Category: Bhāvanā 修行
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The Revival of the Bhikkhunī Order: A New Chapter in the Theravāda Revival
Part One: The Theravada Revival The Revival of the Bhikkhunī Order: A New Chapter in the Theravāda Revival Part One: The Theravada Revival The Theravāda tradition, one of the oldest surviving Buddhist tradition, has experienced a significant revival since the late 19th century. A major factor in this revival has been the efforts of the…
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Temple or Monastery
An exploration on their history While the terms “temple” and “monastery” are often used interchangeably, there are some key distinctions, primarily related to the community residing there and the primary focus of the activities: Temple: Monastery: Key Differences Summarized: Feature Temple Monastery Primary Focus Worship, rituals, serving lay community Monastic practice, study, meditation Lay Involvement…
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Uposatha Community Chanting Event
We were delighted to host a community chanting event yesterday, which was specially dedicated to acknowledging the merits of the group and celebrating Jeff’s ordination by honoring Ron for his kindness, compassion, and generosity. It was also significant that yesterday coincided with a Uposatha day for the Buddhist community. Uposatha is a day for “the…
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A New Beginning
The Samanera ordination ceremony is a beautiful and meaningful tradition that marks a significant step on the Buddhist path. This ceremony is not merely a change of robes and a shaving of the head; it marks a profound turning point, a new beginning on the path to liberation. It’s a commitment to a life of…
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Five Strengths (Pañca Balāni)
五力 The Five Strengths (Pañca Balāni) are closely related to the Five Spiritual Faculties (Pañca Indriyāni). They represent the strengthened and unwavering forms of these faculties, acting as powerful forces that propel one towards liberation. Here’s a breakdown of the Five Strengths: How the Strengths Function: The Five Strengths work together harmoniously, supporting and strengthening…
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Five Hindrances (Pañca Nīvaraṇā)
五盖 The Five Hindrances (Pañca Nīvaraṇā) are mental states that obstruct concentration and insight, thus hindering progress on the path to liberation. They are: How the Hindrances Obstruct Progress: The Five Hindrances are called “hindrances” because they obstruct the development of concentration (samādhi) and insight (vipassanā), which are essential for achieving liberation. They cloud the…
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The Four Iddhipada
四神足 The Four Iddhipada are: In the context of the Four Iddhipada, chanda, or wish, plays a crucial role in the development of psychic powers. It acts as the driving force behind the entire process, providing the necessary motivation and focus to cultivate these abilities. Chanda, in this sense, is not merely a fleeting wish…
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The Four Protective Meditations
四护卫禅 The Four Protective Meditations are a set of practices designed to protect the mind from negative states and cultivate wholesome qualities. They are considered protective because they help to guard the mind against negative emotions and unwholesome tendencies. By cultivating these practices, Buddhists aim to develop inner peace, wisdom, and compassion, leading to a…
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Who We Are and What Defines Us
How decision to become a monk defines our identity What Defines Us is not what we are, but what we do. In the Twilight Saga films, characters are often confronted with their inherent nature (e.g., being a vampire or werewolf), but they ultimately have the will to choose their own path. For example, the Cullen…
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Nirodha-dhātu 灭界
“只有从灭的随观才可以引心向灭，体验无所能住，关注每个看到的思维的结束。那个只能等到心可以自动导向诸法骤灭的情况下才可以看到灭界。” The term “nirodha” means cessation or extinction 灭, and “dhatu” means element or realm 界. Nirodha is often associated with the cessation of craving and desire, which is the third of the Four Noble Truths. It signifies the end of suffering (dukkha) when craving and desire are renounced. The Buddha taught that this can…
Gautama Dhamma 