Month: May 2024

LongNails

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LongNails

I have heard that on one occasion the Blessed One was staying near Rājagaha on Vulture Peak Mountain, in the Boar’s Cave. LongNails the wanderer went to the Blessed One, exchanged courteous greetings, and then stood to one side. He said to the Blessed One, “Master Gotama, I believe that ‘Nothing is pleasing to me.’”

The Blessed One asked, “But even this view of yours, Aggivessana—is that not pleasing to you?”

LongNails replied, “Even if this view were pleasing to me, it would still be the same.”

The Blessed One explained, “Many people cling to views, yet they do not abandon them. There are few who abandon views and do not cling to another. Some believe ‘Everything is pleasing to me,’ some ‘Nothing is pleasing to me,’ and others ‘Some things are pleasing, others are not.’ Those who believe ‘Everything is pleasing to me’ are close to attachment, while those who believe ‘Nothing is pleasing to me’ are close to non-attachment.

“A wise person reflects that holding firmly to any view leads to conflict, dispute, and frustration. Seeing this, they abandon these views and do not cling to another. Thus, they relinquish these views.

“Consider the body as inconstant, stressful, and not-self. By viewing it this way, any desire for or attraction to the body is abandoned.

“There are three kinds of feelings: pleasant, painful, and neither-pleasant-nor-painful. Each feeling is inconstant, fabricated, and subject to ceasing. Seeing this, a noble disciple grows disenchanted with all types of feelings, becomes dispassionate, and is released. They discern, ‘Birth is ended, the holy life fulfilled, the task done.’ A monk whose mind is thus released does not take sides or dispute with anyone.

“Now, Ven. Sāriputta, sitting behind the Blessed One, thought, ‘The Blessed One speaks of abandoning qualities through direct knowledge.’ Reflecting thus, his mind was released from defilements through non-clinging. Meanwhile, in LongNails the wanderer, there arose the Dhamma eye: ‘Whatever is subject to origination is all subject to cessation.’

LongNails the wanderer, having realized the Dhamma, said to the Blessed One: “Magnificent, Master Gotama! Just as one would set upright what was overturned or bring light into darkness, Master Gotama has made the Dhamma clear. I go to Master Gotama, the Dhamma, and the Saṅgha for refuge. May Master Gotama remember me as a lay follower who has gone to him for refuge for life.”

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/05/30/longnails/

Concluding Reflections: Tracing the Origins and Spread of the Sacred Dharma

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Concluding Reflections: Tracing the Origins and Spread of the Sacred Dharma

Sakra, the prince of the gods, approached the Buddha with reverence. “Lord,” he began, his voice resonating with admiration, “throughout countless eons, I have had the privilege of hearing myriad teachings of the Dharma from enlightened beings and wise sages. Yet, never before have I encountered a teaching as profound and transformative as this discourse on inconceivable transformations.”

The Buddha regarded Sakra with a serene smile. “Your words hold great significance, Sakra,” he responded. “For this teaching illuminates the path to liberation in a way that transcends ordinary understanding.”

Sakra’s heart swelled with gratitude as he continued, “Lord, those who receive and internalize this teaching will undoubtedly become vessels of the Dharma, guiding themselves and others towards enlightenment. Their lives will be blessed with boundless virtues, shielded from suffering, and honored by all Buddhas.”

The Buddha’s eyes gleamed with approval. “Indeed, Sakra,” he affirmed, “the essence of the Buddhas’ enlightenment resides within this discourse. It is a beacon of wisdom that illuminates the path for all sentient beings.”

As the celestial beings listened intently, the Buddha wove a tapestry of metaphorical imagery, illustrating the profound impact of embracing the Dharma. He spoke of vast cosmic cycles, where the merit accrued from understanding and propagating the teachings far surpassed the offerings of material wealth.

“Imagine,” the Buddha urged, “a world where every act is imbued with the spirit of Dharma, where kindness and compassion reign supreme. In such a world, the merit attained transcends the bounds of comprehension, bestowing blessings upon all who tread the path.”

Sakra nodded in deep understanding, his resolve strengthened by the Buddha’s words. “Truly, Lord,” he exclaimed, “the merit derived from embracing the Dharma surpasses all worldly treasures. I vow to uphold and propagate this teaching, ensuring its perpetuity for generations to come.”

Moved by Sakra’s commitment, the Buddha turned to Maitreya, the bodhisattva of loving-kindness. “Maitreya,” he said, his voice imbued with solemnity, “I entrust you with the sacred task of preserving and disseminating this teaching in the ages to come. Let it be a guiding light for all sentient beings, leading them out of the darkness of ignorance.”

Maitreya bowed deeply, his heart overflowing with reverence. “I humbly accept this sacred duty, Lord,” he declared. “With unwavering devotion, I will safeguard and propagate the teachings of the Dharma, ensuring that all beings may benefit from its wisdom.”

As the assembly of celestial beings rejoiced, the Buddha turned to Ánanda, his faithful disciple. “Ánanda,” he said, “remember these teachings and share them far and wide. Let the light of Dharma illuminate the hearts of all who seek liberation.”

