¡Despierta!
By Nagapriya
In this podcast we explore various aspects of Buddhism and meditation. En esta podcast vamos a explorar varios aspectos del budismo y meditación.
¡Despierta!Jun 20, 2020
00:00
23:46
Making Sense of Mind Only 7
In this episode, we begin to look more explicitly at Yogarchara ideas by considering chapter 5 of Waldron's Making Sense of Mind Only. More specifically, we consider the teaching of the the Three Natures and the notion that Yogachara represents a 'third turning of the Wheel' of the Dharma.
Dec 13, 202336:04
Making Sense of Mind Only 6
In this episode, we continue to review the Madhyamaka perspective in relation to the nature of reality as presented by William Waldron in his book, 'Making Sense of Mind Only'. In particular, we touch on the teaching of the Two Truths and emphasise the indivisible link between them. We affirm that the absolute truth can only be realised by means of the relative truth.
Oct 17, 202349:40
Making Sense of Mind Only: 5
In this episode we look at the philosophical context of Madhayamaka in relation to the emergence of Yogachara thought. In particular, we highlight the teaching of emptiness (shunyata) and question the analytical method so prevalent in Buddhist thought. We also examine whether arguments against the idea of an atman (soul) are compelling or not, especially when considered in relation to Dependent origination.
Oct 11, 202342:45
Making Sense of Mind Only 4
In this episode, we look at chapter 3 of William Waldron's book 'Making Sense of Mind Only', which offers an overview and critique of the Adhidharma Buddhist tradition. More particularly, it aims to show how problems in the Abhidharma approach gave rise to Mahayana philosophical ideas and, more specifically, Yogachara developments.
Sep 29, 202343:25
Making Sense of Mind Only 3
We continue to study William Waldron's 'Making Sense of Mind Only', which is an introduction to Yogachara philosophy. In this episode we look at chapter 2 of the book, which examines the interdependent nature of perception, and experience as a whole, in early Buddhism. We explore how self and world are interconnected.
Sep 29, 202354:07
Making Sense of Mind Only 2
In this episode we consider chapter 1 of William Waldron's book 'Making sense of Mind Only'. We look at the early Buddhist background that informs the Yogachara perspective, particularly by looking at conditionality and anatman (no fixed self).
Sep 28, 202357:33
Making Sense of Mind Only 1
In the episode we begin a study of William Waldron's new book 'Making Sense of Mind Only', which is an introduction to Yogachara ideas within Buddhism. Here we consider the introduction and examine the approach that Waldron presents which is to present Yogachara in dialogue with the traditions that preceded it and as trying to solve practical, spiritual problems rather than to affirm a philosophical worldview.
Sep 26, 202357:11
Precious Garland 1
In this episode, we begin to look at Nagarjuna's 'Precious Garland', a text of 500 verses addressed to a king which deals with the themes of ethics and wisdom. The first episode deals with the general context of the text and looks at the first fifty verses.
Jul 29, 202345:18
The Living Quick of Time: Uji
In this episode (which is rather long) we look at one of the pivotal chapters from the Shōbōgenzō, which is chapter 11, 'Uji'. This is variously translating as 'existence-time', 'being-time', and so on. It is one of the key concepts in Dōgen's vision of Dharma practice and might be described as a kind of Zen phenomenology. Dōgen evokes the subjective reality of human existence, especially in relation to time and how we stand in relation to ignorance and awakening. At times elusive, at times illuminating, this chapter repays sustained attention.
Mar 03, 202301:11:20
The Voices of the River Valley
In this episode we discuss chapter 9 of Dōgen's Shōbōgenzō; 'The voices of the river valley and the form of the mountains' (Keisei-shinshiki). This chapter focuses on how the whole of nature functions as the 'Buddha's body' in the sense that it reveals the nature of conditionality. The chapter also explores motivation for Dharma practice and warns against using the Dharma life to accomplish worldly ends. According to Dōgen, 'we should endeavour to be unknown'.
Feb 17, 202348:05
The Ineffable 'It': Inmo
In this episode, we jump forward to Chapter 29 of Shōbōgenzō, 'Inmo' or 'the ineffable'. Among other themes, we consider the topic of the 'sincere mind' (sekishin). We also reflect on Dōgen's suggestions about how to deal with anxiety in relation to whether or not we are truly leading a Dharma life and the paradox that even this very doubt itself expresses a connection with the transcendent. We also return to reflect on some of the affinities between Dōgen's apparent vision of self-power and Shinran's Other Power approach.
Note: at one point of the recording I refer to Dōgen's approach as 'Other Power'. This was a verbal error and I intended to say 'self-power.'
Note: at one point of the recording I refer to Dōgen's approach as 'Other Power'. This was a verbal error and I intended to say 'self-power.'
Feb 10, 202301:02:22
Prostrating to the Marrow of Attainment
In this episode, we consider chapter 8 of Dōgen's Shōbōgenzō, which is Raihai-tokuzai or 'Prostrating to the Marrow of Attainment.' After clarifying the distinction between 'marrow' the vegetable and 'marrow' meaning the essence of something, we go on to explore the key theme of the chapter, which is sincerity in relation to the Dharma. More specifically, Dōgen offers a vision of Dharma practice that goes beyond status or formal role and insists that we should be open to hear the Dharma from anyone who embodies it. As part of this insistence, he opens the (for the time) radical possibility of men hearing the Dharma from women, of seniors hearing the Dharma from juniors, and of monks hearing the Dharma from laypeople. Thus, he insists that what is primary is the going for refuge of each person rather than their particular lifestyle or ecclesiastical status.
Feb 06, 202301:00:28
A talk on the Way: Bendowa
In this episode we analyse the first chapter of Dōgen's magnum opus, Shōbōgenzō, which is called 'Bendowa' or a talk on the way. We give some context to Dōgen's presentation of Zen and, in particular, rehearse some of his life story and influences. We also consider the notion of lineage within Zen and the important idea of 'practice as awakening.'
Jan 22, 202301:03:23
Dōgen: Mountains and Waters Sutra 2
In this episode we continue to explore Dōgen's chapter, 'The Mountains and Waters Sutra' from the Shōbōgenzō. En particular, we are study Okumura's commentary on this text. The part of the chapter that we consider here includes a great Chan/Zen anecdote about Nanquan's sickle. We also explore the topic of whether Zen meditation is concerned with no thought and the real function of koans (ancient cases). Finally, we discuss Dōgen's recommendation that we be reticent about giving our opinions, especially about the Dharma, and agree that we don't necessarily follow this guidance (neither does Dōgen!).
Oct 02, 202241:38
Dōgen: Mountains and Waters Sutra 1
In this podcast Dayamati and I begin study of Shohaku Okumura's commentary on chapter 14 of Dōgen's magnum opus, Shōbōgenzō, 'The Mountains and -Waters Sutra' (Sansuikyō). After contextualising the chapter itself and Okumura's commentary we begin to touch on some of its principal themes, including the idea of the always-incompleteness of practice and the condition of 'no-knowing' as a creative relation with experience. We confine our comments to chapter 1 of the commentary.
Sep 02, 202236:13
Transcending laterally
In this episode Dayamati and I discuss Thomas Kasulis' chapter on Shinran from his book 'Engaging Japanese Philosophy.' Kasulis offers a stimulating and imaginative sketch of Shinran's religious vision. He gives an account of key concepts such as 'hakarai' (the calculating mind), the notion of lateral transcendence (or crosswise transcendence), and the notion of Amida-for-us and Amida-in-itself. As part of this discussion, we offer a reflection on differing models of the Buddhist path and of awakening and how these may relate to Subhuti's model of the Three Myths. We conclude that it is not easy to fit differing models of awakening into simple categories. Overall, this episode offers an overview of some of Shinran's key emphases.
