Dharma Blossom

Reflections on Tendai Buddhist Teachings and Practice in the Modern World

Category: Uncategorized

  • An Opportunity for Practice When We Access the Internet Tripitaka

    As a child, one of the lessons I received on living as a Buddhist was on the treatment of Buddhist texts. These were the recorded words of the Buddha, or the comments of great sages; in other words, srarira, physical relics of the Buddha. As the Lotus Sutra reads, O Bhaiṣajyarāja! Wherever this sutra is…

  • Soldiers of Humanity

    Attending the Gyōin was a massive shock for me. I left behind my wife and children, left the partners in my firm, my clients, everything. Once we checked in to the monastery, our contact with the rest of the world was severely limited. As my wife’s friend commented to her during my leave, it was…

  • NAMU HIEIZAN MANZAN SANBŌ

    NAMU HIEIZAN MANZAN SANBŌ

    I take refuge in the Three Jewels of the Whole Mountain of Hieizan. Many tourists visit Enryakuji, the head temple of the Tendai sect located on Mt. Hiei to the northeast of Kyoto every year. For many, it is a peaceful detour away from the throngs who fill the streets of the ancient capital year…