Giant statue of Samantabhadra in Mt Ermei, China
The pregnant nun and her nasty son
During the Buddha’s time, a young married woman decided to become a nun. Unknown to her, she was already pregnant and to make matter worse, she mistakenly entered the monastic order of Devadatta (a wayward disciple of Buddha) instead. Her pregnancy became apparent and Devadatta expelled her from his monastic order. During the expulsion, she … Read more The pregnant nun and her nasty son
Khaggavisana sutta Part 11
Because sensual pleasures, elegant, honeyed, & charming, bewitch the mind with their manifold forms — seeing this drawback in sensual strands — wander alone like a rhinoceros. “KHAGGAVISANA SUTTA: A RHINOCEROS” (SN 1.3), TRANSLATED FROM THE PALI BY THANISSARO BHIKKHU. ACCESS TO INSIGHT (BCBS EDITION), 30 NOVEMBER 2013, HTTP://WWW.ACCESSTOINSIGHT.ORG/TIPITAKA/KN/SNP/SNP.1.03.THAN.HTML . “Calamity, tumor, misfortune, disease, an arrow, a danger … Read more Khaggavisana sutta Part 11
Modern Buddhism
When I read about the earlier teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, it impresses me with its “modern” messages. Therefore, if we need a modern type of Buddhism, we just need to look at teachings from Buddha’s earliest sermons. Foremost, Buddha taught his followers to do away with the trappings of religion. Buddha advised us to stop … Read more Modern Buddhism
Khaggavisana sutta Part 10
We praise companionship — yes! Those on a par, or better, should be chosen as friends. If they’re not to be found, living faultlessly, wander alone like a rhinoceros. “KHAGGAVISANA SUTTA: A RHINOCEROS” (SN 1.3), TRANSLATED FROM THE PALI BY THANISSARO BHIKKHU. ACCESS TO INSIGHT (BCBS EDITION), 30 NOVEMBER 2013, HTTP://WWW.ACCESSTOINSIGHT.ORG/TIPITAKA/KN/SNP/SNP.1.03.THAN.HTML . Seeing radiant bracelets of gold, well-made … Read more Khaggavisana sutta Part 10
Khaggavisana sutta Part 9
Cutting off the householder’s marks, like a kovilara tree that has shed its leaves, the prudent one, cutting all household ties, wander alone like a rhinoceros. If you gain a mature companion, a fellow traveler, right-living & wise, overcoming all dangers go with him, gratified, mindful. If you don’t gain a mature companion, a fellow … Read more Khaggavisana sutta Part 9
