So good to hear that you and your family are safe. I was just thinking about you and wondering when you will publish the next video - not realizing that you were affected by Hurricane Helene. Stay safe, good friend! 🙏
Hello John... So glad you and your S/O are safe. This video is quite striking and inspiring. [Thank you. Will you please review the three bodies of Tathagata and thier practical meanings. Also Mahasamthaprapta and who he actually is..He doesn't seem to receive much coverage so to speak. Nam myoho renge kyo Ray
Thanks, Ray, for your comments and feedback. Mahathamaprapta is the Bodhisattva of Wisdom who, in paintings, flanks Amitabha Buddha on his right side, while Avalokitesvara is on his left. You are right, he does not get talked about a lot in the sutras. As for the three bodies, here is some information generated by AI: The Three Bodies Doctrine is a fundamental concept in Mahayana Buddhism that explains the nature of the Buddha and the ultimate reality. It posits that the Buddha exists in three interconnected forms: Nirmanakaya: This is the physical manifestation of the Buddha, such as Siddhartha Gautama, who appears in human form to teach and guide beings. Sambhogakaya: This is the celestial or transcendental body of the Buddha, a manifestation of enlightenment and wisdom that is beyond the limitations of the physical world. Dharmakaya: This is the ultimate nature of reality, the formless essence of all things. It is the true nature of the Buddha, beyond any physical or conceptual form. These three bodies are interconnected and interdependent. The Nirmanakaya is a manifestation of the Sambhogakaya, which is itself an expression of the Dharmakaya. Ultimately, all beings are manifestations of the Dharmakaya, and the goal of Buddhist practice is to realize one's true nature as Dharmakaya.
That is quite stunning to consider . Some naysayers would scoff at such concepts. However I am not one of those. I'm thrilled to be assured that what I'm going through and have gone through will ultimately fade and be washed away by Amida's Grace. Namo Amituofo Ray
I am glad you found my channel, and hope that you are not suffering too much hardship at this time. I have been following the news, and am acutely aware of the fact that your area will take a long time to recover. I believe there are Buddhist groups in Asheville of various traditions (as there probably are in Charlotte), but am not aware of any there, or here where I live (which is about an hour East of Asheville), that follow the Chan lineage. Actually, I am quite isolated myself, as far as fellow Buddhists where I live, much less of the tradition that I follow, which is Jodo Shinshu. Most of my sangha-connections are virtual and long distance. I do participate in a morning meditation with about 6 others that is of the Soto Zen variety. If you have internet connection and wish to be introduced to that group I can probably arrange it. Meanwhile, who knows, maybe some day we can meet face to face. -John
Hello again @namoamidabuts, I read the answer you gave @sifurayshepard5254 about the trikaya on this video last week and thought to see what's on the channel on the related topic of Suchness ("tathata"). I wonder if I might ask yourself and commenters your opinions about a translation of "tathagata" I'm working with in personal study. "Tathagata" - usually translated "thus come one" I believe may be a shorthand of "tathata-gatha". "Gatha" being "song" or "verse" the Buddha's title would then come out to "Singer of Suchness" or "Word of Suchness". Suchness could be described as the invisible, subtle law and material of spacetime by which all phenomena exist in eternal togetherness. However it is also none other than the 12 link chain of causation in disguise! As I study Mahayana Buddhism I'm more and more convinced the doctrine of Suchness was central to what the historical Buddha was trying to tell us all the way from his very first sermon. In other words, Siddhartha's public teaching was not complete in his lifetime. It really was provisional as the Lotus Sutra suggests. It wasn't until long after Siddhartha and the refinement of many competing Abhidhamma versions that enough Buddhists finally approaching his realization begin including doctrines of suchness. Kumarajiva's 10-fold suchness in particular helps us gain the Buddha's understanding of phenomena. Described as the 12 link chain of Elder Buddhism we are able to see the true nature of mind through great effort. Described as suchness we're more able to clearly and fluidly discern the true nature of mind and phenomena distinct from mind as well. Just a little something to keep us spoiled 21st century Buddhists on our mindful little toes. If you guys and gals have any thoughts I'd sure appreciate hearing them as it could be a whole kalpa or two before another one of us has the same response. 🙏🏽💮
I admire your diligent study and creative approach to understanding the Dharma. I don't have a whole lot to add in terms of interpretations of "suchness" or "Tathagata". For what it is worth, I view the former as the flip side of sunyata, as a positve expression of the way we can experience the here and now that is without the baggage of dualistic thinking. As for Tathagata, I am only familiar with the more traditional interpretation - that the term reflects the fact that the Buddha has gone to the other shore, and yet out of pity comes back to save us beings who are filled with blind passions. Early in my career as a Buddhist, my mantra was to repeat "Namah Tathagata".
I'm glad you are OK, and good to know that the stupa is OK. Makes me grateful these kind of things are made out of stone.
Yes. Nothing is permanent, but stone is less likely to be damaged than many materials. Thanks for thinking of us.
So good to hear that you and your family are safe. I was just thinking about you and wondering when you will publish the next video - not realizing that you were affected by Hurricane Helene. Stay safe, good friend! 🙏
I appreciate your good wishes, my friend. -John 🙏
I am relieved that you, your partner and the Stupa are unharmed! Namo Amida Butsu🙏
Thank you my friend. -John 🙏
Hello John...
