Tag: Mappō
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The Art of Refuting Ideas Without Attacking People
Introduction: The Challenge of Meaningful Disagreement In our modern world, it often feels impossible to disagree on important topics without the conversation descending into personal attacks. We encounter ideas we believe are genuinely harmful, yet we are urged to be tolerant. This leaves us with a piercing question: How can we challenge ideas we find…
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How an Ancient Text Rewrites the Rules of Desire, Karma, and Suffering
Introduction: The Ancient Promise for a Modern World We live in a world buzzing with anxiety. We chase fulfillment in careers, relationships, and possessions, yet often feel like we’re running in place. We feel weighed down by the past, stuck with the consequences of events we can no longer change. It’s a uniquely modern sense…
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The Monkey, the Cow, and the Crown Jewel
“The Monkey, the Cow, and the Crown Jewel” is a musical journey into a profound spiritual paradox from 13th-century Japan. Inspired by Nichiren Daishonin’s letter, the Urabon Gosho, the song tells the story of Lord Jibu, a priest described as lacking wisdom and dignity—like a “monkey or a cow”. Yet, he is praised in the…
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The Savior You’re Waiting For Is You: An Ancient Buddhist Text’s Radical Message
Introduction: Who Will Save Our World? In times of turmoil, it’s a deeply human response to feel overwhelmed by the world’s problems. We look at widespread conflict, suffering, and uncertainty and hope for a hero—a brilliant leader, a revolutionary movement, or even a divine savior—to arrive and set things right. We wait for someone else…
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The 13th-Century Monk Who Said ‘Ignore Everyone’—And Why It’s the Secret to Deeper Listening
Introduction: The Practitioner’s Paradox In any spiritual path, a fundamental tension exists between two essential guides: the wisdom of others and the truth of our own experience. On one hand, we have sacred texts, traditions, and teachers—a map charted by those who have already walked the path. To ignore this map is to risk getting…
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The Body That Burns Without Burning
They said the old saint lit himself on fire, Twelve hundred years of light, arms ablaze, And I thought: how can I match that pyre With my small hands and ordinary days? The Sutra promises we all can wake Right here, right now, in skin and bone, But if the price is everything I break—…
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The Vow, The Foe, and The Final Crew
The Buddha spoke, “I’m leaving soon; the world will turn to night, Who will guard my teaching, and keep the truth alight?” A million bright disciples, from shining worlds afar, Stepped up and made a promise, reaching for a star. The Messenger’s Promise (Chapter 13): “We are your loyal messengers, so do not worry now! We’ll spread the sacred…
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4 Shocking Lessons on Conviction from the Lotus Sutra
Introduction: More Than Just a Promise We’ve all made promises. Some are small, but others are profound vows that shape the course of our lives—a commitment to a person, a cause, or a belief. We tend to think of conviction as a straightforward matter of sincerity and willpower. If you believe strongly enough and are…
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4 Surprising Lessons on Leadership from a 13th-Century Buddhist Monk
Introduction: The Search for a Perfect Guide In a world rocked by uncertainty, we all search for reliable leaders, mentors, and guides. We crave authority that is wise, compassionate, and strong enough to help us navigate the complexities of modern life. But what if the most effective framework for leadership wasn’t forged in a contemporary…
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The Ancient Secret to True Influence: Why Not Judging Others is a Superpower
Have you ever felt the frustration of trying to share an important idea or a deeply held belief, only to be met with conflict and disagreement? In what often feels like an age of quarrels, it’s easy to assume the biggest obstacle is external opposition. But ancient Buddhist wisdom identifies this era with a specific…
Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra 