DOCSLIB.ORG

The Arrival of Buddhism in New Zealand

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Arrival of Buddhism in New Zealand Taking up the Practice: Conversion and Buddhist identity in New Zealand By Hugh P. Kemp A thesis submitted to the Victoria University of Wellington in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies Victoria University of Wellington 2008 Abstract In a similar fashion to other Western nations, Buddhism is gaining traction in New Zealand. This thesis seeks to answer the question “why do New Zealanders convert to Buddhism?” Implicit within the question is “how do New Zealanders become Buddhists?” My chief concern however, is to address the subsequent question “what identity do convert-Buddhists construct for themselves as New Zealanders?” Employing qualitative sociological methodologies (formal and informal interview with participant observation) I demonstrate a variety of pathways New Zealanders take as they journey towards and embrace Buddhism. While initially using the word “conversion”, I demonstrate that this is not a word (or concept) with which the interviewees easily identify. Rather, “taking up the practice” is a more readily accepted conceptual field of the transformation one undertakes from being “not-Buddhist” to becoming “Buddhist”. Using methodology informed by narrative analysis, I conceptualize the content of interviews around four factors informed by Weltanschauung – worldview – and explore their inter-relationships: practice/ritual (PR), selfhood (SH), belief (BL) and involvement (IN). I demonstrate that having “taken up the practice of Buddhism” interviewees continued to find meaning chiefly in practice/ritual and involvement. I then locate the interviewees’ auto-narratives within a larger socio-historical narrative, that of Arcadia. I take a position on Arcadia, arguing that it is not only a seedbed for a clearly recognizable myth that shapes New Zealand worldview, but it also serves to be fertile socio-cultural soil into which Buddhism is readily planted. The Buddhist practitioners whom I interviewed, in the main, believed New Zealand to be a “good place to practise Buddhism”. I explore this notion by drawing on Arcadian images, and by identifying four socio-cultural locales where Buddhism can be seen to be taking on parochial New Zealand characteristics. One articulate interviewee has envisaged New Zealand as a Buddhist Pure Land. I develop the potential of this idea, arguing that the notion of the ideal society, embedded within Arcadia and the Pure Land offer to practitioner-Buddhists a “home” in New Zealand landscapes and social context. In the use of arguments informed by the ii field of semiotics, I appropriate the current international marketing slogan of “100% Pure” New Zealand, to conceptualise that Buddhist practitioners may indeed seek to create a “100% Pure Land”. It is in a new “imaginative order” that practitioner Buddhists in New Zealand will continue to create their own identity and find a turangawaewae, a place of identity in which to stand. iii Acknowledgements I wish to thank my two supervisors, Dr. Rick Weiss, and Prof. Paul Morris of Victoria University of Wellington. Dr. Weiss, my primary supervisor in the Religious Studies department, introduced me to the subtler nuances of academic research and writing, and Prof. Paul Morris, provided advice and resources at poignant moments in the whole process. Thanks very much to both for keeping me in the big picture and for timely encouragement and advice. Many others also deserve my thanks. Sean Brosnahan, Curator at Otago Settler’s Museum in Dunedin, and David Murray, of the Hocken Library (Dunedin) showed me the utmost cooperation at very short notice when I wanted to research the religion of the Chinese goldminers of Otago. Adrienne Troughton translated and interpreted Maori language resources. Thanks too for technical assistance from Chris Joll who introduced me to Mind Map, and Dr. John Hitchen who introduced me to Endnotes. Accommodation and hospitality while doing field work has been extended to me by Helen Kemp and Lofty Revell, Chris and Greg Mutton, Wayne and Nicola Fraser as well as numerous new Buddhist friends. Thanks too to Ian Kemp and others who have collected newspaper articles or visited Buddhist events on my behalf, and Sue Thomas who has offered encouragement and resources. Colin and Jackie Wheeler allowed me the use of their bach for a crucial week towards the end of the final write-up, for which I am thankful. Thankyou to many new Buddhist friends up and down the country in several different traditions. Without your cooperation and openness with me, this project would never have seen the light of day. iv To Karen, my wife, and daughters Anjali, Mikhaela and Anya: your patience and support have been inestimable. Thankyou. _______ Partial funding for this thesis has been provided by the Faculty Research Grant and the PhD Submission Scholarship of the Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. v Table of Contents Abstract ii Acknowledgements lV Introduction .•..........•.......................................••..........................................•...........••.. 1 The Project 4 The structure ofthe thesis 5 Chapter 1: Sources and Methodology 8 Contemporary Buddhism in New Zealand 8 Critical reflection on Buddhism in New Zealand 12 Western Buddhism 24 Theorizing about Western Buddhism 29 Conceptualizing Buddhism in New Zealand. 36 I Methodology 40 The Interviewees : :., 44 Chapter 2: The arrival of Buddhism in New Zealand 51 Introduction 51 A History ofBuddhism in New Zealand 52 The Early Period (pre-l970s) 53 The 19th century Chinese goldminers 53 Theosophy in New Zealand 56 Contemporary Buddhism: from the 1970s 60 The New Zealand Census 67 Chapter 3: "Taking up the Practice": Buddhist Conversion stories 83 Introduction 83 Conversion as change from not-Buddhist to Buddhist 87 Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels 88 The psychology ofconversion 91 Ambiguities ofconversion 106 Conversions ofintensity 107 Conversion as change between lineages 114 Passive conversion as karmic inevitability 116 Rejecting "conversion" 118 "Taking up the practice" : 121 VI I ,:1 t': __ --." Conclusions 127 Chapter 4: Being a Practitioner: Narrative and the Re-stabilization ofthe Self.. 130 Introduction 130 Narrative Analysis 131 Using narrative analysis: the twenty-one transcripts 138 Narrative andidentity: four worldview indicators 142 Narratives of're-stabilization 153 Self-construction ofa new identity: three examples 155 Beliefandpractice: further possibilities ofself-constructed identities 159 Multiple belonging 167 A Challenge to beliefandpractice: Soka Gakkai in New Zealand 172 Summary and Conclusions 175 Chapter 5: New Zealand as Arcadia: a "Good Place to Practise Buddhism" •..... 178 Introduction 178 New Zealand as a "good place to practise Buddhism" f ·.···· 179 James Davis (1981) and the ideal society : 184 New Zealand as Arcadia : 186 A history ofArcadia 188 Colonial idealism 192 Arcadia in the arts 198 Environmentalism 204 Buddhism in Arcadian New Zealand 210 The language ofdomesticity 212 This particular land , 214 Conclusions 221 Chapter 6: New Zealand as a 100% Pure Land 223 Introduction 223 Buddhism ofNew Zealand: four parochial locales 224 A quest for identity: Dhargyey Buddhism and Te Waiariki 224 The buddhafication ofNew Zealand: interconnectedness andlandscape 234 Conceptualising New Zealand as a Buddhist Pure Land 243 Creating a Pure Land through the practice ofethics 248 Conclusions 256 Conclnsions 258 Introduction 258 Vll Conversion, identity, and the establishment ofBuddhism in New Zealand 259 Turangawaewae: a place to stand 270 Appendix 1: Buddhist Groups Mentioned 277 Appendix 2: Schedule of Participant Observation 282 Appendix 3: Schedule of Formal Interviews.................•........................................ 286 Appendix 4: Summaries of the auto-narratives •..•289 Appendix 5: Information Sheet 298 Appendix 6: Ethics Consent Form 299 Appendix 7: Overall Summative Matrix 300 Bibliography 301 I' , i ,, Vlll Introduction “The Western adventure with Buddhism has begun” Jeffery Paine (2005, 31) On June 19 th , 2007, more than four thousand people filled the Wellington Convention Centre to hear His Holiness the fourteenth Dalai Lama. Around twenty monks and nuns of various Buddhist traditions were clearly recognisable due to their attire. But what of the others in the audience? Were they all Buddhists too? What interest did they have in the Dalai Lama? Had they come to hear the Dalai Lama because he was Buddhist, or for some other reason? The Dalai Lama has not been the only foreign high-profile Buddhist to visit New Zealand. Others in various traditions, while not commanding the same numbers, visit New Zealand regularly. For example, on December 2 nd , 2004, around 