Tag Archives: Compassion
Persistent Erroneous Beliefs
“What more does the community of bhikkhus expect from me, Ananda? I have set forth the Dhamma without making any distinction of esoteric and exoteric doctrine; there is nothing, Ananda, with regard to the teachings that the Tathagata holds to … Continue reading
Leader or Guide?
Upali lived during the time of Buddha and was the follower of another religion and went to the Buddha in order to argue with him and try to convert him. But after talking to the Buddha, he was so impressed that he decided … Continue reading
Afterthoughts: Karma
Fourteen days ago I suffered a “massive heart attack”, whatever that might really mean. This was a cause to consider the often-mysterious workings of karma. During the past year I had been forced for many reasons to consider my karma … Continue reading
No One Is Perfect, Nor Can They Be
In a conversation with an aged Brahmin, the Buddha once explained concisely what a Buddha, an enlightened one, means: What has to be known, that I have known (the five aggregates); What has to be abandoned, that I have abandoned; … Continue reading
Does Buddhism Need A Dhamma Police?
This is a reposted blog article by Sensei Keisho Ananda of Hongaku Jodo. It is well worth the read. Please check him out. Does Buddhism Need A Dhamma Police? When I took refuge years ago I took refuge in The … Continue reading
The Matrix of Practice
Dengyo Daishi once wrote, “A devout believer in the Buddha’s Law who is also a wise man is truly obliged to point out to his students any false doctrines, even though they are principles of his own sect. He must … Continue reading
Taking Courage
Nonviolence is the highest form of unpretentious humility. It is ultimate courage. Anyone who avoids using violence has strength. The real conflict of the 21st century is not between cultures or even religions. It is between violence and nonviolence. It … Continue reading
Avoiding Poison
The recent bombings and increased activities of religious extremists have provoked a myriad of responses, both rational and irrational. In the United States people of power tend to react instead of responding. The reaction is normally superficial and immature. They … Continue reading
Poor Suffering Baby
We have a problem — you have and I have it. I may have worked on it a little longer on it than you have, but maybe not. Here is the problem: we have very little motivation to give up … Continue reading
Rational Amidism, Modes of Existence
In the past I was able to teach the Buddha’s Dharma throughout the day without ever mentioning him or using a Pali or Sanskrit word. I’ve given up on that. Once the Buddha is taken out of the equation people … Continue reading
Fists Full of Sand 