Category Archives: Daily Buddhism

Daily Buddhism

Buddhists Aren’t Perfect

Here’s a news article I just stumbled upon:

105-year-old Zen Buddhist master is accused of groping female students

You can read the article if you want, but I’ll summarize: This old master, Joshu Sasaki, has been groping and touching his female students for over 50 years, and allegedly used his position to excommunicate or ban anyone who complained away from his retreat in Mt. Baldy, California.

At this stage, let’s remember that this is all just allegations; there has not been any kind of trial. I’m not entirely even sure what the crime would be if there was one. But whether or not this was a “crime,” it was clearly inappropriate if he actually did it.

Every day, I post something on this site telling what kinds of things Buddhists do or don’t do. Keep in mind that this is all “in theory.” In reality, Buddhists are normal human being who do stupid things. None of them are perfect, and even Buddhist leaders deal with daily temptations just like the rest of us.

It seems like all too often in the news we hear about Catholic priests going after little boys or Baptist Pastors having affairs with members of their congregation, or something else of the sort. We rarely hear about Buddhists misbehaving, but I suspect that’s just because there aren’t as many Buddhist leaders in America.  A long time ago, I posted a review of Sheng Yen’s Footprints in the Snow, which detailed life in a monastery back in the early 1900’s. He discussed all kinds of scandals, affairs, and the like. It goes on today as well.

What’s my point today? Don’t look to Buddhism as the perfect solution to the world’s problems. Buddhists are people, and they do stupid things sometimes too. Grasping too hard for perfection is just one more form of grasping that we should try to do away with.

 

Daily Buddhism, Koans

Koan: Black-Nosed Buddha

Koan: Black-Nosed Buddha

A nun who was searching for enlightenment made a statue of Buddha and covered it with gold leaf. Wherever she went she carried this golden Buddha with her.

Years passed and, still carrying her Buddha, the nun came to live in a small temple in a country where there were many Buddhas, each one with its own particular shrine.

The nun wished to burn incense before her golden Buddha. Not liking the idea of the perfume straying to the others, she devised a funnel through which the smoke would ascend only to her statue. This blackened the nose of the golden Buddha, making it especially ugly.

Daily Buddhism, Koans

Koan: Ryonen’s Clear Realization

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Koan: Ryonen’s Clear Realization

The Buddhist nun known as Ryonen was born in 1797. She was a granddaughter of the famous Japanese warrior Shingen. Her poetic genius and alluring beauty were such that at seventeen she was serving the empress as one of the ladies of the court. Even at such a youthful age fame awaited her.

The beloved empress died suddenly and Ryonen’s hopeful dreams vanished. She became acutely aware of the impermanency of life in this world. It was then that she desired to study Zen.

Her relatives disagreed, however, and practically forced her into marriage. With a promise that she might become a nun after she had borne three children, Ryonen assented. Before she was twenty-five she had accomplished this condition. Then her husband and relatives could no longer dissuade her from her desire. She shaved her head, took the name of Ryonen, which means to realize clearly, and started on her pilgrimage.

She came to the city of Edo and asked Tetsugyu to accept her as a disciple. At one glance the master rejected her because she was too beautiful.

Ryonen then went to another master, Hakuo. Hakuo refused her for the same reason, saying that her beauty would only make trouble.

Ryonen obtained a hot iron and placed it against her face. In a few moments her beauty had vanished forever.

Hakuo then accepted her as a disciple.

Commemorating this occasion, Ryonen wrote a poem on the back of a little mirror:

 

In the service of my Empress I burned incense to perfume my exquisite clothes.

Now as a homeless mendicant I burn my face to enter a Zen temple.

When Ryonen was about to pass from this world, she wrote another poem:

Sixty-six times have these eyes beheld the changing scene of autumn.

I have said enough about moonlight, 

Ask no more.

Only listen to the voice of pines and cedars when no wind stirs.

Daily Buddhism

Ain’t Nobody Got Time for That!

A reader writes:  

I’m having trouble finding a time to meditate every day. Meditation has been in my life for a long time, but structured meditation has been a difficult task to adhere to. Although I wish to, and feel the urge to, I am having a hard time sticking to it. Do you have any advice for this?

My Response:

I’m an English teacher, and I also want to publish more books, so I read lots of books about writing. One of the chief complaints that “wannabe” writers have is that they don’t have the time to write. I see this over and over in books about writing and from aspiring writers on Twitter as well. The old-timers and experienced writers always have the same answer for them. “A writer writes.”

A similar argument comes from those who don’t have time to exercise.