Ánanda nodded solemnly, his mind filled with determination. “I will fulfill your command, Lord,” he vowed. “With every breath, I will strive to spread the teachings of the Dharma, guiding sentient beings towards the path of enlightenment.”

And so, amidst the celestial chorus of joy and reverence, the Buddha concluded the discourse known as “The Teaching of Vimalakirti.” Its profound wisdom echoed throughout the cosmos, offering solace and guidance to all who sought the path of liberation.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/05/23/concluding-reflections-tracing-the-origins-and-spread-of-the-sacred-dharma/

Lesson of the Destructible and the Indestructible

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Lesson of the Destructible and the Indestructible

In the tranquil garden of Amrapali, where the Lord expounded the Dharma, a remarkable transformation unfolded. The space seemed to stretch endlessly, and a radiant golden glow enveloped the entire assembly. Intrigued by these auspicious signs, venerable Ánanda turned to the Buddha, asking for their significance.

The Buddha revealed, “Ánanda, these signs herald the arrival of the Licchavi Vimalakirti and Crown Prince Manjusri, accompanied by a vast multitude, to our presence.”

Prompted by Vimalakirti, Manjusri agreed to bring the assembly before the Buddha. With a miraculous gesture, Vimalakirti lifted the entire gathering onto his palm and transported them to the Buddha’s presence. There, he humbly bowed at the Buddha’s feet before withdrawing to the side.

Bodhisattvas from various Buddha-fields descended from their thrones, paying homage to the Buddha before stepping aside. Even celestial beings and gods joined in reverence.

The Buddha welcomed them, inviting them to take their thrones. Turning to Shariputra, he inquired about the bodhisattvas’ extraordinary feats.

Shariputra admitted, “Lord, their actions are beyond my comprehension. They appear inconceivable, defying judgment or imagination.”

Ánanda, noticing a unique fragrance, questioned its origin. The Buddha explained that it emanated from the bodhisattvas’ pores, a result of partaking in food from the Buddha-field of Sugandhakuta.

Vimalakirti clarified that the fragrance would linger until the food was digested, a process spanning forty-nine days, followed by seven more days without discomfort. He elucidated how the food’s digestion correlated with the spiritual progress of those who consumed it.

Ánanda marveled at the food’s transformative properties, acknowledging its embodiment of Buddha’s work. The Buddha elaborated on the various means by which Buddha-fields facilitated enlightenment, emphasizing the diverse paths to discipline beings.

Reflecting on the countless virtues of Buddhas, the Buddha imparted the profundity of their enlightenment. Ánanda humbly renounced his claim as the foremost learned, recognizing the incomprehensibility of bodhisattvas’ wisdom and deeds.

The Buddha reassured Ánanda, affirming his distinction among disciples while highlighting the unfathomable nature of bodhisattvas. He emphasized the bodhisattva path’s arduous yet compassionate essence.

Bodhisattvas from Sugandhakuta sought guidance on remembering the Buddha upon returning to their realm. The Buddha expounded on the liberation of bodhisattvas, balancing engagement with the world and realization of the unconditioned.

He delineated the bodhisattva’s path, emphasizing the cultivation of virtues, compassion, and wisdom, all while remaining engaged in the world. This balance, he declared, epitomized the bodhisattva’s liberation, both destructible and indestructible.

Filled with reverence and joy, the bodhisattvas showered the Buddha and his assembly with offerings, expressing their gratitude. With prayers of praise, they vanished from the Saha universe, returning to Sugandhakuta, their hearts uplifted by the teachings they had received.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/05/09/lesson-of-the-destructible-and-the-indestructible/

Vision of the Universe Abhirati and the Tathágata Aksobhya

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Vision of the Universe Abhirati and the Tathágata Aksobhya

The Buddha turned to Licchavi Vimalakirti and asked, “Noble son, how do you perceive the Tathágata when you wish to see him?”

Vimalakirti replied, “Lord, when I seek to behold the Tathágata, I perceive him by transcending the notion of seeing a Tathágata. Why? Because I perceive him beyond the confines of time – not bound by the past, present, or future. He embodies essence, the very reality of existence, yet he is beyond the material realm. He is the essence of sensation, intellect, motivation, and consciousness, yet he transcends these aspects. Like space, he exists beyond the elements. He surpasses sensory perception and is untouched by the limitations of the six senses. Free from worldly entanglements, he embodies ultimate liberation and wisdom. He is beyond categorization, beyond the grasp of consciousness, and beyond duality. He is beyond light and darkness, beyond concepts and characteristics. He is beyond limitations, beyond birth and death, beyond causality, and beyond comprehension. The Tathágata defies explanation, encompassing all and yet transcending all.”

Shariputra inquired about Vimalakirti’s previous incarnation, to which the Buddha instructed him to ask directly.

Shariputra asked, “Where did you pass away before being reborn here?”

Vimalakirti replied, “Do you see anything that truly dies or is reborn?”

Shariputra conceded that nothing truly dies or is reborn.

