Search found 1222 matches

by Seishin
Wed Mar 23, 2022 11:25 am
Forum: Sūtra Studies
Topic: an analysis of Zhiyi's interpretation of the concept of "dhyana" in his Shi chanboluomi cidi famen
Replies: 16
Views: 1146

Re: an analysis of Zhiyi's interpretation of the concept of "dhyana" in his Shi chanboluomi cidi famen

Just to be clear, this pdf file is about how to meditate better, right? This text is more philosophical than practical, as it speaks about the meaning of various terms known to the Chinese at the time, breaks down the meaning and significance of chan, the perfection of dhyana, and the four dhyanas....
by Seishin
Wed Mar 23, 2022 11:17 am
Forum: Sūtra Studies
Topic: an analysis of Zhiyi's interpretation of the concept of "dhyana" in his Shi chanboluomi cidi famen
Replies: 16
Views: 1146

Re: an analysis of Zhiyi's interpretation of the concept of "dhyana" in his Shi chanboluomi cidi famen

I think there is definitely a shift in Zhiyi's lectures, as his focus on the Lotus Sutra is more obvious in his later lectures, however I think he was recognised as a Lotus Sutra master long before this - I might be wrong so correction is appreciated. I don't have complete dates of Zhiyi's biography...
by Seishin
Fri Mar 04, 2022 12:44 pm
Forum: Tendai
Topic: Prostrations during Sanrai
Replies: 3
Views: 4689

Re: Prostrations during Sanrai

Hi Bryan, Generally speaking, Tendai is an oral school (kuden), meaning teachings should ideally be given verbally from teacher to student. The information on various websites are usually fairly generic in nature, and aimed at helping those new to Tendai to find their bearings. Although prostrations...
by Seishin
Mon Oct 25, 2021 4:42 pm
Forum: Tendai
Topic: Tendai Monasteries for Westerners?
Replies: 5
Views: 5306

Re: Tendai Monasteries for Westerners?

There are options, but it isn't so easy as just emailing them and requesting to stay. People often say that Japanese Buddhism doesn't have monasticism, but it isn't true, and also not so simple. Monasticism does occur, but most who are ordained are not monastic, and continue lay life along side temp...
by Seishin
Mon Oct 25, 2021 11:03 am
Forum: Tendai
Topic: Tendai Monasteries for Westerners?
Replies: 5
Views: 5306

Re: Tendai Monasteries for Westerners?

In short; no. The only western monestary, which was situated in California, burned down some years ago now. It is now under new leadership, and I think they are planning on rebuilding, but not sure where they are with things. You can find out more info here https://www.caltendai.org/about
by Seishin
Thu Aug 12, 2021 2:20 pm
Forum: Tendai
Topic: Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in Tendai
Replies: 68
Views: 31638

Re: Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in Tendai

I suspect that these lofty theories were mostly used for attracting donors (just as conducting rituals for this-wordly benefits) and in the end they do not result in more fully enlightened Buddhas but in richer temples and support from aristocratic families. I am referring to kuden which gave rise ...
by Seishin
Fri Jul 30, 2021 12:55 pm
Forum: Mahāyāna Buddhism
Topic: Appearance of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
Replies: 20
Views: 1835

Re: Appearance of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas

I can't speak for other traditions, but in the Japanese traditions Tathagatas are usually depicted with a simple monks robe and hair with a top bun/knot. The acception to this is Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairochana Tathagata) who is usually depicted wearing a crown and jewelry (but not always). In Mahay...
by Seishin
Wed Jul 28, 2021 4:24 pm
Forum: Mahāyāna Buddhism
Topic: Theravada versus mahayana view on breath meditation and the four frames of reference
Replies: 26
Views: 2312

Re: Theravada versus mahayana view on breath meditation and the four frames of reference

Bhikkhu Vimala seems to be perpetuating anti-mahayana rhetoric. For example, he also states that mindfulness of breath is "strictly" an early buddhist and theravada practice. This is incorrect. Coming from Tendai, mindfulness of breath is not only included, but also an integral part of our...
by Seishin
Fri Jul 23, 2021 1:53 pm
Forum: Tendai
Topic: Tendai and Zen comparison
Replies: 18
Views: 12417

Re: Tendai and Zen comparison

The Six Gates are a theme that regularly appears in Mahayana texts, such as those by Vasubhandhu (Abhidharmakośakārikā) and Asaṇga, in Pali texts (Digha Nikaya ii.291 and Majjhima Nikaya i.425) as well as the Dhyāna Sutras (Agamas from the Sarvāstivāda school) the latter of which list counting (gan...
by Seishin
Fri Jul 23, 2021 11:44 am
Forum: Tibetan Buddhism
Topic: Tibetan View of Tendai and Shingon Vajrayana
Replies: 22
Views: 2466

