Answers to questions frequently asked at the temple.
(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.
In other words after an easy assent to some experience the reality of a life of hard work ahead to maintain or even re-experience this is required. It all seems now to be much harder than one expected. How many of us expect some fantastical spiritual awakening and are disappointed when the results seem mundane at best or even unnoticeable? Physical illness is much the same. All too often people come to the hospital to…
My latest book “The Magic City: Studying the Lotus Sutra” is now available through Amazon. In this book I explore some of the profound meanings of this major parable found in the Lotus Sutra and the applications to modern life. Employing spiritual practices such as Midrash from Judaism and Lectio Divina from Christianity as well as labyrinths I take you on a spiritual journey into and along the road to the Magic City in your…
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