Jun 02, 202201:14:06
Engaged Knowing
In this episode Dayamati and I discuss the introductory chapter of Thomas Kasulis' book 'Engaging Japanese Philosophy'. Kasulis makes an interesting distinction between 'detached knowing' and 'engaged knowing' and argues that Japanese thought favour the latter. He also explores forms of argumentation in Eastern thought and indicates that instead of argument being based on refutation it favours allocation, hybridisation, relegation. Kasulis invites the reader to become conscious of their own hermeneutic commitments. This episode will form the first in a series of discussions on Kasulis' book.
Mar 19, 202255:17
Infinite Light
In this episode we discuss the essay 'Infinite Light' from D.T. Suzuki's Selected Works Vol. 2. We offer some general reflections on Suzuki's method of analysis and explore how Suzuki's general approach is to see the Pure Land as a dimension of mind that unfolds in the present. We reflect on what it means for Amida's light to be all-embracing.
Mar 14, 202240:13
Myōkōnin: wondrous, excellent person.
In this episode Dayamati and I discuss Suzuki's essay 'The Myōkōnin' which is found in his Selected Works, Vol. 2. The myōkōnin is the saint of Shin Buddhism and in this essay Suzuki discusses two myōkōnin: first, Dōshū of Akao (d. 1516) and, second, Asahara Saichi (1850–1932). We discuss Dōshū’s Twenty-One Resolutions. In particular Dōshū was concerned with the notion of ichidaiji or the 'one great matter'. Afterwards we discuss Saichi's poems. Amongst many others we discuss the following:
How happy I am!
Amida’s seal is stamped in my heart.
The seal called Namu-amida-butsu,
The seal of Oya-sama [the loving parent (JCD)],
His child has received,
And simply says, Namu-amida-butsu.
We use the poem to discuss the metaphor of a seal and what it might mean to have Amida's seal stamped on our hearts.
How happy I am!
Amida’s seal is stamped in my heart.
The seal called Namu-amida-butsu,
The seal of Oya-sama [the loving parent (JCD)],
His child has received,
And simply says, Namu-amida-butsu.
We use the poem to discuss the metaphor of a seal and what it might mean to have Amida's seal stamped on our hearts.
Mar 06, 202201:10:23
The Shin Sect of Buddhism
In this episode we discuss D.T. Suzuki's longest single essay on Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in English from his Selected Essays: Volume II. The essay is entitled 'The Shin Sect of Buddhism'. Among his primary characterisations of Shin Buddhism, Suzuki proposes that Amida symbolises a dimension or volition that transcends our ordinary karma. He also makes some comparisons between Shin and Christianity.
Feb 23, 202252:50
Dualism or nondualism?
In this episode, Dayamati and I discuss D.T. Suzuki's essay 'Zen and Jōdo, Two Types of Buddhist Experience' from “Selected Works of D.T. Suzuki, Volume II”. We use the essay to explore the relative differences and similarities between Zen and Pure Land Buddhism. Among other things we reflect on the relative value of dualistic and non dualistic language for mapping human religious experience. In addition, we talk about the importance of narratives in the process of self-understanding and how they cannot simply be replaced by ideas. We touch on some key terms employed by Suzuki including what he means by mystical and intellectual.
Feb 10, 202201:06:13
Evolved Interiority
In this episode Dayamati and I begin to discuss DT Suzuki's essays on Pure Land Buddhism. We can begin by contemplating the concept of enlightenment and take in an essay by Galen Amstutz entitled 'Evolved Interiority' in which Amstutz argues that Shinran's religious vision encapsulates a more complex sense of interiority than was possible at the time of the Buddha. We then reflect on whether ideas of awakening have become more complex over time and whether it is more favourable to be born at a time when the Buddhist tradition has developed greater richness. We also reflect on the nature of vows and, in particular, the Bodhisattva Vow and ask how it arose historically.
Jan 28, 202247:55
The Bandaged Place: why Shinran is so interesting
In this synoptic episode, Dayamati and I reflect on what it is about Shinran that calls our attention. We use a poem by Rumi as a basis for exploring Shinran's perspective on human fragility and reflect on the link between a deepening awareness of fallibility and connection with a transcendent influence.
Sep 25, 202146:17
Larger Amida Scripture 2
In this podcast we continue to explore the Larger Amida Scripture and, more specifically, some of the 48 Vows. We look at some of the inconsistencies within the scripture to understand more fully how it might have grown over time and talk about some of the key messages from the Vows.
