Insights Into Karma
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Buddhism in America
Buddhism in America The Columbia Contemporary American Religion Series Columbia Contemporary American Religion Series The United States is the birthplace of religious pluralism, and the spiritual landscape of contemporary America is as varied and complex as that of any country in the world. The books in this new series, written by leading scholars for students and general readers alike, fall into two categories: some of these well-crafted, thought-provoking portraits of the country’s major religious groups describe and explain particular religious practices and rituals, beliefs, and major challenges facing a given community today. Others explore current themes and topics in American religion that cut across denominational lines. The texts are supplemented with care- fully selected photographs and artwork, annotated bibliographies, con- cise profiles of important individuals, and chronologies of major events. — Roman Catholicism in America Islam in America . B UDDHISM in America Richard Hughes Seager C C Publishers Since New York Chichester, West Sussex Copyright © Columbia University Press All rights reserved Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Seager, Richard Hughes. Buddhism in America / Richard Hughes Seager. p. cm. — (Columbia contemporary American religion series) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN ‒‒‒ — ISBN ‒‒‒ (pbk.) . Buddhism—United States. I. Title. II. Series. BQ.S .'—dc – Casebound editions of Columbia University Press books are printed on permanent and durable acid-free paper. -
Metaphor and Literalism in Buddhism
METAPHOR AND LITERALISM IN BUDDHISM The notion of nirvana originally used the image of extinguishing a fire. Although the attainment of nirvana, ultimate liberation, is the focus of the Buddha’s teaching, its interpretation has been a constant problem to Buddhist exegetes, and has changed in different historical and doctrinal contexts. The concept is so central that changes in its understanding have necessarily involved much larger shifts in doctrine. This book studies the doctrinal development of the Pali nirvana and sub- sequent tradition and compares it with the Chinese Agama and its traditional interpretation. It clarifies early doctrinal developments of nirvana and traces the word and related terms back to their original metaphorical contexts. Thereby, it elucidates diverse interpretations and doctrinal and philosophical developments in the abhidharma exegeses and treatises of Southern and Northern Buddhist schools. Finally, the book examines which school, if any, kept the original meaning and reference of nirvana. Soonil Hwang is Assistant Professor in the Department of Indian Philosophy at Dongguk University, Seoul. His research interests are focused upon early Indian Buddhism, Buddhist Philosophy and Sectarian Buddhism. ROUTLEDGE CRITICAL STUDIES IN BUDDHISM General Editors: Charles S. Prebish and Damien Keown Routledge Critical Studies in Buddhism is a comprehensive study of the Buddhist tradition. The series explores this complex and extensive tradition from a variety of perspectives, using a range of different methodologies. The series is diverse in its focus, including historical studies, textual translations and commentaries, sociological investigations, bibliographic studies, and considera- tions of religious practice as an expression of Buddhism’s integral religiosity. It also presents materials on modern intellectual historical studies, including the role of Buddhist thought and scholarship in a contemporary, critical context and in the light of current social issues. -
Dealing with Life’S Issues a Buddhist Perspective
Dealing with Life’s Issues A Buddhist Perspective B Ven. Thubten Chodron Published for Free Distribution Only Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery Dharma Propagation Division Awaken Publishing and Design 88 Bright Hill Road Singapore 574117 Tel: (65) 6849 5342 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.kmspks.org 1st Edition, January 2008 2nd reprint of 5,000 copies, April 2008 ISBN-13: 978-981-05-9395-7 EISSUES-0102-0408 © Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery Cover design: BigstockPhoto.com@rgbspace Although reprinting of our books for free distribution is encouraged as long as the publication is reprinted in its entirety with no modifications, including this statement of the conditions, and credit is given to the author and the publisher, we require permission to be obtained in writing, to ensure that the latest edition is used. Printed by Zheng Yong Binding (S) Pte Ltd Tel: (65) 6275 6228 Fax: (65) 6275 6338 Please pass this book around should you feel that you do not need it anymore. As the Buddha taught, the gift of Truth excels all other gifts! May all have the chance to know the Dharma. It is very, very rare for one to have a precious human life and still be able to encounter the Buddha-Dharma, therefore please handle this book with utmost respect and care. Printed in Singapore on 100% recycled paper. Cover is printed using paper manufactured from 55% recycled fibre and 45% pulp from responsibly managed forests. Contents Preface M v m Romantic Love & Marriage M 1 m Dharma & the Family M 14 m Dharma Guidance on World Events M 30 m Dharma & Terminal Illness M 67 m Dharma & Suicide M 103 m Dharma & the Prison: Making Friends with Ourselves M 127 m Dear Reader, If you wish to share the production costs of this and many other beautiful Dharma Books and CDs for free distribution, so that more people can be touched by the beauty of Dharma and be inspired to live a happy and meaningful life, please photocopy the sponsorship form at the back of this book, fill in your particulars and return it to us. -
