‘Tathāgata is a term used by Gautama Buddha to refer to himself, carrying dual meanings that reflect both movement and transcendence. It can be interpreted as ‘‘one who has thus gone’’ or ‘‘one who has thus come’’.’
Everyday Buddhism
Buddhist Insights
Morning meditation — Knowing Buddha means nothing else than knowing sentient beings.
‘Buddha-nature latent in you. Knowing Buddha means nothing else than knowing sentient beings, for the latter ignore that they are potential Buddhas, whereas a Buddha sees no difference between himself and other beings.’
Hui Neng
Morning meditation — Within our mind there is a Buddha.
‘Within our mind there is a Buddha, and that Buddha within is the real Buddha. If Buddha is not to be sought within our mind, where shall we find the real Buddha?’
Hui Neng
Morning meditation — To experience the Buddha directly.
‘To experience the Buddha directly is to be fully present with what is, without clinging or resistance. It is to engage with the moment, each thought, each feeling, as an expression of the Dharma.’
Everyday Buddhism
Morning meditation – Accepting the moment “now”.
‘Accepting the moment “now”, nothing was gained and nothing was thrown away.’
Harada Sekkei Roshi
Morning meditation — What is the most tormenting thing in this world?
‘Tung-Shan asked, “What is the most tormenting thing in this world?”
“Hell is the most tormenting thing,” answered the monk.
“Not so. When that which is draped in these robe threads is unaware of the Great Matter, that I call the most tormenting thing”.’
Tung-Shan
Morning meditation — The Buddha’s use of negative descriptors is a paradoxical gesture.
‘The Buddha’s use of negative descriptors is a paradoxical gesture that reveals profound positivity. By describing the ultimate as ‘unborn’ or ‘unconditioned,’ he emphasises that liberation is not something created or fabricated.’
Everyday Buddhism
Morning meditation — To speak of the timeless is to speak in paradoxes.
‘To speak of the timeless is to speak in paradoxes. We approach it through negation, yet its realisation is the most affirming experience imaginable. The unborn and unmade point us towards a life free from suffering.’
Everyday Buddhism
Buddhism now 