Dharma Gems
What does “Buddha” mean?
The word Buddha is a Sanskrit word which means "The Awakened One," one who is awakened to Reality, who understands the true nature of the mind, the world, and all sentient beings. He is complete in wisdom, virtue, compassion and Samadhi. According to the Mahayana tradition, there are many buddhas in the past, and there will be many more in the future. The Buddha that we currently refer to is the historical Buddha of our times, Sakyamuni (or Gautama) Buddha.
The Buddha lived approximately 3000 years ago (some say 2500). He was an Indian prince named Siddhartha, who gave up his throne in order to search for the Truth, to find a way to bring relief to the sufferings of humanity, i.e., birth, aging, illness, and death. After many years of diligent practice, he reached Supreme Enlightenment while meditating under a bodhi tree. He then exclaimed, “Wonder of wonders! All sentient beings are inherently complete and perfect! But they do not realize it because of their delusions and cravings.”
There upon He was known as the Buddha and embarked on an endless, compassionate journey to teach living beings how to see Reality, how to gain true wisdom, how to free themselves, and how to achieve true peace and joy. His teaching is known as the Dharma. The Buddha taught for 49 years until he entered nirvana at the age of 80.
All the buddhas attained ultimate enlightenment while practicing the Way in the human world. Buddhists believe that everyone can become a Buddha. Being a Buddha means being awakened, free from delusions and sufferings, and perfect in wisdom and compassion. Each one of us is capable of achieving ultimate enlightenment by following the Buddha’s teaching and example.
What is Zen?
Chan is a Chinese word. In Japan, it is called Zen. It means the heart of the Buddha.
The origin of Zen began three thousand years ago, when an assembly gathered to hear the Buddha's Dharma talk. However, on that day, instead of speaking, the Buddha simply held up a flower and gazed at the assembly. Only one disciple, Mahakasyapa, understood the meaning and broke into a smile. The Buddha demonstrated one of the most fundamental teachings of Chan—the realization of our own Awareness. Thereupon the Buddha said, “I have the supreme teaching, inexpressible by words and speech, the true Eye of the Dharma, the profound Mind of Nirvana, the Reality transcending all forms; which I now pass on to Mahakasyapa.” Thus was the first transmission of the “mind-seal”, and Mahakasyapa became known as the first Patriarch of Chan. Since then, the teaching of Chan continued from generation to generation, from India to the Far East, showing us the Way to our awakened mind.
In the general impressions of the West, Chan is mysterious, philosophically profound, and riddlingly mind-twisting. Yet an awakened mind is Zen, an ordinary mind is the Way, nothing special or mysterious. When we are present at every moment and not trapped by our own misconceptions and prejudices, when we see things as they really are, that is Zen. As stated in the verses hung outside the Chan Hall at Chung Tai Chan Monastery, “Chan is ordinary; drinking tea or eating a cake manifests the primal way. Teaching should fit student’s disposition; giving words or applying a staff can both be a profound lesson.”
Four Great Bodhisattvas
Bodhisattva is a Sanskrit word. It is made up of bodhi, which means enlightenment, to awaken, and sattva, which means sentient beings, beings with consciousness. A bodhisattva is someone who resolves to become completely enlightened, and who also resolves to enlighten countless other beings. There are four well-known bodhisattvas in Buddhism, symbolizing the four qualities essential to Buddhist practice. They are Guan Yin Bodhisattva (Avalokitesvara) for compassion, Manjusri Bodhisattva for wisdom, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva for great vows, and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva for great conduct. When we vow to free everyone from pain and suffering, extend our compassion toward every sentient being, diligently work towards bringing peace and joy to all, and ultimately, with prajna wisdom, let go of all attachments and expectations to our deeds, we bring true peace to this world. This is the ultimate path to Buddhahood.
Manjusri Bodhisattva
The Bodhisattva of Great Wisdom is often depicted with a sword in his hand and riding on the back of a lion, symbolizing the ability to sever all attachments and delusions with great wisdom, and roars with courage when speaking the Dharma. He already attained Buddhahood many eons ago, and was the teacher of the past seven buddhas. He has been enlightening countless beings. Sakyamuni Buddha praised Manjusri Bodhisattva and described him as the parent of all beings on the bodhi path, and is the embodiment of wisdom.
