The classical Theravada model of meditation employs the practices of shamatha and vipassana, both. Ajahn Brahmavamso explains the path of tranquility and insight. Introduction by Bhikkhu Bodhi. In America, Theravada Buddhist meditation is often flatly identified with the practice of vipassana, even to the extent that those who practice within this tradition speak of [...]
The Guru and the Great Vastness
For a follower of the yana of individual liberation or the Mahayana, there are the sutras and the shastras. The sutras contain the direct teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni, whereas the shastras are commentaries composed later by a disciple of the Buddha, such as Nagarjuna. Moreover, there are instructions on how to practice. For instance, many chapters of Shantideva’s Way of the [...]
Forum: Is Your Practice Working?
A roundtable discussion with Edward Brown, Josh Baran and Tsultrim Allione on the outcomes of Buddhist practice, moderated by Melvin McLeod. I was twenty-two when I decided I was a Buddhist. This year is the thirtieth anniversary of that moment of epiphany. What have I got to show for it? By some standard I’ve worked hard at being a Buddhist, as have so many of you who are [...]
A Pillar of Zen: Roshi Philip Kapleau 1912 – 2004
Roshi Philip Kapleau's longtime student Rafe Martin remembers a pioneer of American Zen. My Zen teacher, Roshi Philip Kapleau, died peacefully on May 6 at the venerable age of 91. Several days later, many of us who had known him and been with him for more than thirty years gathered for his burial at the Chapin Mill Retreat Center, the country property of the Rochester Zen [...]
Dogo Expresses Condolences
“One day in the neighborhood of Dogo’s Temple of Chang-chou, death occurred in a certain home and Zen Master Dogo took his disciple Zengen to express their condolences to the family.” During the visit Zengen tapped the coffin and asked, “Is he alive or dead?” Dogo answered, “I won't say alive, I won't say dead.” Zengen said, “Why don't you say?” Dogo repeated, “I won't say. I [...]
Who Me?
Marshall Glickman on the doubts, traps and insecurities that come with the title "Buddhist teacher." “Do you want to teach?” This wasn’t an offer but a question about my aspirations. I was at a restaurant with a small group of Buddhists, and if there is such a thing as a spiritual resume, I had, in a meandering way, just given mine: sitting for over twenty years, practicing [...]