120 people attended a public lecture by Stephen Batchelor, well known Buddhist author, in the National Library Auditorium, Wellington. While New Zealanders’ interest in Buddhist speakers may be readily observable, New Zealanders’ relationship with Buddhism is varied. For example, Tim has been “a Buddhist for thirty years, practising for ten years, although seriously for eight”. Kaye explains why she lives at a Buddhist centre: “I’m here [as a Buddhist at this centre] because of karma . I have no other meaning for my existence”. Noel relates: “I had a life changing experience through [Buddhist] meditation teaching. [When I heard the lama 1 teaching], something just clicked inside and I knew it was for me”. Jenny reveals: "I am only a beginner [in Buddhism]. I don't know much. It will take aeons". John says:
Load more

Recommended publications
  • River Dhamma
    Arrow River Forest Hermitage Spring/Summer 2019 RIVER DHAMMA ARROW RIVER FRONT PAGE NEWS Abbots’ Meeting at the Hermitage About the Thai Forest Tradition The Thai Forest tradition is the branch of Arrow River is honoured to be hosting the 2019 Theravāda Buddhism in Thailand that most strictly North American Abbots’ Meeting from September upholds the original monastic rules of discipline 4 to 11. Seven abbots from monasteries in the laid down by the Buddha. The Forest tradition also Ajahn Chah tradition from Canada and the United most strongly emphasizes meditative practice and States will gather for fellowship and to enjoy the the realization of enlightenment as the focus of peace and solitude of the Hermitage. monastic life. Forest monasteries are primarily Needless to say, this event is grand undertaking oriented around practicing the Buddha’s path of for Arrow River. We have made a plan of priorities contemplative insight, including living a life of to complete to get things ship-shape for the visit. discipline, renunciation, and meditation in order to As we are an organization with a tight budget and fully realize the inner truth and peace taught by a small group of volunteers, we are looking for the Buddha. Living a life of austerity allows forest some help. monastics to simplify and refine the mind. This refinement allows them to clearly and directly Here’s what you can do: explore the fundamental causes of suffering within 1. Come out to Arrow River to help with their heart and to inwardly cultivate the path preparations. There will be scheduled work leading toward freedom from suffering and days, but you can also come on your own supreme happiness.
    [Show full text]
  • 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.
    [Show full text]
  • Boston Symphony Orchestra Concert Programs, Summer, 2001, Tanglewood
    SEMI OIAWA MUSIC DIRECTOR BERNARD HAITINK PRINCIPAL GUEST CONDUCTOR • i DALE CHIHULY INSTALLATIONS AND SCULPTURE / "^ik \ *t HOLSTEN GALLERIES CONTEMPORARY GLASS SCULPTURE ELM STREET, STOCKBRIDGE, MA 01262 . ( 41 3.298.3044 www. holstenga I leries * Save up to 70% off retail everyday! Allen-Edmoi. Nick Hilton C Baccarat Brooks Brothers msSPiSNEff3svS^:-A Coach ' 1 'Jv Cole-Haan v2^o im&. Crabtree & Evelyn OB^ Dansk Dockers Outlet by Designs Escada Garnet Hill Giorgio Armani .*, . >; General Store Godiva Chocolatier Hickey-Freeman/ "' ft & */ Bobby Jones '.-[ J. Crew At Historic Manch Johnston & Murphy Jones New York Levi's Outlet by Designs Manchester Lion's Share Bakery Maidenform Designer Outlets Mikasa Movado Visit us online at stervermo OshKosh B'Gosh Overland iMrt Peruvian Connection Polo/Ralph Lauren Seiko The Company Store Timberland Tumi/Kipling Versace Company Store Yves Delorme JUh** ! for Palais Royal Phone (800) 955 SHOP WS »'" A *Wtev : s-:s. 54 <M 5 "J* "^^SShfcjiy ORIGINS GAUCftV formerly TRIBAL ARTS GALLERY, NYC Ceremonial and modern sculpture for new and advanced collectors Open 7 Days 36 Main St. POB 905 413-298-0002 Stockbridge, MA 01262 Seiji Ozawa, Music Director Ray and Maria Stata Music Directorship Bernard Haitink, Principal Guest Conductor One Hundred and Twentieth Season, 2000-2001 SYMPHONY HALL CENTENNIAL SEASON Trustees of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Inc. Peter A. Brooke, Chairman Dr. Nicholas T. Zervas, President Julian Cohen, Vice-Chairman Harvey Chet Krentzman, Vice-Chairman Deborah B. Davis, Vice-Chairman Vincent M. O'Reilly, Treasurer Nina L. Doggett, Vice-Chairman Ray Stata, Vice-Chairman Harlan E. Anderson John F. Cogan, Jr. Edna S.