Apr 12, 202159:04
Larger Amida Scripture 1
In this podcast we begin to look more directly at the Pure Land Scriptures. In this first podcast we look at the first part of the Larger Scripture and comment on its origins, how it was transmitted to China and Japan, and some of its key features.
Apr 06, 202101:01:23
Shinran and Jinen 2
In this, our final episode exploring Shinran's teachings, we continue to examine the topic of jinen or naturalness.
Jan 03, 202101:05:41
Shinran and Naturalness 1
In this episode we explore Shinran's key concept of jinen or naturalness.
Jan 03, 202147:18
Shinran Hymns 2
In this episode we discuss Sangharakshita's views about the Pure Land perspective and also reflect on some key terms that Shinran uses.
Jan 03, 202154:56
Shinran Hymns
In this episode we explore the idea of a sacred world and also bring Shinran in relation to Dōgen's teachings. We also explore the complexity of the realization of shinjin.
Jan 03, 202150:44
Shinran's Letters 4
In this episode we finish looking at Shinran's letters and discuss his approach to scriptural analysis, particularly his tendency to rewrite scriptural passages so that they read what he intends them to read. We also explore the Pure Land lineage that Shinran created.
Jan 01, 202134:50
Shinran's Letters 3
In this episode we look at more of Shinran's letters. We touch again on the topic of 'licensed evil' and explore various aspects of Shinran's cultural context.
Jan 01, 202101:19:33
Shinran's Letters 2
In this episode we continue to look at Shinran's letters. In a wide-ranging discussion, we touch on Quakers (pronounced 'quacker' in Spanish), Calvin, Shakespeare's 'Measure for Measure', shinjin, and the bodhichitta. We also reflect on why some people respond to the Dharma and others don't and then accidentally activate Dayamati's iPad. We also explore the Shin view of ethics and touch on the problems associated with 'licensed evil.'
Dec 27, 202001:12:54
Shinran's Letters
In this episode we begin to explore Shinran's pastoral letters, notably the Mattoshō. We also reflect on the nature of theology as applied to Buddhism and consider whether Shinran's message actually means that we are already destined to be born in the Pure Land.
Dec 27, 202001:12:31
Shinran and Sangharakshita
In this episode we reflect on Shinran and our teacher Sangharakshita and some of the parallels between them. In addition, we reflect on how remarkable it was that we ever came across Buddhism in the first place.
Dec 26, 202001:19:35
Shinran's Hermeneutical Horizon
In this episode we reflect on Shinran's hermeneutical horizon given his time and place. He was trained as a Tendai monk and inherited the Chinese Buddhist tradition. He had not knowledge of Theravada Buddhism, for instance. This invited him to take up unique interpretive positions. We reflect on the notion of hermeneutic distance both Shinran's and ours in relation to the history of Buddhism.
Dec 26, 202001:17:55
Shinran and Other Power 10
In this episode we look at the final chapter of the Kyogyoshinsho and reflect on the nenbutsu and other aspects of Shinran's teaching.
Dec 25, 202037:28
Shinran and Other Power 9
In this episode we are coming towards the end of our reflections on the Kyogyoshinsho, the magnum opus of Shinran. We reflect, amongst other things, on why Shinran is found on the Triratna Refuge Tree and examine some of the distinctive aspects of Shinran's approach.
Dec 25, 202050:38
Shinran and Other Power 8
In this episode we discuss chapter 5 of Shinran's magnum opus the Kyogyoshinsho. Amongst other things we touch on the idea of knowledge as remembrance, the nature of practice in Shin Buddhism, and related topics.
Dec 25, 202038:17
Shinran and other power 7
In this episode we continue to explore Shinran's Kyogyoshinsho, especially chapter 4. Amongst other topics, we touch on the role of practice within Shinran's system, on the altruistic dimension, and once again on the nature of Amida. We also begin to touch on some overlaps between Shinran and Dōgen.