Transcendental “prajna” wisdom is different from worldly knowledge and wisdom. It can free us from the pain of life and death. When we learn from this bodhisattva’s prajna and perform all good without attachment to the outcome, understand that all is empty, we are on our way to realizing nirvana. It is said in the Diamond Sutra, “When one cultivates all good without the notions of a self, a person, a sentient being, or a lifespan, one attains unsurpassed complete enlightenment.”Samantabhadra Bodhisattva
The Bodhisattva of Great Conduct is often shown riding a six-tusked elephant, the symbol of firm resolution and strength. The six tusks stand for the six paramitas, the practice that can bring one to the shore of liberation: charity, moral conduct, tolerance, diligence, meditation and wisdom. This bodhisattva represents the steadfast implementation of the Buddha’s teaching in everyday living. When we follow the example of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, we will make steady progress towards the wondrous realm of enlightenment.
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
The Bodhisattva of Great Compassion, also known as Guan Yin or Guan Shi Yin in Chinese, is the most beloved bodhisattva in Asia. The name Avalokitesvara means “perceiver of cries of the world” and “unhindered perceiver of the truth.” Thus this bodhisattva is able to come to the aid of all beings by hearing their cries for help. Because of his great power and compassion, he can appear in different forms to help all those in need. Representing the greatest compassion and mercy, this bodhisattva is often portrayed as a female image in China.
In Buddhism, “great is the kindness that is unconditioned; great is the compassion when all is one.” Compassion is the foundation of the bodhisattva path. Our mind can be purified of the poison of anger. If we care for all sentient beings as if they were our families, we can become Guan Yin in an instant.
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
Ksitigarbha means Earth Treasury King. The Bodhisattva of Great Vow aspires to deliver sentient beings wandering astray in the six paths of mundane existence. He is known for his vow not to achieve Buddhahood until all hells are emptied. In the Sutra of the Great Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, the Buddha said that in the distant past eons, Ksitigarbha was a Brahman maiden whose mother suffered in the hell realm because she was slanderous towards the Triple Gems. The maiden prayed fervently and made offerings of everything she had to the Buddha of her time, and dedicated all the merits to her mother. Her mother was ultimately delivered from hell but countless others remained in the torturous realm. This so moved the maiden that she vowed to do her very best to relieve beings of their sufferings for all her future lives.
This bodhisattva usually appears as a monk who carries a staff to force open the gates of hell and a wish-fulfilling jewel to light up the darkness. We should also make great vows, and allow these vows to guide practitioners actions. Only when we are committed to our goals can we possibly succeed. Maudgalyayana haddevoted himself to the inconspicuous observance of the precepts.
Ten Great Disciples of Buddha
The Ten Great Disciples of Buddha are the ten eminent disciples among Buddha’s ordained disciples. They had all attained Arhatship. Each sage has his outstanding achievements and bearings; they exemplify the Sangha (a community of monks and nuns) and are role models to our cultivation. They are: 1) Mahakashyapa, 2) Ananda, 3) Shariputra, 4) Subhuti, 5) Purna, 6) Mahamaudgalyayana, 7) Katyayana, 8) Aniruddha, 9) Upali and 10) Rahula.
1) Mahakashyapa
Content with few desires and practiced severe asceticism, Mahakashyapa was known as the foremost ascetic among the disciples. At the assembly on the Vulture Peak, Buddha transmitted the teachings to him. It was the commencement of the transmission of the mind-seal in the Chan School. He held the chief seat among the monks and was the first patriarch of Chan School in India.
After Buddha entered into Nirvana, he assembled 500 arhats to Vulture Peak at Rahagraha, and presided over the First Buddhist Council to compile Buddha’s teachings. He contributed greatly to the propagation of Buddhism. Today, three thousand years later, we have the chance to read the sutras (scriptures), listen to the Buddhist teachings, practice accordingly and benefit from it: inspired our respect and gratitude.2) Ananda
Ananda means Joy. He was named Ananda because he was born on the day Buddha attained Buddhahood and that certainly was a joyous occasion. Also, just like his name, his dignified appearances would bring joy to whoever sees him.
