Amituofo
These three factors are the cornerstones of Pure Land Buddhism. If they are present, rebirth in the Pure Land is achieved. Faith means faith in Amitabha Buddha’s Vow to rescue all who recite His name, as we as faith in one’s own Self-Nature, which is intrinsically the same as His (to recite the Buddha’s name Read More …
Pure Land, like all Mahayana schools, requires first and foremost the development of the Bodhi Mind, the aspiration to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings. From this starting point, the main tenants of the school can be understood at two main levels, the transcendental and the popular — depending on the background Read More …
Throughout history, the Patriarchs have elaborated various systems to categorize Dharma methods and the sutras in which they are expounded. One convenient division is into methods based on self-effort (self-power) and those that rely on the assistance of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas (other-power). Traditionally, most Buddhist schools and methods take the self-power approach: progress along Read More …
The goal of all Buddhist practice is to achieve Enlightenment and transcend the cycle of Birth and Death — that is, to attain Buddhahood. In the Mahayana tradition, the precondition for Buddhahood is the Bodi Mind, the aspiration to achieve Enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings, oneself included. Since sentient beings are of Read More …
Be grateful to those who have hurt or harmed you, for they have reinforced your determination. Be grateful to those who have deceived you, for they have deepened your insight. Be grateful to those who have hit you, for they have reduced your karmic obstacles. Be grateful to those who have abandoned you, for they have Read More …
This simple, convenient and effective way to practice Buddha Recitation is especially suitable for those who find that they have little time for cultivation. It helps us to be mindful of Buddha Amitabha. It brings us quiet joy. we begin when we wake up. Sit up straight and clearly recite “Amituofo” ten time with a Read More …
Buddhist architecture is also an artistic expression. From the exterior, the main cultivation hall appears to have two stories, but there is only one story inside. The external two stories represent “absolute truth” or the true reality of life and the universe, and “relative truth” or worldly views still clouded with delusion. The interior single Read More …
Today, the quality of Buddhist music has deteriorated. We are short of talented people, not only Buddhist artists with creative talents. Therefore, a Buddhist artist has to be profoundly learned for only then can he or she truly teach others and convey truth, goodness, beauty and wisdom. Ancient masters with high spiritual achievements composed Buddhist Read More …
Buddha Shakyamuni gave lectures in many different places, as did Confucius. In India, the Buddha and his students were invited by different groups to give talks. They would lecture in those areas for a while but did not remain permanently. As most of the Buddha’s 12,050 students would follow him, it would have been very Read More …
What is the first step in learning Buddhism? Start by reciting one sutra. Do we need to understand it? No. For when we have not ended afflictions, our understanding will be erroneous. Then why do we recite only this sutra? By reciting the sutra, the Three Learnings of self discipline, deep concentration and wisdom are Read More …