A Fistful of Sand

Image from Nembutsu Art In Buddhism, a being who has developed a spontaneous wish and a compassionate mind to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings. In Buddhism, a bodhisattva (Sanskrit) or bodhisatta (Pali) is a person who is on the path towards bodhi or Buddhahood. In the Early Buddhist schools, as well as modern Theravāda Buddhism, bodhisattva refers to someone who has made a resolution to become a Buddha and has also received a confirmation or prediction from a living Buddha that this will be so. The Bodhisattva Path is highly relevant in the modern world, perhaps more so than ever. The relevance comes in six categories of action that seem to be if not the source of what we would today call "existential leadership" at least the earliest expression of it.  Altruism and Compassion At its core, the Bodhisattva Path is about cultivating compassion and wisdom for the benefit of all beings. In today's interconnected, globalized society, where suffer...

  The notion of a holographic universe and universal consciousness brings new dimensions to traditional Buddhist teachings, particularly Pure Land Buddhism, Shin Buddhism, Mikkyo Jodo, and Vajrayana practices related to Amitabha. These schools emphasize faith, visualization, and a relationship with the Buddha of Infinite Light, Amitabha (Amida in Japanese traditions). When seen through the lens of the holographic universe, the practices and goals of these traditions take on deeper philosophical significance. This article will explore how these concepts might align with or enhance the understanding and practice of these different Buddhist traditions, offering new ways of relating to the Pure Land and Amitabha as manifestations of mind within the context of a universal consciousness. 1. Pure Land Buddhism and Shin Buddhism in Light of the Holographic Universe Pure Land Buddhism, particularly as understood in traditional and Shin (Jodo Shinshu) forms, is based on the aspiration to ...

After decades of practice, many Vajrayana practitioners find themselves arriving at a deeper understanding of the nature of reality, particularly the illusory and interdependent nature of phenomena. One particularly intriguing framework that may align with these realizations is the holographic universe theory, which suggests that the 3D world we experience may be a projection from a deeper, underlying reality encoded on a 2D surface. This concept resonates with core Vajrayana teachings such as shunyata (emptiness), Buddha Nature, and the idea that reality is illusory—a kind of cosmic "virtual reality" or simulation produced by a universal mind. This understanding isn't just theoretical; it has profound implications for both spiritual practice and daily life. Let's explore how this alignment of modern scientific theory with ancient wisdom can influence our everyday experience. Reality as a Projection of Mind: Practical Implications When we begin to see reality as a ...