Ananda was a prince in India and a cousin to Buddha. After he joined the Order, he served as Buddha’s attendant for 25 years. He was famed for his excellent memory and noted as the foremost in hearing and remembering the Dharma. Ananda remembered every word and practiced all the teachings of Buddha. The fact that he was so blessed in this life was a result of having been a wealthy elder in a previous life, who practiced almsgiving, and supported Dharma masters’ studies and practices. After Buddha entered into Nirvana, at the First Buddhist Council, it was Ananda who drew from his memory and recited all the scriptures for compilation. This compilation became the sutras.
Ananda was the successor to Mahakashyapa and his mission of leading the Sangha community and spreading the teaching. He was the second patriarch in Chan School.3) Sariputra
When Sariputra’s mother was carrying him, she surprisingly became very wise, even out-debated her younger brother who was a skilled debater. It revealed the baby was so special and extraordinary.
When Sariputra was 8 years old, he had read a wide range of books. He participated in a debate meeting in Magadha, India. His excellent representation astonished everyone and won praises and admirations of the other masters. The King joyously granted him a village as an award.
When he grew up, he and his childhood friend, Maudgalyayana, were considered heretics. They maintained views contrary to the prevailing religion. Upon hearing the gatha (a verse) of Impermanence and Dependent Origin, two of the very important Buddhist teachings, from Asvajit, one of Buddha’s disciples, Sariputra was gratified. He invited Maudgalyayana to convert and join the Order with him. Together, both of them brought their disciples to follow Buddha and later attained Enlightenment . Sariputra was noted as the foremost in wisdom among Buddha’s disciples.4) Maudgalyayana
After Maudgalyayana converted from Buddhism and was admitted into the monastic order founded by Buddha, he practiced very diligently, attained Enlightenment and obtained supernatural power. He was the foremost in possessing supernatural power among the disciples. Longing to repay his parents and liberate them from suffering, he used his supernatural power to locate them. He discovered that his deceased mother had been reborn in the miserable Hungry Ghost Realm of existence, no food to eat and thin as a lath. He used his power to deliver her some food in the alms bowl, but the food turned into charcoals as soon as it touched her mouth. Maudgalyayana requested instructions from Buddha on how he could save her and what would be the way to salvation. Buddha told him,” Because for 500 lifetimes, she had been stingy and greedy, this is the retribution of her bad karma. It must rely on the collective merits and efforts of the Sangha (a community of monks and nuns) in order to alleviate the pains of the suffering. On the 15th day of the 7th month on the lunar calendar, when the monks and nuns concluded their studious and hard working yearly 90 days Summer Retreat, offer sumptuous meals to them, and dedicate the merits to your mother. She then will transmigrate to the good realms of existence.” This is the origin of Ullambana Festival, and why the 7th month of lunar calendar is the filial month in Buddhism. His story of sincerity and filial behavior has been passed forward for future generations to remember.5) Subhuti
The day Subhuti was born, all the treasures, furniture and valuables in the family disappeared mysteriously. His parents were shocked and asked a divinatory to do a fortune telling. It turned out to be an auspicious sign. So he was named Subhuti which means good and auspicious. Subhuti also means the one who explained immateriality and emptiness to depict this incident. After Subhuti joined the Sangha and reached the stage of sagehood, he had the most profound perception of Emptiness among Buddha’s disciples.
Buddha once ascended to the heavens above (the Heavenly Realm) for 3 months to give sermons to his deceased mother. Everybody missed him very much. At the time Buddha descended back to the land on Earth, Subhuti was sewing in a cave. Upon hearing the news, he wanted to get up and go to welcome Buddha. On second thought, Buddha often taught about all dharmas being empty in nature. Once one realizes the original Dharma-nature, emptiness, then one has truly met Buddha. Instead of leaving the cave,
he kept on sewing.
