Category: Buddhism

What are the Four Types of Lotus in Buddhism

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white lotus flower in bloom during daytime

For centuries, the lotus flower has been revered in both Hinduism and Buddhism as a sacred promise from birth in mud to growth through time – indeed the entire lotus plant is considered holy by Buddhists. Flowers have long been used as symbols of purity and spiritual perfection. The lotus flower has long been used as inspiration in paintings and sculptures as well as being featured as a design motif in furniture and decor items. The lotus represents renewal and rebirth as it rises from its murky roots, rises above water’s surface and blooms with bright, clear light. This represents how human souls emerge from materialism and ignorance into enlightenment and higher consciousness.

Buddhism recognizes four types of lotuses:

  • white
  • pink
  • red 
  • blue

Each color symbolizes an aspect of Buddha’s teachings:

  • white for mental purity and spiritual perfection;
  • red for love and compassion;
  • blue for wisdom and intelligence;
  • gold enlightenment itself – along with partial opening or closing of petals to symbolize various stages on the path toward it.

One important symbolism of the lotus is its seed pod, often depicted as an empty receptacle similar to a watering can. This symbolizes Buddha’s teachings on attaining Nirvana through practice of the Noble Eightfold Path and can even contain a jewel symbolizing skillful means to achieve enlightenment.

A Symbol of Rebirth

photo of about to bloom lotus flower

Lotus seeds have long been regarded as a symbol of rebirth. Each year, lotuses produce hundreds or even thousands of seeds which either float to the surface and are eaten by wildlife or sink to the muddy bottom and remain dormant until conditions allow growth. Above-water lotus are symbolic of intelligence and creativity and will eventually come into bloom; while underwater lotus require time to understand things before emerging as fully fledged blooming buds – eventually though.

Nelumbo nucifera is native to Asia

Nelumbo nucifera, native to Asia and parts of Australia, is by far the most beloved lotus species; however, two other living lotus species – Nelumbo lutea and Nelumbo niviformis – also hold religious significance; Nelumbo niviformis, found natively throughout North and Central America and not as large than its Asian counterpart can reach heights over 10 feet! Used extensively as inspiration in Buddhist art and sculpture for centuries now; making these flowers perfect choices to decorate any home!

Are All Buddhist Really Vegetarians?

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sliced vegetables and fruits on black ceramic plate
  • Many Buddhists choose a vegetarian diet in accordance with their principle of Ahimsa, or nonviolence, which prohibits harming animals through consumption of meat products.
  • Buddhists also usually refrain from drinking alcohol or drugs that could hinder their spiritual goals by disrupting mental clarity.

The Buddha Wasn’t Vegetarian

The Buddha himself wasn’t vegetarian, though he did experiment with various diets before abandoning them once he realized their effects on his path to enlightenment were too distracting. He did recommend meat broth as a cure for certain ailments though! His teaching was that to achieve enlightenment one should follow an approach called the middle way that promotes balance over rigid rules that overlook life’s complexities and interdependence of all living beings.

In his lifetime, the Buddha often received food through alms rounds or food offered from wealthy individuals to feed his family. While not prohibiting meat consumption himself, he advised monks and nuns only consuming animal products produced through humane slaughter methods; additionally he warned against eating spoiled or poisonous food products.

Each Person Should Decide For Themselves

Some Buddhists believe that, since Buddha did not impose vegetarianism as a requirement for his disciples, each individual should decide their diet independently. Others contend that Buddha taught that eating meat does not bring bad karma so long as no direct actions contributed to its death; these people also point out that killing animals for food is never pleasant act and vegetarians simply avoid this unpleasantness for no better reason than non-vegetarians.

person slicing a meat

Arguments against meat consumption by Buddhist disciples is inaccurate because they assume he would not have had compassion and kindness towards all living things, which he is well known to possess. Buddha often told stories of how his heart broke open when watching farmers plowing fields and spray crops with insecticide to kill insects that lived underground.

Buddhists typically view vegetarianism as unnecessary for various reasons, including its difficulty to follow a strict vegan or vegetarian diet in social environments where everyone else eats meat and its potential impact on malnutrition. Some Buddhists also point out that Buddha did not advocate a strict vegetarian diet and that strict vegetarianism is only recently being practiced – some even argue he would have instructed his followers accordingly if this were what he desired – there’s even some evidence Devadatta had attempted to implement upon Buddhist monks but was eventually ousted as successor due to this practice imposed upon Buddhist monks he tried imposing vegetarianism upon Buddhist monks which lead to his ousting as successor.