Introduction
INTRODUCTION Why meditate? SD 15.1 (14) Living the moment The best and direct way to know Buddhism is to meditate, or more correctly, to cultivate mindfulness to the point of mental calm and clarity. Meditation is also a powerful tool for introspection, for looking into our own mind. There are, however, two common problems here: first, there is the beginner‟s prob- lem, that is, difficulties in sitting and finding focus. Secondly, even at the early stages of effective medita- tion, we may not see a very flattering picture of our mental self. If this is the case, then it is likely that we have not approached meditation with the right motivation or attitude. Summarized here are some points and pointers to help our meditation journey go more smoothly and fruitfully.1 1. DO NOT COLLECT MEDITATION. Meditation is like medicine: it is meant to be applied or taken, not collected, nor observed like a spectator sport. What physical exercise is to the body, meditation is to the mind: we have to do it, not merely read or talk about it. We may meet many good meditation teachers or read much about them, but without our practising what is taught, we are like a spoon that carries the soup but not tasting it.2 Or worse, we are simply making an ego trip, pinning another shiny badge on our proud coat, behav- ing as if we have actually mastered the practice. Meditation methods are like signboards: follow them if we need to, disregard them if they do not apply, but there is no need to hold anything against them. -
Buddhist Bibio
Recommended Books Revised March 30, 2013 The books listed below represent a small selection of some of the key texts in each category. The name(s) provided below each title designate either the primary author, editor, or translator. Introductions Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction Damien Keown Taking the Path of Zen !!!!!!!! Robert Aitken Everyday Zen !!!!!!!!! Charlotte Joko Beck Start Where You Are !!!!!!!! Pema Chodron The Eight Gates of Zen !!!!!!!! John Daido Loori Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind !!!!!!! Shunryu Suzuki Buddhism Without Beliefs: A Contemporary Guide to Awakening ! Stephen Batchelor The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation!!!!!!!!! Thich Nhat Hanh Buddhism For Beginners !!!!!!! Thubten Chodron The Buddha and His Teachings !!!!!! Sherab Chödzin Kohn and Samuel Bercholz The Spirit of the Buddha !!!!!!! Martine Batchelor 1 Meditation and Zen Practice Mindfulness in Plain English ! ! ! ! Bhante Henepola Gunaratana The Four Foundations of Mindfulness in Plain English !!! Bhante Henepola Gunaratana Change Your Mind: A Practical Guide to Buddhist Meditation ! Paramananda Making Space: Creating a Home Meditation Practice !!!! Thich Nhat Hanh The Heart of Buddhist Meditation !!!!!! Thera Nyanaponika Meditation for Beginners !!!!!!! Jack Kornfield Being Nobody, Going Nowhere: Meditations on the Buddhist Path !! Ayya Khema The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation Thich Nhat Hanh Zen Meditation in Plain English !!!!!!! John Daishin Buksbazen and Peter -
Jain Karma Book (JAINA Education Series 251 – Level 2, 3Rd Edition (Aug 2020))
Jain Karma Book (JAINA Education Series 251 – Level 2, 3rd Edition (Aug 2020)) Compiled by Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington Referenced from materials produced by JAINA Education Committee Federation of Jain Associations of North America JAIN KARMA BOOK 2 Jain Karma Book - JES 251 (JAINA Education Series 251 - Level 2) Third Edition: August 2020 This book has No Copyright for private, personal, and non-commercial use only Please use the religious material respectfully and for nonprofit purposes. JSMW Acknowledgements We want to first thank our parents for making a continuous effort to bring Jain principles into our lives and solidifying the value of being a Jain. It is because of their guidance that we are living a Jain way of life today. We want to thank the Jain Centers across North America that have created a community environment for Jain followers. These centers have volunteers pouring countless hours for their community thus creating a forum for parents, seniors, young adults, and children to gather and unite with a shared goal of spiritual upliftment. We want to thank the Pathshala students of Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington who gave us the inspiration to make this book. Their willingness to learn and grow provided us the motivation to create an age friendly book on a very important and foundational Jain topic. Lastly, a personal thank you to Pravin Shah of Raleigh, NC. Uncle had a vision to provide Jain education to all who wish to receive it and his vision is flourishing from generation to generation. We are grateful for Pravin Uncle’s vision, his support during the creation of this book, and for him spending numerous hours in reviewing this book and providing feedback. -
