By Foundation for Shingon Buddhism
高野山真言宗
This week’s topic is, Buddha Nature, in sanskrit: tathāgatagarbha (如来藏). All sentient beings are considered to be in possession of the Buddha Nature, the potential to attain enlightenment. In this episode we discuss a bit about how to understand this...
In this week’s Podcast we look at Buddhism as practiced traditionally in Asia, as compared to forms popular in Western nations. In our ongoing advocacy for traditional Buddhist practices, we make the case for maintaining the entirety of the Buddhist...
In this episode we discuss “esoteric” Buddhism. There are many misconceptions regarding Shingon as a school of Buddhism, most often discussed in terms of “secrecy”. Often understood to be a completely secret school of practice, or generally withheld from public...
Is there a role for faith in Buddhism, and if so what is that role? How is faith developed? How did Faith, become the “f” word of Western Buddhism? In this episode we discuss the importance of faith, how it...
In episode 18 we discuss Buddhist retreats. Often presented as vacations, or spa-like experiences, the traditional Buddhist retreat or temple experience is generally geared at creating a highly structures environment that is at once transformative, as well as educational. Sometimes compared...
Episode 17 of True Words, a Shingon Buddhist podcast focusses on compassion, bodhicitta. In this episode we cover, (1) Compassion, (2) both within Buddhism generally, (3) why this concept is important, actually a key component, and (4) specifically its place within Shingon practice.
This week I respond to a suggested topic from a listener: What is dharma, especially the buddha drama, vs ones own dharma, and how do we know if we are fulfilling our dharma. Dharma is a term from Buddhism and Hinduism,...
This week, in episode 15, we explore finding a teacher. Do you need a teacher? Do you want a teacher? What qualities to look for in a teacher. How should you approach the student/teacher relationship? Episode 15, released June...
This week we discuss what elements should be part of a well rounded holistic practice. Especially important for those who may not have a teacher or formal group near them; what elements should you look for to add to your...
Episode 13 of True Words Podcast, The Good, Bad, and Ugly of practice… In this episode we explore some of the pitfalls, errors, high points, bright spots, and cautions observed in Buddhist practice….when there isn’t a large established Buddhist community we...
People often ask what a mantra is, how mantra’s are used, and whether they can be understood, or whether there is value only in repetitive recitation, or specifically in the vibrational quality of sound. Episode 12 of our Podcast begins...
True Words Podcast Episode 11. This week we explore some of the traditions connected with Buddhism across cultures, how those traditions have changed over time and nations, and consider future evolutions especially i western nations. A reminder, the Podcast is now...
This week we take a different approach to our discussion of Buddhism, and address some current issues dominating the news and science: climate change. What perspective does Buddhism bring to the climate change debate? How can small actions be instrumental...
In this episode we discuss the role of ritual practices in Buddhism. This aspect is often deemphasized in Buddhist practice by new practitioners. We discuss some reasons why it should be an important part of ones development as a Buddhist.
This week we talk about some common questions of what a person has to “do” or “believe”, in order to be Buddhist. Hope you enjoy the conversation, and if you have other questions, please leave them in the comments!
This week we discuss the “why” of Buddhism: why people practice, what motivates them to practice, and what Buddhism traditionally teaches is the motivation for practice. Buddhism also provides instruction regarding why the suggested motivation is one that helps support,...
This week we discuss obstacles on the spiritual path, highlighting the epic journey’s of great Buddhist masters of antiquity: Xuanzang, and Kukai. Highlighting these two master’s dedication to bring the Buddhist teachings to China and Japan will hopefully give us...
We continue our discussion of various Buddhist practices, including a brief overview of the 10 Precepts and the Kechien Kanjo ritual offered on Mt. Koya. The Kechien Kanjo is the ritual for forming a connection with the Buddha. Historical records...
Continuing with the theme of Buddhist practices, this episode discusses practices specific to Shingon, specifically the lay Buddhist service.
This episode continues on Episode 2 to discuss more variations of Buddhist practice, including sutra calligraphy, which allows practitioners to develop a deeper connection to the teachings, requiring utmost focus and concentration. We discuss the merits of these practices and...
While Buddhist practice in the west is often thought of as silent meditation, there are many other practices available in the tradition. From repentance to chanting and prostrations, these practices engage our body, speech, and mind to provide a transformative...
In the pilot episode of the podcast, we discuss the Four Noble Truths and its role in forming the basis of Buddhist practice.
We’ve launched a weekly podcast! True Words podcast offers ongoing conversation about various topics regarding Buddhism, Shingon, and practice from the perspective of traditional Buddhist practice. Voices of traditional perspectives and practice methods often aren’t heard. Traditional Buddhist lineages have existed...
