Articles by alphabetic order
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
 Ā Ī Ñ Ś Ū Ö Ō
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0


Difference between revisions of "Abbot"

From Tibetan Buddhist Encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Created page with "<poem> 1. The superior of a monastery. 2. Abbr. Abb. Used as a title for such a person. One Chinese term for abbot, fangzhang 'ten feet square' is a term used primarily in Ch...")
 
Line 1: Line 1:
 
<poem>
 
<poem>
1. The superior of a monastery.
+
1. The superior of a [[monastery]].
2. Abbr. Abb. Used as a title for such a person.
+
2. Abbr. Abb. Used as a title for such a [[person]].
  
One Chinese term for abbot, fangzhang 'ten feet square' is a term used primarily in Chan monasteries and refers to the ideal size of the abbot's quarters. The great enlightened Buddhist layman Vimalakirti, who lived during the time of the Buddha, was said to have lived in a stone room of that size.
+
One {{Wiki|Chinese}} term for [[abbot]], fangzhang 'ten feet square' is a term used primarily in [[Chan]] [[monasteries]] and refers to the ideal size of the abbot's quarters. The great [[enlightened]] [[Buddhist]] layman [[Vimalakirti]], who lived during the [[time]] of [[the Buddha]], was said to have lived in a stone room of that size.
  
Another frequently used Chinese term for abbot is zhuchi, literally "dweller and upholder", is explained as meaning that the abbot is one who protects the Dharma while abiding peacefully in the world.  
+
Another frequently used {{Wiki|Chinese}} term for [[abbot]] is zhuchi, literally "dweller and upholder", is explained as meaning that the [[abbot]] is one who protects [[the Dharma]] while abiding peacefully in the [[world]].  
  
The abbot was Taoism natural appellation, Buddhism China After borrowing this commonly known as. The temple Abbot house called the abbot, also called hall, main hall. This is an abbot word sense. Generalized Abbot Abbot except refers to dwellings, including its affiliated facilities such as dormitory, Tang, Liao, tea.
+
The [[abbot]] was {{Wiki|Taoism}} natural appellation, [[Buddhism]] [[China]] After borrowing this commonly known as. The [[temple]] [[Abbot]] house called the [[abbot]], also called hall, main hall. This is an [[abbot]] word [[sense]]. Generalized [[Abbot]] [[Abbot]] except refers to dwellings, including its affiliated facilities such as dormitory, Tang, Liao, tea.
  
The abbot and the abbot difference
+
The [[abbot]] and the [[abbot]] [[difference]]
Buddhist abbot Zhang: a square room. And the abbot room, Zhang room. That is Temple The living room or guest house temple, also known as Han Zhang , Purlin The hall. India monk room to Party A for, Vimalakirti meditation hall so well, and Zhang said; instead the abbot room. This re apply for Buddhist temple abbot, or the title of master. Commonly known as the "master" or "abbot monk".
+
[[Buddhist]] [[abbot]] Zhang: a square room. And the [[abbot]] room, Zhang room. That is [[Temple]] The living room or guest house [[temple]], also known as [[Han]] Zhang , Purlin The hall. [[India]] [[monk]] room to Party A for, [[Vimalakirti]] [[meditation]] hall so well, and Zhang said; instead the [[abbot]] room. This re apply for [[Buddhist]] [[temple]] [[abbot]], or the title of [[master]]. Commonly known as the "[[master]]" or "[[abbot]] [[monk]]".
Abbot : semantic "maintain live". Originally meaning generation pass, continued the Buddha The life of wisdom The man, after it is used to refer to take charge of the temple, and the elders. The use of the word in this temple title called, also known as The temple of the Lord Or The Lord . The Japanese Buddhist circles called for duty. Due to the place called the "master", so "Abbot" one word is also extended to the abbot.
+
[[Abbot]] : semantic "maintain [[live]]". Originally meaning generation pass, continued [[the Buddha]] The [[life]] of [[wisdom]] The man, after it is used to refer to take charge of the [[temple]], and the elders. The use of the word in this [[temple]] title called, also known as The [[temple]] of the [[Lord]] Or The [[Lord]] . The {{Wiki|Japanese}} [[Buddhist]] circles called for duty. Due to the place called the "[[master]]", so "[[Abbot]]" one word is also extended to the [[abbot]].
General as long as there are temples there Abbot The abbot, and must be on the scale of the temples can be. And the abbot may concurrently multiple Temple The abbot, but not. In general, the abbot must by the provincial religious management department and the Buddhist Association appointed to take effect.
+
General as long as there are [[temples]] there [[Abbot]] The [[abbot]], and must be on the scale of the [[temples]] can be. And the [[abbot]] may concurrently multiple [[Temple]] The [[abbot]], but not. In general, the [[abbot]] must by the provincial [[religious]] management department and the [[Buddhist]] Association appointed to take effect.
 