It was the nun foremost in supernatural power who welcomed Buddha in person first, but Buddha told everyone actually Subhuti was the first one who greeted him. Subhuti genuinely understood the teaching and that was what really counted. So Subhuti was known as the foremost in realizing Emptiness among the disciples.6) Purna
Purna was born to a rich Brahmin family. His father was the Imperial preceptor to the king. Although from a prominent and noble family, Purna had high aspirations and yearned for a way to be liberated. Along with 29 companions, Pruna cultivated and practiced on the Snow Mountain, and attained Samadhi from deep meditation. Later he followed Buddha, became a monk and reached the stage of sagehood. Purna possessed the ability of unhindered eloquence; he debated and preached the Dharmas (Buddhist teachings) without obstacle. He was known as the foremost in eloquence and in preaching the Dharma among the disciples.Whether it was in remote places or in town where people assembled, he vowed that he would go there tohelp Buddha spread Buddhism, enable the teachings to remain alive in this land forever, and liberate and benefit all sentient beings. Buddha often praised Purna for his great pitying vows. He had been helping other Buddhas propagated the Dharma for eons. Purna got Buddha’s sanction and predicted his future glory of reappearing as Dharmaprabhasa Buddha.
7) Katyayana
Katyayana was very intelligent and bright since a young age. He possessed great debating ability. There was a brother of his, who had a strong desire to excel, and studied wild range of theory and philosophy. Upon completion of his study, his brother returned home to show off his knowledge and held a debate with Katyayana. Katyayana did not seek out great teachers to study under. With his natural gift and talent; he understood clearly all secular books. He out-debated his brother and won everybody’s praises. His father sent him to study under his uncle Asita, a hermit-sage, and soon he reached the fourth stage of meditation.
Asita, who had examined Buddha’s physiognomy when he was born and predicted the newborn would attain Buddhahood, urged Katyayana to follow Buddha. Katyayana was too proud of his talent and to dependent upon the love of those around him to have adesire or intention follow Buddha. Until one day, he could not answer an engraved question on a stele and went to Buddha for help. Katyayana succumbed to Buddha’s superior wisdom. He then joined into the Sangha and later attained Arhatship. Katyayana converted numerous difficult and stubborn people into Buddhism. He is foremost in preaching and explicating Buddhist teaching.
8) Aniruddha
Aniruddha was one of Buddha’s cousins. Aniruddah realized the concept of Impermanence. Everything is impermanent, He renounced the luxurious life in the palace and joined the Order to practice in order to transcend the turning wheel of samsara (wheel of transmigration).He once fell asleep when Buddha was giving a Dharma Talk and was reprimanded. Aniruddha repented earnestly and vowed that he would never sleep again. He would not close his eyes day or night and eventually went blind. So Buddha taught him a special way to practice and obtain Samadhi, a high level of deep concentration that penetrates through all matters without hindrance, like light entering everywhere. Through diligent practice, he attained Arahatship and obtained the supernatural power of divine vision. He was known as the foremost in divine vision.
9) Upali
Unlike the other eminent disciples who came from dignitary families, Upali was born of the lowest of the four Indian Castes. He was a barber at the court of Kapilavastu before he became a monk. After Buddha attained Enlightenment, many of his cousins followed him. Upali was very envious of them, but he felt self-abased and ashamed of his humble origin.
Sariputra, one of Buddha’s disciples told him, everyone is equal in Buddhism, regardless of gender, age, status, or wealth. Anybody can attain Enlightenment and the stage of sagehood. Sariputra brought him to meet Buddha. Buddha gladly shaved and ordained him. Because he was ordained early in Buddha’s ministry, Upali was senior to many of Buddha’s best known disciples. Upali practiced diligently and distinguished himself by learning all of the disciplinary requirements for the monastic community and observed all the precepts very carefully and conscientiously. He was known as the foremost in observing the precepts.
After Buddha entered into Nirvana, it was Upali who recited the Vinaya-pitaka, the third division of the Buddhist canon, at the First Buddhist Council and contributed tremendously to the compilation of the Vinaya, rules of monastic discipline. The Vinaya had great influence for the past generations and will have great influence for the generations to come.
10) Rahula
Rahula was Buddha’s only son before Buddha became a monk. Under Buddha’s guidance, Rahula was the first novice monk in the Sangha. He was very young at the time. He liked to play pranks and had the bad habit of being mischievous and telling lies. Buddha exhorted him that impure speeches were like a basin of dirty water in which dirty feet had been washed, and could no longer be used for anything else. Rahula repented and rectified thoroughly. Gradually his heart became pure and clean. He had not just attained the stage of sagehood, but was best known as foremost in esoteric practice, subtle observance of the precepts and inconspicuous practice.