Bodhi Day 2017

Happy Bodhi Day!

Unfortunately, I won't be able to view the morning star at dawn as Buddha did since Venus will rise after the sun. Time to think about my Buddhist studies. Been sorely lacking in this department. Namaste!

Bodhi Day

1st Day of (Pagan) Spring

Better known as Groundhog Day, Imbolc (Celtic) or as I like to call it Risshun or Hara Matsuri (Japanese) is the 1st day of spring. The sun is at 315 deg on the ecliptic which is 15 deg tropical Aquarius. Days are definitely getting longer. Time to say goodbye to my SAD.

Jodo-e or Bodhi Day

The 8th day of the 12th lunar month is when Buddha obtained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

Pagan Blog Project - U is for Uposatha

Uposatha is a Buddhist sabbath of sorts for meditation. It is held weekly on the 4 main phases of the moon. Not all sects observe Uposatha; therefore, it is not a mandatory observance. For lay people, the 8 precepts are followed: 

1. No killing.
2. No stealing.
3. No sexual misconduct (or no sex at all).
4. No lying (or deceptive / manipulative speech).
5. No drinking (alcohol; can be expanded to include non-prescription drugs and smoking).
6. Only eat after sunrise but before noon.
7. Abstain from singing, dancing, playing music, attending entertainment performances, wearing perfume (deodorant?), and using cosmetics and jewelry.
8. No sleeping or sitting on comfortable furnishings; no long naps.

I've been lax about actually following some of these precepts. I'm sure Buddha didn't want health issues to be exacerbated by fasting or by sleeping / sitting on a hard surface. #3 & #5 conflicts with my Pagan practice. However having vegetarian meals once a week won't kill me. Instead of doing the things mentioned in #7, time should be spent in meditation and study of Buddhist teachings.

Several Full Moon Uposatha days hold special significance. For example, Vesak is May's full moon which celebrates Buddha's birth, awakening, and death. 

Pagan Blog Project - T is for Triple Gem

The Triple Gem, also known as the Three Treasures or Three Jewels, are primary objects of devotion in Buddhism. Depending on the tradition the Gem is defined differently. I will define them for my practice.

• Buddha - the historical Buddha known as Siddhārtha Gautama or Sakyamuni. Buddha wasn't a Buddhist any more than Christ was a Christian. According to the stories, Buddha was a prince who left his royal palace in search of something better. His search ended when he obtained enlightenment at the age of 35 under the bodhi tree. It was at this time that he realized the 4 Noble Truths. Anyone can obtain enlightenment in this lifetime. Buddha means Enlightened One. We all have the Buddha inside of us. The 1st Gem refers to the historical Buddha as well as our Buddha nature.

• Dharma - teachings. Buddha's teachings are found in the various sutras. Different traditions place emphasis on different sutras. I think that good can be found in all of them. I would include in dharma commentary written on the sutras. However, like Buddha said, take what you find useful and throw the rest away.

• Sangha - community of Buddhist practitioners, Some sects only include members of their own sects as the sangha. Practitioners who use technology like Online Meditation Crew (#OMCru) have a twangha (Twitter + sangha) where everyone is welcome. I like the all-inclusive definition better.

My practice does not require me to take refuge in the Triple Gem. I suppose this is sort of like a Buddhist dedication. At any rate, the Triple Gem is a good foundation for any Buddhist practice.

Pagan Blog Project - R is for the Right Stuff (Eight-Fold Path)

If you recall my post on the Four Noble Truths, the 4th truth tells us how to cease attachments to desires with the right stuff. The Eight-Fold path is divided into 3 sections.

Wisdom

1. Right View - See things as they are. Know that your current situation and mood is not permanent.
2. Right Intention - Give up selfish thoughts. Wish happiness for all.

Ethical Conduct

3. Right Speech - Watch what you say. Avoid gossip and lying. Always aim to upbuild with your words.
4. Right Action - Watch what you do. Stealing, harming others intentionally*, harming yourself, and sexual misconduct** are not proper. 
5. Right Livelihood - We need money to survive. However, make sure that your occupation or the company you work for does not violate the other parts of the path. 

Mental Development

6. Right Effort - Use your will to strengthen good thoughts and release bad ones.
7. Right Mindfulness - Pay attention to what's happening right NOW. How often do we multitask? 
8. Right Concentration - Pay attention to an object or thought and keep it there. Hard, isn't it? Meditation will help strengthen your concentration muscles.

