The perfection of concentration is the next paramita in the series of articles on the six paramitas taught by the Buddha. Paramita is a Sanskrit word meaning “crossing to the other shore.” By practicing the paramitas of generosity, ethics, patience, diligence, concentration, and wisdom, we cross over to the other shore from ill-being to well-being, […]
The Perfection Of Diligence
According to Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, the fourth paramita is the perfection of diligence. In previous articles, we learned that the Sanskrit word, paramita, means, “Crossing over to the other shore,” from ill-being to well-being. Perfection and completeness are also acceptable translations. The traditional way of talking about the perfection of diligence is to […]
Foundations Of Buddhist Thought – The Eightfold Path
In the previous segment of the Foundations of Buddhist Thought, we learned about The Four Noble Truths and The Eightfold Path. The Eightfold Path is the fourth noble truth of the Buddha. The elements of The Eightfold Path can be characterized in three groups, which serve as the cornerstones of Buddhist practice. The first group is […]
Foundations Of Buddhist Thought – The Four Noble Truths
The foundations of Buddhist thought begin with the Four Noble Truths. These truths came to the Buddha after six years of ascetic practice when he sat alone under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India. The first noble truth is known as the truth of suffering. Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh likes to refer to it […]
Practicing Right View – Thich Nhat Hanh
The following quote is from my teacher, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. He talks about practicing right view in order to relieve our suffering. Right View is one of the elements of the Eightfold path along with Right Speech, Right Thought, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Diligence, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration. As the first […]
If You Want To Change Your Life…
If you want to change your life, you have to change yourself. So how do you go about doing this? Phillip Moffitt may have some good answers for you. In his DharmaWisdom e-Teaching, which I received today, he talks about fundamental changes, not just job, car, house, etc. He says that according to the eightfold path, […]
A JUBU And The Lubavitcher Rebbe
About ten days ago, Rachael and I completed a six week course on the Kabbalah at Chabad House in San Rafael, California. Kabbalah is school of Jewish mysticism. The course was called The Kabbalah Of You: A Guide To Unlocking Your Hidden Potential provided by the Jewish Learning Institute and Rabbi Yisreal Rice. When I was growing […]
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