Daily Buddhism

Podcast Episode 62: Hatred, Ignorance, and Looking to the Weekend

Brian Schell — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 22:11:48 +0000

Podcast Episode 62: Hatred, Ignorance, and Looking to the Weekend

Welcome back, this is Daily Buddhism audio show number Sixty-Two recorded April 28th, 2013. My name is Brian Schell, and I am the your host for the show. You can find the text as well as all links mentioned in this program and all past episodes on . . . → Read More: Podcast Episode 62: Hatred, Ignorance, and Looking to the Weekend

Depersonalization and Anatman

Brian Schell — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:00:52 +0000

A reader asks:

How does the feelings of depersonalization tie in to the Buddhist philosophy?

DP briefly described is the feeling that the world is unreal and that the self is disconnected from this world which seems foreign. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depersonalization

I’m trying to tie it in to the concept that . . . → Read More: Depersonalization and Anatman

Koan: The Gates of Paradise

Brian Schell — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:00:54 +0000

The Gates of Paradise

Samurai with Sword

A soldier named Nobushige came to Hakuin, and asked: “Is there really a paradise and a hell?”

“Who are you?” inquired Hakuin.

“I am a samurai,” the warrior replied.

“You, a soldier!” exclaimed Hakuin. “What kind of ruler would have you as his guard? Your face looks like that of a beggar.”

Nobushige became . . . → Read More: Koan: The Gates of Paradise

Podcast Episode 61: Playing Catch-Up

Brian Schell — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 19:26:56 +0000

Why yes, this IS the first new podcast in four years! . . . → Read More: Podcast Episode 61: Playing Catch-Up

Appropriation and Commercialization of Buddhism in the West

Brian Schell — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:56:00 +0000

A Reader Writes:

I was wondering what your thoughts are on the increasing ‘appropriation’ of Buddhism in the west.

I’ve been noticing that there are a number of people writing blogs who are accusing people of appropriation if they have, for example, ohm or Buddha tattoos or Buddhist jewelry. As someone who identifies as being Buddhist I am not offended . . . → Read More: Appropriation and Commercialization of Buddhism in the West

Rapidfire Questions Basic Buddhist Questions

Brian Schell — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:54:28 +0000

Here’s an email that I received this morning. I get something similar every few months from someone taking a class somewhere. I’m not quite sure what the point of the assignment is, whether it’s to interview someone or to do actual research (this isn’t it!), but here are my answers.

Please add yours to the comments . . . → Read More: Rapidfire Questions Basic Buddhist Questions

Rioting Buddhists Clash With Muslims

Brian Schell — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:00:43 +0000

A reader asks:

What is the Buddhist perspective on this

10 die as Buddhists, Muslims clash in Myanmar

http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/21/world/asia/myanmar-clashes/index.html

My Response:

The world is a big place, and there are all sorts of situations. Sometimes these situations lead to violence. Nevertheless, you are right, these people aren’t acting in a particularly Buddhist fashion. Buddhists eschew . . . → Read More: Rioting Buddhists Clash With Muslims

Truth in Labeling

Brian Schell — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 13:00:56 +0000

A reader writes:

I am not sure if this is the right place to send a question, but it is the only reference to questions I found on the website.

I am reading about Buddhism because I started to meditate after exercising in the morning and found that it brought the most amazing sense of peace . . . → Read More: Truth in Labeling

Lamas, Geshes and Cults… It’s the NKT!

Brian Schell — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:00:54 +0000

A reader writes:

I have a question: What is going on with the brouhaha over Dorje Shugden and the row between the Dalai Lama and the New Kadampa Tradition? (if this is too detailed a question for your site, that’s totally fine.)

My response:

It’s a big question, one that may be beyond the scope of this site, but here’s the story . . . → Read More: Lamas, Geshes and Cults… It’s the NKT!

Converting to Buddhism

Brian Schell — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:00:19 +0000

A reader writes:

What would it take to convert over to Buddhism?

My Response:

We’ve talked about this a number of times before, but it keeps coming up, so at the very least, that means there a lot of wanna-be new Buddhists out there. That’s a good thing!

