A Lay Buddhist's Dharma Musings, #1 (Skillful Means in The Lotus Sutra)

[@revanthchaudhary1825]

Great video and great to see you, John! Your Dharma rain has nourished this bonbu in India. Namu Amida Butsu /\

[@namoamidabuts]

I really appreciate your feedback and our friendship. Namu Amida Butsu. -John

[@DharmaRakhsha]

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo 🙏🏼

[@namoamidabuts]

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo 🙏

[@marksmusings6122]

glad to see and hear you.

[@namoamidabuts]

Thanks, Mark. Interesting that you used the same word, "musings". -John

[@Hamza_12348]

Great video, thank you so much Namo Amitābha buddha 🤍🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@namoamidabuts]

Thanks, Hamza. -John 🙏

[@JuliaWagner5d]

I was thinking this morning about "relativity" and how Einstein's explanation and Buddhism seem (to me) to go together. The forward seems to express what I was thinking. I don't know why I hadn't thought of "skillful means"- even though I've chanted about it enough! Thanks for putting these puzzle pieces together/passing along this information.

[@namoamidabuts]

I am glad the skillful means message resonated with you, Julia. As for Einstein, there are accounts of him having conversations about Buddhism and finding some of its concepts, like the emphasis on the interconnectedness of all things, to be compatible with his scientific worldview.

[@malal513]

Thank you for sharing ❤

[@namoamidabuts]

My great pleasure, to be able to do some more informal sharing. -John

[@JuliaWagner5d]

The importance of having a similar doctrine is just to have relative terms/context by which to EXPLORE this relationship/doctrine. We can expand as we share a similar language. In my opinion, anyway. Sorry for the multiple comments, but I'm truly enjoying this. :)

[@namoamidabuts]

You make a great point as to one of the benefits of having a similar doctrine. It also lends itself to all the interpersonal benefits of personal sharing and mutual support. I have many virtual online sangha connections, but wish I had more in-person opportunites for this kind of connection.

[@JuliaWagner5d]

Good to see you, friend!

[@namoamidabuts]

Good to see you as well, Julia. -John

[@stevenbelzer9768]

Glad you ❤did this

[@namoamidabuts]

Thanks Steven. -John

[@sifurayshepard5254]

John... As we've discussed, Chinese Lure Land shares our devotion to the Lotus Sutra. Namo Amituofo

[@namoamidabuts]

Namo Amituofo. 🙏

[@paulengel4925]

Just curious as to whether you practice any "self power" meditation? i've read that many traditions did combine Pure Land chanting with self-power meditation - or, in any event, your thoughts on the subject? Thank you for your musings ... i find them along the lines of Brad Warner and Jack Haubner's zen musings on their youtube channels ... i think your personal video essay coupled with your knowledge of the Pure Land tradition is powerful, relatable, human and much needed! So much zen, so little Shin!

[@namoamidabuts]

I "dabble" some with Zen friends, but officially I do not engage in any practice, as I do not believe that I am capable of attaining enlightenment via self-power practices. The combination approach to which you are referring is common in many traditions, Pure Land, Tendai, and others, that evolved prior to Shinran's version of Jodo Shinshu. In some of those traditions, recitation of Amida's name and/or visualizaion of him, is a more secondary practice. Meanwhile, Paul, thanks for your kind feedback. -John

[@sifurayshepard5254]

Hi John: I thought that I would share comments on your videos, like this excellent example. This way others might find out shared musings at the least entertaining.. Maybe conversations would even be struck, more by your wisdom than anything this dazed and confused raggamuffin could offer. gassho Ray

[@namoamidabuts]

Thanks for your comments and encouragement of others to chime in, Ray. Gassho, John

[@vladimirnachev324]

Please John read for me the Vajrasamadhi sutra or at least excerpts so I can listen while I walk! Please!

[@namoamidabuts]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will try to learn about it, and will consider reciting from it if I can find a translation.