So glad you and your S/O are safe. This video is quite striking and inspiring. [Thank you.
Will you please review the three bodies of Tathagata and thier practical meanings. Also Mahasamthaprapta and who he actually is..He doesn't seem to receive much coverage so to speak.
Nam myoho renge kyo
Ray
Thanks, Ray, for your comments and feedback. Mahathamaprapta is the Bodhisattva of Wisdom who, in paintings, flanks Amitabha Buddha on his right side, while Avalokitesvara is on his left. You are right, he does not get talked about a lot in the sutras. As for the three bodies, here is some information generated by AI:
The Three Bodies Doctrine is a fundamental concept in Mahayana Buddhism that explains the nature of the Buddha and the ultimate reality. It posits that the Buddha exists in three interconnected forms:
Nirmanakaya: This is the physical manifestation of the Buddha, such as Siddhartha Gautama, who appears in human form to teach and guide beings.
Sambhogakaya: This is the celestial or transcendental body of the Buddha, a manifestation of enlightenment and wisdom that is beyond the limitations of the physical world.
Dharmakaya: This is the ultimate nature of reality, the formless essence of all things. It is the true nature of the Buddha, beyond any physical or conceptual form.
These three bodies are interconnected and interdependent. The Nirmanakaya is a manifestation of the Sambhogakaya, which is itself an expression of the Dharmakaya. Ultimately, all beings are manifestations of the Dharmakaya, and the goal of Buddhist practice is to realize one's true nature as Dharmakaya.
That is quite stunning to consider . Some naysayers would scoff at such concepts. However I am not one of those. I'm thrilled to be assured that what I'm going through and have gone through will ultimately fade and be washed away by Amida's Grace.
Namo Amituofo
Ray
No doubt about it. Namo Amituofo 🙏
Glad to hear you are okay.
Thank you! -John
I just found your channel and I live in Asheville. Where do you find people in WNC that practice Ch'an?
I am glad you found my channel, and hope that you are not suffering too much hardship at this time. I have been following the news, and am acutely aware of the fact that your area will take a long time to recover.
I believe there are Buddhist groups in Asheville of various traditions (as there probably are in Charlotte), but am not aware of any there, or here where I live (which is about an hour East of Asheville), that follow the Chan lineage. Actually, I am quite isolated myself, as far as fellow Buddhists where I live, much less of the tradition that I follow, which is Jodo Shinshu. Most of my sangha-connections are virtual and long distance.
I do participate in a morning meditation with about 6 others that is of the Soto Zen variety. If you have internet connection and wish to be introduced to that group I can probably arrange it. Meanwhile, who knows, maybe some day we can meet face to face.
-John
nam mo a di da phat!
Thank you for your comments. Namah Amitabha! -John
Hello again @namoamidabuts,
I read the answer you gave @sifurayshepard5254 about the trikaya on this video last week and thought to see what's on the channel on the related topic of Suchness ("tathata"). I wonder if I might ask yourself and commenters your opinions about a translation of "tathagata" I'm working with in personal study.
"Tathagata" - usually translated "thus come one" I believe may be a shorthand of "tathata-gatha". "Gatha" being "song" or "verse" the Buddha's title would then come out to "Singer of Suchness" or "Word of Suchness".
Suchness could be described as the invisible, subtle law and material of spacetime by which all phenomena exist in eternal togetherness. However it is also none other than the 12 link chain of causation in disguise! As I study Mahayana Buddhism I'm more and more convinced the doctrine of Suchness was central to what the historical Buddha was trying to tell us all the way from his very first sermon. In other words, Siddhartha's public teaching was not complete in his lifetime. It really was provisional as the Lotus Sutra suggests. It wasn't until long after Siddhartha and the refinement of many competing Abhidhamma versions that enough Buddhists finally approaching his realization begin including doctrines of suchness. Kumarajiva's 10-fold suchness in particular helps us gain the Buddha's understanding of phenomena. Described as the 12 link chain of Elder Buddhism we are able to see the true nature of mind through great effort. Described as suchness we're more able to clearly and fluidly discern the true nature of mind and phenomena distinct from mind as well.
Just a little something to keep us spoiled 21st century Buddhists on our mindful little toes. If you guys and gals have any thoughts I'd sure appreciate hearing them as it could be a whole kalpa or two before another one of us has the same response. 🙏🏽💮
I admire your diligent study and creative approach to understanding the Dharma. I don't have a whole lot to add in terms of interpretations of "suchness" or "Tathagata". For what it is worth, I view the former as the flip side of sunyata, as a positve expression of the way we can experience the here and now that is without the baggage of dualistic thinking. As for Tathagata, I am only familiar with the more traditional interpretation - that the term reflects the fact that the Buddha has gone to the other shore, and yet out of pity comes back to save us beings who are filled with blind passions. Early in my career as a Buddhist, my mantra was to repeat "Namah Tathagata".
💨💨💮🧘♂💮💨
🙏
They added dry ice to the edge of that hurricane.. thats why is rained more than any other hurricane ever..
Interesting. I hadn't heard about that. And now, Milton is getting ready to hit Florida.