Although there are some traditions or denominations of Buddhism that . . . → Read More: Converting to Buddhism

Koan: Accurate Proportion

Brian Schell — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 13:00:49 +0000

Koan: Accurate Proportion

Sen-no Rikyu, a tea-master, wished to hang a flower basket on a column. he asked a carpenter to help him, directing the man to place it a little higher or lower, to the right or left, until he had found exactly the right spot. “That’s the place,” said Sen-no Rikyu at long last.

The carpenter, . . . → Read More: Koan: Accurate Proportion

Ernest Hemingway and Emptiness

Brian Schell — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:00:21 +0000

Ernest Hemmingway and Emptiness (Shunyata)

This one is the second guest posting by Dr. Douglas Gentile, who writes the American Buddhist blog at usbuddhist.blogspot.com. He has been training in multiple Buddhist traditions since about 1989. In his professional life he is an award-winning researcher, author, and university professor. His previous guest post on the DailyBuddhism was “What Does . . . → Read More: Ernest Hemingway and Emptiness

Thich Nhat Hanh: On Birth and Death

Brian Schell — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:00:42 +0000

Yesterday we talked briefly about Bardo, which is a Tibetan concept and involves the afterlife.

I tend to lean more toward the Zen methods, and easily the most famous, most well-respected Zen teacher today is Thich Nhat Hanh. We’ve discussed him here before many times, most notably back when I introduced the Five Precepts. He’s a great . . . → Read More: Thich Nhat Hanh: On Birth and Death

Bardo: Purgatory for Buddhists

Brian Schell — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:00:48 +0000

A Reader writes:

I am 17 years old. I have been alone for the last few months, doing a lot of thinking. I am realizing that I am very different from all of the people around me, and that after I have finished my school I would like to leave western society and practice spirituality. . . . → Read More: Bardo: Purgatory for Buddhists

Koan: Ryonen’s Clear Realization

Brian Schell — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:00:29 +0000

Koan: Ryonen’s Clear Realization

The Buddhist nun known as Ryonen was born in 1797. She was a granddaughter of the famous Japanese warrior Shingen. Her poetic genius and alluring beauty were such that at seventeen she was serving the empress as one of the ladies of the court. Even at such a youthful age fame awaited her.

The . . . → Read More: Koan: Ryonen’s Clear Realization

GLBT People and Buddhism: Compatible?

Brian Schell — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 04:00:17 +0000

A reader writes:

I’m just starting a new interest in Buddhism but I’m gay and I read that the Dali Lama thinks homosexuality is wrong for Buddhists. How should I handle that?

My Response:

I did a post on this back in 2008, and most of it is still true. As far as I know, the Dalai . . . → Read More: GLBT People and Buddhism: Compatible?

Ain’t Nobody Got Time for That!

Brian Schell — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:00:35 +0000

A reader writes:

I’m having trouble finding a time to meditate every day. Meditation has been in my life for a long time, but structured meditation has been a difficult task to adhere to. Although I wish to, and feel the urge to, I am having a hard time sticking to it. Do you have any advice for . . . → Read More: Ain’t Nobody Got Time for That!

Buddhism in Public Schools

Brian Schell — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:00:09 +0000

A reader writes:

I am new to Buddhism, and have recently found your website and podcasts. I am an art teacher in a public school, and am finding it hard not to share this newfound aspect of my life with my students. I know that because it is a public school, I cannot preach or . . . → Read More: Buddhism in Public Schools

Buddha Jewelry (And other Icons)

Brian Schell — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 13:00:54 +0000

A Reader writes:

To anyone who could give me some information,

I have a book in which the protagonist is given a ring with the head of Buddha, made from gold, and which has rubies for eyes. She has a bad time with people wanting the ring, or just wanting to take it from . . . → Read More: Buddha Jewelry (And other Icons)

Saturday Status

Brian Schell — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 13:00:49 +0000

Hello everyone!

Back in the old days, I’d post the weekly podcast on Saturdays, including any announcements or status reports that came up that week. Well, as you know, I’m not currently doing the podcasts anymore (although I’m reconsidering). Still, I’m going to do the occasional Saturday post of announcements or miscellaneous topics. That’s what this is. The . . . → Read More: Saturday Status

Koan: Black-Nosed Buddha

Brian Schell — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 13:00:26 +0000

Koan: Black-Nosed Buddha

A nun who was searching for enlightenment made a statue of Buddha and covered it with gold leaf. Wherever she went she carried this golden Buddha with her.