Is Buddha Fat? Is That an Accurate Representation

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buddha

Non-Buddhists tend to envision Buddha as an obese figure with a big belly and smiling face, as this statue is widely recognized in many countries and serves as a symbolic representation of happiness, wealth and good luck. If you rub its belly it’s said that doing so will bring good health and wellbeing for both parties involved.

Chan Butai from China

This is an unfortunate misunderstanding; in reality, the Buddha who is often depicted as fat is actually not Siddhartha Gautama but Chan Butai from China from the 10th century. Chan Butai was an eccentric fat Buddhist monk known for his cheerful spirit, big smile, and generosity when traveling around villages to distribute rice that he carried for children and poor people in need. People enjoyed laughing along with him as his laughter brought them joy – hence earning the nickname a laughing Buddha.

Either a Buddha or Bodhisattva

According to Buddhism, every individual possesses Buddha-nature; once they achieve enlightenment they may transform into either a Buddha or Bodhisattva. If someone becomes either, however, they must live an ethical lifestyle, making an elegant figure more suitable. A slim Buddha may therefore make the best candidate.

Siddhartha Gautamais the Skinny Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama, commonly portrayed as the skinny Buddha, lived during the sixth century BCE in Lumbini, Nepal. After finding a path to overcome life’s hardships such as pain, sorrow, suffering, loss, sickness, death and impermanence; Siddhartha Gautama became known as Buddha or “Enlightened One”. Siddhartha Gautama left home initially seeking spiritual truth but eventually abandoned asceticism to embrace hedonism as part of an approach toward attaining enlightenment; hence his slim figure.

Buddha statue

No matter which of these is true, any happy Buddha brings joy and good luck into every life he touches – which explains why they remain such popular statues within Feng Shui.

A Laughing Buddha statue is a stunning piece of artwork that can help bring good luck and positivity into any home or office, so when you come across one, remember to greet it with a warm smile and rub his belly for good luck! Soon enough you may even notice how your life has improved; who knows maybe Happy Buddha can even take away some of your stress! Happy Buddha is here for good so share his story with all your friends and family or get him tattooed to show your devotion and affection!

How to Become a Buddhist Monk in the USA

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Buddhist monk

Becoming a Buddhist monk or nun is a life-long commitment that should not be taken lightly, yet can be enormously fulfilling and transformative if this is what you seek. Benefits may include peace of mind, increased understanding of Dharma principles and greater empathy towards others. There are various pathways available to those looking to join monastic ranks.

As your first step toward monastic hood, will be becoming acquainted with Buddhism and its teachings.

  • Read as much as you can and find a teacher with whom to discuss your questions. Once familiar, begin researching monastic communities that resonate with your philosophy;
  • schedule an appointment with their abbot or leader to discuss becoming monk; this gives them an opportunity to see if you would fit well as an incumbent while learning more about them, their philosophies, and daily activities.

Once you feel connected with a community, the abbot may invite you to observe his monastery for several weeks or months as an assessment to see if you could live within its rules and follow them – similar to shadowing a school to see if you would enjoy being there.

The period of observation

During your period of observation, you will receive an aspirant’s robe and share a room with other aspirants. Furthermore, personal belongings should be surrendered along with any financial ties (some monasteries freeze bank accounts of their members). Training in mindfulness, concentration and insight will occur here while you also learn about Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path and Lamrim which represent stages along the path toward enlightenment.

monastery

If monastic life is your vocation, the abbot will grant you novice vows and invite you into the sangha. Once there, you can practice meditation and chant with others while deepening your understanding of Dharma through interactions with members of your sangha and others outside. Even as a novice you can already start building community through helping bring happiness and peace.

Shaving your hair and taking off jewelry are necessary parts of the ceremony as they symbolize giving up one’s sense of identity and personal possessions. Steps can be difficult when it comes to letting go of attachment and the ego; but without these skills you won’t find happiness as a Buddhist monk.

Therefore it is imperative that you understand this and conduct research before making such a substantial commitment. Before taking lifelong vows, it’s wiser to join a monastery which allows for shorter terms of ordination to test out if monasticism is really for you. Many Asian monasteries offer part-time ordination programs so men can experience monastic life for days, weeks or even years at a time before making their decision final.

The Biggest Buddha Statues in the World – Leshan Giant Buddha

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a large buddha statue

Gal Gal Viharaya’s Sitting Buddha stands out as an exquisite statue, featuring both its immense size and serene demeanor, as one of the world’s most striking statues. Carved into a granite boulder in 1252, it remains standing today Polonnaruwa in Northern Central Sri Lanka is where this timeless sculpture can be found.