*Some include harming animals as violating Right Action and are vegetarians. I believe this is a conscience and health matter. There is no Deity in Buddhism to condemn you to hell or some other tortuous place if you eat meat. I believe in humane killings of animals for food. I do not support hunting animals for sport.

**Sexual misconduct is not defined in Buddhism at least not that I can tell. Your personal values will come into play here. For example if you are in a monogamous relationship (gender unimportant), having another sex partner may be misconduct. If you are in a polygamous relationship, it may not be.

Pagan Blog Project - N is for Nam Myoho Renge Kyo & Nichiren

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo in Japanese

The Buddhist part of Buddhagan refers to my practice of Nichiren Buddhism. The primary practice of NB is to chant nam(u) myoho renge kyo which translates into  devotion to the Lotus Sutra. The Lotus Sutra is believed to be the last and most important writing of the historical Buddha (see my post here). It is thought that just the title of the Lotus Sutra contains the essence of the Sutra itself and to chant nam(u) myoho renge kyo is to harness that power.

Nam or Namu?
Nam is a contraction of namu; I use both in my chanting. Various NB sects will argue over which is correct. I say it doesn't matter as long as you chant one or the other or both. It's equivalent to arguing over I'm vs I am.

Nichiren Himself
Nichiren studied Tendai in the 13th century which is another form of Buddhism. After he left the Tendai monastery, he continued to study on his own. He concluded that Buddhists should follow the Lotus Sutra.  Nichiren wrote many letters to the government of his day accusing the other Buddhist paths of corruption. He also wrote letters to his followers and priests to encourage them.

Why NMRK & Nichiren Buddhism
The Lotus Sutra teaches that everyone has a Buddha nature. Chanting helps to unlock it. Of course, you don't have to chant NMRK or even be a Buddhist. Chanting is only one way to meditate.

Pagan Blog Project - L is for Lotus Sutra

Sekmet's Day
LuniSol - Moonth 7, Day 2
Metonic - Year 17, Lunation 203, Day 20
Dreamspell - Blue Spectral Monkey (11 Chuen) - Kin 11
Mayan Tzolk'in - 3 Kan (Yellow Electric Seed) - Kin 224
Mayan Ha'ab - 7 Zolz

The Lotus Sutra is believed to be the last teachings of the historical Buddha. The complete name of this teaching is Sutra on the White Lotus of the Sublime Dharma and includes 2 other sutras called Innumberable Meanings and Contemplation of the Dharma Practice of Universal Sage Bodhisattva. Together, these are known as the Threefold Lotus Sutra.

The Lotus Sutra itself purports to be the most important of all the sutras. Only certain sects of Buddhism such as Nichiren Buddhism believe this to be true. I personally believe that all of the Buddha's teachings have merit. One of  the main points of this sutra is that the Buddha uses skillful means to teach. For example, he may have told farmers one thing and merchants another. Is this contradictory? No. He taught each group according to their understanding. Reminds you of anyone you know? (*cough* Jesus *cough*)

There are many parables and fantastic imagery in this sutra. It is not an easy read and you cannot take many things literally. I recommend the translations by Burton Watson (ISBN 9780861715718) and Gene Reeves (ISBN 9780231081610).

Pagan Blog Project - F is for Four Noble Truths

Sekmet's Day
Galactic 25
Dreamspell - Blue Overtone Hand (5 Manik) - Kin 187
Mayan Tzolk'in - 10 Ahau (Yellow Planetary Sun) - Kin 140
Mayan Ha'ab - 8 Kumku


Disclaimer: Buddhism is not technically a pagan religion. However, if you define pagan religion as a religion not belonging under Christianity, Judaism, or Islam, Buddhism would be included. 

Dharma wheel

The four noble truths are one of the central teachings of Buddhism, no matter what sect or tradition.

1. Suffering exists.
From the time that we are born to the time that we die, we suffer. Sometimes suffering can be beneficial (think of good stress, or eustress). In addition to physical discomfort, we experience emotional discomfort such as not getting what we want, being separated from what we like, and encountering what we dislike.

2. Suffering arises from attachment to desires.
Ever hear of retail therapy? We shop for clothes or shoes because we feel bad or upset about something. When that shirt is no longer new, we are back to feeling empty. Same principle applies to emotional eating (comfort food). Take these analogies and apply them to life in general. Start thinking about why you are upset and what you do to relieve the feeling. We control our own suffering; it is not caused by the devil or original sin.

