Cross College

Tag: Buddhism

  • Who Was Unmon? A Zen Master of Profound Simplicity

    Unmon (雲門), also known as Yunmen Wenyan (864–949), was a Chinese Zen (Chan) master and one of the most influential figures in the history of Zen Buddhism. As the founder of the Yunmen school of Chan, his teachings emphasized direct insight, sharp wit, and the power of a single phrase or word to trigger enlightenment.…

  • Exploring the Different Forms of Buddhism: A Global Tradition with Diverse Paths

    Buddhism, a spiritual tradition founded over 2,500 years ago by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), has evolved into one of the world’s most influential religions. Today, it is practiced in a variety of forms, each with unique teachings, rituals, and philosophies. While rooted in the core teachings of the Buddha, Buddhism has adapted to different cultural…

  • Who Was Budai? The Laughing Buddha of Folklore and Legend

    Budai, often referred to as the “Laughing Buddha,” is a figure deeply embedded in Chinese and East Asian culture. Although he is frequently associated with Buddhism, Budai’s origins and significance extend beyond religious boundaries. Known for his joyful demeanor, potbelly, and ever-present cloth sack, Budai is a symbol of contentment, generosity, and abundance. The Historical…

  • The Union of Zen Buddhism and Bushido: Myth and Reality

    Zen Buddhism and Bushido are often seen as two deeply intertwined traditions that shaped the philosophy and ethics of Japan’s samurai class. This romanticized image, however, does not fully reflect historical reality. While Zen did influence some samurai, only a small percentage of them actively practiced Zen Buddhism. Nonetheless, the principles of Zen resonated strongly…

  • Understanding The Jingde Record of the Transmission of the Lamp: Key Stories and Themes

    The Jingde Record of the Transmission of the Lamp (Jingde Chuandeng Lu) is one of the foundational texts in Zen (Chan) Buddhism, composed during the Song Dynasty in China by the monk Daoyuan. This 30-volume work records the lineage of Zen masters, starting from the Buddha and extending to the 10th century, capturing stories, teachings,…

  • Who Was Nagarjuna? The Philosopher of Emptiness

    Nagarjuna, an influential Buddhist philosopher from the 2nd or 3rd century CE, is widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in Mahayana Buddhism. Often called the “Second Buddha,” Nagarjuna’s writings and teachings reshaped Buddhist philosophy, particularly through his development of the Madhyamaka (Middle Way) school. His profound exploration of concepts such as emptiness…

  • Who Was Shantideva? A Voice of Compassion in Buddhist Philosophy

    Shantideva, an 8th-century Indian Buddhist monk and philosopher, is celebrated as one of the most influential figures in Mahayana Buddhism. Known for his profound teachings on compassion, altruism, and the cultivation of the bodhisattva path, Shantideva’s life and works have inspired countless practitioners seeking to live with wisdom and kindness. His most famous text, the…

  • Nalanda: The Ancient Center of Learning and Wisdom

    Nalanda, a name that resonates with the grandeur of ancient Indian scholarship, was one of the world’s earliest and most significant centers of higher learning. Located in modern-day Bihar, India, Nalanda Mahavihara (great monastery) flourished between the 5th and 12th centuries CE, becoming a hub of intellectual activity, Buddhist philosophy, and cultural exchange. The Origins…

  • Who Was Dōgen Zenji? The Founder of Japanese Sōtō Zen Buddhism

    Dōgen Zenji (1200–1253) is one of the most influential figures in the history of Zen Buddhism, known as the founder of the Sōtō school of Zen in Japan. His teachings emphasize the practice of Zazen (seated meditation) as the direct path to enlightenment, focusing on the idea that enlightenment is not a distant goal but…

  • Eastern Themes in Schopenhauer: A Bridge Between East and West

    When we think of Arthur Schopenhauer, the 19th-century German philosopher known for his pessimistic worldview, we might not immediately connect him with the rich spiritual traditions of the East. However, a closer look reveals that Eastern philosophy played a significant role in shaping his ideas, forming an intriguing bridge between Eastern and Western thought. In…