Understanding Fa Hsiang Sect (Part 3/4) Four Functional Portions With respect to the relationship between the subjective consciousness and the object phenomena, there are four mental functional portions in each of the eight consciousnesses. They are interdependent in nature. The objective or the seen portion [相分], ie. Laksana-bhaga — all phenomena […]
Buddhist Sects
47 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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Tantric Practice in Cultivation Dharma of Tantra Buddhism The profound mystical Dharma of Tantra Buddhism is to coordinate mutually and harmoniously the triple activities of the mouth reciting the True Word, the hands posting the symbol of a manta, and the mind entering into profound meditation on mandalas with Form […]
Understanding Chen Yen Sect (Part 5/5) Five Kinds of Dharma Body In Cheng Yen sect, all teachings are established on the ground of Buddhas, i.e. the manifestations of the Dharma Body of Buddhas as the results of the cultivation of Buddhahood. There are five kinds of Dharma Body, which are all incorporated […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
