In my mind this is the most visually descriptive parable in the Lotus Sutra. It is full of images and descriptions that are meant to elicit an emotional visceral response. I believe we are supposed to see this as a really fearful place to be. It isn’t safe on many levels. There are creatures that can harm us there are distractions which inhibit our rational decisions. The fire is coming we should be running. Someone…
It is just a story, a possibility, perhaps a connection for some of the missing points in the parable found in the Lotus Sutra. We have a single father who is a doctor, many children, a possible reason why there is no mother mentioned, a son who has taken some poison clouding his mind and judgement, a son who returns home, taking the medicine, upon hearing of his ill father and spiritual death. This could…
(It’s been a while since I have posted in this series. I will confess this has been one of the most challenging projects I have written. While it is true I haven’t posted, I have indeed been thinking and working on the writing. I appreciate your understanding.) Sometimes when faced with a challenge, even a simple challenge, we experience misgivings such as will we succeed, is it even possible, is this the best alternative, or…
Today I would like talk about Ichinen Sanzen, 3000 conditions of mind in a moment. Ichinen Sanzen is a very complex theory in Buddhism and frequently is gets reduced to simply explaining the 10 Worlds. However there is an aspect of Ichinen Sanzen which I would like to explore with you. In a way this is a developing realization. That is the way it happens for me. I’ll think and think about something, turning it over and over in my mind. Then one day something will happen, perhaps someone asks me a question, or some situation arises and then all of a sudden a light bulb goes off and ‘bam’ inspiration lights up.
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