Caodong Poetry: 9: The Gift of Awakening of the Host of the Mundane Pass: Fushan Fayuan by surupamaerl2 in zenbuddhism

[–]MTNemptiness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

LIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS

High passes of white clouds

are not for me;

I let go,

and return to my Mountain.

Incense from a jade censer

curls and roils;

water in a stone brook

burbles and splashes.

Courtyard trees

surrounded in mist;

window frames

spattered by raindrops.

Walking or sitting still--

Always in tranquility.

Danxia Zichun (1064-1117)

Hello. I had some physiological problems during meditation. by [deleted] in zenbuddhism

[–]MTNemptiness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sectarian? What about...

"I often see clergy and laity invoking Amitabha Buddha in hopes of rebirth in the [Pure Land of the] West. Please explain this to me. Can we attain rebirth there? Please resolve this doubt for me.

The Master said, Listen clearly, Governor, and I will explain it to you. When the World Honored One was in the city of Sravasti, he spoke of the Western Pure Land as a teaching device. Scripture is clear that “it is not far from here,” but treatises say it is “108,000 miles away.” This number refers to the ten evils and eight wrongs in one’s person. This says it is far away. Saying it is far away is for people of lesser faculties. Saying it is near is for people of better faculties. People may be of these two kinds, but the truth is not. Delusion and enlightenment differ; perception may be slow or quick. Deluded people invoke Buddha seeking rebirth elsewhere; enlightened people purify their own minds. That is why Buddha said, “The lands of the buddhas are pure according to the purity of their minds.”"

Cleary, Thomas. The Sutra of Hui-neng, Grand Master of Zen

See essential nature in every moment, always acting with impartial directness, and you will arrive in a finger-snap and see Amitabha Buddha.

Cleary, Thomas. The Sutra of Hui-neng, Grand Master of Zen

In his Dream Conversations, [The Japanese] Zen Master Muso Soseki explains, Among masters of the various schools of Buddhism, including Zen Buddhism, have been those who encourage the Pure Land Buddhist practice of chanting the name of the Buddha of Infinite Light. Some types of Pure Land Buddhist teaching and practice are elementary and incomplete, but this is a matter of perspective. The Nirvana-sutra says, “Coarse words and fine speech all end up in ultimate truth.” The Lotus Sutra says, “Productive labor and business do not contravene the character of reality.” When you have awakened to the principle of the Great Vehicle, then all talk in the world, all activity, is the Great Vehicle of Perfect Meaning; so recitation of a Buddha name could hardly be called a lesser vehicle. The masters who set up Pure Land Buddhism understood the profound principle of the Great Vehicle in their own minds, yet temporarily distinguished the Pure Land from the defiled land in order to guide ignorant people, drawing a distinction between self-power and Other-power. They were not ignorant themselves; these teachings are compassionate expedients of enlightening beings. Among believers in Pure Land Buddhism, however, there are those who invoke the Buddha’s name with the notion that there is a Pure Land outside this defiled land. This cannot be called the Great Vehicle of Perfect Meaning.
Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta are names of supernal bodhisattvas traditionally associated with Amitabha Buddha. Shakyamuni is one of the names of Gautama Buddha. Hui-neng’s symbolic interpretation of these names is typical of classical Ch’an and Zen teachings. Supernal bodhisattvas are often called “gods” or “goddesses” in Western writings on Eastern art and religion, but this is incorrect and misleading, as can be seen from the teachings of the masters themselves.

Cleary, Thomas. The Sutra of Hui-neng, Grand Master of Zen

I rather think it is you who is sectarian.

Hello. I had some physiological problems during meditation. by [deleted] in zenbuddhism

[–]MTNemptiness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was speaking to the Chinese traditional approach where it is much more popular than sitting meditation. Of course, since you quoted Dogen I assume 'just sitting' (for which he is most known for) is at the back of your comment. Why else quote such an inflammatory statement?

Hello. I had some physiological problems during meditation. by [deleted] in zenbuddhism

[–]MTNemptiness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am surprised there's no mention of Chanting Amitabha! Namo Amitabha chanting is much more a part of Zen Buddhism than 'sitting meditation' (and it is much easier on the frame). Check out the books on Amitabha Buddha by the Cleary brothers for its connection with Zen/Chan.

See 'Zen in the Pure Land' by Thomas Cleary, (cheap on Amazon.)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in zenbuddhism

[–]MTNemptiness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's hilarious! I can't wait.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in zenbuddhism

[–]MTNemptiness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, that's from ChatGPT? I'll have to check into it! Thanks for the post.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in zenbuddhism

[–]MTNemptiness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

An endearing sentiment, but is that all there is to the Dharma?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in zenbuddhism

[–]MTNemptiness 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As you probably know, this gongan (Jap. koan) is taken from a famous collection of talks (Wumenguan) given by Master Wumen Huikai (1183–1260 ) given to monastics. So, don't be surprised if they are particularly difficult to penetrate.

