Category: concentration

Incarcerated Lotus – #4 – Discernment

Discernment is not a word frequently used in Buddhist writing. I’m not sure why. I think the word is useful in describing certain aspects of our personal practice in Buddhism as we strive towards enlightenment. Discernment is a process of examination and reflection when making a decision or a change in life. It involves gathering information, weighing options, and considering possible outcomes and the benefit. That is the mechanical or physical aspect, that’s the busy…

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Incarcerated Lotus – # 3 – Gratitude

First let me express my sincere appreciation to you and exclaim how wonderful it is you are taking this first step into faith and practice of the Lotus Sutra in Nichiren Shu.  Repeatedly in the Lotus Sutra the Buddha welcomes the questions put to him by the various persons in the congregation.  During the course of working through this book I am certain you will have many questions and definitely you will be asked many questions.  This journey…

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Creatures of the Burning House – #2 – Visio Divina

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…

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Creatures of the Burning House – #1 – Introduction

It has taken me a while to get around to this parable, due to the request to write about the Physician’s Good Medicine at the end of 2014. At the time I was disappointed that I would need to put this parable aside for a while. Looking back I know I would not have written it the way I’m going to now. This is going to be the shortest of the books focused on the…

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