#prajna paramita

[celestial-sphere-press]

Fanbinding: Prajna Paramita by @catalpa-waltz

"What do you know of the Jedi?" she asks him.

"Nothing," he says. And it's true. All at once his mind is full of nothing, of an empty sky and empty sand, and on the horizon, the dark hulking shape of an empty house crouched like a sleeping beast.

"Nothing," he says again.

This bind has been sitting on my backburner for so long bc of other deadlines but it's one of those fics that drove me a little insane. @catalpa-waltz by their own words wrote in this fic a "thesis on the intersection of Mahayana Buddhism with Jedi and Mandalorian culture" and it is absolutely lovely. How could I not lean in equally hard? So we have here a number of motifs - a mandala I designed using architectural embellishments from jedi temple imagery, a lotus flower, the wheel of dharma, a geometric divider that looks like it has a bes'karta in it.

The lovely golden flower bookcloth I sourced locally here in Japan, and it is SO SILKLY SOFT I could never make a mark on it, so I did a printed obi-band instead. This paper is quite interesting - it's also a Japanese style, and I believe it's done by heavily polishing little spirals or flowers into the paper. The endpapers are a lovely geometric chiyogami, and I sewed the endbands in Japanese hand-sewing silk thread.

[originalbuddhas]

Prajna Paramita - The Perfection of Buddhism

The Perfection of Wisdom, popularly known as Prajna Paramita, mainly focuses on the Sanskrit term Prajna or Pali term Panni. Prajna is translated as Wisdom, and the perfection of Wisdom is known as Prajna Paramita. Read more at: The Perfection of Buddhism - Prajna Paramita (originalbuddhas.com)

[tsultrimpawo]

The Sutra of the Heart of Transcendent Knowledge

Thus have I heard. Once the Blessed One was dwelling in Råjagiha at Vulture Peak mountain, together with a great gathering of the sangha of monks and a great gathering of the sangha of bodhisattvas. At that time the Blessed One entered the samådhi that expresses the dharma called “profound illumination,” and at the same time noble Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva mahåsattva, while practicing the profound prajñåpåramitå, saw in this way:

He saw the five skandhas to be empty of nature. Then, through the power of the Buddha, venerable Shåriputra said to noble Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva mahåsattva, “How should a son or daughter of noble family train, who wishes to practice the profound prajñåpåramitå?” Addressed in this way, noble Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva mahåsattva, said to venerable Shåriputra, “O Shåriputra, a son or daughter of noble family who wishes to practice the profound prajñåpåramitå should see in this way: seeing the five skandhas to be empty of nature. Form is emptiness; emptiness also is form. Emptiness is no other than form; form is no other than emptiness. In the same way, feeling, perception, formation, and consciousness are emptiness. Thus, Shåriputra, all dharmas are emptiness. There are no characteristics. There is no birth and no cessation. There is no impurity and no purity. There is no decrease and no increase. Therefore, Shåriputra, in emptiness, there is no form, no feeling, no perception, no formation, no consciousness; no eye, no ear, no nose, no tongue, no body, no mind; no appearance, no sound, no smell, no taste, no touch, no dharmas; no eye dhåtu up to no mind dhåtu, no dhåtu of dharmas, no mind consciousness dhåtu; no ignorance, no end of ignorance up to no old age and death, no end of old age and death; no suffering, no origin of suffering, no cessation of suffering, no path, no wisdom, no attainment, and no nonattainment. Therefore, Shåriputra, since the bodhisattvas have no attainment, they abide by means of prajñåpåramitå. Since there is no obscuration of mind,

there is no fear. They transcend falsity and attain complete nirvåna. All the buddhas of the three times, by means of prajñåpåramitå, fully awaken to unsurpassable, true, complete enlightenment. Therefore, the great mantra of prajñåpåramitå, the mantra of great insight, the unsurpassed mantra, the unequaled mantra, the mantra that calms all suffering, should be known as truth, since there is no deception. The prajñåpåramitå mantra is said in this way:

OM GATE GATE PÅRAGATE PÅRASAMGATE BODHI SVÅHÅ

Thus, Shåriputra, the bodhisattva mahåsattva should train in the profound prajñåpåramitå.”

Then the Blessed One arose from that samådhi and praised noble Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva mahåsattva, saying, “Good, good, O son of noble family; thus it is, O son of noble family, thus it is. One should practice the profound prajñåpåramitå just as you have taught and all the tathågatas will rejoice.”

When the Blessed One had said this, venerable Shåriputra and noble Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva mahåsattva, that whole assembly and the world with its gods, humans, asuras, and gandharvas rejoiced and praised the words of the Blessed One.

---

Lotsåwa bhikúhu Rinchen De translated this text into Tibetan with the Indian païçita Vimalamitra.

It was edited by the great editor—lotsåwas Gelo,

Namkha, and others. This Tibetan text was copied

from the fresco in Gegye Chemaling at the glorious Samye vihåra. It has been translated into English

by the Nålandå Translation Committee, with reference to several Sanskrit editions.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Georgia O'Keeffe, Train at Night in the Desert (1916) :: [Robert Scott Horton]

* * * *

“Regard this fleeting world like this: Like stars fading and vanishing at dawn, like bubbles on a fast-moving stream, like morning dewdrops evaporating on blades of grass, like a candle flickering in a strong wind… echoes, mirages, and phantoms, hallucinations, and like a dream.”

[— from the Prajna Paramita Sutras]

[buddhismnow]

The 'Heart of Perfect Wisdom', Short Form

A Buddhist Text: The 'Heart of Perfect Wisdom', Short Form, translated by Edward Conze. One of the great Prajnaparamita Texts on Emptiness. #DeepBuddhism #Sunyata.

Homage to the Perfection of Wisdom, the Lovely, the Holy! Avalokiteshvara, © The Metropolitan Museum of Art Avalokita, the Holy Lord and Bodhisattva, was moving in the deep course of the wisdom which has gone beyond. He looked down from on high, he beheld but five heaps, and he saw that in their own-being they were empty. Here, O Sariputra, form is emptiness, and the very emptiness is form,…

[talonabraxas]

Manjushri Talon Abraxas Unveiling the Power of Manjushri

Manjushri: The Bodhisattva Of Wisdom

Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom is a specific prominent bodhisattva who is especially revered in the Buddhist universe. Manjushree, blessed with an inspiring past and deep symbolic meaning, is a prominent figure in the spiritual life of Buddhists and a constant source of inspiration for those pursuing enlightenment.

The Origins of Manjushree

Manjushri is also known as "Gentle Glory" or "Sweet Splendor," a significant figure in Mahayana Buddhist traditions, rooted in the Prajnaparamita Sutras, which emphasize the pursuit of perfect wisdom. Manjushri's significance is emphasized in Buddhist scriptures, where Sutras promote perfect wisdom and encourage practitioners to overcome dualistic thinking.

He is portrayed as an emanation of the primordial Buddha, either Adi Buddha or Samantabhadra, symbolizing ultimate wisdom. His wisdom is considered timeless and all-encompassing, transcending temporal and spatial constraints.

The Role of Wisdom in Buddhism

Manjushri's definition as the Bodhisattva of Wisdom emphasizes the prominence of wisdom in Buddhism. Wisdom (prajna) is one of the perfections (paramitas) that Buddhist aspire for on their journey to enlightenment. Wisdom is the insight and judgment that leads to the revelation of reality's actual essence.

The practitioners aim to overcome ignorance and suffering by understanding the fragility, interconnectedness, and emptiness of all phenomena, with Manjushri serving as an inspiration for improving intellect and intuitive grasp of Dharma.

The Representation And Symbolism Of Manjushri

Manjushri is represented in Buddhist art and sculpture with distinguishing features that represent his status as the Bodhisattva of Wisdom.

Manjushri is represented with an orange or saffron-colored body, representing the radiance of wisdom's bright light.

Manjushri holds a sword and a scripture in each of his hands. The sword depicts his capacity to cut through ignorance and deception, while the book represents the scriptures' wisdom and knowledge.

He sits on a lotus seat which represents purity and enlightenment. This position symbolizes his ultimate waking.

Manjushri's crown is decorated with five gems that represent the five Buddha wisdoms.

Manjushri Mantra: "Om Ah Ra Pa Ca Na Dhih"

The Manjushri Mantra, also known as the "Om Ah Ra Pa Ca Na Dhih" mantra, is a powerful incantation to seek Manjushri's blessings and guidance.

"Om" represents the universal sound, the essence of reality. "Ah" indicates the immunity of wisdom. "Ra" represents the glowing illumination of wisdom. "Pa" represents the crowning glory of wisdom. "Ca" embodies the wisdom of discernment. "Na" indicates the ultimate reality's knowledge. "Dhih" desires insight from Manjushri's knowledge.

Manjushri in Different Traditions:

Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, is revered in Buddhist traditions as a symbol of enlightenment. His knowledge transcends boundaries, guiding individuals on their spiritual journey. This inquiry explores the various Buddhist traditions and the cultural tapestry of knowledge Manjushri weaves, highlighting his luminous presence.

Manjushri in Tibetan Buddhism: The Goddess of Wisdom and Leadership

In the mystery realm of Tibetan Buddhism, Manjushri holds an essential role. He's the patron saint of intellectual pursuits. Monks, scholars, and students invoke him, chanting his mantra, "Om Ah Ra Pa Ca Na Dhih," as they seek clarity and insight on their academic journeys.

However, Manjushri's impact reaches beyond lecture halls and monastic libraries. The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, is thought to be an emanation of Manjushri in Tibetan tradition. This relationship emphasizes the interrelated nature of knowledge and leadership.

Manjushri in Chinese Buddhism: A Holy Haven on Wutai Shan

As we venture into the vast landscape of Chinese Buddhism, we encounter Manjushri's presence in the majestic Wutai Shan (Five-Peak Mountain) of Shanxi province. Here, nature intertwines with spirituality in a profound way.

Wutai Shan is believed to be Manjushri's earthly residence, a holy mountain to which pilgrims go to seek his blessings and knowledge. The rough beauty of the region serves as an environment for an abundance of temples and monasteries that resonate with the knowledge and inspiration gained from

Manjushri's spiritual presence.

Manjushri in Japanese Buddhism: The Interpretations of Art

Japan, with its rich cultural tradition, has its own representation of Manjushri. Manjushri is cherished here not only through prayers but also through colorful strokes of creative expression.

Manjushri's beauty is portrayed in wonderful paintings, sculptures, and ceremonies. Japanese Buddhists embrace their faith's creative side, empowering Manjushri's wisdom to spread through every sector of their existence.

Manjushri in Vajrayana Buddhism: The Thunderbolt of Divine Wisdom

Manjushri is recognized in Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as the "Diamond Vehicle," as a flaming embodiment of wisdom. In this position, he holds the "vajra," a symbolic thunderbolt that represents the unbreakable essence of knowledge.

Manjushri's vajra breaks through ignorance and delusion, allowing for clarity and enlightenment. Manjushri's energy and knowledge are transmitted for spiritual development in the obsessive rituals of Vajrayana Buddhism.

Manjushri as a Unifying Presence in Southeast Asian Buddhism

Manjushri's knowledge is a uniting attraction in Southeast Asian Buddhism. He overcomes regional and cultural differences by serving as a universal emblem of enlightenment. Manjushri's essence unifies disparate cultures in their search of wisdom and spiritual progress, whether in the jungles of Thailand or the temples of Cambodia.

[tempenensis]

Can you do a break down of the meaning of Gojo's chants?

The left image is the chant for Red, while the right is for Blue/Azure.

位相 (isou) means "phase" just like in the official translation. This indicates the start of his chant, 'opening' certain technique.

波羅蜜 (haramitsu), meaning "paramita". From the Buddhist root, it refers to the culmination of certain virtues. It also refers to the practice of one bodhisattva to reach enlightenment.

光の柱 (hikari no hashira), "pillar of light". Probably refers to the sun pillar phenomenon, which appears because sunrays is reflected by miniscule ice crystal in the atmosphere. The light is reflected back to earth by the crystal, causing the phenomenon.

黄昏 (tasogare) means "dusk" or "twilight".

智慧の瞳 (chie no hitomi), "eyes of prajna". Prajna or wisdom in Buddhism is the ability to discern things and there are several types of it. There is also 智慧光 (chiekou), which is one of twelve lights of Amitabha Buddha that destroy the darkness of ignorance of living things. It is interesting to pair tasogare with chie no hitomi since the root for tasogare means a time when others can't discern the face of other people. So, from unclear to become clear.

I have done a breakdown for the chant of Purple/Murasaki, which you can read here

[theawesometrinculo]

Significance of The Heart Sutra in Blue Eye Samurai

The Heart of Prajna Paramita Sutra is a very popular sutra in Buddhism. Even today, millions of people recite and copy this sutra. The text might be short, but it's quite dense. While I don't really understand this sutra myself, I'll try my best to get across the main idea of this text.

"The body is emptiness and emptiness body. All things are only empty. Nothing is born. Nothing broken."

While this line is not exactly what the sutra says, it does a good job of getting the episode's message across, in that Mizu realizes that the things she thought held her back were actually what made her whole.