Years passed and, still carrying her Buddha, the nun came to live in a small temple in a country where there were many Buddhas, each one with . . . → Read More: Koan: Black-Nosed Buddha

Buddhists Aren’t Perfect

Brian Schell — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:00:41 +0000

Here’s a news article I just stumbled upon:

105-year-old Zen Buddhist master is accused of groping female students

You can read the article if you want, but I’ll summarize: This old master, Joshu Sasaki, has been groping and touching his female students for over 50 years, and allegedly used his position to excommunicate or ban anyone who complained . . . → Read More: Buddhists Aren’t Perfect

Interview With the Dalai Lama

Brian Schell — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:00:25 +0000

This isn’t terribly recent, but I only just came across it. It’s from Piers Morgan’s show last April, but it’s still a very “Enlightening” video. It runs around 43 minutes, so set aside a little time to watch it. I don’t always agree with everything I’ve ever heard the Dalai Lama say, but he’s . . . → Read More: Interview With the Dalai Lama

Can Anyone Be a Buddhist?

Brian Schell — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 20:45:44 +0000

A reader writes:

Is it possible for literally anyone to be a Buddhist? Anyone from an Inuit to a Rain Forest Tribesman?

My response:

Absolutely!

There are some belief systems out there, such as Judaism, that have a heavily ethnic membership (Jews as an “ethnicity” as opposed to Jewish belief), so I do understand the question. Although many people stereotypically think . . . → Read More: Can Anyone Be a Buddhist?

Koan: My Heart Burns Like Fire

Brian Schell — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:00:25 +0000

My Heart Burns Like Fire

Soyen Shaku, the first Zen teacher to come to America, said: “My heart burns like fire but my eyes are as cold as dead ashes.” He made the following rules which he practiced every day of his life.

In the morning before dressing, light incense and meditate. Retire at a regular hour. Partake of . . . → Read More: Koan: My Heart Burns Like Fire

Judgmental Family and Hypocrisy

Brian Schell — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:00:26 +0000

A reader writes:

I am from Kentucky and was raised in a very strong Christian home. Within the past couple of years I have rejected Christianity and my parents and family are none too happy to say the least. I am the black sheep. Not only am I gay but an atheist who has been . . . → Read More: Judgmental Family and Hypocrisy

Staying Focused and Working on Mindfulness

Brian Schell — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 13:00:36 +0000

A reader writes:

I am a sort of Buddhist novice, trying to reach mindfulness, and practice mindful action even in ordinary life.

What I don’t know and would like to ask you is – are there any specific techniques / tools to discern the moments of weakness when you are slipping and losing your . . . → Read More: Staying Focused and Working on Mindfulness

Koan: The Stone Mind

Brian Schell — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 13:00:38 +0000

The Stone Mind

Hogen, a Chinese Zen teacher, lived alone in a small temple in the country. One day four traveling monks appeared and asked if they might make a fire in his yard to warm themselves.

While they were building the fire, Hogen heard them arguing about subjectivity and objectivity. He joined them and said: “There is . . . → Read More: Koan: The Stone Mind

Genetic Enhancements, Abortion, and Buddhist Ethics

Brian Schell — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:00:36 +0000

About a year ago, I was asked to do a short email interview concerning the Buddhist viewpoint on genetic manipulation and PGD (Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis). Essentially, this is a process that involves artificially fertilizing a number of human eggs, taking out a few cells and checking them for abnormalities, and then implanting the best ones. This . . . → Read More: Genetic Enhancements, Abortion, and Buddhist Ethics

Frustration, Anger, and Buddha

Brian Schell — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:00:41 +0000

A reader writes:

I have been living in China for three years now. I was raised a Jehovah’s Witness and Non-denominational Religions and do not believe in the whole deity being god thing. Not that I do not believe in the concept of a divine creator but something is out there. So I am in . . . → Read More: Frustration, Anger, and Buddha

Guest Post: What Does Meditation Do?