3. Suffering ceases when attachment to desires ceases.
No need for a savior or ransom sacrifice. Just as we control our suffering, we also control the ending of our suffering. Realizing that we harbor attachments is the first step to letting them go. My son's father and I have not been together since my son was born. Every time I had to call him, I would get so upset. It was always a stressful conversation. Once I started practicing Buddhism, I realized that I was attached to the idea of Baby Daddy being an active part in my son's life. I let this idea go and saw him for who he was and that I could not change him. I can only change myself. Now, conversations are markedly more pleasant for me.

4. Cease attachments to desires by practicing the eight-fold path:

• right view
• right intention
• right speech
• right livelihood
• right effort
• right mindfulness
• right concentration

One does not have to master right view before moving to right intention. Rather, the eight-fold path is to be practice together. Further explanation of the 4th noble truth is a topic for another post.

Rewrite of Buddhist prayers

I decided to rewrite the Buddhist prayers using an independent Nichiren Buddhist perspective. I used the liturgy from SGI, Nichiren Shu, and Nichiren Shoshu. I also used the prayers on http://www.nichirendaishoninsbuddhism.com/ and http://thenichirensite.org/dailypractice.html. The prayers for deceased relatives have been omitted.

1st prayer
I offer appreciation for Daibontenno, Taishakutenno, Dainittenno, Daigattenno, Daimyojotenno and all the other Shoten Zenjin, sworn guardians of the Lotus Sutra that serve to protect us, and pray that these protective forces will be further strengthened and enhanced by my Practice.


2nd prayer
I offer profound appreciation to the gohonzon of the 3 great secret laws (one's enlightened life or Buddha nature, the location of one's Buddha nature [within oneself], and the daimoku).

3rd prayer
I offer sincere gratitude to Shakyamuni, the original Buddha; Nichiren Daishonin for his interpretation of Buddhism; and the 6 senior disciples Nissho, Nichiro, Nikko, Nitcho, Niko, and Nichiji for propagating Nichiren's teachings.

4th prayer
I pray that everyone finds a way to transform society for the better whether it be via Buddhism or not. I pray for not just religious tolerance but religious acceptance.

5th prayer
I pray to bring forth Buddhahood from within my life, change my karma, and fufill my wishes in the present and future. I will continually deepen my faith, practice, and study so that I may obtain enligtenment in this existence. [additional prayers here]

I pray for peace throughout the world and the happiness of all living beings.

The Meaning of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

A friend asked me the meaning of nam myoho renge kyo. The literal meaning is something like "Devotion to the Lotus Sutra." However, there is a much deeper meaning. This information comes from Basics of Buddhism (pg 79-83) by Pat Allright printed by SGI.


Myoho = mystic law
Myo is the mystic nature of life and ho is its manifestations


Renge = lotus flower
The lotus flower is special because produces seeds and flowers at the same time. This demonstrates that cause and effect happens at the same time. The lotus blooms and thrives in the mud. Likewise, our Buddha nature can and will thrive even in the midst of less than favorable conditions.


Kyo = teaching
It can also mean sound or the warp of a length of fabric. Buddhist teachings are passed on through past, present, and future. You can definitely notice a difference between chanting silently and chanting out loud.


Nam = devotion, action


Taking the spiritual meaning nam myoho renge kyo means aligning to the mystic law of cause and effect by sound and vibration. When we chant we concentrate with our minds and bodies. We realize that simply by chanting we are changing our life condition. Don't believe me? Try it for yourself. Chant nam myoho renge kyo everyday for 30 days for just 5 minutes. Let me know what you think.

Buddhist Prompt - 3 Jewels, 3 Treasures, Triple Gem

Today Buddhist prompt is about the 3 treasures: Buddha, dharma, and sangha. What do they mean to you and your practice? The different sects of Nichiren Buddhism don't agree on what comprises the 3 treasures. For a comparison, see this handy chart from the NBAA website:

http://www.nichirenbuddhist.org/LearnBuddhism/DialogsOnBuddhism/organizational_differentiation_chart3.html

Buddha
This is the Buddha nature inherent in all of us.

