Five Implements of Skillful Means for Entry to the Dharma

Zeal, Vigor, Mindfulness, Discernment, Single-Mindedness These Five Implements were presented by Chih-i in his “Essentials for Practicing Calming and Insight and Dhyana Meditation” Zeal – First a person much possess the desire, the willingness to change something. Without this aspiring to change there is no initial cause for implementation. Vigor – Next a person must approach the task with effort, and a willingness to accomplish the task without letting up. Not being afraid to challenge…

Continue reading

Day Long Retreat

What a fantastic day today was! Twelve students and their professor, all from Hood Theological Seminary, visited Myosho-ji Buddhist Temple today for a day long intense Buddhist retreat. These students were all members of a class on World Religions that is being offered this summer as a graduate level course. Some of these students are already ministers and others are completing their ministerial training. Several weeks ago their professor contacted me to arrange the possibility…

Continue reading