#reading nirvana rebirth

[hermitw]

Ughhhhh you guys I keep thinking about Megumi, the symbolism with the flowers and his shikigami and Yuuji, so here's my uh attempt at interpreting things

Today I read into the flower from ch. 265's use and story with the birth of a Buddha who sounds a lot like Megumi, but at times also Gojo. [link that post]

Anyway,

I've been gathering this theory on Yuuji's domain (elaborated here) - I thought there is significance in the snow and in Fushiguro's rabbits. (the difference is that at this point his domain feels more about escaping than about resurrection. I just remembered Itachi's Genjutsu that gave Kabuto a redemption arc. Getting distracted).

The amount of foreshadowing in JJK is so ogjsjxkckajdj [link to that post as well maybe?]

One of my favorite scenes was in Shibuya, where Yuuji is holding one of Megumi's rabbits and they both make the same face. It's so cute (but at this point I suspect it was a clue).

He's holding onto a way for Megumi to escape, but his domain might also be related to helping others to escape from samsara. [this post really got me thinking about Yuuji and Nirvana. It lives in my brain now].

When I read up on the festival with the flower bath, the description of the elephant sounded like Megumi's shikigami. (there's also the fact that it sprays water, and kinda resembles Yuuji as well).

I think that's all I had to say? Please god make this make sense.

Oh, there's also that Buddha who Yuuji represents (remember the statues w the red cloths at his grandfather's grave? Yeah, that was him too. The hand sign for his domain expansion, etc, I feel like we all know that by now (guardian of souls, purifying hell ((sukuna redemption arc maybe??)), leading others to enlightenment, before worrying about his own chance to become a Buddha).

Also!! The baby Buddha prince who resembles Megumi came out the womb and said that it was his last life, no rebirth - so if my cryogenic theory about Yuuji's domain holds weight, then it could just mean that Megumi won't need to be reborn because he isn't going to die in the first place.

[leolithe]

Ever since The Lotus Eaters was announced I have been looking into what it'll be about and what it entails for Lotus. Rebb confirmed that it is inspired by the lotus tree in Odyssey that binds those who eat its fruit to blissful apathy (hence "lotus eaters"), which makes me think Wally is the analogous lotus tree attempting to bind the Lotus to Indifference. However, figuring out the quest's themes has led me to something that has a lot of lotus imagery: Buddhism.

"Mara Lohk" brings to mind of Mara, the personification of desire and negative emotions that are obstacles to enlightenment. Which happens to be Wally's modus operandi, and Lotus has a lot of baggage that allows Wally to tempt her to succumb to her trauma.

However, as I looked into nirvana, which means liberation from suffering and desire, I came to the realization that The New War has imagery of achieving nirvana: the vanquishing of Archons that happen to correspond to animals representing the Three Poisons (not sure about Amar as nothing matches the Wolf), and the Radiant Lotus after being fully restored from absorbing all the three Archon Shards "purified" as virtues to counteract these poisons to achieve nirvana. The Radiant Lotus symbolizing nirvana means she is free from the suffering she experienced under Ballas, Erra and Hunhow.

Nirvana is said to be irreversible. Mara failed to tempt the Buddha away from achieving enlightenment. If The Lotus Eaters will be about The Man in the Wall attempting to tempt Lotus to succumb to her trauma... there's a very high chance Wally will fail.

ANON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are bloody INCREDIBLE for writing this out!!!!!!

I've been chomping at the bit to write something about Lotus' Buddhist symbolism because it is undeniably interwoven into her whole character; down to her story and visual design. Comparing her status as the mascot of Warframe and the themes of rebirth, enlightenment, compassion and thriving in a world rife with suffering already present in the game, I believe it's very obvious that DE's writers take inspiration from Buddhism's teachings!

I don't have a lot to add to your ask right now, other than the fact that I wholeheartedly agree with you, so I'm just gonna leave some relevant links in a reblog... A lil bit of further reading for those who want it! :D

[mahayanapilgrim]

Approaching Buddhism by Reading the Buddhist Sutras

The purpose of learning and practicing Buddhism

Why do people want to know, learn, and practice Buddhism? What benefits do they expect from the Buddhist teachings? The answers vary because people have different views and encounter different problems. In addition, people usually do not know what they want as they frequently change their minds under various circumstances.

However, Shakyamuni Buddha is the wisest, kindest, most benevolent and compassionate person among all living beings in history. Shakyamuni Buddha knows us much better than we know ourselves because we are ignorant about right and wrong, happiness and suffering, good and evil, life and death, and the reality of the universe.

Thus, it is better to know why Shakyamuni Buddha set forth the Buddhist teachings about 2,500 years ago. Shakyamuni Buddha stated his original intent for appearing in the world on two occasions near his death, before he entered nirvana: one in the Lotus Sutra and the other in the Infinite Life Sutra.

Why did Shakyamuni Buddha set forth the Buddhist teachings about 2,500 years ago?

In the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha tells his disciples, both sravakas (those seeking self-liberation) and bodhisattvas (those seeking to liberate others), that he came to reveal and expound the right views of a buddha, and further that he wishes to enable all beings to become enlightened and grasp the Buddha’s right views and enter the Buddha’s realm, which is unspeakable and inconceivable.

Sravakas and bodhisattvas are sagely and sacred beings who pursue wisdom and enlightenment to become arhats and buddhas, respectively. Strictly speaking, it is impossible for us to grasp their profound and subtle understanding of the Dharma. Our status is that of ordinary beings subjected to reincarnation within the Six Realms.

Let us look at the Infinite Life Sutra. Shakyamuni Buddha says: “With infinite great compassion, the Tathagata commiserates with living beings of the Three Domains. Therefore, he appears in the world to disseminate the teaching of the Way, wishing to save the multitudes by endowing them with real benefits.”

The Buddha’s original intent does not make sense to us because we are living beings in the Three Domains and Six Realms. In our ignorance, we are compelled to endlessly take rebirth as heavenly beings, human beings, asuras, animals, hungry ghosts, and hell beings.* In order to end this cycle of suffering, the Tathagata (Thus Gone or Thus Come, another title for the Buddha) Shakyamuni wishes to endow us with real benefits.

What are real benefits? Shakyamuni Buddha, in his great compassion, made it clear: eternal, nirvanic peace and joy. The Buddhadharma is the teaching that cuts off suffering at its root. It can improve the quality of our present life, but the most important thing is to exit the cycle of birth and death forever. This is why Shakyamuni Buddha set forth Buddhist practice in the world.

Four differences in each Buddhist sutra spoken by Shakyamuni Buddha

It is important to note that Shakyamuni Buddha speaks of 84,000 different teachings in the Buddhadharma. These differ in terms of time, place, audience (especially their capacities and aptitudes), and the benefitsbestowed by the teaching. These classifications were established by Master Shandao in his Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra.

Moreover, each Buddhist sutra basically talks about two things: one is the aim and the other is the method. In reading a sutra, we should ask whether our aim aligns with that of the sutra and, more importantly, whether the suggested method to achieve the aim is within our capacity to practice.

Last, but not least, it is important to understand that Shakyamuni Buddha usually tackles the root cause of our problems rather than providing solutions that offer only temporary relief. Such would be like pouring hot water onto a field of ice. Although it helps to melt the ice, the hot water itself will soon turn into ice.