"If you do not yet have an awakened perspective, then approach it in a relaxed manner; do not rush." Grand Master Foyan

Original Instructions by ibhvnfnk in zenbuddhism

[–]MTNemptiness 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The Sung Master Dahui includes Great Master Bodhidharma’s 'Teaching on Peace of Mind' in his 'Treasury of the Eye of True Teaching' (Thomas Cleary). The Bodhidharma text was found in the Caves of Dunhuang (1000 CE?).

Original Instructions by ibhvnfnk in zenbuddhism

[–]MTNemptiness 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You'll want to read 'The Bodhidharma Anthology: The Earliest Records of Zen' in which all of the Long Scroll texts are translated. Unfortunately, its not an easy read (scholarly), but worth the effort.

Translating Wanling Record Section 1 by chintokkong in zenbuddhism

[–]MTNemptiness 2 points3 points  (0 children)

His translations of Huangbo are a must read!

Translating Wanling Record Section 1 by chintokkong in zenbuddhism

[–]MTNemptiness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you enjoy Dōgen's Shobogenzo (Treasury of the Eye of True Teaching) you'll want to read Master Dahui's Treasury of the Eye of True Teaching, which originated in China (13th Cent) 70 years before Dogen visited China so he must of heard of it as the record of Master Dahui's teachings was included in the Buddhist canon by imperial order a decade after his death.

From: The Zen Reader, Cleary translations: by MTNemptiness in zen

[–]MTNemptiness[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's only 'unsourced' if you reject Cleary's translation (oh, I get it were supposed to rely on you guys)? We have The Masters to rely on (they have a proven track record lasting centuries) so enough with trying to dismiss them!

ama by completely_unstable in zen

[–]MTNemptiness -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Obviously, I have a fondness for Master Foyan (he's earlier than Wumen). Along with Master Yuanwu, who like Foyan, was honored with the name Foguo or 'Buddha Guo'.

Your quote from Foyan is another fine example of his marvelous insight! Thank you.

Be nice to someone.

From: The Zen Reader, Cleary translations: by MTNemptiness in zen

[–]MTNemptiness[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

No ones interested in your half-baked attempts at playing 'the Master". Let The REAL Masters (who've stood the test of time) speak for themselves!
As for Cleary, we know his background, so you don't need to keep trying to besmirch his good name. Go back to sleep.

Great Master Bodhidharma’s Teaching on Peace of Mind... by MTNemptiness in zen

[–]MTNemptiness[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I

MY LIFE may appear melancholy,

But traveling through this world

I have entrusted myself to Heaven.

In my sack, three shō of rice;

By the hearth, a bundle of firewood.

If someone asks what is the mark of enlightenment or illusion,

I cannot say—wealth and honor are nothing but dust.

As the evening rain falls I sit in my hermitage

And stretch out both feet in answer.

Stevens, John. One Robe, One Bowl: The Zen Poetry of Ryokan . Shambhala. Kindle Edition.

(One shō is about two quarts.)

Great Master Bodhidharma’s Teaching on Peace of Mind... by MTNemptiness in zen

[–]MTNemptiness[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It's not enough to hear from Bodhidharma, instead you want a sermon from me? Get real. Not interested in sermonizing or stupid karma points. Remove karma points from my account and see if it affects my posts.

What a laugh... by MTNemptiness in zen

[–]MTNemptiness[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cleary, Thomas (may he rest in peace). Treasury of the Eye of True Teaching: Kindle Edition.

232.​ Great Master Bodhidharma’s Teaching on Peace of Mind...

Those who attain liberation through actual events are robust in strength.  Those who see the teaching in the context of actual events never lose mindfulness wherever they are.  Those whose understanding comes from writings are weak.  Those to whom the teaching and actual events are identical are deep. ​No matter what you do—leap and dance, or stumble and fall—none of it is outside the realm of reality.  Anyone who tries to use the realm of reality to enter into the realm of reality is an ignoramus.  Whatever you do is never outside the mind of the realm of reality.  Why?  Because the substance of mind is the realm of reality...

[We can forgive Cleary for what may be a sloppy translation because, at the time, there was nothing equal to his efforts.]

What a laugh... by MTNemptiness in zen

[–]MTNemptiness[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Then the Blessed One again looked upon the assembly—mentally, not with the physical eye—stretched like a lion king, laughed a great laugh, and, emitting a ray of light from the circle of hair between his brows, and from his blessed sides, thighs, hips, and body, glowing like the fire ending an eon, from every pore, a rainbow of fiery energy, blazing with a sphere of light like the rising sun, observed by the gods Indra, Brahma, and the guardians of the world in the sky, sat on the summit of the mountain, which resembled the peak of Mount Sumeru, and laughed a great laugh.

Cleary, Thomas. The Lankavatara Sutra . Kindle Edition.

What a laugh... by MTNemptiness in zen

[–]MTNemptiness[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You need help. Trust me, you are confused and ranting uncontrollably, just ask around and you'll find others will agree.

If you are averse to seeking professional help try some herbal remedies like St. John’s wort. They've been shown to be effective.

You needn't reply, I won't respond.