Grateful for another great reading, John! The Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra is very near and dear to me - even as a young child and especially after my father passed away unexpectedly (but peacefully). I love this sutra for its brevity and profundity. The essences of sunyata and anatta are so expertly distilled in such a compact sutra. I’ve reflected on this sutra for years and each time it helps me appreciate the dharma more and more. My one commentary on this sutra is about using the term “emptiness” as a translation of “sunyata.” I have come to translate sunyata as “voidness”. Choosing "voidness" as a term to encapsulate the concept of "sunyata" for English speakers is more insightful and can offer a nuanced way to approach this profound Buddhist principle. By highlighting both the condition and the inherent state of phenomena, "voidness" adeptly conveys the essence of "sunyata" - that phenomena are void of an inherent, independent essence or self-nature. The strength of "voidness" lies in its ability to suggest not just an absence but a specific quality or state - that of being void. This subtle distinction can help differentiate the concept from notions of mere emptiness or nothingness, which might be misconstrued as nihilism. Instead, "voidness" implies a dynamic condition of existence: phenomena exist but are devoid of an unchanging, inherent nature. They arise, persist, and cease based on conditions and causes, without any eternal essence. This understanding aligns closely with the central teachings of Mahayana Buddhism on the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment. Recognizing the "voidness" of phenomena allows for the release of attachment and aversion, leading to the realization of Nirvana - the ultimate liberation from suffering and the cycle of birth and death (samsara). Moreover, "voidness" as a term can facilitate a deeper engagement with the philosophical and practical aspects of Buddhism for English speakers. It encourages a contemplation of reality that transcends conventional dualities and categorical thinking, inviting a more profound insight into the interconnected and interdependent nature of all that exists. I think adopting "voidness" as a lens through which to explore "sunyata" offers a meaningful way to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, making the profound wisdom of Buddhist teachings more accessible and resonant with English-speaking audiences. 🙏🙏🙏

Emptiness...now with features! I hope you don't mind me occasionally vandalizing your comments dharma bumming around youtube. One can explore an awful lot of Buddhism through the resources you and a few other channels have tirelessly produced, so thank you. Something about today's entry reminded me of the time I met Amida but didn't know it. I found myself working in Japan a few months after my grandfather passed. Things were moving so fast I didn't even really have time to miss him until Obon I saw some people at a temple offering names of the deceased on papers they were hanging. It was years later I figured out that was probably Amida when I saw a similar statue elsewhere with a similar feeling of gratitude in the room. I pretty much associate that vibe with the Jodo Shinshu folks now.

Good morning morning, John I may have asked this question in prior iterations; if so I apologize. Is Amida Buddha the one from whom ALL other Buddhas originate? If that be so, then we of Shinjin can focus solely upon him. All other Buddhas are worthy of respect and veneration, but it is Amida to whom we refer in our meditations and contemplations. Am I thinking wrong here? Gassho Raggamuffin Ray 😊

I am Tathagat and i approve this message

Namo Amituofo 🙏❤️

So helpful. ❤Merit , virtue , skillful means , using various examples and illustrations

Good afternoon my friend: This series of talks you have blessed us with have been outstanding! Hearing your insights as a lay person who is dedicated to Mahayana Dharma, and to the Shin Buddhist path in particular, is helpful and refreshing. Your have a gift for bringing Dharma into lay person terms and application.. Thank you. Will you please provide information regarding the books of Shin Buddhist writings? Thanks. As always, John Bow of appreciation Gassho Ray

John ❤, you cultivate GREAT virtue and merit by your actions , being virtual Wise Advisor . I look to the West , enter the stream , with strong intent to reach that Other Shore , land of Perfect Bliss . To hear the Dharma and nit retrogress

I hope you're doing well.

