What is Nam Myoho Renge Kyo? Nichiren, the 13th-century Japanese Buddhist monk, declared the daimoku of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo on 28 April 1253, which he termed as his First Turning of the Wheel of the Law. At the same time, he also changed his Dharma name to Nichiren, which […]
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Zen Practice in Cultivation What is Ch’an (Zen) Ch’an Buddhism is the core of Buddhism. Once, after a sermon, Gautama Buddha (Shakyamuni) held up a flower before the assembly and the only person who understood the profound meaning of this gesture was Mahakasypa; he responded with a smile. Subsequently, the […]
Understanding Chen Yen Sect (Part 4/5) Three Kinds of Attainment of Buddhahood Cheng Yen sect advocates the direct attainment of Buddhahood with the present life. Attainment of Buddhahood by the wholly noumenal and intrinsic nature [理具成佛]– For all living beings, the body in motion is classified as the first five elements, […]
Gosho Study #4: On Repaying Debts of Gratitude If Nichiren’s compassion is truly great and encompassing, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo will spread for ten thousand years and more, for all eternity, for it has the beneficial power to open the blind eyes of every living being in the country of Japan, and […]
The Essence of Filial Piety By Master Cheng Yen The Long Agama Sutra says, “To guard one’s mind, being respectful and filial to one’s parents is of foremost importance. If everyone can do this, then the young will respect their seniros and there will be harmony among family members. […]
Tien Tai Method in Cultivation Looking into the Mind As said in all Mahayana Scriptures, Prajna is where there is awareness, therefore the practice of looking into the mind is of fundamental importance for disciplining the mind. Because we are not used to revert ourselves to awareness of the mind […]
10 Fascinating Facts about Master Kukai Master Kukai, or Kobo Daishi, is an amazingly respectable Buddhist master by virtue of his balanced intelligence in both arts and sciences, his interpersonal mastery and dignity that gained him trust and respect in the Imperial courts, his leadership to manage the Sangha […]
Understanding Chen Yen Sect (Part 3/5) The Fourfold Mandala The Fourfold Mandala indicates the efficacious power of the Three Mysteries. The painted or sculptured figures show the mystery of the body of the Buddha; the letters show the mystery of the speech of the Buddha; and the symbol shows the […]
Gosho Study #3: The Hero of the World Untempered iron quickly melts in a blazing fire, like ice put in hot water. But a sword, even when exposed to great fire, withstands the heat for a while, because it has been well forged. In admonishing you in this way, I […]
Buddhism Could Now Be the Second Largest Spiritual Path (with 1.6 Billion or 22% of the World’s Population According to Some Recent Studies) Buddhism has never been a “propagation” spirituality. Actively seeking out “converts” is discouraged for the most part. Individual spirituality is emphasized more than group activities. Some people […]