The Relevance of Buddhism in 21St Century Karanveer Singh Department of Philosophy, King's College, University of Western Onta
Karanveer SIngh The Relevance of Buddhism in 21st Century Karanveer Singh Department of Philosophy, King’s College, University of Western Ontario 1 Karanveer SIngh The essay's thesis is to demonstrate that Buddhist philosophy is relevant in the 21st century because its philosophy offers a variety of solutions to contemporary problems of the modern world. This essay has a two-fold thesis. The first part of the thesis illustrates concepts such as individual empiricism, epistemology and metaphysics in Buddhist thought. The second of the thesis demonstrates how those concepts hold their relevance in the modern world. The first part of the essay will investigate the concepts of individual empiricism, process metaphysics, and noble eightfold path in a Buddhist context. The second part of the essay will examine the relevance and application of these concepts in the modern world. The third part will summarize and conclude the essay. The Buddha advocates individual empiricism to gain knowledge, in that one gains knowledge through experiences through the six sense bases (Āyatana) (Bodhi, p. 345). In individual empiricism, one finds truth only through one's experience, not even others; that is why it is called individual empiricism. He does not expect one to heed to authority or religious texts but only on one's experience (Bodhi, p. 345). Buddha's emphasis on individual empiricism is radical compared to other religions because, unlike others, he is not appealing to divine command theory or the authority of the religious scriptures but asking people to follow a scientific method of empiricism. Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the fundamental nature of reality (Wikipedia, 2020). -
REACHING OUT: a History of and Contemporary Look at the Centers, Projects and Services of FPMT
REACHINGOUT REACHING OUT: A history of and contemporary look at the Centers, Projects and Services of FPMT Lama Yeshe supervises building of Kopan FPMT pioneers: Peter Kedge, Lama Yeshe, Gompa extension, 1976 Sister Max1 and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, 1982 We make the ocean and the fish will come. – Lama Thubten Yeshe pi-o-neer: And funding? Lama Yeshe was brutal in his insistence 1. One who ventures into unknown or unclaimed that centers and students be self-sufficient and often territory to settle. encouraged them to start businesses. Lama’s early students 2. One who opens up new areas of thought, research or were made up of those from the anti-establishment genera- development. tion and many had been quite proud to cheat on their taxes, accept welfare payments, shoplift or sell marijuana as ama Thubten Yeshe (1935-1984), founder of the methods to remain on the fringes of society. Lama insisted Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana that his students “do what society people do” and function LTradition (FPMT), was many things to many people. as professional members of the world. Breaking the law or What seems a constant impression from those who knew following the “hippie” notion that money and capitalism him was that Lama Yeshe was big. “Think big,” “big love,” were necessary evils would get them nowhere. It was one’s – these are catch-phrases commonly attributed to Lama. motivation that corrupted ventures in commerce, and since Some students even claim he often appeared to physically his students were engaging in business practice to be of grow far bigger than his 5 ft 6 in (167 cm) frame. -
Virtues Without Rules: Ethics in the Insight Meditation Movement Gil Fronsdal
Virtues without Rules: Ethics in the Insight Meditation Movement Gil Fronsdal INTRODUCTION Observers have commented that for Buddhism to take firm hold in the West it needs to develop a well- articulated ethic. This chapter is a study of how Buddhist ethics is taught within one rapidly growing movement of Western Buddhism: what I will be calling the Insight Meditation movement. While the movement has so far published no overview of its ethics, enough material is now available for us to discern some general points. Among Buddhist movements in the West, the Insight Meditation movement is unique in that it is not simply a transplant of an Asian Buddhist tradition. Rather, it can be seen as a new tradition taking shape in the West around particular meditative practices of vipassanā, often translated as “insight meditation” or colloquially as “mindfulness practice.” Vipassanā practice is clearly derived from the Theravāda Buddhism of South and Southeast Asia, where it has a central soteriological role. However, in bringing this meditation practice to the West, the founders of the Insight Meditation movement have consciously downplayed (or even jettisoned) many important elements of the Theravāda tradition, including monasticism, rituals, merit-making, and Buddhist cosmology. Without these and other elements, the Insight Meditation movement has been relatively unencumbered in developing itself into a form of Western Buddhism. In doing so, it has retained only a minimal identification with its Theravāda origins. Ethics, morality, and virtue have central roles in the Asian Theravāda tradition. All three of these English terms can be used to translate the Pāli word sīla that appears in the important three-fold division of the Therāvadin Buddhist spiritual path: sīla, samādhi, and paññā (ethics, meditative absorption, and wisdom). -
