Dave Lang
Dave Lang contributes to several online magazines. He is Buddhist, more or less a "Chan Buddhist" — and his special bow goes to Bodhidharma, his Dharma Hero. He is also an avid martial artist.
The Gateless Gate and the door of Mu!: “Does a dog have Buddha Nature?” and other breakthrough koan riddles
Zen • Chan • Seon
The Gateless Gate (or Barrier) is a compilation of 48 Zen koans. Koans are paradoxical, puzzling riddles, statements, or even short pieces of prose that are a fixture in Zen Buddhism; they’re meant to entice those who encounter ...
Korean Seon Buddhism: the thriving and profound tradition, history and practices of Seon Buddhists
Buddhist Practices, Zen • Chan • Seon
Korean Buddhist temple drumming. The resonating sound of the Korean moktak is iconic of the beautiful practices of Korean Buddhism. Although the wooden Moktak is similar to the Mokugyo Japanese fish drum — there are subtle differences, just ...
Chan Buddhism – the “Flower Sermon” and the profound roots of Chan or Zen — the open hearted path
Zen • Chan • Seon
To understand the origins of Chan or Zen Buddhism, we have to go back to the "Flower Sermon." This sermon, given by the Buddha himself, is at the heart of Chan — also known as Zen in Japan ...
Dogen, Satori, and the personal experience of enlightenment in Soto Zen: impermanence, emptiness, Zazen and “Being Time”
Zen • Chan • Seon
Soto Zen is virtually synonymous with Zazen and Mindfulness — especially uji (有時) translated as "Being Time." [For more on "Uji" see section below.] Soto Zen is a far-reaching, profound, and ancient path — with a particular focus ...
Nichiren’s Legacy: Three principle practices of Nichiren Buddhism — meditation on the Gohonzon and Namu Myoho Renge Kyo
Mahayana
The path to enlightenment is not a single straight line. Buddhism is a religion with many different branches, all of which have their own interpretation and practice of the teachings. Nichiren Buddhism is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism ...
Martial Arts and Buddhist practice have at least three things in common: discipline, mindfulness and compassion.
Buddhist Living
It is often said that Buddhist and martial arts practices are complementary — and sometimes even analogous in method. This may be because both emphasize discipline, mindfulness, and compassion. The relationship between martial arts and Buddhism has a ...
Bodhidharma – The Life of the legendary Da Mo, founder of Shaolin: an epic journey from India to China
Zen • Chan • Seon
There is no debate that Bodhidharma is an inspiring and towering presence in Mahayana Buddhism and the mystery of Shaolin. The life of the legendary monk Bodhidharma does have many facets that are subject to debate; based on ...
Which Type of Meditation Suits You Best: Instructional Infographic explains why a Regular Habit of Meditation is Good For You, and How to Do It.
Meditation, Mindfulness
Meditation isn’t just for Buddhists, and it isn't just for once-a-year retreats. Like exercise, meditation, if a regular habit, is literally "good for you." Numerous peer-reviewed medical and psychology studies can't be wrong. There are at least 20 benefits ...
Meditation Marathon: Buddhist Monk Kogen Kamahori Endures Nine Days of No Food, Drink or Sleep — Social Media Commenters Quick To Criticize
News
On Wednesday Oct 21, 2015, Buddhist Monk Kogen Kamahori emerged from a dangerous nine-day ordeal that included no food, no drink and no sleep—while reciting precious sutras. To many Buddhists, the feat of mental discipline is both admirable ...
I’m attached to my Mala
Buddhist Living, Mantra
I know it's a form of attachment, but I do carry my mala everywhere. Even after my mala burst spontaneously off my wrist at a restaurant (and here's me scrambling around saying, "Excuse me, sorry, excuse me…" as ...