Shakyamuni Buddha would rather extinguish the burning wood under the pot with hot water than pour cold water into the pot to cool it down. The real benefits endowed by the Buddha generally refer to definitive and ultimate solutions that sever the root of our suffering.

The three Pure Land sutras have one common aim and method

It is interesting to note that all three Pure Land sutras have a common aim and method, so they are considered one sutra. The aim of the three Pure Land sutras is to attain rebirth in Amitabha’s Pure Land, and the method to attain rebirth is to recite Amitabha’s Name.

In other words, if you wish to attain rebirth in Amitabha’s Pure Land, called the Land of Bliss, you can start reading the three Pure Land sutras. Regarding the method to attain rebirth, Amitabha-recitation is so easy that all of us can do it and practice it under any circumstance.

In the three Pure Land sutras, Shakyamuni Buddha urges us to dedicate our merit and virtues and aspire to be reborn in Amitabha’s Land of Bliss. Alternatively, if we wish to be totally assured of our rebirth, we can recite Amitabha’s Name exclusively and thereby end the fundamental suffering of the cycle of birth and death within the Six Realms.

The Pure Land scriptures are suitable for the aptitude and needs of all beings

With ignorant, ordinary beings as the target audience, the teaching spoken by Shakyamuni Buddha in the Three Pure Land Sutras (The Infinite Life Sutra, the Contemplation Sutra, and the Amitabha Sutra) presents us with facts, rather than profound and abstract concepts.

In the Amitabha Sutra, for example, the Buddha introduces Amitabha Buddha and his Pure Land and says:

If you travel westward from here, passing a hundred thousand kotis of buddha-lands, you come to the land called “Bliss,” where there is a Buddha named “Amitabha.” He is living there now, teaching Dharma.

It is simple and straightforward, showing the existence of Amitabha Buddha and his Land of Bliss in the framework of time and space with which we are familiar. Conversely, many other sutras are spoken for sravakas and bodhisattvas who seek merit through the self-powered practices of meditative and non-meditative virtues. These teachings are beyond the abilities of ordinary beings to comprehend.

Many sutras, such as the Heart Sutra, the Diamond Sutra, the Lotus Sutra, the Shurangama Sutra, and the Avatamsaka Sutra, are famous and popular; however, these sutras are subtle and were not spoken for the benefit of ordinary beings.

Moreover, Shakyamuni Buddha says in the Lotus Sutra that the teachings for sravakasand bodhisattvas are “expedient.” Expedient teachings are a means, not an end. They are meant to lead sagely and sacred practitioners to the real teaching of the One Buddha and so enter the Buddha’s realm, which is unspeakable and inconceivable.

So the Pure Land teaching is not just for ordinary beings, but also for the sagely and sacred beings who wish to be reborn in Amitabha’s Land of Bliss and attain the “real” benefits endowed by the Buddha for ultimate liberation.

* The Three Wretched Realms are hells, hungry ghosts and animals. Adding the Asura, human and heavenly beings, it forms the Six Realms in the Three Domains of this great trichiliocosm called the Saha World.

By Alan Kwan BUDDHISTDOOR GLOBAL

The guiding principles of the Pure Land School are “faith in, and acceptance of, Amitabha’s deliverance; single-minded recitation of Amitabha’s name; aspiration to rebirth in Amitabha’s Pure Land; comprehensive deliverance of all sentient beings.”

The school’s special characteristics: “recitation of Amitabha’s name, relying on his Fundamental Vow (the 18th); rebirth of ordinary beings in the Pure Land’s Realm of Rewards; rebirth assured in the present lifetime; non- retrogression achieved in this lifetime.”

May all practitioners of deep mind single-heartedly accept the Buddha's words and hold fast to the Nembutsu practice, even at the risk of their own lives. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Namo Amituofo

Namo Amida Butsu

[imustbenuts]

Reading of Fire Emblem Awakening with a Buddhist lens and the context of the 'sacrifice mc' ending

Preface: Writen by a person who is a massive nerd living in South East Asia. Not a practicing Buddhist but grew up on the fringes of its local influence. Most points here are copy pasted and heavily edited from a prev post I wrote in reply to felikatze's post about Brave Robin some time ago.

EN: Fire Emblem Awakening

JP: ファイアーエムブレム 覚醒

Awakening is a pretty important word when it comes to religion and spirituality, but specifically when put in the light of Buddhism, it takes on extra meaning. Kakusei 覚醒 in JP language has a heavier emphasis on Enlightenment than just waking up after an alarm bell rings.

In this entry, the word Awakening isn't thrown into the title in reference to Robin awakening to the fell dragon; it's a bad end if followed straight anyway. Trying to read it with a non-buddhist lens will often yield the confusion of why self-sacrifice would ever be justified, and in my experience many anglo speaking fans online have indeed express dislike of the sacrifice ending in Awakening.

Which is understandable. But! To the Japanese and many other Asian players, this overwhelmingly isn't the case. And the reason is I think: culture + Buddhism.

The flow of this post will go in this rough outline while I try to explain it from a more Buddhist pov. Sorry if it's messy :(

Buddhism 101 Crash Course (orange so if you wanna skip it feel free)

Original Timeline Awakening

'Our' Shown Timeline Awakening

Ending

Ok. Let's begin

Crash Course on surface level Buddhism 101 (please please go read more on your own if interested, this is VERY surface):

The core idea of Buddhism is that everything is dynamic, fluid, and fluctuating. Never in perpetual stasis. In Buddhism cosmosology, there are different tiers of being ranging from low to high. The goal of Buddhsim is to break out of the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara), and enter into a state of peaceful non-existence (nirvana). Suffering and yearning is inevitable as a part of life, and is meant to be reduced as much as possible for both the individual and others. Causing more will cause the individual to stray further away from the goal of nirvana. Also, that everything in the world is deeply interconnected, and an action will affect things down the line.

And, the final condition of being able to nirvana is to essentially, let go of attachment.

Buddhism Cosmology 101 and FEverse:

So in Buddhism cosmology, there are tiers of beings. The higher one is in this existence tier, the closer one is to breaking out of the cycle. Humans are the baseline, and animals are the lower while supernatural beings are higher as a general rule of thumb. (theres exceptions to this like the hungry ghosts but not impt here for this post)

IN FEA, we have a few characters who are of a vague but present 'higher' tier. Naga, Tiki, Nowe, and Nah. And then there's Grima, the gigantic Fell Dragon. Though we can interpret these characters as different races of beings compared to humans, if we apply Buddhism cosmology, then these are 'higher' tier being. With Naga being one of the highest tier. In fact she functions exactly like a Buddha.

And still, despite being a higher being relative to humans, Grima isn't out of the cycle. In fact, Grima is locked into it. Contrast Naga where it feels like she could go at anytime but choose to stay behind.

Locked in the cycle and not allowed to change

Instead, Grima is bound to a blood pact with Forneus after being artificially created. No matter how its sliced, Grima is closer a tier to the divine dragons than humans and should technically be closer to nirvana, but no dice. In-lore, this supernatural aspect grants power to Forneus' bloodline and subsequently Validar and Robin, on top of binding them to the plane of the living. Grima gets back into existence over the 1000 years after their initial defeat to inflict incredible pain and devastation and gets sealed for it.

So, Grima isn't able to break out of samsara from a Buddhist pov, and each time they come back they're requested/demanded by the summoners to cause immense pain and destruction. As much as there might be manipulation on the Grimleals' side, it's equally possible its willing to on some degree on their side. Thus the cycle of suffering for both them and the world continues.

But there is one extra nuance here to the reincarnation idea in Buddhism: Buddhists prefer the term 're-becoming' or 'rebirth' rather than reincarnation. Its not exactly a re-inheritance of the same exact unchanging soul in a new body, but the passing on of a mind/consciousness which can be malleable. And since a mental state is a lot more fluid and changeable, it's much more preferred to the idea of a same-ish soul being passed on like a hot potato typical in western Catholic interpretation of the same concept. (eternal paradise or damnation being a big thing from what I understand, so it's a very one soul one life one chance kinda deal.) Subtle differences, but put a pin in this for now.

On the topic of memories

A reincarnated person isn't supposed to have their old memories... at least, at first, the orignal Robin seems to do. Now, while big Buddha himself had his past lives' memories, it was only after he mediated and gained enlightenmnet. If we follow this logic, it's likely something broke original timeline (OT) Robin in the opposite way, leading into a... let's just say false awakening. This leads into the first timeline where Robin, retaining all their current life's memories and told their identity was Grima and not allowed to basically begin anew, destroys the world with a zombie apocalypse. In this timeline, Robin awakens, but not to a cool gucci love and peace Buddha enlightenment. Rather, the cynical, nihilistic all things should die and shut up kind.

In normal reincarnation situation, the reborn person is allowed to begin anew. There is a Buddhist hell which fucntions as a means to cleanse one of their bad karma, and so there is a strong emphasis on this. Grima is being shackled to 1 identity imo, and it sucks a bit.

Semi HC territory with this lens too: It's very likely that despair at various point was exploited for this to happen by their worshippers. Bc what better way to than to cut off a person from the rest of the world, from people, and create a situation where the victim has no one to lean on? Exactly like how baby Grima was cut off like in FE:Shadows of Valentia in that sealed off tower known as Thebes Labyrinth. Ofc, this is pure independence at the worst, and also very textbook cultist stuff.

(Side note: remembering past lives isn't really a loud thing in Buddhist practice, I think. It's sort of egotistical to claim oneself as so-and-so, going against some teachings and practice of it since it makes the claimer seem egotistical and arrogant, and thus it's just... bad form to do so. Also its more often than not used as a tactic to scam/manipulate people >_>. )

So, original timeline was played straight to the title: Fire Emblem Awakening. False Awakening. (I hope I'm making sense so far. x_x;;)

Fire Emblem Awakening's original timeline is true to its title and a bleak world.

This Awakening is just. Wrong. Remember that I mention interdependence being a big part of the core religion's philosophy? Grima shuns this by ignoring bonds and killing all those they might be friends with otherwise. Despite the constant preaching of Buddhism to be peaceful and do good things, Grima kind of murders and kills and is everything associated with darkness and death. Rather than lessen suffering, Grima causes more and takes away others' ability to walk their own path in their goal of total destruction.

Grima also does not even come close to understanding the world and interconnectedness. Thus, Grima with their actions here is doomed to be perpetually trapped in a never-ending spiral of life and death.

Amnesia zap!

So, stuff happens, Lucina takes on the world and breaks into another timeline. Grima follows, causing alternate (our) Robin to get the big amnesia zap. To do over, basically, to let go of the past and redo it from a clean slate devoid of prior biases and judgement.

In effect, this is as good as being reborn from the Buddhist pov. Remember when I mention not remembering the past life at least in the beginning? And that the mind is fluid?

Later in the game, amnesia'd Robin meets OT Robin/Grima, and it gets. Interesting. The both of them seems to be disturbed by each other. If we follow the logic that these are the same person, then the schism, I think, is rooted very much in their lived experiences and thus take-away of their understanding of their own world.

This characterization further continues into Fire Emblem Heroes. They trigger each others' panic response. It's the maximum uncanny valley feeling, I think, bc it's like looking at a doppelganger: the exact same in appearance, but slightly ever so different in personality, in experience, in belief. To the point that its not exactly them, even though it should be.

At their meeting in FEA, Our Robin the Avatar the MC has already grown close to Chrom and friends. Our Robin understands bonds and their place in the world and finds love and acceptance and a place for themself beside Chrom, and in Ylisse.

This Robin understands the concept of love and interconnectedness. Grima/OT Robin, however, continues to shun it all to the end.

Conditions ok in the new timeline. Let go, Yes/No?

...So in the timeline we're familiar with, what is the Awakening referring to?

If we go by how one is supposed to attain enlightenment in Buddhism, it's by gaining an insight to how the world works, how everything is connected, and letting go of cravings/yearnings. While I think there's possibly a bunch of ways to interpret this in FEA, there is a very simple one.

The easiest interpretation would be that Robin understood their role in the world to be a vessel/reincarnation of Grima, and that it isn't the correct way because bonds are too important, and that no matter how difficult it must be, a worse future must be prevented no matter the cost. Bc they have come to adore their friends and the family of said friends and their future.

And to that future, possibly even the world in which they reside.

Grima however, stands against this. Grima's existence means the future for their friends, possible spouse and children, and Chrom, cannot live. What Grima stands for is annihilation.

There is a way to remove Grima permanently, but that comes at a cost, and that cost is them. Choosing this is to know that Grima as Grima was known cannot be allowed to come into existence, and if they were Grima or even hold the potential, that chance needs to be non-existent. The Grima before them needs to be non-existent. Robin has to be non-existent. (Out of the samsara cycle as you could say hohoho)

The alternative would be to seal Grima away and then let the future deal with them again in 1000 years. To say that Robin is too attatched to their newfound love ones and cannot let go. And this might be more preferable to some.

But we're talking about a game with Awakening in the title made by a bunch of Japanese. And with a somewhat shared culture at least I and my friends here understand. And so, pretty much everyone around me in this part of the world overwhelmingly chose the mutual destruction option.

>Yes

In the sacrifice ending, they let go of their yearning to be with their friends, their possible spouse, their possible children, and Chrom. The world, essentially.

The key difference between Our Robin and the OT Robin is, Robin has hope for the world despite being cut off from his loved ones and knowing they might be in some afterlife hell where they might very well be alone. The emotions of hope and love is just so strong it's convinced Robin that death was worth facing.

This is the True Fire Emblem Awakening.

After the credits, Chrom finds Robin on the ground again, seemingly returned and now fully unchained to the identity of Grima. This is framed as a good thing, as reward for choosing the hard path. (Even tho technically Robin doesn't break out of samsara here but. It's a good job reward for the player I guess)

So when the game asks if you are willing to sacrifice your Robin, it is in effect asking if you the player are willing to accept letting go in hopes of change and the new. (at least in my pov)

And remember the pin? About the soul/mind being malleable?

Grima and Robin are direct contrasts. Line up the themes and they contrast in every way. Past vs Future, Despair vs Hope, Death vs Life. They can be interpreted as the same person or different depending, but it remains that they share the same soul despite being very different.

In effect, this is saying that yes, even indirectly, a complete irredeemable being who has commited so much attrocities it breaks the scale like Grima can change. Can be better. The conditions just has to be there.

Now, all of these is just a reading from a Buddhist pov. There's many many more takeaways and possible routes of extrapolation, so don't take this as me saying it's the only way to read FEA. It is not. It is sooo not there's a bunch of fans out there writnig their own analysis about it.

Also, the Buddhist narrative is not exclusive to FEA. It is in every FE games to some degree. I think FEA and Engage are some of the loudest and explicit. I've written more and complied them here if you are interested in checking out more of my word vomit.

Thanks for reading!

[lxmelle]

Just going to share some random thoughts about the promo and the afterlife in jjk here.

I was so confused about this promo release at first, but now that I’ve had a skim of the scenes and what it portrays, I’m left with a sense of sadness - and the bittersweet scene of the empty chairs at the airport...

…just - sigh.

I felt like it was a good way to promote the release of the latest jjk manga as a way to also commemorate Gojo’s life. I struggle to put my emotions into words at the moment, but will say that I hope they find peace after all they have been through. Each one of them.

Of course the debate continues about whether they all went together, where they headed, etc. I’m not here to insist upon any one belief, really. I, too, wonder what the afterlife means in jjk.

In my previous post about the cover of volume 26, I touched on what Shinto Buddhism has to say about it. It may be that there is a realm between nothingness (enlightenment) and the human world (rebirth = more suffering) that they reside in now.

Other Buddhist beliefs talk about pure land and nirvana. There’s the more recent interpretation by Larue and Miguel about heaven and hell — so, really, who knows?

We also don’t know what North and South actually mean. So far, speculations are around becoming someone new or going back. But in what way, exactly?

Someone on Twitter/now X had an interesting theory which focused on Geto having a domain (link: https://x.com/kostivedae/status/1775185991818465599?s=12&t=fRFF_o0I99NKUvzHwQHykA) and expanded on why, how it links to Gojo based on a deeper appreciation for the symbolism in mandalas drawn by Gege and those in Tibetan (?) Buddhism, and how they might still be hanging around or trapped.

It’s a really interesting read, but the main takeaway for me to bring this up here is that this individual speculates that the four are talking in a cursed realm. Which Kenjaku is referring to here:

Now, I never understood this part much. Was it ever expanded upon? Can someone enlighten me in the comments?

I don’t know if it does relate to the Shinto belief about existing “somewhere” and they are cursed, therefore unable to reach “nothingness” (enlightenment) and have no choice but to exist in some land somewhere between that and the human realm. Not that it may be a bad thing? Depends on whether they want to keep living or end their suffering by becoming one with nothingness?

My personal interpretation was that as sorcerers they are like Dewas (higher beings) and therefore get judged differently in death. So it’s similar to a Shinto belief or in certain Buddhist sections, they can move into a Pure land based on the Buddha they follow (this is based on 5 Buddhas/directions).

But my understanding is basic, at best.

So going back to the video and linking it to what the OP on twitter/now X is speculating… if the plane indeed took off and Gege gave animators the “go ahead” to do this, does that mean that the theory about the cursed realm is debunked?

Honestly I’m not sure I like the idea that Geto’s soul is still around and participating in the culling games alongside Kenjaku. This is bizarre to me, but I’ll withhold judgement since it’s a theory. I will say that I did not interpret his behaviour at the airport as shady at all.

I guess we wait and find out if Gege ever expands on this and how the series unfolds.

[carbuckety]

Christianity in Dog Sees God, Part 2

This post is about Christianity/Christian imagery and themes in Dog Sees God. In this post I discuss the themes of the afterlife and how each character interprets it within the play, as well as the actual afterlife revealed at the end. My next/final post will be my reading of how Beethoven, Matt, and CB mirror Jesus, Judas, and Peter. Which is a bit of reach but just trust me on that one.

Also please note, I am a non-practicing Orthodox Christian, and most of this stuff seems more in line with Protestant Christianity, so not exactly my wheelhouse but I'm looking at it as objectively as I can. If anyone can weigh in with further context I'd appreciate that a lot!

The Afterlife

The title of this post was maybe a little misleading as there's about 5 ideas of the afterlife in DSG and 2 are actually distinctly Christian, and the actual portrayal is like... vaguely Christian but doesn't really have to be any nomination. Though it's closest to what Beethoven speculates it to be, but not exactly because it's Christian, more because God in this play is Charles Schulz.

Oh yeah, God in this play is Charles Schulz (well, he signs off as CS, but we all know who that is) and CB is his pen pal. We all know it, but just getting that out of the way. Onto the 5 ideas of the afterlife presented to us! Starting with the Christian ones.

Tricia and Marcy

Marcy, at least, is vaguely Christian, and likely so is Tricia, and their belief in the afterlife is that there's one for people, but not animals. This is in contrast to Beethoven's idea, who quotes actual scripture as reasoning for his belief. Marcy and Tricia are ignorant & vapid, and don't even really recognize the book Marcy acts like she lives by the reason of. This is brought up again by Marcy saying the Bible probably says homosexuality is a sin in Salisbury Steak.

So Tricia and Marcy have a vapid, kinda Christian view of the afterlife, but they're not too sure about what actually goes on in it, like they're not sure about the rest of the Bible.

Beethoven

Beethoven is able to quote a whole chunk of scripture off the top of his head when CB asks, and his first scene with CB is titled after a Bible verse. He's pretty solidly firm on the idea that the afterlife is Heaven, because, quote, "there has to be some reward for living through this." :( aw.

In fact, Beethoven has one of the most concrete ideas of religion in the whole show, and the most concrete idea of Christianity. And in the end, he's the one proven right in his idea of what the afterlife looks like, where there are both humans and animals - though as I said, less Christian, more Charles Schulz.

Now for the non-Christian interpretations!

CB's Sister

This week CB's sister has chosen to be Wiccan, and is one of the 2 characters who believe in the possibility of rebirth after death (the other being Van).

Not sure what exactly to say about this, except the fact that she probably didn't believe in this last week when she was Baptist, lol.

Van

Van has the next most concrete definition of the afterlife, that being the Buddhist concept of nirvana.

I find it interesting that CB's sister and Van, who in the Peanuts comic strip are both younger than the rest of the main cast, are the two who believe in reincarnation. Though Van has his foot in the door with the others, since reincarnation isn't all he believes in, there's primarily the whole nirvana thing.

I also find it interesting that they are the 2 with the most recently developed ideas of religion, CB's sister figuring her view out probably just a few days ago when she started her phase and Van himself describing his Buddhism as "a new development", whereas Matt claims to have thought about his explanation "many times", and Marcy, Tricia, and Beethoven have likely been Christian their whole lives.

Matt

Matt speaks directly against the Bible in one case, though it's because he's super mad.

Still, his idea of the afterlife doesn't really align with Christianity either, and in fact not really any major world religion. It's very... Matt. As in, crude teenage boy.

Also, sounds remarkably unsanitary for the hypochondriac, lol. But this is very in line for Matt to say - it's shocking, and unexpected, which is also what his final action in Mal di Luna is. He's saying this just for the hell of it, maybe to get a reaction out of CB (who doesn't oblige him)

And now... the actual portrayal of the afterlife!

Life After Death as shown in the play

Crazily enough, we get an actual answer to the question CB's been asking this whole show. What happens after you die? Well, Beethoven was the closest: in DSG's heaven, all of God's creatures (God being Charles Schulz) live together.

It's portrayed as a street that Charles Schulz (who had also passed away by the time this play was written) lives on, along with Beethoven, the dog, the bird, and... the unnamed school shooting victim girl. *Scratches head* alright so it's not ONLY Schulz's creations, but we'll say 3 for 4.

Final Note

The only character who never discusses religion or what they think the afterlife is like - aside from CB who is the one asking people about it - is Van's sister (excepting "the devil made me do it!" which she says as a joke). And she's also the person most accepting of CB for who he is, in my opinion. So that's something.

Part 1 / Part 3

[aishangotome]

Main Story Chapter 2 BTS Episode 1: Nirvana Rebirth (涅槃重生) | Light and Night 光與夜之戀

♡———♡

For Chen Che, designing had never been easy.

A shoemaking prodigy, a rising design star, the fastest-promoted intermediate designer...

Despite the numerous titles people bestowed upon him, he still found design challenging.

He was skilled at shoemaking simply because he had watched his mother craft shoes since childhood, learning through observation and immersion. His craftsmanship was exquisite only because he had been in the industry for so long that his every movement was instinctively precise, like a machine. His rapid promotion was solely due to his relentless effort, surpassing everyone else.

He never possessed the talent or inspiration that were essential for a designer.

If his own inspiration was like a flickering candle, then Sariel was an inexhaustible source of fire.

No one knew that Chen Che had been striving to emulate Sariel since his very first design draft.

So, when he heard that Sariel was joining Wan Zhen, he was both excited and apprehensive.

And the first thing Sariel did after joining the company was to oversee the Wan Zhen designer promotion assessment that Chen Che would be participating in.

-

Chen Che submitted a new design draft, intending to take a break before starting on his designs for the promotion assessment.

To his surprise, shortly after handing in the draft, he was summoned to Sariel's office.

Standing outside the door, Chen Che nervously wiped his sweaty palms on his clothes, then finally worked up the courage to push the door open.

The first thing he saw was Sariel's indifferent expression.

"Chen Che?"

"Y-yes..."

Sariel tapped the desk, where Chen Che's newly submitted drafts were spread out.

"If it weren't for your signature, I would have assumed this was submitted by an assistant designer."

Chen Che's face burned, and he froze in place.

"I heard you're participating in the promotion assessment? You won't pass."

Sariel's slender fingers picked up a few sketches and handed them to him.

"Put your current design work on hold. Since you're so fond of imitating others, organize these design drafts of mine."

-

Sariel's words hit Chen Che like a slap in the face.

It was the first time he had received such blunt criticism, and to be so easily seen through...

Those so-called works of his were nothing but clumsy imitations.

He was almost completely demoralized. The designs for his promotion assessment were cast aside, and he didn't even touch the drafts Sariel had given him.

Two days passed. Finally, realizing that further procrastination was pointless, he mustered up the courage to look through those design drafts.

Despite the harsh criticism he had received, just knowing that these designs were from Sariel filled Chen Che with admiration.

But after meticulously studying them for two hours, he once again fell into a pit of self-doubt.

Are these... the latest trends?

In his opinion, these designs were completely amateur.

Had he fallen behind the times, his sense of aesthetics outdated?

He spent the entire night researching, poring over countless materials, but only grew more confused.

-

The next day, Sariel received the summary report Chen Che had compiled.

As he read the concepts and explanations accompanying the sketches, he unconsciously slowed down, savoring each page.

"The use of fabrics could be bolder."

"The elements are a bit too cluttered."

"The style seems rather mediocre."

The young designer had written down his honest opinions below each sketch.

His tone was cautious and polite, hinting at his hesitation and apprehension.

But at least, in the end, he had expressed his true thoughts.

A smile tugged at Sariel's lips as he read.

In fact, these design drafts were all from designers who had recently failed their job applications at Wan Zhen.

To be able to inspire a promising designer, to encourage him to find his voice... it was putting those drafts to good use.

He suddenly felt a spark of anticipation for this seemingly timid designer.

-

Sariel opened his email. The latest message was from HR, announcing the newly promoted designers.

He had finalized the list a week ago with the team leaders.

He still remembered Chen Che's surprised yet delighted expression when he announced the results.

With that thought, he opened the email.

It began with the usual congratulatory platitudes, followed by photos of the promoted designers and a quote from each of them.

Sariel found Chen Che. He was still wearing those thick glasses, looking unsure of himself.

But the quote below his photo was a bit surprising.

"I always thought I wasn't talented, that it was what I lacked as a designer. But recently, I realized that most people aren't geniuses. Compared to others, all I lacked was courage."

Sariel paused and pulled out Chen Che's design submission for the promotion assessment from a stack of papers.

It was restrained and meticulous, reflecting the designer's own personality.

But this time, it also incorporated a more abstract approach, expressing bolder ideas and emotions than before.

A faint smile touched Sariel's lips.

Every designer was unique, and no one's success could be replicated.

And now, another young designer had finally taken his first step.

.

.

.

.

.

Episode 2

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to leave me a tip here or buy me a coffee through the "Leave a Tip" button on my navigation bar!

[silvermoon424]

I have a few things that might interest you in relation to your Sailor Senshi Etymology post:

Setsuna's name is also interesting because the kanji for it used to be pronounced Sechina, which is a Japanese transcription of the word kṣaṇa from sanskrit. Kṣaṇa is the Buddhist concept of the shortest possible moment, and is related to the Buddhist teaching that one should live well even in the shortest moment of time (it is similar to living to the fullest, but since the ultimate aim of Buddhism is to detach oneself from Earthly desires, free oneself from the cycle of rebirth, Samsara, and reach Nirvana it takes on different connotations). You can see how this might relate to Sailor Pluto's duty vs her life as Setsuna Meiou.

Although they're not introduced in the correct order (Mars and Mercury are switched up), barring Minako, the Inner Senshi and Sailor Saturn's surnames also relate to Japanese days of the week: 月曜日 = Getsuyoubi = Monday 火曜日 = Kayoubi = Tuesday (an alternate reading for 火/hi is "ka") 水曜日 = Suiyoubi = Wednesday (an alternate reading for 水/mizu is "sui" 木曜日 = Mokuyoubi = Thursday (an alternate reading for 木/ki is "moku") 金曜日 = Kinyoubi = Friday 土曜日 = Doyoubi = Saturday (This is the one that is the most on the nose because Saturday is named after Saturn) This is also means there is no 日曜日/Nichiyoubi/Sunday equivalent.

This is great, thank you so much! I was aware of the Buddhist meaning behind Setsuna's name but didn't really go into it because I was trying to keep everyone's entries short. So I appreciate you going into it!

[ragewrites]

hello💗 love your writing and your blog, you’re so so talented

AND I just wanted to ask if you have any good court drama recs lmao

💕

Thank you! And oh yes 👀

At the time of those tags I was knee-deep in the waters of Chinese web novels (recs from that journey are The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort, Eight Treasures Trousseau, Like Pearl and Jade; Your Mileage May Vary, however, since I like slow-paced things) but I also have some drama-proper recs, namely:

Magnificent Century (Turkish production, follows the ascent of Suleyman the Magnificent’s wife in the harem; liberties are taken, but it’s actually not that unfaithful to the truth, and Meryem Uzerli is...honestly a revelation)

Nirvana in Fire. Honestly I cannot recommend this one enough. It’s just so—so!!

Bossam: Steal the Fate is partly this. Other Korean recs include The Crowned Clown and Mr. Queen, and I heartily recommend watching them in that order, actually, because you will need the levity Mr. Queen has, particularly early on, to cope.

From the web novels (additional rec: The Remarried Empress. This is a Korean work, and is currently being serialized as a webtoon, also, with very pretty art) I went on to reading Katie Quinn’s series of books set in Rome, which were...sadly only decent, so not a particularly strong rec, just a mention. Instead I’ll rec Megan Whalen Turner’s sequels to The Thief, which turn into this: they are The Queen of Attolia; The King of Attolia; A Conspiracy of Kings & Thick as Thieves.

Also, last year Jacqueline Carey utterly rewired my brain, particularly with Phedre’s trilogy (Kushiel’s Dart, Kushiel’s Chosen, Kushiel’s Avatar) but while court drama features in these, it’s not the point, exactly.

Hopefully this is a wide enough net of things for you to find something you enjoy within it ^^

[marvelousmatt]

It Took a “Huge Science Project” for What We Do in the Shadows to Bring Back Colin Robinson

BY WHITNEY FRIEDLANDER

JUNE 5, 2023

In this epic battle of nature versus nurture, nature has won.

The third season finale of FX’s vampire mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows saw the death of energy vampire Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch) as well as his rebirth into a slimy, screaming, and time-consuming infant. The most recent fourth season saw him grow quickly from there, going from an energetic toddler to a tap-dancing tween to a sullen teen within a season.

All of this happened while his de facto parents, the more canonical blood-sucking vampire Laszlo (Matt Berry) and the vampires’ human bodyguard, Guillermo (Harvey Guillén), tried to keep this version of their roommate from becoming like his annoying and frustrating predecessor: a supernatural being who gains energy by draining you of yours.

But that season finale, titled—what else for an episode about vampire parenting?—“Sunrise, Sunset,” saw Colin Robinson complete his metamorphosis into the grating-voiced and flatulent creature whom his housemates already knew. (The character is always referred to by both his first and last names; co-showrunner Paul Simms, who wrote this episode, has said that the fifth season, which premieres July 13, will get into whether these are even actually his names). To make that transformation complete, the team needed a Styrofoam wall, some “turn off that racket” music, and as little dialogue as possible.

Room Rager

Shadows has already established that these aren’t just vampires; they’re vampire hoarders. The characters’ dilapidated Staten Island Tudor is overcrowded with animals dead and alive, musty furniture, candelabras, and dusty books.

It’s hard to put a value on specific things when time has no meaning. And Colin Robinson’s quest will only reinforce this notion.

It begins as he’s banging holes in his bedroom wall whilst blasting death metal, a music choice that serves the dual purpose of covering up the first action and really irritating his roommates, (or, as episode director Kyle Newacheck puts it, is an example of how the character was “starting to learn how to feed in that state”).

The look of bewilderment when one of his holes uncovers a film canister suggests Colin Robinson is operating out of instinct rather than with a known purpose. As the show’s score quickens, he rushes through the house's tight hallways to find a projector and lug it downstairs.

The found footage has more clues, pointing out where else Colin Robinson should hit and in what order. It’s then that he discovers energy vampire nirvana: a long hallway lit like a fluorescent-hued forgotten side room of a public library. There are meticulously hung beige and brown sweaters and slacks (some Proksch had actually worn on the show), and detailed diary entries that, among other things, suggest one of the character’s boring rants was the impetus for the events in the movie Se7en.

As he makes himself at home in an uncomfortable chair for innumerable hours of reading, teen Colin Robinson’s hair falls out and his posture changes. Behold: The energy vampire’s metaphorical butterfly wings begin to flap.

“The Color Within the Darkness”

Newacheck says he and the production team had about two weeks to build “the huge science project,” which was a wall of Styrofoam blocks that could smash open, plus the secret room, which had to be constructed so that it connected to the bedroom set. Audiences had already seen Colin Robinson’s room, which is tiny and sparse, with only two pieces of art that hang on separate walls. Newacheck decided that those paintings could be what he calls “visual coding” for the character to learn where to line up the projector. Music supervisor Nora Felder chose “Forbidden Lies” by A Creatures Cage and “Killing Engine” by Andy James, Jan Cyrka, and  Christopher Clancy to play during the hammering, both of which exude a “turn off that racket” vibe.

Newacheck was inspired by the last scenes of Darren Aronofsky’s film Requiem for a Dream, which uses a soaring score amidst stark lighting and shadows to create what he calls a “big, revelatory feeling.” He says he worked with director of photography D.J. Stipsen, who was also the cinematographer on the 2014 film that inspired this series, to find “the color within the darkness” of a purposefully bleak interior.

The mockumentary format helped too, Newachek says. “Sometimes, when you’re trying to figure out what’s important in a scene, it’s kind of nice to have less choices in terms of shot coverage or shot selection,” he says. “It makes you realize what’s very important about the scene and focus on that.”

Silence Is Golden

Shadows tends to be a very loud and chatty show (Who knew hundreds-year-old vampires could be so needy? Guillermo did). Juxtaposed with this scene is a storyline involving one of Colin Robinson’s other roommates, the vampire Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), and a lot of flailing and hissing. But Proksch embraced the lack of dialogue in this transformation scene.

“There was a moment where we talked about throwing in some ad libs,” he says. “And we just came to the conclusion that it should just exist how it was written. It should be a bit of a heightened moment.”

He adds that it’s even debatable how cognizant Colin Robinson was that he was being filmed, both because “he was so in the zone that he was not paying attention to anything other than his quest” and because he’s now, technically, the youngest vampire in the house. Much like actual children, “since he was reborn, he has been on camera,” Proksch says. “I think he also considers them to be commonplace and not as much of a novelty as the rest of the characters do.”

Learning and Relearning

Colin Robinson’s final moments of transformation might solidify that Laszlo and Guillermo’s efforts were always going to be in vain. Proksch speculates that, even if his character hadn’t wanted to read those journals, “he would have then been compelled” to do so because “it's in his DNA to relearn the process of becoming an energy vampire.”

They also help him hone in on what kind of energy vampire he is destined to be; leaving behind the days of teen angst and moving full-on into trapping his prey with mind-numbing conversations.

“I think it’s something like when you’re in school,” Proksch explains. “Up until college, you're in school and you learn a bunch of different things…. When you get to college, you specialize.”

Proksch doesn’t know how many times Colin Robinson has been reborn, although the show has established that this happens to energy vampires every hundred years, and some images from the opening credits suggest he might have been alive in the 1700s. But he does think it’s interesting that he never looks any older than Proksch himself, who is in his 40s.

Are humans the most boring when we’re middle-aged? “I think middle age is particularly boring,” he acknowledges.

[singular-yike]

A long time ago, a book about Shinto I read mentioned something about "warrior priests". I sorta gave up researching them after the shrine they were associated with in the book pulled up no results on English google (forgot it's name, but apparently there's an American branch of it that has way more documentation than the Japanese branch I was trying to look into, but this ain't about that shrine).

The concept of a warrior priest intrigues me, as a fan of media where Shinto priests fight, so could you tell me what you know of them?

I'll be completely honest, I've never heard of Shinto priests that also acted as warriors before this. So I was a bit lost as to what to do here.

However, I do know of the much, much more famous Buddhist warrior monks, called sōhei (僧兵 lit. "monk soldiers"), which I originally planned to use as my answer.

Fortunately, it is in the middle of researching them that I believe I came across a good answer to your question, but first, let's go over some history (which I've tried my best to keep brief and relevant to our topic today).

History of Shinto and Buddhism

Shinto and Buddhism have been closely intertwined for most of Japan's history. In fact, for a good part of it, most people would've understood them as a single system of faith, one and the same.

From our modern point of view, we call this shinbutsu-shūgō (神仏習合), the "syncretism of kami and buddhas" (syncretism being the combation different beliefs; Kami being what I usually refer to as the Shinto "gods").

It was not until the Meiji Restoration in 1868, when the "Kami and Buddhas Separation Order" (神仏判然令) was decreed, that the two religions for forcefully split in twain.

Yet even still, the two were never truly and completely separated, many Buddhist temples still house small Shinto shrines, and some Shinto shrines are dedicated to Buddhist deities like any other kami.

Indeed the policy never succeeded in its goals to separate the two religions, many Japanese people still practice both and visit both shrines and temples, but what it did do was create the modern view that they are separate, independent religions.

Practices/Beliefs Under the Syncretism

Right, now we can take a look at the practices under the syncretism that lead to these "warrior priests/monks" that I mentioned prior.

To keep things brief, basically, the Shinto gods and the various Buddhist deities (Buddhas, bodhisattvas, etc.) were fused together. The "how" was never agreed upon, but the mainstream idea was the honji-suijaku theory (本地垂迹).

It suggested that Shinto gods were but local manifestations of the buddhas and bodhisattvas, and that they too were not exempt from the cycle of death and rebirth, samsara.

Thus, Shinto gods needed to achieve enlightenment, nirvana, as well, just like us humans. Buddhist temples were built close to Shinto shrines so that the gods can listen to Buddhist sutras, cultivate good karma, all that good stuff.

There's a lot more too, like how Shinto gods later come to be considered the protectors of Buddhism, but the important takeaway here is that Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines slowly get fused with one another, to the point where they're basically the same thing.

Warrior Monks and Priests

It is under these syncretistic beliefs and practices that we move onto classical and feudal Japan, specifically the period from the late Heian period (794 to 1185) until the Muromachi period (1336 to 1573).

During this period, power in Japan was split between three: The imperial court, independent warrior governments, and what is called the "temple-shrine powers" (寺社勢力) (the "why" is a lot of history I really can't).

(Also do note that these are categories, not three unified powers, so all the temple-shrines didn't come together to form their own government or anything like that.)

Temple-shrines then held vast amounts of land and power, enough to compete with the other two powers for authority. A part of this competition and exertion of power is, of course, military fighting.

This fighting, on the part of the Shinto shrines, were often done by what are called jinin/jinnin (神人), low-ranking priests who did chores and odd-jobs for the shrine. Some of them where charged with guard duty, so they owned weapons and knew how to fight.

It was these people who we see join the sōhei (mentioned in the beginning) in their fighting, and we even have many records of people complaining about their violent rampages (yeah not all of these warriors were great people, in fact many weren't, but that's neither here nor there).

And there's what I believe you read about! Warrior Shinto priests, albeit low-ranking ones that were basically the odd-jobs guys. (Also worth noting is that not all jinin were warriors, some were farmers, merchants, artisans, etc.)

Ending

What I couldn't find

I should definitely add that I couldn't find anything about a specific group of jinin tied to a specific shrine.

The only two American shrines that I could find with specific ties to Japanese shrines are the Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America and the Izumo Grand Shrine of Hawaii, tied to the Tsubaki Grand Shrine and Izumo Grand Shrine respectively.

However, I couldn't find anything specifically tying them to any temple-shrine powers back them, nor any specific anecdotes about their priests being warriors either.

So yeah I got nothing on that front, sorry 'bout that.

Why all the history?

In retrospect all that history really seems rather unnecessary, doesn't it? But I've already typed all that up, and it'd just be an absolute waste to delete them now.

I originally mentioned all that because I wanted to give an idea on how this could've been obscured, both to me and to anyone else, and hence the topic's obscurity these days.

Shinto was Buddhism at the time (and vice versa, in a sense), so these people who fought with Buddhist monks were simply lumped in with them, they were of one temple-shrine organisation.

There's a lot of stuff in there that you can easily pour literal lifetimes into learning about, so we can always visit some other stuff there if you're interested~.

Final Words

Good gods I crammed a lot in here.

The tricky thing is that any talk about Shinto history also kinda necessitates a basic understanding of Buddhism, so it's tough to pick out what's really needed and what can be saved for some other day.

Also I'm not nearly as good at these top-down perspective stuff, as you may have noticed, narrow topics are a lot easier to work with (though I suppose that's true for most things).

And this intersected with history quite a lot too, which is not really my thing and I'm not nearly as well versed in.

Finally please do note that I'm no expert in Japanese religion and mythology or anything. I just find it all real neat~. So please don't be surprised if any of this turns out inaccurate or straight up wrong, and do tell me I'd love to learn too~.

And that's all I believe! As usual, I hope you enjoyed~! :)

[mariahcareyfan1738]

123124, 1212 am, i want the past back

binary thinking made me think that when things would come back, they would come rushing, but it is instead a slow gradient of emotion flowing back into my life, day by day, second by secon

i find myself spending more and more time in my emotional danger zones, despite the medication. i think about my past more and more often. how things could have been. how things should have gone. i fear writing the names in case they read them, but this should suffice

prom

mayan temples

tree over the lake

the twins

walks from apush to the office

hoco

bienvenue chez toi

and so , so , so many more

can one regain the purity they once lost? put what happened behind them, and start anew. not the binary of a rebirth, but instead a slow shedding of the skin i once wore. pick up where i once left off. that day in october when i went in the first time, i left everything behind. that started the course of events leading me here, now, writing this. my life, and so many others, changed in that moment. a fork in the road. do i stay silent, or do i cry out for help? should this have been the way things went?

but i did not become this that day. the tides were turning, and they were not in my favor. all because of myself. who am i more, nowadays? the person at the beginning of this journey, pure and absolved, or the sinner that i was at the end? or is all of this wrong, and i am contextualizing myself based on a warped perception of what once was.

i just want to be pure again. i want to leave the guilt, shame, and hurt behind. but i know not if this is the baggage life gives us. do we all trade every last shed of our innocence for the strength adulthood requires? or do we keep some, and the more that we loose, the further we spiral into our vices. i would ask my father, but i fear he doesnt know, or if he did, the answer is locked in the same room as the key.