Diez Datos Para Recordar a Marie Fredriksson, La Voz De Roxette Que Se Apaga
Diez datos para recordar a Marie Fredriksson, la voz de Roxette que se apaga El reciente fallecimiento de la cantante sueca y voz del dúo Roxette, Marie Fredriksson, impacta especialmente de lleno en la generación “sub 50” que entre 1989 y 1995 disfruta de la avalancha de hits que la banda regala al mundo. Su atractiva voz y su clásico pelo corto constituyen parte de su impronta personal, con la que colabora a la creación de verdaderos temas clásicos como “The Look”, “Joyride” y “Dangerous”, entre muchos otros. Aunque, sin duda, su mayor característica se encuentra en el valor con el que encara la lucha contra el cáncer (tumor cerebral), enfermedad con la que logra lidiar durante casi dos décadas. Su compañero de ruta en la reconocida banda pop, el multi-instrumentista Per Gessle, deja claro su afecto por la cantante y compositora en un comunicado: «No hace tanto que pasábamos días y noches en mi pequeño apartamento de Halmstad, escuchando música que nos encantaba, compartiendo sueños imposibles. ¡Y qué sueño fantástico llegamos a compartir! Gracias, Marie, gracias por todo. Fuiste una música realmente única, una cantante de un nivel que quizá no volvamos a experimentar. Pintaste mis canciones en blanco y negro con los colores más maravillosos». Como sencillo homenaje, compartimos un pequeño decálogo que permite hacerse de una idea general en torno a Fredriksson, una voz que forma parte de la banda sonora en la vida de millones de personas. 1.- El nombre completo de Marie es Gun-Marie Fredriksson y nace en la localidad sueca de Ossjo, el 30 de mayo de 1958. -
On the Nature of Nibbana
On the Nature of Nibbāna by The Venerable Mahāsi Sayādaw of Burma Translated by U Htin Fatt Buddha Sāsanānuggaha Organisation Mahāsi Translation Committee, Rangoon On the Nature of Nibbāna by The Venerable Mahāsi Sayādaw of Burma Translated by U Htin Fatt First printed and published in the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma July 1981 Latest Edition Edited by Bhikkhu Pesala September 2021 All rights reserved Contents Editor’s Preface..............................................................................vii Foreword.......................................................................................viii Part I Introduction................................................................................1 What Is Nibbāna?.............................................................................2 Ratana Sutta Paritta.....................................................................4 Calling A Halt to Kamma...........................................................5 Purification of Mind....................................................................6 Purification of View....................................................................6 Knowledge by Discerning Conditionality..................................7 Knowledge of Arising and Passing Away..................................7 Arahantship Through Almsgiving.............................................8 Arahantship Through Insight Meditation..................................9 No Yearning for Death Nor for Life............................................9 Rebirth -
Lisa Dale Miller
LISA DALE MILLER Lisa Dale Miller, MFT is a mindfulness-based psychotherapist in Los Gatos, CA, specializing in the treatment of mood disorders, addiction, and relationship distress. Lisa trains clinicians in the clinical applications of mindfulness and Buddhist psychology. She is on the faculty of eMindful.com, and teaches Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for addiction recovery. Lisa has been a yogic and Buddhist meditation practitioner for more than 36 years. Ms. Miller will be conducting for us an hour-long, experiential workshop to show us how we might incorporate in group settings practical, easy-to-learn, clinical mindfulness tools for people in recovery. Mindfulness Workshop for LifeRing Annual Conference 2011 RECOMMENDED CDs & DVDs Lisa Dale Miller’s recordings of meditations: www.lisadalemiller.com/mbpsych.htm “Meditation for Beginners” by Jack Kornfield (book with CD) “Insight Meditation: A Step-By-Step Course on How to Meditate” Sharon Saltzberg and Joseph Goldstein (2 CDs, book, and cards) “The Mindful Way through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness” by Williams, Teasdale, Kabat-Zinn (book with CD) RECOMMENDED BOOKS Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) for Addictive Behaviors: A Clinician's Guide by Sarah Bowen, Ph.D., Neha Chawla, Ph.D. and Alan Marlatt, Ph.D. “Mindful Recovery” by Bein & Bein “Dancing with Life” by Phillip Moffitt “Dharma Punx” by Noah Levine “12 Steps on the Buddha’s Path” by Laura S. “One Breath at a Time” by Kevin Griffin “Anger” by Thich Nhat Hahn “Wherever You Go, There