Leshan Giant Buddha

Leshan Giant Buddha is an incredible sight. At 233 feet tall and constructed out of sandstone during the Tang Dynasty in 800 AD, its impressive height makes an impressionful statement about this iteration of Maitreya who predated this Buddha incarnation. With ears measuring 7 meters in length and its head measuring an astounding 14.7 meters across, its gaze fills up entire rooms while its fingers stretch enough for 100 people to fit underneath its fingers!

The Buddha took 10 years and 700 tons to construct, with its arms in Abhaya Mudra pose, symbolizing fearlessness. You can reach this big Buddha via 216-step staircase starting from the foot of the mountain; evening is its most spectacular hour when its gold leaf illuminates.

Fo Guang Shan Temple

a golden buddha statue

Fo Guang Shan Temple boasts another massive Buddha that stands nearly 230 feet high, constructed by monk Hai Tong to help calm turbulent waters of Min, Qingyi and Dadu rivers that were frequently affected by shipping accidents. Hai Tong went as far as gouging out his own eyes to demonstrate his devotion and commitment to this project that took 90 years from start to completion in 803.

The Great Buddha of Higashi Honganji Temple

Ushiku Daibutsu, also known as the Great Buddha of Higashi Honganji Temple, stands 85 meters tall and is made of bronze. Adorned with intricate details and boasting a peaceful garden at its base, this magnificent statue creates an ambience of serenity.

If you are Buddhist and would like to visit any of these gigantic Buddha statues in the world, let us know in the comment section below and we would be more than happy to assist with planning your visit to these incredible sites. We promise not to disappoint!

Biggest Buddha statues around the world serve both spiritually and as tourist attractions. A must-see on every travel itinerary, these iconic landmarks can be found throughout the globe with each having its own distinct character that symbolizes compassion, peace and love in accordance with Buddhist teachings.

Buddha statues have long been seen as symbols of faith, peace and love across humanity – living embodiments of Dharma itself.

What Are Some of the Buddha Important Places

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monastery

The pilgrimage sites associated with Buddhism commemorate key moments in Buddha’s life:

  • Lumbini is where he was born; Bodh Gaya, where he attained enlightenment;
  • Sarnath where he first preached Dharma (Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path);
  • Varanasi where he turned Unsurpassed Wheel of Law
  • Kushinagar where he died before entering parinirvana – each location considered holy sites within Buddhism by followers worldwide.
  • Bodh Gaya where he attained enlightenment;

As Buddhism spread throughout India and beyond, monasteries were founded at sites associated with Buddha and his teachings, serving as centers of learning as well as places for monks to reside and train. Over time these monasteries became the cornerstones of one of the most influential religions today – Buddhism.

Alongside their religious significance, these places also contain important archaeological and cultural heritage sites – some even World Heritage Sites! Early Buddhist temples consisted of simple structures built of brick and wood with a stupa at their center; over time these evolved into complex buildings featuring images, reliefs and paintings depicting Buddha and other deities.

Early Buddhist monasteries were constructed during the 1st century BCE and are considered examples of early Buddhist architecture. Over time, however, monasteries adorned with elaborate decorations like golden statues were added over time, often being situated near rivers or lakes which were thought to provide spiritual energy sources.

Best-known monastery is Mahabodhi Temple

an aerial view of a temple

One of the world’s best-known monasteries is Mahabodhi Temple, believed to be home to what may be the actual bodhi tree where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became Buddha. This symbol of Buddhism is revered worldwide.

Sanchi Stupa by Emperor Ashoka during the 3rd century BCE

Sanchi Stupa was constructed by Emperor Ashoka during the 3rd century BCE and remains one of the oldest and best preserved Buddhist stupas in India today. At nearly 66 feet high and protected by four guardian lions, its central shrine features a large Buddha image while flanked by two pillars bearing inscriptions, it stands as a remarkable testament to Buddhist religion and practice.

Other key buddhism locations include Rajgir, where Buddha subdued Nalagiri the angry elephant through kindness. Rajgir is home to one of three World Heritage Sites for Buddhism: Nalanda Mahavihara where most streams of thought originated; additional spots include Shanti Stupa with four beautiful Buddha statues; Gridhakuta Hill where the Lotus Sutra and Prajnaparamita were delivered; Jivakameavan Gardens are also nearby.

How is Zen Buddhism Different From Traditional Buddhism?

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person doing meditation pose
  • Zen is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism that originated during China’s Tang dynasty as the Chan or Buddha-mind school and later broadened into sub-schools and branches.
  • Zen can be identified by its emphasis on simplicity, zazen meditation and nonduality – while Theravada emphasizes detachment from worldly affairs.