Deep prostrations respect and submission to the Dharma, and to you, John, who elucidated the Dharma through your videos such as this. Speak of imagination. When I read sutras, I have assumed the personal means of feeling myself within the audience. Sometimes I'm sitting next to a group of nagas; rather uncomfortable, as they are not sociable, smell bad, and ... they know me by name!!! Sometimes I find myself beside Sariputra; he also knows me ... Or seems to! I won't extend this fantasy any further; I hope I made my point. Without imagination I would be bereft of that which makes Dharma live in my spirit and mind. Btw... I'm saving to purchase the BDK VERSION of the LOTUS SUTRA. Each translation has it's own peculiar merit. Invaluable. Thanks for being you, my Friend. Namo Myoho Renge Kyo. Ray

Awesome 🤍🙏🏻

I love this idea of picturing yourself in the great assembly, surrounded and supported by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. You are a true inspiration, John. Namo Amida Butsu!

Namo Amituofo 🙏

Another great topic. Thank you! It reminds me of the “Pratyutpannabuddha Saṃmukhāvasthita Samādhi Sūtra” (or Sūtra on the Samādhi for Encountering Face-to-Face the Buddhas of the Present). I find these visualization exercises are quite helpful in reinforcing one’s practice and reinvigorating one’s vigilance in the Dharma.

Hi John... Will you please email me a copy of this service book? The content is quite stunning. Gassho Ray

The self-power practice can be also giving an offering, doing it as a form of respect paid to the Buddhas.

Yes they start with Samatha to calm one's mind

Good day, Dharma Friend: This is indeed meritorious work, these last few videos. I bow in appreciation and respect. The Buddhas & bodhisattvas of the ten directions see and hear you as you offer up your skills in service to Amida and the Universal Sangha. In gratitude and friendship Gassho Ray

Good morning! Thank you very much! Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!

I was the worst student of Wu Bong who has entered the transformation.

John: Interesting... I see your purpose in this. So its fully effective. As usual, free bows of appreciation. Gassho Ray

🤍🤍🙏🏻

“ Thua I have heard , with over 3,009 KZbin viewers in attendance , Acalaacla uploaded Dhrama on the Lotus Sutra . Pressing “PLAY “ the Video emitted ray of LIGHT and oixels , from a tuft of what hair suck between the IPAD. Shariputra , speaking for the four fold assembly of subscribers asked “ what is the purpose now if this ray if white light , in the ten directions KZbin .” “ Now asked , Alcalaacal replied in verse , explaining g with various illustrations D SKILLFUL means the benefits if …the LOTUS SUTRA !” (Or so it is told)

Soka 2050 will be perfect

Good morning! Thank you so much again!

Dommo arrigato…perfect and in my go to library . 😊

Wonderful ❤️🙏🏻

Nice! Is that from a particular Zen tradition?

"myoho renge kyo" is a saying that gave me hope when there was none ❤

{om ma ni pad me hum} hri 🙏 🙏 🙏 with this mantra may we always be mindful of the six destinations we go in circle day by day driven by our Greed, anger and ignorance. May we all be peaceful beings. Namo amida butsu 🙏

Good morning! Thank you very much!

I Understood it

This is a pointedly thought provoking offering, John. The 2nd and 3rd chapters of the Lotus Sutra are full of foot paths and cart paths leading to small but significant insights and revelations. Miss or ignore these pathways and the reader will miss the depth and scope of the teachings. I've yet to fully understand all that's packed in there. Of course -- let us remember … I am still a raggamuffin, flawed in understanding ( amongst a good many other things). Nam Myoho Renge Kyo Gassho Ray

Sir, You are actually right, the portray of Brama and Indra can also be found in Greco Bhuddhist Arts and later Kushans Bhuddhist arts. It means there is a archeological evidences that in those days, people used to associate brama and indra as a celestial beings associated with Buddha Dhamabor Bhuddhism. Later, Indra and Brahma was, adopted by this day form of Braminism.

