Tag Archives: sunyata

Nāgārjuna and the Two Truths

Nāgārjuna is perhaps the most celebrated philosopher-sage of Mahayana/Mādhyamika Buddhism. Despite the enormous popularity very little is actually known concerning his Biographical details apart from the generally-held belief that he lived during the 2nd century CE. While rooted in rich … Continue reading

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The Way of Negation

Apophaticism is employed as a Way of Nothingness, not in a morose and nihilistic fashion, but simply as a vehicle that points to what is ineffable. In Christian parlance it bespeaks the unknowable qualities of the Godhead; the best way … Continue reading

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Nothingness in Nāgārjuna and John of the Cross

Our offering for this autumn season is a series based on the Negative-Way as found in the notion of Nothingness. Two proponents of this Way are Nāgārjuna and John of the Cross. From the Mādhyamika thrust of Nāgārjuna it is … Continue reading

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Hua-Yen, or a View of Totality

Bringers of life by Alex Groseth Before engaging the Sutra it is advisable that we present a brief overview of its doctrinal foundation, which is rooted in Hua-yen Buddhism. Also translated as “Flowery Splendor” (thus the title of the Sutra), … Continue reading

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Emptiness on a Thursday Afternoon

Mahāratnakūṭa Sūtra 46. Mañjuśrī Teaches Prajñāpāramitā Translated from Taishō Tripiṭaka volume 11, number 310 Thus have I heard. At one time, the Buddha was in Śrāvastī, at the Jeta Grove, in Anāthapiṇḍada’s park, along with a great saṃgha of bhikṣus, … Continue reading

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Taking Refuge

  Receiving the signless precepts through the recitation of the three refuges (Yampolsky) “Having finished repentance, I shall give you the formless precepts of the three refuges.” The Master said: “Good friends, ‘take refuge in enlightenment [the Buddha], the most honored … Continue reading

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The All-Seeing Tathatic-Eye

Eighteen: The All-Seeing Tathatic-Eye Subhuti, what do you think? Does the Tathagata possess the human eye? Yes, World-honored One, He does. Well, do you think the Tathagata possesses the divine eye? Yes, World-honored One, He does. And do you think … Continue reading

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As Tears Go By

7.The Goddess Thereupon, Manjusri, the crown prince, addressed the Licchavi Vimalakirti: “Good sir, how should a bodhisattva regard all living beings?” Vimalakirti replied, “Manjusri, a bodhisattva should regard all livings beings as a wise man regards the reflection of the … Continue reading

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