Jataka Tale: The Brave Little Parrot Once, long ago, the Buddha was born as a little parrot. One day a storm fell upon his forest home. Lightning flashed, thunder crashed, and a dead tree, struck by lightning, burst into flames. Sparks leapt on the wind and soon the forest was […]
Buddhism
294 posts
Understanding Pure Land Sect (Part 1) Pure Land is generally referred to as the Buddhaland. In Sanskrit, it is called Parisodhana-ksetra, which means the field that purifies. Each Buddha has his own Buddhaland. For instance, the Buddha of our world, known as Saha World, is Shakyamuni, while the Buddha of […]
Understanding Tien Tai Sect (Part 1) Tien-tai is actually the name of a mountain in Chekiang Province in China. As one of the most prominent patriarchs, Chih-i [智顗] lived and taught his followers in Mount Tien-tai during the Ch’en and Sui Dynasties, the sect is named after the mountain. The other name […]
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. […]
10 Books on the Interpretation and Practice of the Lotus Sutra Understanding the Lotus Sutra can be an uphill task for beginners who wish to discover the hidden wisdom of the Lotus Sutra. To make the understanding of the Lotus Sutra, there are books available to enable you to grasp […]
Discourse on the Four Establishments of Mindfulness (Satipatthana Sutta) i I heard these words of the Buddha one time when he was living at Kammassadhamma, a market town of the Kuru people. The Buddha addressed the bhikkhus, “O bhikkhus.” And the bhikkhus replied, “Venerable Lord.” The Buddha said, “Bhikkhus, there is […]
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 […]
Transforming the Mind with Compassion and Mindfulness Jack Kornfield, a well-known meditation teacher since 1974 and a prolific best-selling author in the Vipassana Movement in American Theravada Buddhism speaks to Esther Thien on the power of compassion and mindfulness to change our lives. Esther: You have come a long way […]
Do you want to have your prayers answered? What kind of attitude should you have when you pray? Prayers come in different shape and form, be it chanting, singing, meditating, affirmation, reading or reciting sutras or scriptures. Regardless of how you pray, the attitude of prayer is pivotal. Having […]