The same thing goes for meditation.

If it’s important to you, then you will find a way to fit it in. The problem is that right now, other things are more important to you. Maybe it’s work. Maybe it’s school. Maybe it’s sitting in a chair watching “Here Comes Honey Boo-Boo” on TV, I don’t know. But if you aren’t meditating, then it’s simply because something else is taking priority.

There’s nothing wrong with having some things in your life be more important than meditation. I’ll admit it; I don’t get around to it nearly as often as I should myself. The thing here is to take responsibility for your own lack of meditating. Don’t blame your calendar or the clock. If it’s important enough to you, you will make time for it, the way you make time for other things right now.

Maybe subconsciously you’re avoiding meditation for some reason. Maybe you simply don’t manage your time well. Get organized. See what other time-consuming thing you could cut back on or drop entirely. Maybe you really are that busy, and meditation won’t fit. That happens sometimes, but most of the time, this situation is easily fixed.

Just do it.

 

(And no, I just couldn’t resist that title. If you’ve watched Youtube recently, you know why.)

Daily Buddhism

GLBT People and Buddhism: Compatible?

3 Comments

A reader writes:

I’m just starting a new interest in Buddhism but I’m gay and I read that the Dali Lama thinks homosexuality is wrong for Buddhists. How should I handle that?

My Response:

I did a post on this back in 2008, and most of it is still true.  As far as I know, the Dalai Lama has not changed his tune on gay folks. That being said, since I wrote that in 2008, LGBT people have made great progress both politically and socially. The most obvious sign of this is the growing acceptance of same-sex marriages, with more states allowing it all the time.

Keep in mind that Buddhism is heavily dependent on local customs. I hesitate to put this too simply, but right and wrong are often relative to the culture in question. What’s morally acceptable in one place may not be acceptable elsewhere.

The Dalai Lama is from Tibet. He used to be the “King” of Tibet. If anyone gets to say what is or isn’t proper in Tibet, it’s him. American culture, on the other hand, is not Tibetan culture. I believe that the Dalai Lama wants to reduce the level of suffering of his people, and he believes that being gay causes suffering. In Tibet, that may well be very true. In America, 20 years ago, that was often true as well. Today? Not as much.

Going all the way back to the foundations of Buddhism, the Four Noble Truths, the goal of all of Buddhism is to end or reduce suffering. If Homosexuality is considered evil and wrong by most of society, then an LGBT individual is going to have greater suffering than in a more accepting environment. This is certainly not good for the individual or society as a whole.

Is homoexuality a suffering-free lifestyle? No. straight people can’t claim that either. It is, however, becoming more and more accepted, and therefore more and more compatible with Buddhist beliefs.

I suspect we’ll have some discussion in the comment section; that’s what it’s for!

Announcements, Daily Buddhism

Saturday Status

Hello everyone!

Back in the old days, I’d post the weekly podcast on Saturdays, including any announcements or status reports that came up that week. Well, as you know, I’m not currently doing the podcasts anymore (although I’m reconsidering). Still, I’m going to do the occasional Saturday post of announcements or miscellaneous topics. That’s what this is.

The Site:

The Daily Buddhism has been back for three weeks, and everything is going well on this end. As I said back in my “Returning” post, I have quite the backlog of reader questions, but they’re starting to get thin. I need your requests and questions… What do you readers want to see here?

Podcasts:

I am considering bringing back the weekly podcasts, but I need something to work with… Let me know.

Book(s):

The Five-Minute Buddhist has been selling well, and has surprised me in its popularity. For a first book, it’s really taking off. You can find it in paperback format here or Kindle format here. I’m working on getting it listed though iBooks and a few other places as well. I have already started on the sequel, focusing entirely on the topic of meditation, and consisting of 100% new material. It should be available in the spring.

Mailing List/Updates

Up until my long break, I posted my daily posts on the blog and also sent them out to a long list of mailing list subscribers. You could get “A daily dose of Buddhist wisdom in your email box” After a few years of inactivity, I assumed it would be inappropriate to start sending out emails to such an old mailing list, so I deactivated it. The daily posts ARE still available by email, but you’ll need to sign up for them again on the blog. Look in the upper right-hand corner of the sight and sign up. It’s free and you’ll only get one message a day.