Re: Tibetan View of Tendai and Shingon Vajrayana

In the teachings I've received from my Tibetan Gelug teachers, these two terms are simply synonyms and identical in meaning. What do you understand the difference to be? I don't know, TBH. I've read various different arguments and discussions on this topic. FWIW in the Tendai and Shingon schools th...
by Seishin
Fri Jul 23, 2021 10:22 am
Forum: Tibetan Buddhism
Topic: Tibetan View of Tendai and Shingon Vajrayana
Replies: 22
Views: 2466

Re: Tibetan View of Tendai and Shingon Vajrayana

It might be worth concidering that Tendai and Shingon came to Japan from China in the early 800s and changed little after this - i.e., no new Tantra lineages went to Japan after this period. Even in China, Tantra lineages were still faily "new" at the time of Kukai and Saicho, having been ...
by Seishin
Fri Jul 23, 2021 10:00 am
Forum: Tendai
Topic: Tendai and Zen comparison
Replies: 18
Views: 12417

Re: Tendai and Zen comparison

Continuing from my last post; 3. 六妙法門 Liù miào famén (Roku myō hōmon). Six Dharma Gates to the Sublime. This text, like the Sho Shikan, is more of a meditation manual with nuggest of philosophy for goood measure. I find it a disceptive text, as it is short (you can easily read it in a day), and seem...
by Seishin
Tue Jul 13, 2021 1:44 pm
Forum: Tendai
Topic: Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in Tendai
Replies: 68
Views: 31638

Re: Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in Tendai

I also vaguely remember there being a concept of stages with one stage being "verbal identity". How does full enlightenment (anuttara-samyak-sambodhi) look like in Tendai thought? Going back to your original question, what you mention here are the Six Identities (六卽 Rokusoku). To use Paul...
by Seishin
Tue Jul 13, 2021 1:27 pm
Forum: Tendai
Topic: Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in Tendai
Replies: 68
Views: 31638

Re: Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in Tendai

Tatsuo wrote: Tue Jul 13, 2021 7:57 am .... so far I didnt hear any opposing views from within Tendai.
Where have you been looking?
by Seishin
Tue Jul 13, 2021 1:23 pm
Forum: Tendai
Topic: Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in Tendai
Replies: 68
Views: 31638

Re: Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in Tendai

Is it this present moment where we are already fully enlightened Buddhas even without any fundamental change and without getting rid of all defilements (hongaku)? Or is it closer to the older definitions of enlightenment which can be found in the Suttas of the Pali canon? I'm not surprised you're c...
by Seishin
Fri Jul 02, 2021 4:03 pm
Forum: Tendai
Topic: Tendai and Zen comparison
Replies: 18
Views: 12417

Re: Tendai and Zen comparison

There isn't, I'm afraid, but there is a dissertation on the paper that is quite detailed
https://repository.arizona.edu/handle/10150/279913
by Seishin
Fri Jul 02, 2021 10:29 am
Forum: Tendai
Topic: Tendai and Zen comparison
Replies: 18
Views: 12417

Re: Tendai and Zen comparison

Seishin-sama, would you mind briefly explaining the four meditation manuals by Zhiyi? That might help answer some of OPs questions, at least from the Tiantai/Tendai side. Is there such a thing as "briefly" when it comes to Zhiyi's manuals? :tongue: There are actually more than four, but t...
by Seishin
Wed Jun 30, 2021 3:22 pm
Forum: Tendai
Topic: Tendai and Zen comparison
Replies: 18
Views: 12417

Re: Tendai and Zen comparison

is zengyo (preliminary practices) similar to ngondro in Tibetan traditions? Or are the practices different? Although I don't know what ngondro is, a quick google tells me that it is completely different. Tibetan Buddhism is a completely different lineage of Buddhism than Tendai/Tiantai. And Indian ...
by Seishin
Wed Jun 30, 2021 9:33 am
Forum: Tendai
Topic: Tendai and Zen comparison
Replies: 18
Views: 12417

Re: Tendai and Zen comparison

That is a lot of questions! :tongue: To what extent does study play in Tendai? Study and practice are the two wings of Tendai. If one is lacking you'll never attain Buddhahood. Therefore study is very important in Tendai. And we don't just study the Lotus Sutra either. In reality, all sutras are imp...
by Seishin
Tue Jun 29, 2021 11:59 am
Forum: Tendai
Topic: Tendai and Zen comparison
Replies: 18
Views: 12417

Re: Tendai and Zen comparison

I wouldn't say that Tendai includes "Zen-style" meditation. What is "zen-style"? If you are referring to seated meditation (zazen) then it's worth pointing out that this is not unique to Zen buddhism or Tendai. Seated meditation is found almost universally in Buddhism. I think I ...

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