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Reflections on the Konponchudo and Practice
CONTINUE READING: Reflections on the Konponchudo and PracticeThe Konponchūdō (根本中堂) is the main structure at Enryakuji, the head temple of the Japanese Tendai school of Buddhism located on Mt. Hiei. Literally translated, it means something along the lines of, “Central Hall of the Root [Teaching]”. The formal name of the structure is Ichijōshikanin (一乘止觀院), which translates as “Samatha and Vipasyana of the…
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An Opportunity for Practice When We Access the Internet Tripitaka
CONTINUE READING: An Opportunity for Practice When We Access the Internet TripitakaAs 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…
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Soldiers of Humanity
CONTINUE READING: Soldiers of HumanityAttending 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…