The Nine Methods of Practicing the Lotus Sutra “….In essence, I have revealed and expounded all the teachings of Tathagata, all the effortless divine powers of Tathagata, all the Secret Treasuries of Tathagata, and all the profound historical events of Tathagatas in the Lotus Sutra. Therefore, after the parinirvana […]
Yearly Archives: 2018
51 posts
Understanding Pure Land Sect (Part 6) Nine Classes for the Rebirth in Pure Land According to the Contemplation Sutra, there are three grades [三輩], each with three forms of rebirth, so that there are nine classes [九品] of people can be reborn in Sukhavati in different manners. It describes the […]
Jataka Tale: The Careless Lion Once upon a time, the Five Training Steps were not yet known in the world. There was a very wealthy man living in Benares who owned a large herd of cattle. He hired a man to look after them. During the time of year […]
Understanding Chan Buddhism (Part 5) Monastic life in Chan sect As Chan sect emphasizes the Dharma transmission from the master to the disciple, there has a well-organized system in the monastic order and a structured monastic life for the monks. The practitioners are required to work very hard in their daily […]
10 Buddhist Mudras and Their Meanings Mudra #1 – Bhumisparsha Mudra This is one of the most common Mudras found in statues of Buddha in many countries. Meaning: ‘Touching the Earth.’ Hand position: Shown in the sitting meditation position only. In this Mudra the right hand points towards the Earth, hanging over the knee, […]
Understanding Tibetan Buddhism (Part 5) Preliminary practices The preliminary practices are the approach in the preparation for the Tantric practice. In Tibet, it is known as Ngondro, which means ‘something that goes before’. There are two kinds of preliminary practices, the first is the common / ordinary and the second […]
Top 10 Buddhist Temples in Japan If you wish to visit Buddhist temples as part of your spiritual pilgrimage, Japan is the country you must not miss. There are countless beautiful Buddhist temples of different traditions for you to visit. Many of these ancient temples are important National Treasures in […]
Pure Land Part 5 Understanding Pure Land Sect (Part 5) Qualification of Rebirth in Pure Land The prime purpose of Pure land Buddhism is achieving rebirth in the Pure Land. Who are qualified to be reborn in Pure Land? As stated in Amitabha Sutra, “… by means of small good […]
Top 10 Children Animations to Foster Courage, Resilience, and Leadership In the past, Disney fairy tales for girls such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderalla, and the Beast, and Sleeping Beauty give the message that “it is only by marrying Prince Charming can one LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER.” […]
Understanding Tien Tai Sect (Part 5) Ten Positions Achieved in Cultivation Further to the doctrine of Identity in Six Degrees, Tien Tai sect relates it to the Ten Positions or Stages achieved in the cultivation of Buddhahood. They are: First Stage of Ordinary Being [凡夫位] — equivalent to Identity in […]