    [Show full text]
  • Just This Is It: Dongshan and the Practice of Suchness / Taigen Dan Leighton
    “What a delight to have this thorough, wise, and deep work on the teaching of Zen Master Dongshan from the pen of Taigen Dan Leighton! As always, he relates his discussion of traditional Zen materials to contemporary social, ecological, and political issues, bringing up, among many others, Jack London, Lewis Carroll, echinoderms, and, of course, his beloved Bob Dylan. This is a must-have book for all serious students of Zen. It is an education in itself.” —Norman Fischer, author of Training in Compassion: Zen Teachings on the Practice of Lojong “A masterful exposition of the life and teachings of Chinese Chan master Dongshan, the ninth century founder of the Caodong school, later transmitted by Dōgen to Japan as the Sōtō sect. Leighton carefully examines in ways that are true to the traditional sources yet have a distinctively contemporary flavor a variety of material attributed to Dongshan. Leighton is masterful in weaving together specific approaches evoked through stories about and sayings by Dongshan to create a powerful and inspiring religious vision that is useful for students and researchers as well as practitioners of Zen. Through his thoughtful reflections, Leighton brings to light the panoramic approach to kōans characteristic of this lineage, including the works of Dōgen. This book also serves as a significant contribution to Dōgen studies, brilliantly explicating his views throughout.” —Steven Heine, author of Did Dōgen Go to China? What He Wrote and When He Wrote It “In his wonderful new book, Just This Is It, Buddhist scholar and teacher Taigen Dan Leighton launches a fresh inquiry into the Zen teachings of Dongshan, drawing new relevance from these ancient tales.
    [Show full text]
  • Buddhism and Responses to Disability, Mental Disorders and Deafness in Asia
    Buddhism and Responses to Disability, Mental Disorders and Deafness in Asia. A bibliography of historical and modern texts with introduction and partial annotation, and some echoes in Western countries. [This annotated bibliography of 220 items suggests the range and major themes of how Buddhism and people influenced by Buddhism have responded to disability in Asia through two millennia, with cultural background. Titles of the materials may be skimmed through in an hour, or the titles and annotations read in a day. The works listed might take half a year to find and read.] M. Miles (compiler and annotator) West Midlands, UK. November 2013 Available at: http://www.independentliving.org/miles2014a and http://cirrie.buffalo.edu/bibliography/buddhism/index.php Some terms used in this bibliography Buddhist terms and people. Buddhism, Bouddhisme, Buddhismus, suffering, compassion, caring response, loving kindness, dharma, dukkha, evil, heaven, hell, ignorance, impermanence, kamma, karma, karuna, metta, noble truths, eightfold path, rebirth, reincarnation, soul, spirit, spirituality, transcendent, self, attachment, clinging, delusion, grasping, buddha, bodhisatta, nirvana; bhikkhu, bhikksu, bhikkhuni, samgha, sangha, monastery, refuge, sutra, sutta, bonze, friar, biwa hoshi, priest, monk, nun, alms, begging; healing, therapy, mindfulness, meditation, Gautama, Gotama, Maitreya, Shakyamuni, Siddhartha, Tathagata, Amida, Amita, Amitabha, Atisha, Avalokiteshvara, Guanyin, Kannon, Kuan-yin, Kukai, Samantabhadra, Santideva, Asoka, Bhaddiya, Khujjuttara,
    [Show full text]
  • PACIFIC WORLD Journal of the Institute of Buddhist Studies Third Series, Number 10 Fall 2008