Brian Schell — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:00:55 +0000

And now we have our first guest post in ages. This one is by Dr. Douglas Gentile, who writes the American Buddhist blog at usbuddhist.blogspot.com. He has been training in multiple Buddhist traditions since about 1989. In his professional life he is an award-winning researcher, author, and university professor.

What Does Meditation Do?

By Douglas Gentile

Western stereotypes about meditation . . . → Read More: Guest Post: What Does Meditation Do?

Schizophrenia and Buddhism

Brian Schell — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:00:44 +0000

A Reader Wrote In:

Hello, I’ve just found your website and podcasts. I’ve wanted to start studying Buddhist philosophy since 2008 when I was volunteering in Nepal, but only now I feel like I have the dedication to really pursue it.

Right now I’m listening to podcast 46, and there was a part that I wanted . . . → Read More: Schizophrenia and Buddhism

Koan: Midnight Excursion

Brian Schell — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 13:00:31 +0000

Koan: Midnight Excursion

Many Zen pupils were studying meditation under the Zen master Sengai. One of them used to arise at night, climb over the temple wall, and go to town on a pleasure jaunt.

Sengai, inspecting the dormitory quarters, found this pupil missing one night and also discovered the high stool he had used to scale the . . . → Read More: Koan: Midnight Excursion

Magic Mushrooms and Psychedelics

Brian Schell — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 13:00:14 +0000

A reader writes:

First of all: thank you for the podcast and website. It has been extremely educational.

I am very new to Buddhism, I don’t really consider myself a Buddhist yet, but I am soaking up all the ideas like a curious child. I came drawn to it through the desire to . . . → Read More: Magic Mushrooms and Psychedelics

Breaking Up Is Hard to Do

Brian Schell — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 13:00:02 +0000

A reder write in and asked:

First of all, I’d like to thank you for the wisdom and honesty you show your listeners with answering all these questions and giving insight into the fundamentals of Buddhism. I am relatively new to Buddhism, mediation (and yoga), so you podcasts and articles are very welcome indeed. With . . . → Read More: Breaking Up Is Hard to Do

Temple Time

Brian Schell — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 13:00:39 +0000

A reader wrote in:

Buddhism has helped me find my path from and out of suffering. Recently I joined a Mayahana temple, I would like to know, can I stop by any temple daytime to meditate in the temple hall, or just bow? What are usually the norms, because I would like to stop by and . . . → Read More: Temple Time

Buddha: Evil Spirit Repository

Brian Schell — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 13:00:50 +0000

A reader wrote:

I’ve been studying Buddhism and meditating. A Christian friend (7th-Day Adventist) told me that quoting Buddha on Facebook is evil because he has a hole in his back that they put evil spirits into. Has anyone else ever heard this ridiculous belief? I just don’t know how to respond to her because . . . → Read More: Buddha: Evil Spirit Repository

Returning

Brian Schell — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 01:02:11 +0000

A reader wrote (Back in 2010):

I listened to all 60 of your podcasts about a year ago and just recently started listening to the ones still available on itunes again. I feel I’ve learned more from your podcasts than any other website or book about buddhism. Is there any chance you would resume the . . . → Read More: Returning

Book: The Five-Minute Buddhist by Brian Schell

Brian Schell — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 14:46:45 +0000

Book:

The Five-Minute Buddhist by Brian Schell

Buy for Kindle from Amazon

Buy Paperback from Amazon

A jargon-free, plain language introduction to the foundational ideas of Buddhism and real-world tips for practicing Buddhism while balancing life in the real, modern world. This book goes easy on the mystical mumbo-jumbo and simply introduces the ideas that will help you live in . . . → Read More: Book: The Five-Minute Buddhist by Brian Schell

Podcast Episode 60: Buddhism Once Again

Brian Schell — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:21:28 +0000

Podcast Episode 60: Buddhism Once Again

Welcome back, this is Daily Buddhism audio show number Sixty. My name is Brian Schell, and I am the your host for the show. You can find the text as well as all links mentioned in this program and all past episodes on the website at www.dailybuddhism.com.

Announcements:

Do we have anything to . . . → Read More: Podcast Episode 60: Buddhism Once Again