Another Site:

I’m also working on another site which may be of interest to you. Free Stuff Bulletin is a daily blog post/newsletter about free stuff. Really free stuff, I promise. No bait-and-switch, no catch, no strings. You may not be interested in every item every day, but there’s plenty of good stuff for everyone. We’ve had everything from free cookies to free pipe tobacco (on Monday), so watch the site. Here’s the contact info:

http://freestuffbulletin.com
https://twitter.com/Free_Stuff_Bltn


Daily Buddhism Contact:

Email: dailybuddhism@gmail.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/DailyBuddhism

Daily Buddhism, Koans

Koan: My Heart Burns Like Fire

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My Heart Burns Like Fire

Soyen Shaku, the first Zen teacher to come to America, said: “My heart burns like fire but my eyes are as cold as dead ashes.” He made the following rules which he practiced every day of his life.

  • In the morning before dressing, light incense and meditate.
  • Retire at a regular hour. Partake of food at regular intervals. Eat with moderation and never to the point of satisfaction.
  • Receive a guest with the same attitude you have when alone. When alone, maintain the same attitude you have in receiving guests.
  • Watch what you say, and whatever you say, practice it.
  • When an opportunity comes do not let it pass by, yet always think twice before acting.
  • Do not regret the past. Look to the future.
  • Have the fearless attitude of a hero and the loving heart of a child.
  • Upon retiring, sleep as if you had entered your last sleep. Upon awakening, leave your bed behind you instantly as if you had cast away a pair of old shoes.
Announcements, Daily Buddhism

Book: The Five-Minute Buddhist by Brian Schell

Book:

The Five-Minute Buddhist
by Brian Schell

Buy for Kindle from Amazon

Buy Paperback from Amazon

The_Five-Minute_Budd_Cover_for_Kindle

A jargon-free, plain language introduction to the foundational ideas of Buddhism and real-world tips for practicing Buddhism while balancing life in the real, modern world. This book goes easy on the mystical mumbo-jumbo and simply introduces the ideas that will help you live in the present and feel different about the world and your place in it.

Geared towards people who were raised outside of Asia and people with a secular or Christian background who want to learn more of the philosophy that can change your life. This toolkit gives short lessons in what Buddhism is, and more importantly, how to apply it in situations with which you are already very familiar.

Section I: The Basics

What is Buddhism?
Who was Buddha?
What Buddhists Don’t Believe
The Four Noble Truths
The Eightfold Path
Five Precepts
Five Faultless Gifts
Three Poisons
Theravada & Mahayana
Pure Land
Tantric Buddhism / Vajrayana
Tibetan Buddhism
Zen Buddhism
Buddhist Symbology
Lotus
Conch
Parasol
Golden Fish
Treasure Vase
Victory Banner
Endless Knot
Dharma Wheel
Buddha Jokes

Section II: Q&A And Special Topics

Vegetarianism
Beginner’s Advice
Global Suffering
Souls, Karma and Moving On
Disappointment
Buddhist Movies
Zen Enough?
The Three Jewels include the Sangha
Self-Help Buddhism
Koan: A Diamond In The Road
Suicide?
What are Stupas?
Yama & Naraka: Death and Hell
Mara The Tempter
Bodhisattvas
Book Review: The Universe in a Single Atom by the Dalai Lama
Koan: Is That So?
Creation and Evolution
The Other Precepts
Koan: Obedience
Mandalas
Namaste!
No-Self
Dependent Origination
So You Want To Be A Buddhist?
Buddhist Weddings
Dealing with the Family
Book Review: The Accidental Buddhist
Faith or Not?
The Pesky Fifth Precept
Koan: Great Waves
Do Christians Have Karma?
Buddhist Jargon and Terminology
Buddhist Pet Food
The Karma of Performance Reviews
Controlling Karma
Book Review: Buddhist Scriptures, by Edward Conze, Ed.
Buddhist Service Obligations?
Koan: A Buddha
Koan: The Muddy Road
Meditation
Breath Watching & Insight Meditation
Empty Mind Meditation
Walking Meditation and Kinhin
Mindfulness Meditation
Mantra Meditation
Conceptual Meditation
Other Forms of Meditation
The Forty Meditation Themes
Buddhist Rosary Beads
Book Review: Footprints in the Snow
Prayer in Buddhism
Fat Buddha, Skinny Buddha, Laughing Buddha
Zen Gardens
Maya
Pajapati / Mahapajapati
Kwan Yin
Koan: Not Far from Buddhahood
If You Meet the Buddha on The Road, Kill Him
Buddhism and Homosexuality
Book Review: The Method of No-Method: The Chan Practice of Silent Illumination
To Meat or Not to Meat?
The Four Seals
The Four Immeasurables
Koan: The Strawberry
Koan: The Sound of One Hand
A Sensitive Topic: Masturbation
Buddhist Parenting and Discipline
I, Cannibal: Horror and Buddhism
Buddhist Temples
Why Do Buddhists Pray To Idols?
Just Sitting or Just Goofing Off?
Rebirth, Death, Heaven and Nirvana
Am I Buddhist Enough?
War and Peace
Rebirth and Karma
Why Do Buddhists Fall In Love?
Koan: The Voice of Happiness
Hinduism and Buddhism
Does Nirvana Mean Death to Everything?
Compassion and Pity
How Can I Desire Enlightenment?
Stringing Us Along
Reincarnation, God, and Other Things You Don’t Believe
Creation and the Origin of the Universe
Closet Buddhism
Being In the Present
Koan: The Dead Man’s Answer
Learning Non-Materialism
Wishing Your Life Away
Attachment To Buddhism
Depression and Drugs
Koan: The Stingy Artist