Differences in philosophy may also play a part in how Zen and Theravada practitioners approach the dharma, such as whether Buddhists engage more closely with their emotions or detach more from them compared with each other when practicing their respective schools’ respective branches dharma practices dharmas.

The act of samadhi

woman sitting

Zen practitioners utilize not only koan methods but also “just sitting”, an act of samadhi that emphasizes wisdom and compassion simultaneously in all circumstances of daily life, transcending either-or, dualistic viewpoints.

Zen was first mentioned in 672 CE at a Shaolin temple in China and is commonly associated with Bodhidharma from South India’s Pallava Dynasty as its founder. Bodhidharma taught an unconventional transmission that did not rely on words alone for spiritual enlightenment; its heart lies within meditation as its practice transcends self-binding. Zen emphasizes freedom from attachment and desire through this practice as its teachings emphasize positionless awareness as opposed to attachment or control over oneself.

An emphasis on disciplined living

In order to attain peace, Zen requires learning how to let go. Although Zen may seem harsh at first, with its emphasis on disciplined living and being able to endure pain, its paradoxical teachings also allow for some degree of spontaneity that results in freedom and peace.

Some Zen traditions incorporate formal rituals of Dharma transmission through esoteric initiations; other schools do not. Both approaches stem from Mahayana teachings that believe Buddha exists within all humans.

The basis for Zen

monk sitting near ocean

Mahayana Buddhism, which serves as a basis for Zen, emphasizes an absolute truth that goes beyond Theravada Buddhist’s relative truths. Mahayana teachings refer to an “emptiness” or suchness of all things that is neither rising nor ceasing; these concepts serve as the cornerstone for Zen meditation practice.

Butsudans, or altars, are at the heart of Zen monasteries, temples and homes alike. Offerings are made to statues of Buddha and Bodhisattvas as well as deceased family members and ancestors. Buddhists also recite major Mahayana sutras such as Heart Sutra and chapter 25 of Lotus Sutra (known also as Avalokitesvara Sutra), as well as texts such as Dharanis or Recitation of sacred Mantras or poems like Song of Precious Mirror Samadhi; usually these texts are accompanied by formal ceremonies in which teachers give Dharma talks.

Can Buddhist Monks Marry?

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gold wedding bands

Popular belief holds that most Buddhist monks and nuns are celibate. While this may be true for most monastic traditions, there are exceptions such as when Japanese Emperor Admatsu abolished celibacy in 19th Century – since then Japanese monastics are more likely to marry than Korean counterparts; some Western schools even permit monastics to marry if desired.

However, can Buddhist monks marry? The answer to this question can vary widely and depends on a number of factors such as monastery disciplinary rules and lineage regulations as well as whether a monk has been ordained. Monks who are ordained must abide by certain stringent regulations which prohibit touching women and engaging in lewd speech, known as heavy rules; these restrictions aim to keep monks from falling into sexually corrupt behavior that leads to sinfulness; any violation could lead to disrobement by monastery authorities.

Did not advocate a life of celibacy

There have been reported instances of married monks and pregnant nuns in both China and Thailand in the past. Perhaps most infamously was Sudinna, a monk who committed adultery and fathered an offspring before eventually being decapitated for his crimes. Yet it should be remembered that Buddha himself did not advocate a life of celibacy for his followers – rather, he stressed living a balanced lifestyle with right livelihood practices as priorities.

monk sitting near ocean

Reasons that monks do not engage in sexual behavior today may include their belief that sexual encounters will impede their spiritual growth and lead to attachment or desire that could interfere with attaining enlightenment. Furthermore, some monks hold that their parents would be happier without marriage and children in the family unit.

Men who want to show their devotion and affection for their parents often enter monasteries as an act of filial piety, which can bring great benefits for the family unit. Others become monks to honor deceased loved ones with hopes that doing so will free them of any karmic debts that they have accrued during life.

Not Commonplace Though

Although these examples of married monks and pregnant nuns may not be commonplace, they serve to illustrate some of the challenges encountered by spiritual seekers living in modern society. Many find it challenging to renounce sex and other worldly desires for spiritual practice alone. Therefore, prospective monastics should carefully consider their intentions before committing themselves to ordaining.

