Literally “reaches the other shore” (of liberation or enlightenment); usually translated as “perfection,” essentially a Mahayana Buddhist ideal describing the path of practice of a bodhisattva.
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- 271 – Ten Fields of Zen, Field Four (2 of 2) – Dharma Study: Wrestling with the TeachingsThe Fourth Field of Zen Practice is Dharma Study. In the last episode, Part 1, I talked about the value of Dharma Study and how best to approach it. Then I discussed how to go about deciding what you want to study. In this episode I offer a list of eight fundamental teachings I recommend becoming familiar with, along with suggested texts to begin your investigation of each topic. I’ll end with a discussion of how to engage the teachings you study in a meaningful way.
- 271 – Diez Campos de la Práctica Zen Capítulo 4, Parte 2 – Estudio del Dharma: Luchando con las Enseñanzas
- 292 – Ten Fields of Zen, Field 9 – Bodhisattva Activity: Enacting Vows to Benefit All BeingsThe ninth Field of Zen Practice is Bodhisattva Activity, which is enacting vows to free all beings as well as yourself. The Bodhisattva Vows are an acknowledgment that you are interdependent with all beings and things, and such an aspiration can give a sense of purpose and direction to your whole life. Of course, it’s impossible to fulfill this vow literally, and when you try to put it into action it is no easy matter! It requires tangible engagement with the world, including other people. If you hide out in comfort, you’re unlikely to transcend self-centeredness. If you rely only on your own resources, you’re likely to exhaust yourself and limit your impact. How do you even decide what Bodhisattva Activity to undertake? There is much to be learned by practicing in this Field of Zen, which inoculates you against the delusion that you can attain true peace of mind by ignoring the suffering of others.
