In 2025, we studied six sutras. Recall I suggested reading the sutra many times, placing it in historical and cultural context and getting away from critical analysis by allowing experiences or non-judgmental approach.
- Metta Sutra: (January and February)
- A very short exposition on the multi-meaning loving-kindness, friendliness, goodwill, amity, accord, benevolence, inoffensiveness, and non-violence
- Diamond Sutra: (March and April)
- Known for its concise and powerful teachings on emptiness and the nature of reality.
- Heart Sutra: (May and June)A very short yet profound summary of the Perfection of Wisdom teachings, often recited in Mahayana Buddhism.
- Lotus Sutra: (July and August) A central text in Mahayana Buddhism, emphasizing the potential for all beings to achieve Buddhahood.
- Avatamsaka Sutra: (September and October)Describes the interconnectedness of all things and the Buddha’s vast, inconceivable wisdom.
- Platform Sutra: (November and December)Considered a key text in Chan (Zen) Buddhism, detailing the teachings of the patriarchs and the path to enlightenment.
This month Mokuo-san created our monthly calendar which features many voices, so please attend each Tuesday night Service to hear each speaker. I‘ll be doing light duty this month attending to our sitting groups, and offering this new opportunity for independent study of The Platform Sutra. My primary source for these two months will be The Platform Sutra: The Zen Teachings of Hui-neng, by Red Pine.
Each reader decides how deeply they wish to study Mahayana development in China from the third through the seventh century C.E.
- I will address four perspectives of the sutra
- Historical and Cultural
- The Platform Sutra of Chan Buddhism – Jun Wang
- Huning’s personal legend of Sudden Awaking
- Key Teachings
- How to practice a Sutra
- All my previous talks on our website regarding the Platform Sutra
- Each of the perspectives are mailed out each Monday or Tuesday with one topic area covered in two parts (eight sets of notes).
- Please read my notes and the additional resources that I will offer.
- You may look into the Sutra through your own sources as well.
- I suggest you keep a journal of your study.
- Please email me any questions or comments and we’ll include these in your Dokusan for the next two months
- January a comparative review of our six sutra study of 2025.
So, here we have a new way to study and practice. Please consider taking full advantage of our having a meaningful conversation over the next two months.
108 Bows
Sangaku-sensei