The Heart Sutra is an exhortation towards Bodhi, Enlightenment, Perfection. Mahayana Buddhists believe that everyone has an innate buddha-nature, which points to our potentiality of becoming buddhas. This buddha-nature is said to be be pure, whole, and complete, yet it is also empty, meaning that it doesn't have a substantiated self or ego. To make this easier to understand, this would be opposed to Christianity where everyone is born with sin and guilt and strives to be morally pure. Because the buddha-nature is empty, the dichotomy of good and bad isn't a "thing", so to say. That doesn't mean that they don't exist or that we shouldn't continue helping others, but instead the idea of them are just notions we attach to and what we use to judge ourselves and others.

The Sixth Patriarch of Zen Buddhism said, "Affliction is Bodhi." They are two sides of the same coin. I think this quote encapsulates Mizu in this episode. Mizu might not find peace through revenge, but she definitely found some semblance of it reforging her sword.

When making swords, Eiji emphasized that while you have to hammer out the impurities, the impurities are actually what makes the blade strong. If the metal is too pure, it will become brittle and break. However, just because it broke, doesn't mean it can't be meld again. "Affliction is Bodhi" points to the ability to transform what causes pain into clarity and peace. A common analogy used is ice turning into water. Mizu held tightly to anger and hate, making her cold and distant. But with the help of Eiji and Ringo, she stopped running away from the things she hated about herself.

Finding peace requires courage and vulnerability. It requires us to confront the things that we are ashamed of and the things that we fear. After her talk with Eiji, Mizu starts a new fire, undoes her hair, and sheds her male attire. Throughout her whole life, Mizu felt inadequate and broken for being mixed and being born a girl. Now she sees things as they are, no longer rejecting that side of herself. She becomes more open, and even asks Ringo to help her finish writing the Heart Sutra on her body.

"There are some things I cannot do alone."

"The body is emptiness and emptiness body. All things are only empty. Nothing is born. Nothing broken."

Going back to this line, I need you to repeat after me: Emptiness is not the void! Emptiness holds all things, and all things are within emptiness, and therefore is the source of it all. It speaks to the interconnectedness of all things. Emptiness has always been there, whole and complete. Mizu realizes that she is whole and complete, because she is not alone. And so, nothing is born, nothing dies, nothing is broken.

[mahayanapilgrim]

The Radiant Buddha said: regard this fleeting world like this: Like stars fading and vanishing at dawn, like bubbles on a fast moving stream, like morning dew drops evaporating on blades of grass, like a candle flickering in a strong wind, echoes, mirages, hallucinations, and, like a dream.

- The Prajna Paramita Sutra

[chicagognosis]

The Voice of the Silence: The Great Perfections

Learn the principles, laws, or qualities of the soul as explained within Christic Buddhism:

1. DANA, the key of charity and love immortal.

2. SHILA, the key of Harmony in word and act, the key that counterbalances the cause and the effect, and leaves no further room for Karmic action.

3. KSHANTI, patience sweet, that nought can ruffle.

4. VIRAG, indifference to pleasure and to pain, illusion conquered, truth alone perceived.

5. VIRYA, the dauntless energy that fights its way to the supernal TRUTH, out of the mire of lies terrestrial.

6. DHYANA, whose golden gate once opened leads the Narjol toward the realm of Sat eternal and its ceaseless contemplation.

7. PRAJNA, the key to which makes of a man a god, creating him a Bodhisattva, son of the Dhyanis. ―The Voice of the Silence

The final lecture of this course explains the Paramitas or Perfections of Mahayana Buddhism in relation to the Christic teachings: the fundamental principles in which a bodhisattva of compassion develops. Through the paramitas, the master sacrifices him or herself for humanity while developing bodhichitta: compassion for humanity and insight into the abstract nature of reality: the profound and limitless emptiness of the Absolute within Hebraic Kabbalah.

[ravs6709]

“Shin Yoosung held the rosary beads and began reciting something. "Prajna-paramita-hrdaya-KimDokja. Don't-try-anything-unnecessary-and-stay-put-sutra…”

this is not a real sentence

That is a real sentence

[pttucker]

I looked at Shin Yoosung and Lee Gilyoung and spoke to them. "In that case, let's go in." "Nope. Ahjussi, you stay here and relax." "Excuse me?" "We told you, Sun Wukong is supposed to ride the bus and that's it." "But…" "Hah-ah… I really didn't want to do this but seriously now." Shin Yoosung held the rosary beads and began reciting something. "Prajna-paramita-hrdaya-KimDokja. Don't-try-anything-unnecessary-and-stay-put-sutra…" …Wha? [Tang Sanzang has recited the 'Constrictive Sutra (緊箍咒)'!] [Item, 'Constrictive Headband (緊箍兒)' is reacting to it!] I was immediately overcome with pain akin to my head shattering into pieces and blacked out on the spot.