Dharma
These are the teachings of the original or historical Buddha Shakamunyi. These can also be the teachings, essays, and articles of modern-day priests and laypersons. Of course, for a Nichiren Buddhist, the writings of Nichiren Daishonin and the Lotus Sutra is of paramount importance.

Sangha
The online and offline community of all Buddhist practitioners and their supporters, not just of your particular sect. I like this broad meaning because it unifies. You can be a part of more than one sangha. Speaking of online communities, the online twanga (Twitter + sangha) is thriving. I'm part of the #OMCru or Online Meditation Crew. Although most of the crew are Buddhist, all faiths and meditation practices are welcome.

As an indie NB, I haven't formally taken refuge in the 3 treasures. I'm not even sure if NB usually do.

So what are your thoughts? Comment below or if you have a blog, comment there and place your link here so I read your post.

Full Moon Uposatha dharma

http://bhikkhucintita.wordpress.com/2011/01/18/not-self-thought-experiment-2/

Not-Self: Thought Experiment 2: Through the Looking Glass

I’m having a problem with Shakubuku

Or rather the way that some NB organizations are presenting it. Maybe because I'm a recovering Jehovah's Witness (more on that later). I have a real problem telling someone that his/her religion is wrong or inferior and mine is right or superior. In case you didn't know, as I understand it, Shakubuku is what Nichiren Buddhists call the process of proseltyzing and converting non-believers. Most times it's passive, not active like going from door-to-door.

I mean, it's different if a person comes  to me and says, Hey, I heard you're a Buddagan, can you tell me more about that? Then I'll say, sure, here is a brief rundown of my spiritual beliefs. But to go and seek out people to convert, I just can't and won't do it. I notice that Pagans in general have no conversion process or goal. If you have questions, you can find a Solitary or a teaching coven to assist you. But you have to make the first step. Pagans don't go around forcing folks to join. I don't have experience with other Buddhist paths so I don't know if shakubuku is only a Nichiren Buddhist thing. I'm in no position to tell someone – not even my own children  - what religion or spiritual path they should take.

I guess I should tell you my shakubuku story: a coworker decided to invite me to a Nichiren Buddhist intro meeting. Something I said to her made her feel that it would be a good idea. To this day neither one of us can remember what that was. Anyway, I'm glad she did. I was at a point in my life where I felt something was missing. After a few failed attempts to rejoin the JW flock, I needed a change. So I went to the meeting. I was a bit weird with all the chanting but after I went to the 2^nd meeting I was used to it. I was told that I didn't have to change my current belief system although I eventually did on my own.

I started chanting. "Mama Buddha" said that's how I can see for myself whether it works. Yeah I was skeptical but I chanted anyway, just saying nam myoho renge kyo sans gohonzon. I noticed changes in me. So did my husband. This was in March 2010. I guess I owe shakubuku breaking free of my previous brainwashing. But Mama Buddha didn't refute my beliefs or break me down. She invited me to a meeting, answered my questions, and let me decide for myself if I wanted to continue. It was more like this meaning:

http://www.gakkaionline.net/Imagery/Shakubuku.html

Quote from the site says "Shakubuku is not breaking and subduing people, it is stopping suffering and awakening to life's potential."

If Shakubuku is helping people to stop suffering and awaken their Buddha nature, then cool.

Using Buddhism to Manage Anger

One of my direct supervisors pulled me up about violating the work dress code that started Monday.  He mentioned that another supervisor had noticed me and some others that were out of compliance. I got the equivalent of a smack on the hand. I'm not upset about that. What grinded my gears was that the other supervisor and I had a friendly relationship out of work. In fact, when I saw "Michael" today, I was on my lunch break and we even chatted briefly. Little did I know, he was snitching on me.

I will admit I was mad to the point of red hot steaming tears. I felt that I deserved a courtesy heads up even if he still had to inform my supervisor.  Where does Buddhism come in? Well, there's this thing called cause and effect. The actions that we do or don't do (causes) have results (effects). We can't blame someone else for the things that happen to us. We must take responsibility for ourselves.

After I calmed down a bit, I realized that had I been paying more attention to the notices about the dress code, I would have been prepared. So yes, I have to take responsibility for my actions. Even though "Michael" could have handled the situation differently especially if our (former) friendship meant anything, I can't control anyone but myself. Being that angry will poison only me.

Instead of being steaming mad, I'm merely very sadden that "Michael" and I will never be friends again.