Vimalakirti continued, “Likewise, just as nothing truly dies or is reborn, why ask about my past incarnations? If one were to question a creation of magic about its past lives, what answer would you expect?”

Shariputra replied that such a creation doesn’t die or reincarnate.

Vimalakirti reminded him that the Tathágata likened all things to magical creations.

Shariputra acknowledged this truth.

Vimalakirti elaborated, explaining that while death signifies the end of one performance and rebirth signifies continuation, a bodhisattva’s death doesn’t end virtuous deeds, and rebirth doesn’t perpetuate sin.

The Buddha revealed that Vimalakirti had come from the Buddha-field of Aksobhya in the Abhirati universe. Shariputra marveled at how Vimalakirti left such a pure realm to dwell in the flawed Saha universe.

Vimalakirti likened this to the sun dispelling darkness. Just as the sun rises to illuminate and dispel darkness, bodhisattvas voluntarily incarnate in impure realms to guide beings towards enlightenment.

Upon the multitude’s desire to witness the Abhirati universe, the Buddha instructed Vimalakirti to reveal it.

Vimalakirti, without rising, conjured the Abhirati universe into the Saha universe. Although some beings sensed this, the Saha universe remained unchanged.

The Buddha asked the assembly if they saw Abhirati and Aksobhya, to which they affirmed.

The Buddha emphasized that those aspiring for such realms should emulate Aksobhya’s bodhisattva practices.

Witnessing this, many beings aspired for rebirth in Abhirati, and the Buddha prophesied their future attainment.

Vimalakirti returned Abhirati to its original place, and the Buddha asked Shariputra if he had seen it.

Shariputra acknowledged, expressing gratitude for the teachings and the sight of holy beings, which bring immense benefit. He emphasized the transformative power of understanding and practicing the Dharma.

Thus, the teachings of Vimalakirti left a profound impact, guiding beings towards enlightenment and future Buddahood.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/05/09/vision-of-the-universe-abhirati-and-the-tathagata-aksobhya/

The Feast Brought by the Emanated Incarnation

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The Feast Brought by the Emanated Incarnation

Deep in contemplation, venerable Shariputra pondered, “How will these esteemed bodhisattvas satisfy their hunger if they prolong their gathering past noon?”

Reading Shariputra’s thoughts, the sage Licchavi Vimalakirti addressed him telepathically:

“Reverend Shariputra, the Tathágata has imparted teachings on the eight liberations. Focus on these liberations, listening to the Dharma with a mind free from material distractions. Just a moment longer, and you’ll taste food unlike any before.”

With intense concentration, Vimalakirti performed a miraculous act, revealing to the assembly the universe known as Sarvagandhasugandha. There, beyond countless Buddha-fields, resided Tathágata Sugandhakuta, surrounded by bodhisattvas, amidst fragrant trees surpassing all others.

In this realm, disciples and solitaries were absent, and only bodhisattvas gathered to receive the Dharma from Sugandhakuta. Their abodes, pathways, and parks were scented, and the aroma of their meals permeated boundless universes.

As Sugandhakuta partook of his meal, celestial beings devoted to the Mahayana served him. Witnessing this spectacle, Vimalakirti challenged the assembly:

“Is there among you one willing to retrieve food from this realm?”

Yet, none dared, restrained by Manjusri’s supernatural power.

Vimalakirti turned to Manjusri, “Are you not ashamed of this reluctance?”

Manjusri replied, “Noble sir, did not the Tathágata teach not to despise the unlearned?”

Unperturbed, Vimalakirti manifested a golden-bodied bodhisattva and instructed him to visit Sugandhakuta, seeking food to inspire beings in the realm of Saha.

Upon arrival, the bodhisattva conveyed Vimalakirti’s message. Sugandhakuta, pleased, offered food imbued with divine scents. Ninety million bodhisattvas volunteered to accompany him back to Saha.

Sugandhakuta cautioned, advising modesty and concealment of beauty to avoid envy. Instantly, they returned to Vimalakirti’s abode, where replicas of majestic lion-thrones awaited them.

Presenting the food to Vimalakirti, the bodhisattva filled the air with its fragrance, drawing multitudes to witness the spectacle. Cleansed and inspired, beings from all realms gathered, marveling at the bodhisattvas seated upon radiant thrones.

Vimalakirti urged the disciples to partake without reservation, cautioning against narrow-mindedness. Despite doubts, the food proved inexhaustible, infusing bliss into all who consumed it.

Curious about Sugandhakuta’s teachings, the visiting bodhisattvas inquired. Vimalakirti explained their unique method, contrasting it with Shakyamuni Buddha’s approach tailored to the unruly.

Impressed, the visiting bodhisattvas praised Shakyamuni’s compassion and the challenges faced in Saha. Vimalakirti highlighted Saha’s distinct virtues and the unwavering compassion of its bodhisattvas.

They discussed the qualities necessary for transcending Saha, emphasizing altruism, fortitude, and self-awareness. Inspired, many embraced the path to enlightenment, while others attained profound insights.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/05/02/the-feast-brought-by-the-emanated-incarnation/