In Pure Land Buddhism the Pure Land itself may be regarded as a literal realm of rebirth, or it may be seen as a series of metaphors which help us to uncover deep truths about ourselves and the universe. Venerable Shih Mingxing will take us on a guided tour of the Pure Land as described […]
In Mahayana Buddhism the Bodhisattva Manjushri represents enlightened Wisdom. Venerable Shih Mingxing will examine the origins and development of this sometimes-overlooked Bodhisattva. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84681007371?pwd=EnpUSILVKBrFaVLbclXbD3ZqWlgXgb.1 Meeting ID: 846 8100 7371 Passcode: 201430
The word "Jhana" usually translates as "meditative state." What exactly are they, and how should we approach them as practitioners of meditation? Venerable Shih Mingxing will explore this vital topic. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81851181485?pwd=Fac07k3OHgTZ40oySz6bjb4sv5a8ji.1 Meeting ID: 818 5118 1485 Passcode: 502540
Venerable Shih Mingxing continues her exploration of the Jhanas, states of meditative absorption arrived at through concentrated meditative practice. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84954602751?pwd=5NPM42aaEhHr9pFSVsHl3j5bvE2NSV.1 Meeting ID: 849 5460 2751 Passcode: 105519
At some time or another in life, all of us feel broken. The Path is not a process of fixing ourselves but rather of recognizing and attuning ourselves to the parts that were never broken. Wise role models will help us see this within ourselves. Venerable Shih Mingxing will explore some of the dharmic role models which […]
Mudras, hand gestures, are used in many Buddhist and Buddhist-related activities. They are not only symbolic, but also functional. Venerable Shih Mingxing will examine some of the most-utilized mudras in Buddhism to deepen our understanding of these gestures. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89783072737?pwd=Cr8OQDOY4wVPJ15myvBewrgu1m5T0c.1 Meeting ID: 897 8307 2737 Passcode: 271858
Japan has been the home of many revered Zen teachers. Dogen, Bankei, and Eisai have contributed commentaries and practices that have influenced practitioners down to the present time. As far as contemporary teachers are concerned, none is more famous and followed than Godzilla. We'll explore some of the kaiju teachings about basic Buddhist tenets. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82538773708?pwd=vwRTPARPdGW4cz0HtveYzqVZrCZCpT.1 […]
AI is everywhere now; just ask Siri. Artificial intelligence is becoming a key tool in a wide variety of arenas such as industry, medicine, finance, and even spirituality. How can AI assist Zen and Buddhist practitioners without becoming a hindrance or a distraction? Venerable Shih Yingfa will take a look at what AI is and […]
We all know the Buddha was awake. He saw things as they really are and acted accordingly. But was he "woke?" And what does that mean? https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81394028013?pwd=Jy1YqA2I4uVbXD8aNeG9bOUHpJXMCp.1 Meeting ID: 813 9402 8013 Passcode: 870204
In the "Age Of Clicks," our ability to think critically has undergone some serious erosion. Can the mind training of Zen enable us to rebuild the critical thinking skills that are so vital to our continued existence? Venerable Shih Yingfa will explore this important topic. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83011900797?pwd=j8sSJwm6xCirqakp37Mai4jbbPAJaZ.1 Meeting ID: 830 1190 0797 Passcode: 167618
"Zen: a direct transmission outside of scriptures, not dependent on words and letters" goes the famous phrase attributed to Bodhidharma. But can we use words and letters as a means of transcending them? Venerable Shih Mingxing will examine this interesting topic. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81057578753?pwd=OZd2oTo9beNrbbKTZdDEUXf7tknapo.1 Meeting ID: 810 5757 8753 Passcode: 888606
The breathtaking language of the Flower Ornament Sutra can help us to experience the total interconnectivity of all things. Venerable Shih Zhongxin will provide us with examples from this transcendent text. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87223394225?pwd=CABQCCuC7AUal7DIosviPHEqJi9UVL.1 Meeting ID: 872 2339 4225 Passcode: 322771