Cross College

Tag: religion

  • 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…

  • Who Was Mencius? A Sage of Compassion and Confucian Wisdom

    Mencius, known as Mengzi (孟子) in Chinese, was a renowned Confucian philosopher who lived during the Warring States period (372–289 BCE). Often called the “Second Sage” of Confucianism, following Confucius himself, Mencius expanded and refined the teachings of Confucius, focusing on human nature, morality, and governance. His ideas are compiled in the classic text The…

  • Exploring the Writings of Duns Scotus: A Mind of Subtle Distinctions

    Duns Scotus (1266–1308), often called the “Subtle Doctor,” was one of the most influential thinkers in medieval philosophy and theology. A Franciscan scholar, Scotus made groundbreaking contributions to metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and theology, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate in philosophical and theological circles today. His works are noted for their intricate reasoning and…

  • 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…

  • India’s Greatest Dynasties: A Rich Tapestry of History

    The history of India is a vast and intricate story, defined by the rise and fall of extraordinary dynasties that shaped its culture, politics, economy, and intellect. These ruling powers were not merely administrators; they were visionaries who left legacies that resonate through centuries. Exploring the achievements and contributions of these dynasties reveals a civilization…