Thank you so much Sir, and yes Buddhism has many mythical sounding stories, but it’s only a skilful means or a device a teacher uses to teach. All the bodisattvas, Taras and many deities are all born out of Buddhas meditation itself and they are mere symbolic representation of certain aspects of enlightenment to be meditated upon as to invoke those qualities. And hence most of the Mahayana and vajrayana teachings were esoteric or hidden to the lay in those times as to not mistakenly taken quite literally by the lay people. Similarly to the west, when Jesus said he walked through the ocean. (This phrase is symbolic, it’s probably saying he can walk through the weave of afflictive emotion similar to the wave of the ocean) and what knowledge the Jesus had in the west it got misinterpreted because the public was not ready for such teachings. And now much of the Mahayana and vajrayana teachings are getting so easily accessible, it has a danger of mistakenly taking such symbolic, poetic, or artistic similes that Buddhism uses for teaching. 🙏 🙏 🙏 {om ma ni pad me hum}

“ The Fourfold Assembly of over 4,000 KZbin subscribers watched as the Video was uploaded . The auspicious Algorithm said: “see , John approaches . He is loose , and given to luxuries. No one should give him a seat , or set out a food stool “ But upon approaching , like a bird in a hit cage , the algorithm stood up! One subscriber approached John , lowered his robe onto his right shoulder , kneeled , saluted with one hand and said “ John has decided to CONTINUE husband musings ! The Devas rejoiced . The Subscriber like the arm of a string man flexing , circled John to the right , …and disappeared Right There “ or so it is told ❤

I want to thank you personally very much for your recordings of the sutras, they have helped me in incredibly dark periods of my life, in times when i didnt have the strength to read without a headache, and especially because of your very relaxing and calm voice. ❤

Thank you very much!

Hi, My Dharma Friend… The most uunexpected aspect of this sutra lies in the depth and breadth of its scope. I sense that Shakyamuni knew when it was the right time in his ministry to reveal this teaching, so he took a deep breath and swung for the fences. Of course, I'm just a raggamuffin in actuality, so my understanding may be slow to develop. Nonetheless…wow!!! This book you display; can you provide more detail? Thanks … and deep bow of recognition and friendship Gassho Ray

Good morning, John: Deep bow of recognition for great dedication to Mahayana vehicle. You are an erudite and highly effective apologist for this wing of the Great Liberating Bird that is Buddhism. To be even more specific, you articulate the efficacy of Jodo Shinshu with even greater passion. As you know, my friend, I trend toward the Chinese Pure Land tradition based upon their acceptance of the Lotus Sutra as essential to the Path of Amida. This sutra and the Larger Pure Land Sutra are considered as linked into the latter being a continuation if the formee. Anyway, back to my original inspiration for this comment; to thank you once more for your dedication to this Great Vehicle message and your ministry of making the surface and writings available to all. This raggamuffin is deeply grateful. Namo Amituofo Gassho Ray

really great! thanks!

The child in the sandbox acheives nirvana until they become attached to the sandcastle. We are all children in the sanbox moving between samsara and nirvana. There is no permanent nirvana. There is no permanent samsara. There is no permanent enlightenment. There is no permanent pure land. Look deeply at impermanence. Be free! Be Happy!

Thanks a lot ❤❤🙏🏻

🤍🤍🙏🏻

John, your voice, and Sutra readings , after my brief “eye opening “ LED me to my initial exploration . I now regard me self as a stream enterer. Later as I became mire familiar with Sutra , particularly Lotus ..I ALWAYS re listen , reinforce your readings . I hope to MEET you on that Other Shore to the West , near a Golden Pavaillion , where we can “take a morning stroll , watch Mandaraba Flowers 🌺 fall , hear Kalavinka Birds in sing, reminding us of the Dharma …where we may visit other Buddha lands , then return. To our Pavillion to listen to the Dharma .❤

"The benefit of being protected & sustained by Unseen power." Very deep 🙏

so very happy for you

I am less than even those who follow the way of the goat

I would so love ❤️ to visit one day , walk the path and THANK you for your virtue merit and being a Wise Virtual Spiritual Advisor and my SANGA

7000 pound boulder ! HEROIC❤