    PACIFIC WORLD Journal of the Institute of Buddhist Studies Third Series, Number 10 Fall 2008 TWO SPECIAL SECTIONS: PSYCHOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS ON BUDDHISM NEW PERSPECTIVES ON BUDDHIST MODERNISM CONTENTS SPECIAL SECTION: PSYCHOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS ON BUDDHISM Introductory Notes MARK UNNO 1 On Silence HOGEN BAYS 3 The Dialectic of the Three Vows as an Expression of Shinran’s Religious Experience TAKANORI SUGIOKA 9 Listening to the Buddha’s Noble Truths: A Method to Alleviate Social Suffering VEENA R. HOWARD 23 The Emancipation of Evil Beings: The Story of the Salvation of King Ajātaśatru NAOKI NABESHIMA 45 Ajātaśatru: Family System and Karma MARIE YOSHIDA 65 Affinities between Zen and Analytical Psychology JAMES KIRSCH 85 v SPECIAL SECTION: NEW PERSPECTIVES ON BUDDHIST MODERNISM New Perspectives on Buddhist Modernism JEFF WILSON 97 Swedenborg: A Modern Buddha? WAKOH SHANNON HICKEY 101 A Brief History of Interdependence DAVID L. MCMAHAN 131 Traditionalist Representations of Buddhism RICHARD K. PAYNE 177 Multiple Buddhist Modernisms: Jhāna in Convert Theravāda NATALIE QULI 225 BOOK REVIEW No Time to Lose By Pema Chödrön DAIJAKU JUDITH KINST 251 BDK ENGLISH TRIPIṬAKA SERIES: A PROGRESS REPORT 259 vi New Perspectives on Buddhist Modernism Jeff Wilson Renison University College, University of Waterloo THE SPECIAL SECTION of this issue of Pacific World began as a session at the Buddhism in the West program unit of the American Academy of Religion. Formed in late 2006, the Buddhism in the West Consultation is designed to provide a forum for new studies on Buddhism outside Asia, which often end up as orphans: the West is not a traditional concern of Buddhist studies, and Buddhism is not always seen as important within North American or European religious history.
    [Show full text]
  • Essential Buddhist Prayers
    Essential Buddhist Prayers An FPMT Prayer Book Volume 2 Common Center Practices 2009 Edition FPMT Inc. 1632 SE 11th Avenue Portland, OR 97214 USA www.fpmt.org © 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009 FPMT Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, record- ing, or by any informa on storage and retrieval system or tech- nologies now known or developed, without permission in wri ng from the publisher. Set in Calibri 12.5./15, Century Gothic, Lydian BT, and Tibetan Ma- chine Unicode. Printed in the USA. Contents Introduc on 5 Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga 15 Appendix: Extensive Medita ons 37 Extensive Off ering Prac ce 43 Off ering Even One Flower to the Buddha 45 Extensive Off ering Prac ce 51 Libera ng Animals from the Danger of Death 63 Introduc on 65 Libera ng Animals 67 The Wish-Fulfi lling Jewel (Medicine Buddha Puja) 99 The Abbreviated Four-Mandala Off ering to Chi amani Tara 139 Praises to the Twenty-One Taras (literal transla on) 193 A Short Vajrasa va Medita on 199 Appendix 1: Breathing Exercise 207 Appendix 2: How to Purify During Mantra Recita on 208 Appendix 3: The Meaning of the Mantra 210 A Banquet of the Greatly Blissful Circle of Off erings; the Heruka Vajrasa va Tsog Off ering 213 Introduc on 215 The Meaning of Tsog 217 The Heruka Vajrasa va Tsog Off ering 223 Four-Face Mahakala Puja 245 A Daily Pälden Lhamo Prac ce 267 Protector Prayers and Tea Off ering for the Success of FPMT Projects 285 Blessing the Inner Off ering and the Tea 287 Praise of Six-Arm
    [Show full text]
  • Karmapa Karma Pakshi (1206-1283)
    CUỘC ĐỜI SIÊU VIỆT CỦA 16 VỊ TỔ KARMAPA TÂY TẠNG Biên soạn: Karma Thinley Rinpoche Nguyên tác: The History of Sixteen Karmapas of Tibet Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje XVI Karma Thinley Rinpoche - Việt dịch: Nguyễn An Cư Thiện Tri Thức 2543-1999 THIỆN TRI THỨC MỤC LỤC LỜI NÓI ĐẦU ............................................................................................ 7 LỜI TỰA ..................................................................................................... 9 DẪN NHẬP .............................................................................................. 12 NỀN TẢNG LỊCH SỬ VÀ LÝ THUYẾT ................................................ 39 Chương I: KARMAPA DUSUM KHYENPA (1110-1193) ...................... 