise definition of Yogācāra is the practice (ācāra) of spiritual discipline (yoga). Vasubandhu’s range of … Continue reading →

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Maitreya and Vairocana’s Tower

Posted on December 18, 2015 by Vajragoni

Maitreya We are now entering into the climatic-conclusions of the Gandavyūha-sūtra. First up: Maitreya and the Marvelous “Tower of the adornments of Vairocana”. Throughout this sutra, as well as the Avataṃsaka as a whole, we see that Vairocana rather than … Continue reading →

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Mañjuśrī Teaches Prajñāpāramitā

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Vajragoni

Perhaps more than any other Celestial Bodhisattva, Mañjuśrī best captures the epitome of Wisdom. Mañjuśrī is undoubtedly synonymous with and the very embodiment of the Perfection of Wisdom (Prajñāpāramitā). He is the ever-present guide and interlocutor in countless sutras; perhaps … Continue reading →

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Mañjuśrī’s Monology

Posted on February 25, 2014 by Vajragoni

Both Maitreya and Mañjuśrī give wonderful monologues, both in prose and gatha (poetic) form, respectively asking and responding as to the nature of the Buddha’s Illumination. Portions from Mañjuśrī’s Monologue in prose form are as follows: Thereupon Manjuśrī spoke to … Continue reading →

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An Auspicious Gathering

Posted on February 23, 2014 by Vajragoni

Thus have I heard. Once the Buddha was staying in the city of Rājagṛha, on the mountain called Gṛdhrakūṭa, together with a great assembly of twelve thousand monks, all of whom were arhats whose corruption was at an end, who … Continue reading →

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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 →

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Are You Enlightened?

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Vajragoni

4. The Reluctance of the Bodhisattvas Then, the Buddha said to the bodhisattva Maitreya, “Maitreya, go to the Licchavi Vimalakirti to inquire about his illness.” Maitreya replied, “Lord, I am indeed reluctant to go to that good man to inquire … Continue reading →

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