Buddhist history

Part 2 Toward Nirvana and From Nirvana, by Professor Masahiro Shimoda

In order that you may gain a clear understanding of the idea of the bodhisattva, I would like to turn your attention to a long-­­­standing discussion in the scholarly world regarding an erroneous belief widely maintained by contemporary scholars. According to their understanding, the bodhisattvas of Buddhist scriptures belong to two almost mutually exclusive categories…

Toward Nirvana and From Nirvana, by Professor Masahiro Shimoda

The process whereby Buddhism—which first began as the deeply internal experience of just one ascetic practitioner—has over time borne fruit within vastly different races, climates, cultures and histories, might be likened to the way volcanic magma breaks through the earth’s crust and gushes heavenwards then flows down in every direction…

The Helgö Buddha

A remarkable collection of religious items from diverse lands was discovered during archae­ological excavations on the Swedish island of Helgö. Undoubtedly the most extra­ordi­nary find dis­covered during the exca­vations at Helgö was a small, bronze Buddha…

Zen Principles and Practices

Documentary showing life in a Rinzai Zen temple. ‘Zen Principles and Practices’. Old Zen film 1986ish. Four parts of 29 minutes each. The film is not studio quality, but wonderful all the same.