64 Chương II: KARMAPA KARMA PAKSHI (1206-1283) ......................... 70 Chương III: KARMAPA RANGJUNG DORJE (1284-1339) .................. 78 Chương IV: KARMAPA ROLPE DORJE (1340-1383) ........................... 84 Chương V: KARMAPA DEZHIN SHEGPA (1384-1415) ........................ 95 Chương VI: KARMAPA THONGWA DONDEN (1416-1453) ............. 102 Chương VII: KARMAPA CHODRAG GYALTSHO (1454-1506) ........ 106 Chương VIII: KARMAPA MIKYO DORJE (1507-1554) ..................... 112 Chương IX: KARMAPA WANGCHUK DORJE (1555-1603) .............. 122 Chương X: KARMAPA CHOYING DORJE (1604-1674) .................... 129 Chương XI: KARMAPA YESHE DORJE (1676-1702) ......................... 135 Chương XII: KARMAPA CHANGCHUB DORJE (1703-1732) ........... 138 Chương XIII: KARMAPA DUDUL DORJE (1733-1797) ....................
    [Show full text]
  • Learn Tibetan & Study Buddhism
    fpmt Mandala BLISSFUL RAYS OF THE MANDALA IN THE SERVICE OF OTHERS JULY - SEPTEMBER 2012 TEACHING A GOOD HEART: FPMT REGISTERED TEACHERS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FOUNDATION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE MAHAYANA TRADITION Wisdom Publications Delve into the heart of emptiness. INSIGHT INTO EMPTINESS Khensur Jampa Tegchok Edited by Thubten Chodron A former abbot of Sera Monastic University, Khensur Jampa Tegchok here unpacks with great erudi- tion Buddhism’s animating philosophical principle—the emptiness of all appearances. “Khensur Rinpoche Jampa Tegchok is renowned for his keen understanding of philosophy, and of Madhyamaka in particular. Here you will find vital points and reasoning for a clear understanding of emptiness.”—Lama Zopa Rinpoche, author of How to Be Happy 9781614290131 “This is one of the best introductions to the philosophy of emptiness 336 pages | $18.95 I have ever read.”—José Ignacio Cabezón, Dalai Lama Professor and eBook 9781614290223 Chair, Religious Studies Department, UC Santa Barbara Wisdom Essentials JOURNEY TO CERTAINTY The Quintessence of the Dzogchen View: An Exploration of Mipham’s Beacon of Certainty Anyen Rinpoche Translated and edited by Allison Choying Zangmo Approachable yet sophisticated, this book takes the reader on a gently guided tour of one of the most important texts Tibetan Buddhism has to offer. “Anyen Rinpoche flawlessly presents the reader with the unique perspective that belongs to a true scholar-yogi. A must-read for philosophers and practitioners.” —Erik Pema Kunsang, author of Wellsprings of the Great Perfection and 9781614290094 248 pages | $17.95 compiler of Blazing Splendor eBook 9781614290179 ESSENTIAL MIND TRAINING Thupten Jinpa “The clarity and raw power of these thousand-year-old teachings of the great Kadampa masters are astonishingly fresh.”—Buddhadharma “This volume can break new ground in bridging the ancient wisdom of Buddhism with the cutting-edge positive psychology of happiness.” —B.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction to Buddhism by Thomas Knierim
    Introduction to Buddhism By Thomas Knierim Table of Contents About Buddhism............................................................................................................................1 Buddha's Résumé .........................................................................................................................2 The Four Nobles Truths................................................................................................................4 The Noble Eightfold Path............................................................................................................. 6 The Precepts..................................................................................................................................8 Karma and Rebirth......................................................................................................................10 Emptiness....................................................................................................................................13 Buddhist Symbols and Mudras..................................................................................................20 Mudras....................................................................................................................................20 Meditation Instructions in the Thai Theravada Tradition........................................................ 