Usnisa Vijaya Dharani Sutra: Sutra on the Purifying of All Evil Paths (Translated version of Master Buddhapala during the Tang Dynasty) Usnisa Vijaya Dharani Sutra is one of the many Mahayana sutras that enables one to eradicate all evil karma, thus preventing one’s from falling into the four lower realms of […]
Fundamentals of Buddhism
49 posts
Seven Sutras that are related to Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara In Mahayana Buddhism, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is one of the most eminent bodhisattvas whose presence is palpable in many of the famous temples in East Asia. The Sanskrit term “Avalokitesvara” means “perceiving the cries of the people in the world.” This is due […]
Seven Factors of Enlightenment The Tipitaka, the Buddhist canon, is replete with references to the factors of enlightenment expounded by the Enlightened One on different occasions under different circumstances. In the Book of the Kindred Sayings, V (Samyutta Nikaya, Maha Vagga) we find a special section under the title Bojjhanga Samyutta wherein the Buddha […]
Short Stories about Ten Eminent Disciples of the Buddha Each of Buddha’s disciples played an important role in the early days of Buddhism. Shariputra represented Buddha in areas which required wisdom, Mogallana in supernatural powers, Katyayana helped spread Buddhism, Subhuti was the symbolism of Emptiness, Purna in debating the Dharma, […]
18 Distinctive Qualities of a Buddha Eighteen Distinctive Qualities of a Buddha (十八不共) are the qualities that only Buddhas and bodhisattvas possess. They commonly consist of the Ten Powers, Four Fearlessness, Three Kinds of Tranquility, and a Great Compassion. Also known as Eighteen Unshared Features Eighteen Unshared Properties, or Eighteen […]
The 52 Stages of Bodhisattva Practice The 52 Stages of Bodhisattva Practices are enumerated in Jeweled Necklace Sutra (菩萨璎珞本业经). The stages are systematic processes through which bodhisattvas advance from the time of their initial resolve until they finally attain Buddhahood. The 52 Stages of Bodhisattva Practice consist of: – […]
80 Minor Characteristics of a Buddha Following the previous blog post on 32 Features of a Buddha (major characteristics), we proceed to the next which is 80 Minor Characteristics of a Buddha. Also known as Eighty Characteristics, Eighty Secondary Characteristics, Eighty Minor Marks, these characteristics are best viewed not literally, […]
32 Features of a Buddha Sometimes, when you read the sutras, you will come across the term “32 Marks of the Buddha.” These are mentioned in many of the sutras, both the Theravada and Mahayana alike. The list of the “32 Marks of a Superior Being” was documented inIn Lakkhana Sutta. […]
Chapter 25 is the chapter on Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara or Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World’s Sounds. Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is a renowned bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism. This is the oral transmissions by Nichiren Daishonin with regards to Guan Yin as found in The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings that is translated by Burton […]
Four Social Rules Ever wonder what are the social rules from the perspective of Buddhism? There is a teaching named “The Four Social Rules” (四攝法) or “The Four Methods of Winning People.” These four methods are applied by bodhisattvas to influence and convince people of the power of Dharma in […]
