Category: Buddhism

by Mark ShenYun Gilenson July 30, 2018 2
Buddhism Chan Train the Mind

Non-self Esteem

The interesting thing about the attitudes of inferiority and superiority is that they are two sides of the very same coin. We call this coin “lack of self-confidence”. Mentioning anything that has the word ‘self’ in it as a positive can be seen as a big no-no in Buddhist circles, but for the sake of our personal and collective sanity, I think a clarification of this matter would be highly useful.

by Mark ShenYun Gilenson July 21, 2018 4
Buddhism Chan Pure Land

Pure Land Chan

This is a bit of a different one. I would like to share a practice that is very dear to my heart, but which could easily be misinterpreted to be some simplistic and superstitious mambo jumbo. To prevent this, I have written an extensive introduction, and compiled and edited writings from great Chan masters throughout the ages teaching on the practice of Nianfo (Skt. Buddhanusmriti – “Buddha Recitation” or “Buddha Recollection”). Below the introduction are links to both the main Nianfo manual of our school, called Taming the Monkey Mind, and to the booklet I’ve prepared. Look superficially, and you’ll miss the point completely. Look deeply and you’ll see the immense benefit this practice can bring to your life.