Words on
the way of Zen
Reflections on practice, tradition, and the everyday path of Zen.
Manifestations of Sloth, Manifestations of Anger, Manifestations of Greed, Manifestations of Alcoholism
This "fifth evil" was originally summarized by classical Buddhist commentators in the Five Evils chapter as the pleasure of drinking. But if we look closely at this long passage, its scope is much broader. Perhaps because alcohol can clo...
ReadThe Sins of Illicit Sexual Conduct and the Blessings of Chastity
General Buddhist scriptures and treatises commonly discuss the various sins of illicit sexual conduct, and the various blessings of refraining from it. Take adultery, for instance: once you engage in it, you live in constant dread—dread ...
ReadThe Ugliness or Beauty of One's Appearance Causes All Kinds of Problems
The fourth is the Vow of No Distinction Between Beautiful or Ugly Form and Complexion in My Buddha-Land. Bodhisattva Dharmākara made this vow: “When I attain Buddhahood, all devas and humans in my buddha-land will have equally fine form ...
ReadUpon What Do the Heavens of the Land of Bliss Rest?
Earlier we saw that the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is composed of the seven treasures. It has no Mount Sumeru, no great oceans, no lesser seas, no streams or canals, no wells or valleys, and no turning of the four seasons.
ReadWhy Chanting the Shurangama Mantra Can Purify Karmic Obstacles and Eradicate the Most Heinous Offenses
purifying karmic obstacles.
ReadMind-Only Pure Land Does Not Mean You Shouldn't Seek Rebirth in the Pure Land
What does "mind-only Pure Land" mean? A person who has genuinely realized emptiness still feels an ardent longing to be reborn in the Pure Land. He knows full well that the Saha world is empty, yet he holds a deep aversion to it.
ReadThe Four Aims Behind the Buddha's Diverse Teachings
When the Buddha taught in so many different ways, he had four aims in mind:
ReadWhy Patience Is a Hundred Times Harder to Cultivate Than Generosity
In the marketplace of Huaiyin County, a butcher was loudly taunting people: "You're big and tall, always with a sword at your hip. If you've got the guts, stab me with it. If you don't, then crawl between my legs!" Standing opposite him ...
ReadWhy Does Zen Buddhism Always Have a Bone to Pick with Demons?
In modern Chinese, 魔 and 鬼 are often spoken in the same breath — both suggest beings or forces that bewitch and disturb, luring people into obsession, unsettling them with fear, and causing harm.
ReadDoes Dwelling on the Buddha's Name Equate to Dwelling on Suchness?
In the Pure Land School, when we recite the holy name of Amitabha Buddha, does dwelling on Amitabha's sacred name equate to dwelling on Suchness?
ReadAppreciating Chan Verse — Who Says Living in the World Hinders the Way? The Golden Grain Tathāgata Once Took the Form of an Elder
By Chan Master Zhizhen of Guishan, Tang Dynasty
ReadVenerable Gangxiao: General Meaning of the *Pramanavarttika*, Part Seven
General Meaning of the Pramanavarttika, Part Seven
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