 

Paperback Details

  • Paperback: 152 pages
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1481950975
  • ISBN-13: 978-1481950978
  • Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches

Kindle Product Details

      • File Size: 848 KB
      • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
      • Language: English
      • ASIN: B00B0G1QH4
      • Text-to-Speech: Enabled

 

 

 

Announcements, Daily Buddhism

Returning

3 Comments

A reader wrote (Back in 2010):

I listened to all 60 of your podcasts about a year ago and just recently started listening to the ones still available on itunes again. I feel I’ve learned more from your podcasts than any other website or book about buddhism. Is there any chance you would resume the dailybuddhism.com podcasts?

My response:

Yes and no.

It’s been four years since the site was really active, other than the occasional poster adding to the comment sections of many of the posts. As you may know, I revisited, re-read, and collected most of the old topics into my recent book, “The Five-Minute Buddhist” just recently. It really got me back in the mood and the mindset to return to things.

I had to give up writing for the site because of my job, and I’m still working, but I’ve been doing it long enough now that I think I can manage doing that and still find time to run a website or two, so I think it’s high time to get back to Daily Buddhism. I’m back!

That being said, there are a few things I’m going to do differently this time around.

First, I still get a request probably every week about bringing back the podcast. The podcast, to be honest, was one of the things that drove me away from the site before. I never much enjoyed making the recordings, audio editing, and all that stuff; I’m a writer, not a “radio personality.” So my answer is no, the podcast isn’t coming back. I won’t say never again, but I have no plans for it. All the old podcasts are still available on the site, and always will be.

I’m also not going to do the email list again, at least not right away. This one isn’t entirely my choice. I always liked getting the daily bits of Buddhism into people’s email boxes, but my mailing list is four years old. If I started sending stuff out now, I just know there’d be problems. Maybe I’ll start that from scratch sometime; let me know what you think.

Which leaves what? This website. I can still post articles and information here just like I always did, and the improvements in RSS technology over the past couple of years makes it easier for you to get the updates as I post them. It’s not perfect, but it’s a good place to restart.

Over the years since I stopped writing for the site, people have still been sending me emails with questions. I’ve answered most of them privately by email, but I’ve also saved them for eventual posting here. I’ve got material for close to a month, but after that, it’ll be up to you guys to submit new questions and topic requests. Wanna see me cover it? Let me know!

So get those questions coming in, and I’ll get on the answers.

as always, dailybuddhism@gmail.com

Daily Buddhism

Buddha: Evil Spirit Repository

2 Comments

A reader wrote:

I’ve been studying Buddhism and meditating.  A Christian friend (7th-Day Adventist) told me that quoting Buddha on Facebook is evil because he has a hole in his back that they put evil spirits into.  Has anyone else ever heard this ridiculous belief?  I just don’t know how to respond to her because I’m new to all of this, and I don’t want to offend her.  I didn’t answer her at all.  Maybe that’s best anyway.

My Response:

Wow. That’s a new one to me. Never heard that before.

It’s got the ring of truth to it, so I wouldn’t say there’s absolutely nothing to it. I suspect there’s probably some group out there that has some tradition or ceremony where they write down their troubles on a note and drop them into a hole in his back. I can imagine that being a tradition somewhere, sure. Is it an accepted thing among Buddhists in General? No, of course not. There’s not a thing I have ever seen in any historical text that comes anywhere close to this story.

It’s probably similar to a non-Christian assuming that all Christians handle snakes. Yes, some do it, but it’s absolutely not typical. This is probably the way I’d try to explain it to your friend. The world is a big place, it’s dangerous to make assumptions and generalizations.