22 Introduction to Insight Meditation........................................................................................22 Sustaining Attention...............................................................................................................22
    [Show full text]
  • The Stillness of Being
    THE STILLNESS OF BEING VIRADHAMMO BHIKKHU This book has been printed for free distribution. sabbadanam dhammadanam jinati The gift of Dhamma surpasses all other gifts. Copyright © Viradhammo Bhikkhu 2005 All commercial rights reserved. This book may be copied or reprinted for free distribution without permission from the publisher. An online version may be viewed at: www.buddhamind.info/stillness/ Inquiries concerning this book can be sent from this site. The concept of this book was originally developed by the lay sangha in New Zealand to commemorate Ajahn Viradhammo’s thirty years as a monk. Many people in New Zealand and Canada have given generously, both of time and money, to make this publication possible. May their kind generosity bring them happiness and freedom. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Introduction 5 So What 17 Bringing the Teachings Alive 29 Trying to Find a Sweet One 43 Affectionate Living 51 Dhamma and Family Life 67 The End of Rebirth 79 Acceptance and Responsibility INTRODUCTION Welcome! For those of you who don’t know him, what you have in your hands is an introduction, a sampling of teachings from Ajahn Viradhammo. For those of you who do, I’m sure it will be a pleasure to be reminded of “Ajahn V” and to have a collection of his talks that you can carry around and dip into from time to time. I’ll let the teachings speak for themselves. My part in this is just to offer a brief introduction to a good Dhamma friend. I met Ajahn V. in 1978, when I came over to England from Thailand.
    [Show full text]
  • Newsletter, Summer 2008
    Summer 2008•2551/2552 Volume 13, Number 2 During the ceremony out at the Cool Oaks today, Bennett who, in recol- lecting Todd, was certainly missing his friend, was also remembering the good qualities of his generosity, curiosity, and humor. It is the quali- ties that we remember of each other as we think about our friends. It’s the qualities that are important, and those are the things that are actually carried on—various qualities. So, for ourselves as well, trying to recollect what kind of qualities to bring into our own lives. How do we want to associate with others? And how are we able to relate to each other in ways of friendship? In particular, in Buddhist teachings, the Buddha places a great importance on spiritual friendship or admirable friendship, Kaly€namitta. When we have noble friends or have Nathan, Steven, Sunny, Faith and Brandon, and Bennett good friends, those are the things that help support us in our own life and in our own aspiration for living skillfully. There is a very famous discourse Friendship or teaching where the Buddha was By Ajahn Pasanno. approached by his attendant, šnanda. A Saturday night talk, Abhayagiri Monastery, April 26, 2008 šnanda had spent the day in solitude. Today we have had a very special ceremony for Todd Tansuhaj, a young boy who When he was meditating during that died about two years ago and who was a novice here just prior to his hospitalization day, he had an insight and was really for an illness. His parents and friends have come for a memorial service.
    [Show full text]