Differences in Doctrines and Practices: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhism Buddhism is a world religion or philosophy with immense internal diversity when it comes to doctrines, practices, and sectarians. With over more than 2500 years of development and transmission of Buddhism from India to East Asia and Southeast Asia, Buddhism […]
Yearly Archives: 2019
54 posts
Understanding Fa Hsiang Sect (Part 2/4) The Doctrine of Mere Consciousness The doctrine of mere consciousness is radical to the development of Mahayana, as it forms a comprehensive theoretical ground on Buddhism The doctrine of Fa-hsiang sect concerns mainly with the specific characteristics of all elements, both subjective and objective, […]
Symbolism of the Five Wisdom Buddhas In Vajrayana Buddhism, the Five Tathāgatas (pañcatathāgata), also known as Five Wisdom Tathāgatas (五智如来), Five Dhyani/Meditation Buddhas, or the Five Jinas (meaning in Sanskrit: “conqueror” or “victor”), are emanations and embodiments of the five qualities of the Dharmakaya Buddha of the Ultimate Truth. The […]
Deciphering the Lotus Sutra: Commentary by Daisaku Ikeda (Chapter 1 – DI 1.1) “This is What I Heard”: The Pulse of the Oneness of Mentor and Disciple #1 “The entire cosmos is the stage of the Lotus Sutra. All Buddhas have attained their enlightenment based on the Mystic […]
Mangala Sutta: 38 Blessings (Part 1/3) In the Mangala Sutta, the Buddha said that there are 38 highest blessings in life. The reason why there are so many different ‘highest blessings’ is because what may be the ‘highest blessing’ for one, may not be so for another. A person […]
Understanding Fa Hsiang Sect (Part 1/4) Name Literally, Fa-hsiang [法相], which is Dharma-laksana in Sanskrit, means ‘the characteristics of Dharmas’ or ‘the specific marks of Dharmas’. As Dharma is generally the existence of both substantial matter and mental activities, this sect focuses on the study of nature and qualities of all […]
Zen Master Hakuin Ekaku Art historians have taken an interest in Hakuin Ekaku (1686-1769) in recent years. The old Zen master’s ink brush paintings and calligraphy are prized today for their freshness and vibrancy. But even without the paintings, Hakuin’s impact on Japanese Zen is incalculable. He reformed the Rinzai Zen school. […]
Gosho Study #7: Hell Is the Land of Tranquil Light One who, on hearing the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, makes even greater efforts in faith is a true seeker of the way. Tien-tai states, “From the indigo, an even deeper blue.” This passage means that, if one dyes something […]
Compassion is the Foundation of Health By Master JinBodhi We have to learn to be broadminded and have a forgiving, appreciative heart in order to experience the love and beauty of this world and the wonderful people around us. – Master JinBodhi Many ailments are, at root, psychological problems. […]
Pure Land Method in Cultivation A Flexible Method for all Buddhists The Name-Reciting Method of the Pure Land Sect, embracing both the Dharmas of Being and Non-Being, is broad, extensive and miraculous. There are other practices; for example, Contemplating the Buddha’s Image, as taught in Pratyutpanna-samadhi Sutra; the Name-Reciting Method […]