Buddha Vs Budai What is the Real Difference

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fat buddha

The key differences between the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) and Budai (the Laughing Buddha) are:

  1. Historical origins:
  • The Buddha was the historical founder of Buddhism, who lived around 600 BC in India.
  • Budai was a Chinese Zen monk who lived around the 10th century AD, over 1,600 years after the Buddha. He is a legendary, folkloric figure, not the historical Buddha.
  1. Physical appearance:
  • The Buddha is typically depicted as a slim, ascetic figure in meditation.
  • Budai is portrayed as a fat, jolly, laughing monk with a large belly and sack.
  1. Significance:
  • The Buddha is the enlightened spiritual teacher whose teachings form the foundation of Buddhism.
  • Budai is a symbol of happiness, contentment, and prosperity in Chinese folklore, not the historical Buddha.

In summary, the Buddha was the founder of Buddhism, while Budai is a separate, later Chinese folkloric figure often mistaken for the Buddha due to the shared title. The Buddha is depicted as a slim, meditative figure, while Budai is portrayed as a fat, laughing monk.

References:
https://www.worldtravelconnector.com/skinny-buddha-vs-fat-buddha-laughing/
https://nembutsu.cc/2021/08/12/one-of-these-buddhas-is-not-like-the-other/

Laughing Buddhas are beloved symbols in Buddhist culture, often being seen as symbols of contentment, happiness and abundance. Indeed, one popular misconception suggests that rubbing the fat & happy Buddha’s belly brings wealth & prosperity – yet this figure should not be mistaken for its founder; in actuality he’s actually one of several Bodhisattvas known as Budai or Angida who were instrumental in founding Buddhism!

The Buddha is widely recognized as an individual who attained Nirvana, as well as teaching others how to achieve it themselves. His laughter remains a poignant reminder that we should cherish what we have and share it with those around us; therefore he has become such an iconic symbol of joy, contentment, and good luck.

Buddha statue

Budai or Angida

Budai or Angida is a specific bodhisattva who appears in Chinese folklore and Buddhist traditions. Known as the God of Contentment due to his ever-smiling face, often depicted with a big belly and cloth bag symbolizing wealth and abundance; popular in Zen Buddhism; also very well-recognized among Japanese culture as one of their Seven Lucky Gods (Hotei).

Understanding who founded Buddhism can be confusing. One such buddha was Siddhartha Gautama, a monk who lived in India during about 5th century BCE and is often depicted as having chubby cheeks and smiling widely. But it is essential that all understand that Siddhartha Gautama, not Buddha Amida or Budai was responsible.

Chose to lead a life ascetic

While most commonly associated with his chubby smiling visage, Siddhartha Gautama was actually born into a wealthy family but chose instead to lead a life ascetic in search of spiritual enlightenment. While having the power of entering Nirvana at any moment in his lifetime, he chose instead to remain here on earth for some time so he could share his wisdom with those around him.

While not the historical Buddha Siddhartha Gautama, this popular deity from Chinese and other Asian cultures like Shinto reveres them nonetheless. He serves as a powerful bodhisattva. Budai represents Maitreya, who will appear as a future Buddha when sentient beings have lost sight of moral values and need re-educating in pure Dharma. His arrival will bring peace, prosperity and ultimate enlightenment for humanity as a whole. He can be found throughout homes and businesses worldwide, often providing happiness and contentment. This article was written by Denise Leidy, Curator of Asian Art at Yale University’s Art Gallery and former curator at Metropolitan Museum of Art for over 22 years, publishing numerous books along the way as a practicing Buddhist who appreciates its beauty and grace.

Buddhism and the 12 Steps Recovery Program

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12 steps recovery

Some 12-step recovery programs in Alcoholics Anonymous share similarities with the spiritual practices associated with Buddhism, leading to several books which bridge both concepts.

Examples include

Buddhists believe that life can often be filled with suffering; meditation, spiritual and physical labor and good behavior are ways to relieve that suffering and reach Nirvana enlightenment or Nirvana. Their teachings come from Siddhartha Gautama the Buddha himself who attained Nirvana over two millennia ago in India.

The middle path

middle path

The Buddha sought a middle path between dogmatism and skepticism, encouraging personal experience while taking an open-minded approach to all forms of knowledge. Within ethics he advocated a threefold understanding of action – mental, verbal, and bodily. Additionally in metaphysics he challenged soul-based identities by emphasizing how everything arises or depends upon others.

He emphasizes the significance of morality and cultivating loving-kindness (metta) as foundational Buddhist principles. For instance, feeding hungry individuals is more meritorious than building temples; and taking refuge in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha as well as abiding by the Five Precepts is even more advantageous.

One aspect of Buddha’s philosophy was teaching his followers about their karma–the sum total of their positive and negative actions–can have lasting repercussions, even here in this lifetime. Furthermore, he believed humans were born into an environment with multiple species and living things, each offering different chances for spiritual bliss; each individual must decide upon an approach best suited to them according to what we know and feel is right.

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