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This blog explores my life as a father, Buddhist and Japanophile among other things. I like to share information and help make the Internet a better place.
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Category Archives: Buddhism
Different Strokes
The “sir, yes sir” business, which would probably sound like horseshit to any civilian in his right mind, makes sense to Shaftoe and to the officers in a deep and important way. …he has come to understand the [military] culture … Continue reading
Understanding Rinzai Zen Lineage
Zen, along with esoteric Buddhism (Shingon, Tibetan, etc), places a heavy emphasis on lineage. I never really understood this since lineage is not an important part of Pure Land Buddhism, but then when I started going to a Rinzai Zen … Continue reading
Pride
Self-esteem and pride are two challenges in my life. Maybe other readers too. It’s frustrating because even though friends and family tell you that you are a good person, or smart, etc., you still don’t feel like it. I was … Continue reading
Posted in Buddhism, Religion
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Alan Watts Compares Buddhism and Christianity
Something I was watching lately. This is by the famous philosopher Alan Watts, who helped popularize Buddhism (especially Zen) for Western audiences. In this show made in the 1960′s, he talks about the role of religion in traditional society using … Continue reading
Posted in Buddhism, Christianity, Religion, Zen
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Beginner Buddhism S2, Lesson 8: Buddhism and Monasticism
Hi all, Busy weekend, but I did find time to post another episode on season 2 of the Beginner Buddhism series on YouTube: This one helps explore the notion of monasticism in Buddhism, what are monks and nuns, etc. Apologies … Continue reading
Posted in Buddhism, Religion, Theravada
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Why Zen?
Lately, I’ve been inspired to re-read an old book on Zen I bought in Japan. The book is bi-lingual Japanese/English, so I will post the quote in both languages: 禅は心の垢（あか）の掃除であり、心の垢のバスだというのである。例えば２、３日机の上をふかないと、知らず知らずのうちに白いほこりがたまっていることに気付くものである。私たちの心にも日々、いや刻々と様々な考えや感情が起る。つまりものごとに触れて、憎しみ、怒り、不満、嫉妬…などの思いが起こり、あるものは消えてしまい、あるものは残っていく。あまり溜まっていくと、気持ちが重くなって、掃除をしなければならなくなる。さもなければ、次第に生きる気力がなくなっていくからだ。 もちろん禅は心の掃除にとどまらない。いずれにしても確認しておきたいことは、禅は「心」を問題にしているということである。 And in English: Zen is a way of washing … Continue reading
Temple Update: Adventures in Zen Buddhism in Seattle
Hi all, After my last Buddhist post, I wanted to give an update. I’m happy to report that I’ve been finding some good temples to visit lately. Thanks to “M” and others, I’ve had a few potential temples to check … Continue reading
The Problem of Power
(Jean-Bédel Bokassa, “President for Life” of the Central African Republic) Recently on the UK’s newspaper, the Guardian, I found a fascinating article about a woman’s traumatic experience with the far-left Socialist Workers Party in the UK, and how the power-structure … Continue reading
Zen or Nothing
61. Should a seeker not find a companion who is better or equal, let him resolutely pursue a solitary course; there is no fellowship with the fool. –The Dhammapada, trans. Acharya Buddharakkhita It has been about 3½ months since I … Continue reading
Contentment
94. He whose senses are mastered like horses well under the charioteer’s control, he who is purged of pride, free from passions, such a steadfast one even the gods envy (hold dear).1 –Dhammapada, trans. Walpola Rahula I wrote about this … Continue reading
