You have a grandson, Lord Jibu, who is a Buddhist priest. This priest is neither an upholder of precepts nor especially rich in wisdom. He neither observes even one of the 250 precepts nor maintains even one of the 3000 solemn rules of conduct. In wisdom he is like a horse or a cow while … Continue reading Daily Dharma – June 3, 2017
Day 3 covers the first half of Chapter 2, Expedients. Having last month covered Śāriputra’s request and Śākyamuni’s response, we come to the departure of the twigs and leaves. Thereupon the World-Honored One said to him: “You asked me three times with enthusiasm. How can I leave the Dharma unexpounded? Listen to me attentively, and … Continue reading Day 3
You have a grandson, Lord Jibu, who is a Buddhist priest. This priest is neither an upholder of precepts nor especially rich in wisdom. He neither observes even one of the 250 precepts nor maintains even one of the 3000 solemn rules of conduct. In wisdom he is like a horse or a cow while … Continue reading Daily Dharma – Jan. 31, 2017
Day 31 covers Chapter 27, King Wonderful-Adornment as the Previous Life of a Bodhisattva. Having last month reviewed the wonders displayed by the two sons and the impact of those wonders, we move on to the father’s reaction. Seeing [these wonders displayed by] the supernatural powers of his sons, the father had the greatest joy … Continue reading Day 31
Day 3 covers the first half of Chapter 2, Expedients. Today begins the “big reveal.” Śāriputra, foremost in wisdom, discovers he’s not so smart after all. In short, the Buddhas attained the innumerable teachings which you have never heard before. No more, Śāriputra, will I say because the Dharma attained by the Buddhas is the … Continue reading Day 3
Day 3 opens Chapter 2, Expedients. I want to copy and paste the entire day’s reading here. Instead I continue my meager efforts to distill what I’ve read. The wisdom of the [present] Buddhas is profound and immeasurable. The gate to it is difficult to understand and difficult to enter. [Their wisdom] cannot be understood … Continue reading Day 3
Day 3 begins Chapter 2, Expedients. I love the idea of the Buddhas having “gentle voices”: “Śāriputra! The Tathāgatas divide [the Dharma] into various teachings, and expound those teachings to all living beings so skillfully and with such gentle voices that living beings are delighted.” And how faith trumps knowledge: The Dharma cannot be shown. … Continue reading Day 3
Third day starts Chapter 2, Expedients. Even a novice can see why this is one of two chapters that are considered essential. In this verse section … The Saintly Masters, the Lion-like Ones, Who are expounding The most wonderful sūtra With their pure and gentle voices, And teaching Many billions of Bodhisattvas. The brahma voices … Continue reading Day 3
Back in January 2024 I discussed Dōgen, referencing Jacqueline Stone’s article, “Seeking Enlightenment in the Last Age.” In fact, her explanation of Dōgen’s interpretation of time was one reason I sought out Leighton’s book on Dōgen. Stone writes: Because this “now” is absolute, and because “there is no time that has not arrived,” Buddhahood is … Continue reading About Time
The difference of the tenets of Dengyō Daishi and Nichiren is seen in the treatment of the substance of the Lotus text. The Lotus doctrine assumes ten regions, ten thus-aspects and three realms. Dengyō Daishi lays importance on the principle of the realm of trace. The realm of trace treats only the nine regions, teaching … Continue reading The Difference Between Dengyō Daishi and Nichiren