Buddhist Teachings for Everyday Living
Part I: Why Mahayana Buddhism Needed a New Way to See the World
Most explanations of Mahayana Buddhism focus on what makes it different: the bodhisattva ideal, new scriptures, vast cosmologies filled with Buddhas, and a strong emphasis on compassion and universal liberation. All of that is important. But it doesn’t really answer a more basic question: Why did Buddhism need to evolve in this direction at all? What problem was it responding to?
Reflections on “Four Sights” and Heavy Mantles
When I step back and think about our spiritual ancestors, the reality is much the same: someone must help carry the mantles or the unique legacy we have as Jodo Shinshu followers, as Buddhists in the West, will be lost. The difference with respect to spiritual mantles is that we have to be willing to pick them up ourselves.
Just Take the Shot
Jordan slowly rises and shoots a 20-footer with 5 seconds left in the game. Jordan lands with his right hand extended in the air in the goose neck position of a pure shooter and then he begins to step backwards while the ball is still in the air. The ball was not yet in the net, but the game was already over. The Bulls were champions. Jordan knew it, Karl Malone knew it – everyone knew it. This knowing is to be truly settled. In Jordan’s mind the ball had gone through the net a very long time ago – they were one.
So, tell me, what is Buddhism?
I feel like I am as articulate as the next guy and spent most my career communicating concepts (marketing and sales). But I have a very hard time delivering a simple response to “What is Buddhism”? Almost always, I find my answer a bit hollow and inadequate. Kind of frustrating, kind of embarrassing!