Dec 25, 202038:20
Shinran and Other Power 6
In this episode we explore who really is Amida? We touch on ideas such as Buddha-nature and trikaya in order to understand more fully how Shinran understands the nature of Amida in his magnum opus the Kyogyoshinsho.
Dec 25, 202001:07:46
Shinran and Other Power 5
In this episode, Dayamati and I continue to analyse Shinran's magnum opus, the Kyogyoshinsho. We touch on some overlaps between Heidegger's thought and Shinran and then go on to analyse the famous parable of the white path, which serves as an analogy for the Pure Land way.
Dec 25, 202001:00:53
Shinran and Other Power 4
In this episode Dayamati and I discuss chapter three of the Kyogyoshinsho which focuses on Shinran's key concept of shinjin, a term difficult to translate. We also touch on the idea of mappo (the age of degenerate Dharma) and some other key ideas.
Dec 17, 202001:05:28
Shinran and Other Power 3
In this episode, we continue to look at Shinran´s magnum opus, the Kyogyoshinsho, especially chapter 2. Here Dayamati and I reflect on the style of the text and how it intends to convince us of its message. We contrast the text with more familiar styles of philosophical argument.
Dec 05, 202001:03:07
Shinran and Other Power 2
In this podcast, I continue talking with Dayamati about the Kygyoshinsho, the magnum opus of Shinran. In this episode we range around a number of topics, including the possibility of Buddhist fundamentalism and we receive a visit from Judy, Dayamati´s wife who tells us about an image of White Tara that she rescued from a local bazaar.
Dec 04, 202053:13
Shinran and Other Power 1
In this episode, Dayamati and I begin to explore Shinran's principal work the Kyogyoshinsho. This is the first of a series of episodes in which we talk about this work. In this first recording we focus on the first part of Chapter 2, which is called 'Practice'.
Jul 20, 202049:25
Notes on the Inscriptions of Sacred Scrolls
In this episode Dayamati and I explore Shinran's text Notes on the Inscriptions of Sacred Scrolls. Amongst other topics, we discuss the idea of repentance as a response to the recognition that Amida has transferred all his merits to each and every human being. We also learn how taking a boat down rapids can function as a metaphor for giving up self-power and embracing Other Power.
Jul 12, 202033:31
Notes on Once Calling and Many Calling
In this episode Dayamati and I continue to explore a series of commentaries by Shinran. This episode focuses on Notes on Once Calling and Many Calling. We talk about Shinran´s emphasis on the 'sole practice', which is the recitation of the Nembutsu: Namu Amida Butsu. While also drill deeper into what is meant by Other Power and how it transcends personal karma. Finally, there is an interesting discussion about how to make sourdough bred and how this functions as an analogy for the influence of Amida's Vow. If you wish to comment on the podcast you can send me a voice message.
Jul 04, 202050:03
Notes on the Essentials of Faith Alone 3
In this episode Dayamati and I continue to explore Shinran's Notes on the Essentials of Faith Alone. In particular, we discuss how Shinran's thought can be related to ideas about Buddha-nature, the idea that our deepest nature or essence is identical to enlightenment. Later in the recording we go on to discuss the second of our three texts, which is Notes on Once Calling and Many Calling. If you wish to comment on the podcast you can send me a voice message.
Jun 27, 202052:40
Notes on the Essentials of Faith Alone 2
In this podcast, Dayamati and I continue discussing Shinran's text, Notes on the Essentials of Faith Alone. In this episode we explore what it means to be born in the Pure Land, the idea of an irreversible transformation, and the symbolism of Amida's light, which is wisdom and compassion. If you wish to comment on the podcast you can send me a voice message.
Dayamati is a retired professor of Sanskrit living in New Mexico.
Dayamati is a retired professor of Sanskrit living in New Mexico.
Jun 20, 202023:46
Essentials of Faith Alone 1
In this podcast Dayamati and I explore a text by Shinran (1173-1263) called 'Notes on the Essentials of Faith Alone'. The text can be found on Shinranworks.com and is a commentary on a short work by another Pure Land master named Seikaku.
Jun 13, 202036:56