Buddhist Symbology Part 5
Treasure Vase
What could be more valuable than the teachings of Buddha? The treasure vase represents this wonderful, inexhaustible treasure. The vase in this situation is a round pot, with a long neck and a jewel on top.
There is a tradition in India of burying treasure in these vases, but the treasure in this vase is limitless.
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And welcome back!
I’m Brian your host and welcome to the Daily Buddhism podcast number twelve. Remember that you can find all back issues and episodes of the Daily Buddhism emails and podcasts at www.dailybuddhism.com. Be sure to never miss anything by signing up for the daily email while you’re there.
If you found the show through iTunes, I’d appreciate it if you posted a review of the show there. If you have any comments or suggestions about the show, send me an email at dailybuddhism@gmail.com. If you would like to discuss anything we cover, there are a few ways to do that:
And now on with today’s show. This time, we’re going to cover more of your questions about Buddhism. As always, opinions vary, so my answers may not always fit what you’ve heard. If you disagree or have learned something different, let me know!
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The podcast for the first bunch of reader questions is available now.
Q&A #13
Two more reader comments and then we’ll get back to more instructional stuff next week. Have a great weekend!
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A Reader recently wrote:
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You mentioned that you didn’t know a lot about Tantra/Vajrayana i have a book that either you could read or just reccomend to others in search of more information about it.
“Introduction to Tantra the transformation of desire” by lama yeshe/thubten yeshe
i haven another one but i’m not sure where it is i’ll look for it.
Thanks for all the podcasts and emails!
-kate
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My Response
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I haven’t read it, but Amazon readers give it five stars as well. I’ll pick it up and do a review someday. Thanks for the tip!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0861711629/?tag=askdrarca-20
Other good book recommendations are very welcome.
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A Reader recently wrote:
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Brian,
I am a carpenter. I’m not seeking enlightenment. I’m seeking truth and hoping to deal with it as well as I can.
A self-help book –using basic buddhist ideas–, years ago, helped me when I separated from my wife of 12 years. We ‘worked it out’ because this approach to regulating ourselves revealed what was hurting our relationship. I’ve been married now for over 20 years.
For those who look too far, like the person seeking solace for his friends after his moving away, I say, ‘start with yourself’. If those who love you, really love you, patience will rule. Just like the saying, “If you love something, set it free…” It’s true.
Thanks again, Brian. I work miles away from home and love listening to your informative podcasts while watching thistles and cactus thrive.
Kelly
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My Response
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I think Buddhism may be the best of all “self-help” methods. If you think about it, most self-help programs and speakers are really just advocating Buddhist ideals without many of the “religious” trappings.
‚ÄúIf you love something, set it free…”
If there was ever a catch-phrase for non-attachment, that’d get my vote.
Sorry folks, I got swamped on Friday and didn’t get out this last part of the Zen section. Tomorrow will start the Q&A messages until I run out of good questions. If you have a question, TODAY is an excellent time to ask. Just send them to dailybuddhism@gmail.com.
Our first Koan:
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A Cup of Tea
Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen.
Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor’s cup full, and then kept on pouring.
The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. “It is overfull. No more will go in!”
“Like this cup,” Nan-in said, “you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?”
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And there is the core of “zazen” right there. You need to empty your mind of the clutter of this world. Not necessarily just your day-to-day business and life-worries, but your preconceptions about the universe and life itself. Things are rarely what they seem at first, worries about the past or future have no value, and are in fact bad for you. Just clear your mind and “be here, now.”