Discover Pure Land Buddhism with Ven. Zhi Sheng
Discover Pure Land Buddhism with Ven. Zhi Sheng
Ven. Zhi Sheng was ordained at Guang Jue Temple in Zaoxi, China. He is a Pure Land teacher who seeks to act as a bridge between the East and the West.
His style and methodology is such that traditional Chinese Buddhists can enjoy a new way of seeing an old tradition, whilst Western newcomers to Pure Land can understand the deeper dimensions of the tradition. He currently works at the Shanghai Institute of Language and Culture.
Ven. Zhi Sheng, Shanghai Institute of Language and Culture
Raymond Lam, Editor, Buddhistdoor International
Filmed on location at Wang Fat Ching She, Hong Kong, May 2013
Re: Discover Pure Land Buddhism with Ven. Zhi Sheng
So beautifully well spoken!
Thanks so much for that plwk!
I think sometimes there's this false dichotomy that seems to arise between the Chinese schools and the exclusive Other Power (Shin) school(s). I could see many of the things he says being said by those who've really delved deeply into the Shin path (especially the speaker's point about "I did this"). In fact Shin scholar Taitetsu Unno uses the same analogy of the vehicle across the turbulent waters, which is also inherent in his (Unno's) reference to the story of the narrow path in River of Fire, River of Water - an anecdote originally presented by Chinese scholar Shan Tao. The point of the exclusive Other Power schools is not to be lazy as the video warns against, but to establish the faith that even a minor effort is enough to develop faith, and then to keep reciting (in gratitude, once establishing that faith) continuously throughout our lives (ie. following the pattern of establishing Faith, followed by Vows and Practice). Shinran says this explicitly. Nowhere in the KGSS does it say not to continue reciting the name and relying on the vow throughout one's life in Shin. Anybody who's understanding of the teachings of Shinran is to say that we can celebrate doing bad, do nothing our whole lives to establish confidence in the name of Amitabha or the power of the Primal Vow, and then hope we won't have doubts when the important time comes; is missing the whole point of Shinran not to mention all of the venerable masters before him as well as those who have come since in China. For true followers of Honen, ShanTao, and the other masters, this ranks up there with many of the great works. It's so nice to see that ultimately the same things are being said by all of these Pure Land schools.
Hope you (plwk) don't mind my interjection in this thread, it's not directed at you (plwk) so much as those of us who find value in Shin teachings. All followers of the Pure Land path should be rejoicing at the wisdom portrayed in this video.
Thanks so much for that plwk!
I think sometimes there's this false dichotomy that seems to arise between the Chinese schools and the exclusive Other Power (Shin) school(s). I could see many of the things he says being said by those who've really delved deeply into the Shin path (especially the speaker's point about "I did this"). In fact Shin scholar Taitetsu Unno uses the same analogy of the vehicle across the turbulent waters, which is also inherent in his (Unno's) reference to the story of the narrow path in River of Fire, River of Water - an anecdote originally presented by Chinese scholar Shan Tao. The point of the exclusive Other Power schools is not to be lazy as the video warns against, but to establish the faith that even a minor effort is enough to develop faith, and then to keep reciting (in gratitude, once establishing that faith) continuously throughout our lives (ie. following the pattern of establishing Faith, followed by Vows and Practice). Shinran says this explicitly. Nowhere in the KGSS does it say not to continue reciting the name and relying on the vow throughout one's life in Shin. Anybody who's understanding of the teachings of Shinran is to say that we can celebrate doing bad, do nothing our whole lives to establish confidence in the name of Amitabha or the power of the Primal Vow, and then hope we won't have doubts when the important time comes; is missing the whole point of Shinran not to mention all of the venerable masters before him as well as those who have come since in China. For true followers of Honen, ShanTao, and the other masters, this ranks up there with many of the great works. It's so nice to see that ultimately the same things are being said by all of these Pure Land schools.
Hope you (plwk) don't mind my interjection in this thread, it's not directed at you (plwk) so much as those of us who find value in Shin teachings. All followers of the Pure Land path should be rejoicing at the wisdom portrayed in this video.
-
Schrödinger’s Yidam
- Posts: 7885
- Joined: Wed May 29, 2013 6:13 am
Re: Discover Pure Land Buddhism with Ven. Zhi Sheng
I think it was the interviewer that came up with the best phrase: an open mind and humble heart. Priceless!
Last edited by Schrödinger’s Yidam on Sun Apr 27, 2014 4:29 am, edited 1 time in total.
1.The problem isn’t ‘ignorance’. The problem is the mind you have right now. (H.H. Karmapa XVII @NYC 2/4/18)
2. I support Mingyur R and HHDL in their positions against lama abuse.
3. Student: Lama, I thought I might die but then I realized that the 3 Jewels would protect me.
Lama: Even If you had died the 3 Jewels would still have protected you. (DW post by Fortyeightvows)
2. I support Mingyur R and HHDL in their positions against lama abuse.
3. Student: Lama, I thought I might die but then I realized that the 3 Jewels would protect me.
Lama: Even If you had died the 3 Jewels would still have protected you. (DW post by Fortyeightvows)
Re: Discover Pure Land Buddhism with Ven. Zhi Sheng
Honestly I'm thinking about printing that out and hanging it up in my room somewhere.smcj wrote:I think it was the interviewer that came up with the best phrase: open mind and humble heart. Priceless!
Re: Discover Pure Land Buddhism with Ven. Zhi Sheng
Nice clip.
Thank you for posting it.
Thank you for posting it.
More about Mindfulness here
http://bemindful.co.uk/
" A Zen master's life is one continuous mistake."
(Dogen).
http://bemindful.co.uk/
" A Zen master's life is one continuous mistake."
(Dogen).