Differences – Simile of Herbs – Lotus Sutra – January 4, 2020

“Suppose the various trees and grasses… including herbs growing in the thickets, forests, mountains, ravines, and valleys, on the ground, and by the rivers – All these plants being different in names and forms – Were covered with a dark cloud, and then watered by a rainfall at the same time. “ Simile of Herbs chapter Lotus Sutra Been thinking a lot recently about how the Lotus Sutra invites us to not simply respect our…

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Joy – End Meditation Chapter II and Begin Meditation Chapter III – Friday 15, November, 2019

The transition from Chapter II to Chapter III in the Lotus Sutra is a precious gift in that one chapter ends with a theme and the next chapter conveniently picks up that theme. It doesn’t always present us with those smooth transitional moments. I wonder though if others give it much thought. It’s hard to tell what one writer will find interesting and of value in their creation. The idea of Joy being an important…

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Sing Joyfully – Meditations Chapter II – November 11, 2019

Folks who have practiced with me at the temple know that when I begin leading Odaimoku during our services I always begin with the preface “Let us chant with great joy and confidence.” I’d like to share with you some background behind this as we meditate on the Lotus Sutra. Joy and confidence are two characteristics that arise from within. While it is certainly possible for conditions to be present to induce joy or confidence,…

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Fist Bump Gassho – Meditation Chapter I – November 10, 2019

This will be my second attempt to write this meditation. The first ill fated attempt was when my lung collapsed while on the plane in route to visit my brother. It is Sunday morning now and I’ve been here since Wednesday night. OK, you can sort of catch up on more details elsewhere in the writing. For now let me get going with the theme so there are no other interruptions. My motivation for writing…

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