Prajna (Wisdom)

Shōshinge: Hymn of True Shinjin and the Nembutsu (Session 2)

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We continue to explore the meaning of the Shōshinge and how it applies to our daily lives, focused on the verses:

Bodhisattva Dharmakara, in his causal stage,
Under the guidance of Lokesvararaja Buddha,

Searched into the origins of the Buddhas’ pure lands,
And the qualities of those lands and their men and devas;

Full text of Shōshinge

PowerPoint Slides

To join us for online Dharma Sessions, CLICK HERE and sign up for “Study Classes and Seminars”.

Podcast Audio

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Shōshinge: Hymn of True Shinjin and the Nembutsu ( Session 1)

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In this first session in the Shōshinge Study Class Series, we explore the meaning of the Shōshinge and how it applies to our daily lives, beginning with the opening verse: I take refuge in the Tathagata of Immeasurable Life!
I entrust myself to the Buddha of Inconceivable Light!

PowerPoint Slides

Dharma Talk Audio

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Prajñā: The Wisdom of Acceptance

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At a time when many of us are dealing with anxiety, frustration and impatience as we feel the effects of climate change in our lives while the Covid-19 pandemic continues to restrict our daily activities, we look to the wisdom of the Issei and Nisei Dharma pioneers, and consider meaning of Japanese expression “Shikata ga nai” (It can’t be helped).

This Dharma talk is Part Six in a six-part series delivered via Zoom Meeting exploring the core Mahayana Buddhist teaching of the Six Paramitas: giving, discipline, patience, diligence, concentration, and wisdom.  The Six Paramitas describe the characteristics of a well-lived Buddhist life, and endeavoring to practice them in everyday situations is a lifelong journey.

To join us for online Dharma Services, CLICK HERE to sign up for “Live Broadcast of Services”.

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Dharma Discussion: Wisdom/Prajñā (August 23, 2020)

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Click here to read about the Buddhist Virtue of Wisdom

Discussion Questions

  1. What is a difficult situation that Buddhist wisdom has enabled you to accept with peace of mind?
  2. What is a difficult situation that Buddhist wisdom has given you to courage to work to change?
Continue reading “Dharma Discussion: Wisdom/Prajñā (August 23, 2020)”

Dhyāna: When the Bridge of Concentration is Washed Away

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Rev. Adams reflects upon the challenges of maintaining concentration during the Covid-19 pandemic, how we can find inspiration in the life of Osono of Mikawa who struggled with mental concentration herself, and the teachings that Shinran received from Hōnen on maintaining concentration in the most crucial moment of life.

This Dharma talk is Part Five in a six-part series delivered via Zoom Meeting exploring the core Mahayana Buddhist teaching of the Six Paramitas: giving, discipline, patience, diligence, concentration, and wisdom.  The Six Paramitas describe the characteristics of a well-lived Buddhist life, and endeavoring to practice them in everyday situations is a lifelong journey.

Slides for explanation of the Chinese Character for “time”

To join us for online Dharma Services, CLICK HERE to sign up for “Live Broadcast of Services”.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Dharma Discussion: Concentration/Dhyāna (August 16, 2020)

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Click here to read about the Buddhist Virtue of Concentration

Discussion Questions

  1. Have you ever experience a state of deep concentration that enabled to you do an activity skillfully and without distraction, sometimes described as a “flow state” or being “in the zone”? What gave rise to that state of mind? Were you able to replicate it on more than one occasion?
  2. Has Buddhist practice in general, and the Nembutsu specifically, helped you to cultivate a concentrated mind at times?
  3. What the greatest obstacles you face in maintain mental concentration?
Continue reading “Dharma Discussion: Concentration/Dhyāna (August 16, 2020)”

Shōshinge: Hymn of True Shinjin and the Nembutsu

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Wednesday, September 9, 2020

We welcome you to join us via Zoom Meeting from the comfort and safety of your own home on Wednesday, September 9 for this free Dharma Study Class.

6:00 p.m. Shōshinge Sōfu Chanting

The chanting of Shōshinge embodies the heart of daily Nembutsu practice in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.  Join us to experience the settling of the mind through focused breathing and meditative listening.

7:00 p.m. Reading and Discussion

We will be explore the meaning of the Shōshinge and how it applies to our daily lives, beginning with the opening verse: I take refuge in the Tathagata of Immeasurable Life!
I entrust myself to the Buddha of Inconceivable Light!

To join us for this online Dharma Session, CLICK HERE and sign up for “Study Classes and Seminars”.

Vīrya: Striving Toward a Worthy Goal

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As we reflect upon the goals to which we aspire in this precious human life, we consider the Buddha’s teachings on diligence, the virtue of making effort for the benefit of others without laziness or negligence.

This Dharma talk is Part Four in a six-part series delivered via Zoom Meeting exploring the core Mahayana Buddhist teaching of the Six Paramitas: giving, discipline, patience, diligence, concentration, and wisdom.  The Six Paramitas describe the characteristics of a well-lived Buddhist life, and endeavoring to practice them in everyday situations is a lifelong journey.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

The Six Superhuman Powers

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Six kinds of superhuman ability attained by a Buddha or enlightened disciple of the Buddha as a result of their spiritual practice.

1. Divine Feet

2. Divine Eyes

  • Also called “Knowledge of Death and Rebirth” or “Knowledge of Samsara”
  • The unimpeded ability to see into every place and to know the future rebirths of all beings.
  • See the 6th Vow of Bodhisattva Dharmakara

3. Divine Ears

4. The Wisdom to See into the Minds of Others

5. Knowledge of Past Lives

6. Complete Extinction of Afflictions

  • The ability to know that one has completely extinguish one’s blind passions (greed, anger, and ignorance), such that they will never arise again.
  • See the 39th Vow of Bodhisattva Dharmakara