Three Types of Miracles (Iddhi) in Buddhism In Kevaddha Sutta, a person named Kevaddha recommended the Buddha to get his monks perform supernatural powers in the form of “iddhi” or miracles so as to enhance the Buddha’s prestige and reputation and paves the way for easier conversion to the Buddha’s […]
Yearly Archives: 2022
10 posts
Deciphering the Lotus Sutra: Commentary by Nikkyo Niwano (Chapter 1) In this introductory chapter we pick up the thread that runs through the entire Lotus Sutra. It is the beginning, or prologue, of an exceedingly long sermon. But even though it is a prologue, its substance is not meager, […]
?Do you wish to understand the wisdom of the Lotus Sutra beyond the teachings of Zhiyi (Tendai Buddhism) and Nichiren? ?The wisdom of the Lotus Sutra is presented in a fantastical realm. To truly perceive the profound insights of the Buddha, one needs to approach the Lotus Sutra via a […]
The Great Translator, Kumarajiva Though the Buddhist scriptures are great treasures, it cannot be benefited to the people in China if they are not translated in Chinese. Moreover, if they were translated in deviation to the Buddha’s true teaching, the adverse effect to the learners and practictioners was detrimental. Thus, […]
Six Supernatural Powers in Buddhism When it comes to understanding the Buddha-Dharma, the teaching of supernatural power is seldom the topic mentioned by most Dharma teachers. In fact, for those who value “scientific proof” as a “rational” way of validating the truth, supernatural power is something to be shunned of […]
Dhammapada: The Story of Matthakundali While residing at the Jetavana monastery in Savatthi, the Buddha uttered Verse (2) of this book, with reference to Matthakundali, a young Brahmin. Matthakundali was a young brahmin, whose father, Adinnapubbaka, was very stingy and never gave anything in charity. Even the gold ornaments for […]
8 Jhanas from the Pali Canon The jhanas are altered states of consciousness which are produced from periods of strong concentration. Although not enlightenment experiences, they do provide much needed experience into the Path and explain much of the cosmology in an experiential way. For example, each jhana tends to correspond to […]
Tibetan Buddhist Prayers Prayer is not a mindless, mechanical repetition of sutras or chanting of sutras; it is an opening of our hearts to connect and communicate with our Buddha nature. A successful meditation session, be they silent seated meditation or dynamic vocal chanting, hinges upon our state of mind. […]
Buddha’s Teachings in the Pali Canon: Eight Factors that Result in Material and Spiritual Happiness Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings documented in the Pali Canon are exceptionally practical and relevant for lay Buddhist practitioners to lead rewarding and fulfilling lives. In AN 8.54 Dighajanu Sutta: Conditions of Welfare, a wealthy lay Buddhist […]
30 Inspirational Quotes by Mahatma Gandhi Mahatma Gandhi is the spiritual leader and father of Indian independence. Born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in Porbandar, India in 1869, he was later nicknamed “Mahatma,” which means “great soul.” Gandhi was a fearless campaigner for the rights and dignity of all people. His unwavering […]
