We transmigrate through 3000 realms in every single thought moment of life. Hell, is one of Ten major ”worlds” of experience, while it too is divided by the same ten worlds, yielding 100 potential states of mind each with ten factors, and three existences to influence and experience in the mind states that direct our actions.

The core teachings of Nagarjuna are reiterated in the teachings of the story of Amida and the Noble Eightfold Path leading to awakening as a way to incorporate the understanding of ”Emptiness” of human attachment.

In my analogy of the dust storm or sandstorm, the particles of dust or sand represent the clinging identifications we accumulate with our Samsaric minds. The Second Silent Meditation of Gongyo is an intimate awareness and appreciation of this process.

Buddhism is about the fundamental reality of all phenomena. From this is derived equanimity and codependent arising. This leads to equal responsibility of and for all beings. The Bodhisattva Way is one of co-existence, inclusive and shared karma. Only Compassion does this.

What about them beads!? Where to get and what they signify.

Read the verse section from your translations of the Lotus Sutra ”Duration of the life of the Tathagata” chapter. Hear this as a conversation with your own Buddha mind.

The practice of Gongyo is not to practice what you know, but, rather, the recitations and daimoku, and meditations of Gongyo are to Attain, that which you do not know. Enlightenment.

The meat of the ”Lifespan of the Tathagata” chapter prior to the ‘skilled physician‘ story is Shakyamuni speaking to learned Bodhisattvas of the true nature of Buddha. Timeless. Always extant. Most profoundly only to be experienced in this Samsaric Condition of Mind.

The teaching of Perfection of Wisdom characterizes the attainment of Buddhahood by Samsaric Bodhisattvas as they then are considered great beings. This is the mental paradigm shift that is the Buddha way.

The meaning and practice of Gongyo recitation is integral to our practice of awakening and understanding of this life experience and Buddha mind while in Samsara.