Hongaku – Original Enlightenment Original Enlightenment, although related to Buddhanature (Tathagata-garbha) is a different teaching. Original Enlightenment (also innate enlightenment) is the view that Enlightenment is not something to be gained, but rather we are already enlightened, we just need to realise it. The reason we can’t see this is […]
Fundamentals of Buddhism
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The High King Avalokitesvara Sutra: A Spiritual Solution to Purify, Heal, and Protect You and Your Loved Ones from the Coronavirus (Covid 19) In December 2019, a lethal coronavirus appeared mysteriously in Wuhan and spread like wild fire throughout the world. Many people suffer from pain, fear, and grief […]
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 […]
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 […]
Shutei Mandala of Nichiren Shu Nichiren Buddhism is a school with great internal diversity. Within Nichiren Buddhism itself, there are numerous sub-sects, the most well-known of which are Nichiren Shu, Nichiren Shoshu, and Soka Gakkai. To understand more about differences among Nichiren Shu, Nichiren Shoshu, and Soka Gakkai, you may […]
Buddha’s Teachings in the Pali Canon Series: Seven Treasures of Virtue Quotes by eminent Buddhist teachers such as 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, Thich Nhat Hanh, Master Hsing Yun, Venerable Cheng Yen, 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje as well as Daisaku Ikeda are predominantly about nuggets of wisdom related […]
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 […]
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 Amitabha Buddha Sutra from the Perspective of the Lotus Sutra Amitabha Buddha, or Amida Buddha, is the Buddha of special reverence in Pureland. In fact, Amitabha Sutra is one of the many expedient teachings expounded by Shakyamuni Buddha to enable all to attain Buddhahood. The pureland of Amitabha is […]
Four Dignities That Bring Confidence into Everyday Life By Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche The Shambhala teachings introduce four mythical animals—the tiger, lion, garuda, and dragon—which represent the principles of confidence that the ruler develops in order to bring wisdom and compassion into daily life. The confidence of the tiger is contentment. […]
