Bodhi Day
I hope that we can all take the time to reflect on what a Bodhi Day would mean within our own lives. What a wonderful New Year’s resolution this would be, to reorient our lives towards practice and follow the Way. This is how we can all have a truly happy New Year for both ourselves and for those all around us.
Five Thanks Givings
When we first begin to come to temple, we do not say “Namoamidabutsu”. This is because we have never been taught how or why, and we don’t know what it means. But over time, after being reminded many times, it begins to feel more comfortable to say it. It takes time but we move from not saying it, to saying when prompted and then on to saying it on our own. And then we begin to mean it. We feel it in our hearts and mind.
That Is Not What I Thought
Once you become aware that “We create the world with our mind”, it can become quite humorous. And you begin to wonder how many times have I confused opinions for facts? This realization can begin to soften our judgements and the rigidity of our thinking. I would like to share a personal example.
Mantras & Speech Act Theory
“Namoamidabutsu” is much like the phrase “I love you” which also communicates a state of mind. It is both an emotion and an experience. It has an overwhelming effect on both the speaker and the listener. It acknowledges a shared reality between two people. As does “Namoamidabutsu” between the speaker and reality itself. An oral tradition that dates all the way back to the Buddha’s India.
Rx for Insight
Early on in my career, I felt like a superhero. Full of knowledge and ready to help all of the patients that would come by. As I matured, I began to have a different perspective. I have learned that often, I gain as much from my patients as I am able to help them. Through my patients, I am often reminded of the teachings of Buddhism.
Outside-In
There is another perspective. It is one of appreciating our “external causes” and realizing their benefits. As we listen to the teachings and interact within a Sangha, our perspectives and viewpoints begin to soften. Buddhism is something that is now happening to us rather than for us. We are receiving benefits rather than achieving milestones, rank or status.
Human Beings, Feeling Beings
What one person finds delightful, another may see as disgusting. We use these differences to dividing ourselves into groups, but how can we come together in a climate where people are so divided?
A Fresh Way to Look at the Four Noble Truths
I was happily working my way through my online video course at Everyday Buddhist, when Jon Turner Sensei pointed out that the Buddha saw the human condition as a “seeing problem” causing a person to “not feel right“. As a practicing physician, the parallel with medical diagnosis and treatment was intriguing to me, and it gave me a new way to look at the Four Noble Truths.
A Path to Universal Liberation - Part 3
In a world increasingly marked by division, whether due to socioeconomic status, gender, race, or political beliefs, Amida’s vow to liberate all beings without distinction is especially relevant.
A Path to Universal Liberation - Part 2
Understanding Amida Buddha’s wisdom and compassion, first from a fundamental Buddhist perspective, then from Shinran’s interpretation, provides an invaluable foundation for reflecting on how the Buddha’s teachings resonate with contemporary society.
A Path to Universal Liberation - Part 1
Understanding Amida Buddha’s wisdom and compassion, first from a fundamental Buddhist perspective, then from Shinran’s interpretation, provides an invaluable foundation for reflecting on how the Buddha’s teachings resonate with contemporary society. In today’s world, where people struggle with feelings of inadequacy, isolation, and despair, the message of Amida’s wisdom and compassion offers profound hope and a call to transformative change.
Easy Can Be Very Difficult
After four years of listening to the teachings, I began to realize that I was no longer translating Buddhist ideas in and out of a Christian context. I was finally listening, thinking and speaking within a Buddhist context. I had finally become fluent in Buddhism. This is much like the way one learns Spanish or Japanese. I was learning Buddhism through immersion. I was being perfumed by the Dharma though I did not know that.
Two Competing Narratives
There is another world. It is a world of contribution. This is where we experience infinite opportunities and possibilities. It is a universe where we can find everything in abundance. Rather than focusing on achievements, we look for ways we can contribute. Rather than doing it on our own, we become part of something bigger than our selves.
Gratitude: A Path to Awakening
Rev. Dr. Kenji Akahoshi shares some of the common Western misunderstandings of Shin Buddhism, and the traditions behind the practice. He explains the everyday benefits of waking up everyday.
The Dharma of Shogun
Paul Daisuke Goodman on what one critically acclaimed TV show teaches us about right view, right action, and deep listening. Spoiler warning.
The Art of Slow Looking
When we slow down, when we really engage in the moment, we find a deep richness. Our perceptions change. Slow looking is an exercise commonly found in the art world. Let's see what happens when we combine slow looking with Buddhism.
Mahayana Bodhisattva Path
We are along with Dharmākara in a journey together toward complete spiritual liberation. It is like a “three-legged race.”
The Smaller Sukhāvatīvyūha Sūtra mentions that Bodhisattva Dharmākara becoming Amida Buddha has been guiding us to perfect enlightenment for the past ten kalpas.
How to Hold a Grudge that Nobody Cares About but Me
Leave criticism behind? I don’t know, I seem to really enjoy hanging on to at least what I consider abuse. It seems to come naturally to me. This a tough one and easier said than done. Letting go is not as easy as it sounds. A lot of the Buddha’s teachings seem simple to understand, but are difficult to put in to practice.
Two Rivers, a White Path, and the Hotel California (Part 2)
I’ve heard the two rivers parable a number of times but I really came to understand it through a classic song that popped up on one of my playlists the other day. It’s a song about another traveler trying to escape the beasts and brigands, fire and water in his life, who was trying to escape a place you’ve all heard of before: “Hotel California.”
Two Rivers, a White Path, and the Hotel California (Part 1)
I’ve heard the two rivers parable a number of times but I really came to understand it through a classic song that popped up on one of my playlists the other day. It’s a song about another traveler trying to escape the beasts and brigands, fire and water in his life, who was trying to escape a place you’ve all heard of before: “Hotel California.”