i just want to be whole again. i dont want to be sick anymore. do i have to go back to being twenty, or do i have to run to being forty? fifty? what point in this journey do i reach the enlightment i am looking for? i know the story of the boat ride to nirvana, how it is not the island that is the goal, but did the monk ever know if he was on a fools errand? am i on a fools errand? am i just chasing smoke? or does this all start with cleaning my room? its not that messy.

am i enlightened? can i reach enlightment alone? or is this another example of my incesscant binary thinking? i've asked 18 questions in this entry already.

how about this. i am on the path. i want to be more enlightened and in touch with myself. journaling like this helps, but perhaps as i was not ready to leave depression behind years ago, i am not ready to begin the process of leaving purgatory just yet. i still yell. i still love my vices. i still get angry. i still say awful things. i know myself. but i like these things, even though i know i shouldnt. perhaps i need these things right now, because if i leave them, i have to replace them with a spirit that is not fully developed yet, and that is ripe for corruption.

hopefully i can develop a spirit that is akin to the one i had years ago. a spirit of love, personality, music, care, freedom and joy. unbound by sin. excited and ready. maybe when i move. maybe when i leave all this behind. but now, all i know is that i should start meditating more and seeing a therapist.

[atomalways]

learn about Karama if your gonna toss it out all willynilly karama affects the afterlife now law of attraction that's a earth physical form deal so tired of everyone says it's karama this n karama that and if they'd taken 10 min to read about it they'd know affects what lvl heaven or hell end up in till it's back to certain lvl n your back in the middle plane earth which is best place to affellct karma and no you dont come back as another animal smh on earth you get to work on aquire positive negative karma or getting out of cycle of life death rebirth the cycle of suffering a place called nirvana

[mahayanapilgrim]

If you are wondering what is the point in obtaining this human body that is so hard to find, the benefits of doing so are enormous. Not only is one easily able, temporarily, to accomplish all the happiness and perfections of the higher realms, but one can also accomplish the nirvana of the lower vehicles and unsurpassable enlightenment as well.

Without obtaining a human body, there is no way one can achieve any kind of happiness in cyclic existence, let alone accomplish liberation. But by starting from the most insignificant positive actions and devoting one's efforts exclusively to the sublime Dharma, one obtains the manifold perfect qualities of higher rebirth and ultimate excellence. As it says in the Jewel Garland,

If you constantly practice the Dharma,

You will make the whole world

And yourself happy,

And this will be all to the good.

With the Dharma you will always fall asleep happy

And wake up happy.

Inwardly you will be without fault, and so

Even in your dreams you will see virtue.

By wholeheartedly respecting your parents,

Venerating the head of the lineage,

Putting your wealth to good use, being patient, giving generously,

Speaking gently, avoiding slander, and telling the truth-

Observing these for one lifetime,

You will reach the level of Indra

And be Indra again and again.

Bit by bit you will accomplish Buddhahood.

And in the Sutra of the Arborescent Array we read:

Child of good family, whoever has the freedoms and advantages, on him will also fall the great and abundant rain of the Buddha's teaching, and he will acquire infinite other benefits.

- Dudjom Rinpoche - A Torch Lighting the Way to Freedom

[betshy]

Understanding Transmigration: Insights on Reincarnation

Transmigration, also known as soul migration or reincarnation, is a belief that has been deeply ingrained in many spiritual and religious traditions around the world. The concept of transmigration suggests that the soul or consciousness of an individual can move from one body to another after death, experiencing different lifetimes and learning valuable lessons along the way. In Hinduism, the belief in transmigration is closely tied to the concept of karma, which suggests that our actions in this lifetime will determine our fate in future lives. According to Hindu teachings, the ultimate goal of transmigration is to achieve moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death, and to reunite with the divine source. Similarly, in Buddhism, the belief in transmigration is a fundamental aspect of the cycle of samsara, which is the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. According to Buddhist teachings, the goal is to break free from this cycle by attaining enlightenment and reaching nirvana, a state of ultimate peace and liberation. In Western traditions, the concept of transmigration has also been explored in various esoteric and mystical teachings. Some philosophers and thinkers believe that the soul is eternal and that it may incarnate in different bodies over time in order to learn and grow. Regardless of one's religious or philosophical beliefs, the idea of transmigration invites us to consider the bigger picture of our existence and our interconnectedness with all living beings. It challenges us to think beyond our current lifetime and to consider the lessons we are meant to learn from each experience. While the concept of transmigration may be challenging to fully comprehend or prove, it offers a sense of hope and reassurance that our lives have purpose and meaning beyond what we can see or understand in the physical world. It encourages us to think about the bigger questions of life and to consider our actions and choices in a broader context. In conclusion, transmigration is a thought-provoking concept that invites us to reflect on the nature of existence, the interconnectedness of all beings, and the potential for growth and evolution beyond this lifetime. Whether or not one believes in the literal truth of transmigration, the teachings and principles behind this belief can offer valuable insights and lessons for our spiritual and personal development. Read the full article

[holybookslibrary]

Advaita-Saadhanaa - Kanchi Maha-Swamigal’s Discourses

Advaita-Saadhanaa - Kanchi Maha-Swamigal’s Discourses. Kanchi Maha-Swamigal also known as Periyavaa repeatedly preached about the importance of following the Dharmic path and Advaita - non-duality. His various discourses are available in a pack of six volumes. They are called ‘Deivathin Kural’ (Voice of the Divine) which have been compiled by R. Ganapathi, a devotee of Periyava. These books are available only in Tamil, however a condensed form of these books is available in English. Download the free pdf e-book here (192 pages):

Advaita-Saadhanaa - Kanchi Maha-Swamigal’s Discourses

What are the Dharmic Paths?

The Dharmic Paths refer to the spiritual frameworks and philosophies that originated in the Indian subcontinent. They include Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. These religions share some common themes and concepts but also have distinct beliefs, practices, and cultural expressions. Here's a brief overview of each: - Hinduism: - Origins and Core Beliefs: Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, with a complex array of deities, philosophies, and rituals. Its core beliefs include Dharma (duty, ethics, right action), Karma (the law of cause and effect), Samsara (the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth), and Moksha (liberation from the cycle of Samsara). - Practices: Practices in Hinduism are diverse and include rituals, worship (puja), yoga, meditation, and pilgrimages to holy sites. - Buddhism: - Origins and Core Beliefs: Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, Buddhism teaches the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as a means to attain Nirvana, the cessation of suffering and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. - Practices: Buddhism emphasizes meditation, mindfulness, ethical conduct, and the cultivation of wisdom and compassion. - Jainism: - Origins and Core Beliefs: Jainism was founded by Mahavira and emphasizes non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possession. It teaches that every living being has a soul and the potential for liberation. - Practices: Jains practice strict vegetarianism, meditation, and rituals that emphasize renunciation and asceticism. - Sikhism: - Origins and Core Beliefs: Founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century, Sikhism emphasizes monotheism, equality of all humans, selfless service (Seva), and the importance of honest living and social justice. - Practices: Sikhs follow the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib, their holy scripture. They participate in communal worship and service in the Gurdwara (Sikh temple), and they follow the Five Ks, which are articles of faith. Each of these Dharmic Paths, while unique in their teachings and practices, shares a common thread in their emphasis on spiritual growth, ethical living, and the pursuit of ultimate truth or liberation.   Read the full article