Okay, yeah, they 2000% know it's him. 😂

And, as always, our oblivious squid has no idea what's going on with his companions.

Dokja, they literally said your name.

Granted, his obliviousness may actually be a big blessing in this case because we don't know how the vow activates. Do they have to announce that they know it's him or does Dokja have to realize they know or is he being watched right now for signs that they know it's him or...

[moononmyfloor]

Hi Producer (正好遇见你) Infodump

Disclaimer: I have no idea about the accuracy of the information shared in the drama, I'm merely transcribing for future reference purposes. Proceed with caution!

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Ep 2: Filigree Inlay Cont. And other Misc.

Empress Dowager Cixi's Gold painted Assorted Comb Set

From lacquer cases in Warring States period to modern dressing tables and jewelry boxes, women used mirror cases to store jewelries and cosmetics.

A rectangular comb to smooth the tangled hair. A middle sized crescent comb for the exquisite swallow-tail bun. 8-shaped small comb to gently smooth out hair on the temples and hair ends. Double-edged, fine-toothed Bizi comb to smooth meridians and remove stains in the hair. A brush for oiling. Tian-tsui hairpins made by Kingfisher feathers and gold wires inlaid with jewels. Finally, a Dalachi headpiece secured on the top of the head, decorated by flowers and pins.

.

Song Dynasty Ruiguang Pagoda Pillar

Found in 1978, diameter of crystal ball on top is 3.4 cm with flame shaped silver wires wrapped on both sides around gold lettering saying Namo Maha Prajna Paramita. More than 40000 pieces of pearls are used on the pillar, integrated with several other crafts such as wood engraving, gold painting, jade carving and beading.

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More Hi Producer Posts

[supreme-taiyi]

Eliminating all limitations with the help of the passage "not this, not this," one should realize the identity of the individual soul and the supreme self by means of the principal scriptural passages.

AdiShankaracharya

Going Beyond the Beyond

..."This" is "not this"...

The limitations are mere words of this.

From the Prajna Paramita ; As the mantra goes too, from "this", it goes the beyond of going from itself and goes it's beyond state & not beyond state, to "not this".

Gate gate pāragate pārasaṃgate bodhi svāhā

“ Gone, gone, gone beyond, gone utterly beyond, Enlightenment, hail !”

[buddhismnow]

Morning meditation — Those who seek for the Tathagata.

Morning meditation — Those who seek for the Tathagata. https://wp.me/pFy3u-8jR

‘Those who seek for the Tathagata should seek for the self. For ‘self’ and ‘Buddha’ are synonymous.’ Prajnaparamita Hound Tor, Dartmoor On our Twitter account, Buddhism Now @Buddhism_Now, most mornings we post a ‘morning meditation’ like the one above. On the net, of course, it’s morning, afternoon, evening, or nighttime 😀 somewhere. Click here to read more Morning Meditation posts. There’s…

[errantabbot]

On Wisdom, Fear, Perversity and Nirvana

In the Heart Sutra it is said that when one depends on Prajna Paramita the mind is no hindrance and that without any hindrance no fears exist.

Prajna Paramita is the practice and realization of wisdom in meditation- it is the end result of the Eightfold Path, when forces like correct intention, action, and effort coalesce into correct view.

When we manifest this wise vision of reality, the natural response is to accord with that view in harmony, and it is in this harmonious accord that the forces of the mind cease from their struggle, and where our fears, existential and otherwise fall away.

In Zen we must work tirelessly to correctly perceive our true nature. We do this through leaping onto the mondo (root question) of self-inquiry, asking variously “Who am I?” or “What is this?”

It doesn’t matter if we approach this great matter on an outward-to-inward basis, or an inward-to-outward basis, the reality that is to be found is precisely the same. Namely, that true self and the true body of all phenomena (reality itself) are non-different.

When our small-minded narration is penetrated by the entirety of time and space, and when the entirety of time and space comes to identify with that same small voice, the beginnings of the practice of the perfection of wisdom (Prajna Paramita) is manifest.

Just as our faces do not fear our hands, and as our stomachs do not fear our hearts, our bodies and minds, in correct view, do not fear anything in the boundless scope of time and space as “other.”

In our awareness, acceptance, and harmonious accord with all things as non-other, being then “beyond all perverted views,” as the Heart Sutra goes on to say, truly we come to at last consciously “dwell in Nirvana,” where the body of Buddha that is comprised of our neuroses is finally realized as the immaculate Dharmakaya, ultimate realty, wherein there is nothing to do and no one to be. Just this.

~Sunyananda

(Calligraphy: 見性 - “Kensho” - Seeing One’s True Nature)