An example of Buddhist Sanskrit script
Buddhist Glossary
Meanings & Musings
Saturday 25 July 2020
Sanskrit
Metta
The Dalai Lama promotes & exudes kindness
Metta (Pali; maitri in Sanskrit): ‘kindness’, ‘loving-kindness’ or ‘goodwill’,
highly regarded by Buddhists, and cultivated in both meditation & everyday
activities.
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What it is to be Buddhist? The most basic
answer is simply to be kind, as suggested by the Dalai Lama. Be kind to others and be kind to ourselves. Be
kind to humans and animals, for we all have the capacity to suffer, but also
the ability to alleviate some of that suffering. Be patient, and don’t listen
to gossip nor spread it; forgive as much as you can and don’t wish others harm;
see that all wish for happiness and safety – just as you do. If we can do this,
then we can claim to be Buddhist, not only in our convictions but also in our
actions, which is surely where the essence of being Buddhist is found. And, in
doing this, we move closer to all beings, human or otherwise, Buddhist or
otherwise. Being Buddhist means being kind.
Satori
Traditional Japanese calligraphy for satori
Satori (Japanese): 'Understanding'. An awakening to reality in the present moment. Degrees of satori are recognized in Zen Buddhism that include Nirvana (Daigo in Japanese). See Nirvana
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Without satori, according to the great Japanese author D.T. Suzuki, there is no Zen. In other words, it is the raison d'ĂȘtre for practicing Zen Buddhism, and as such is the focus of so many wonderful Zen stories, many promoted in the books of Dr Suzuki. Furthermore, satori is not the sole possession of Zen Buddhists, for it is non-sectarian, and although described in different ways, it is the heart of all Buddhist teachings. Indeed, as it is wholly natural, it is found in teachings outside Buddhism, such as those of D.E. Harding, the late British 'headless' philosopher. If we can have but a glimpse of satori, we are truly fortunate, and if lived from, this vision frees us from the prison of self.
The first satori, upon reading the words of D.T. Suzuki:
reading this
words merge with mind
satori
The second satori, when looking out of a window:
wind-blown bag
catches awareness
satori
The third satori, using the methods of D.E. Harding:
pointing here
no-one can be found
satori
For more on D.T. Suzuki, please go here
For more on D.E. Harding, please click here
Shakyamuni
A statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in Hong Kong
Shakyamuni (Sanskrit/Pali): ‘Sage of the Shakyas’; a title of the historical Buddha (Shakya being his clan name). See Buddha
Nembutsu
Chinese / Japanese script of the nembutsu
Nembutsu (Japanese; Nienfo (Chinese):
'Recitation of Buddha'. The practice of reciting the phrase Homage to
Amitabha Buddha, which is Namo Amituofo in Chinese & Namu
Amida Butsu in Japanese. This is done to concentrate & purify the mind,
either to earn rebirth in Amitabha's heaven, or to realize Bodhi here and now.
See Amitabha
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Sitting in a
quiet room – closed eyes may help in concentration here – say “Namu Amida
Butsu’ (the final u is usually unvoiced), paying attention to the silence in which the words arise. This silence
is the very emptiness that Buddhism teaches about, and is also the essence of
all buddhas, including Amitabha. If we are alert to this moment as we continue to
chant the Nembutsu, we become aware of the fact that the words are
coming out of this peaceful silence, and that any sense of individual self that
remains is of the world, like the chanting, whereas the Void-Silence is that
out of which these things come.
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