by Staff | Jun 21, 2010 | Dharma Notes
Thus spoke Shakyamuni Buddha in the Squirrels’ Feeding Ground Of the Bamboo grove at Rajaghriha (a translation from the Sigalovata Sutra) These traits make a person a true friend: If that person is good hearted to you If that person treats you the same...
by Staff | Jun 7, 2010 | Dharma Notes
The Flag is a recent addition to Buddhism. Col. H. S. Olcott, who was born in New Jersey in 1907, first presented it in India. The flag is just a small part of his total contributions to Buddhism and his death date is still celebrated throughout India and South-East...
by Staff | Apr 14, 2008 | Dharma Notes
SHO SAN SHIKI (FIRST- VISIT- CEREMONY) This is a presentation to the temple of a new baby. If there are lots of new babies, it is held once a year. If there are fewer babies, the babies are brought to the temple when they are 33 or 100 days old. It is a joyous...
by Staff | Apr 8, 2008 | Dharma Notes
A Buddhist tradition of ringing the big, outside Temple bell 108 times at year’s end is both welcomed and significant. And, if it is not possible to be among those gathered at a temple to observe this tradition, the home Obutsudan (shrine) or a quiet place where...
by Staff | Apr 4, 2008 | Dharma Notes
We can’t be there until we get there! 1.We are born self-centered in order to survive. Helpless! How long does it take to become non-self-centered? 2.We are born greedy and impatient in order to survive: strong survival instinct! How long does it take to become...
by Staff | Mar 23, 2008 | Dharma Notes
Chanting goes back to the timeless past. Probably long before there were languages there were sounds that clans could make together. Maybe they even could make these sounds with others who were of different clans. Maybe it was to feel a connection to each other, maybe...