NOUN
 
NOUN
 
Introduction
 
Introduction
Buddhism Generally used in representing the abbot abbot, who is the top leader of temples, also have the responsibility of the teacher.
+
[[Buddhism]] Generally used in representing the [[abbot]] [[abbot]], who is the top leader of [[temples]], also have the responsibility of the [[teacher]].
Buddhist used to refer to Temple The elders or the place of residence. Such as "Vimalakirti by" load, as the Buddha's Vimalakirti koji, the bedroom a foot square, but can let the public. Compared to the temple, named. To the Tang dynasty, Whitehead (AD 720814 years) to establish the abbot system, specifically the abbot Abbot room, title and general temple abbot. " Jingde chuandeng recorded "Volume six Whitehead made" Zen ":" both for regulation Main , i.e.
+
[[Buddhist]] used to refer to [[Temple]] The elders or the place of residence. Such as "[[Vimalakirti]] by" load, as the [[Buddha's]] [[Vimalakirti]] koji, the bedroom a foot square, but can let the public. Compared to the [[temple]], named. To the {{Wiki|Tang dynasty}}, Whitehead (AD 720814 years) to establish the [[abbot]] system, specifically the [[abbot]] [[Abbot]] room, title and general [[temple]] [[abbot]]. " Jingde chuandeng recorded "Volume six Whitehead made" [[Zen]] ":" both for regulation Main , i.e.
  
In the abbot, with the net name (i.e. Vimalakirti translation) room, non private bed room." "Journey to the west" article four four: "clean the abbot, sleep a night." Later Taoism Quanzhen also uses this name, refers to the monastery Host And he lived in a quiet room. (Chang Zheng) (from ". Buddha source ")
+
In the [[abbot]], with the net name (i.e. [[Vimalakirti]] translation) room, non private bed room." "Journey to the west" article four four: "clean the [[abbot]], [[sleep]] a night." Later {{Wiki|Taoism}} Quanzhen also uses this name, refers to the [[monastery]] Host And he lived in a quiet room. (Chang Zheng) (from ". [[Buddha]] source ")
" Dictionary of Buddhism "Contains: (Tangta) is sleep Buddhist temple, the abbot of the residence, so that the temple of the Lord, the abbot, because of the lives in the. The ancient said Shishi Vimalakirti ", square one Zhang, Zhang room name, was based on this. Fayuan Zhulin Gantong articles said: 'vaishya- Miyagi Friday, house has six North Temple, is by the said D at. Temple in the Northeast four Li Xu tower, is the Vimo homestead spirit, before god. The piled brick homes, Chuan Yun: stone product, that is to say at this point also. Tang Hin Hing years chishi officer Wang Xuance, due to India The net house, Ehud quantity based, only the Shihu, the number of the abbot room. ' The lamp Zen regulation said: 'the elders not only for the main, is the abbot, with the net name room, non private bedroom room.' The name of the first case of the abbot, Tang Xuan policy has its say. Wang Jian Qi Toutuo Temple inscription reads: 'Song Daming five years before the cubic Zhang Mao CI.' Note, Gao said: 'the wall long one Zhang, high Yi Zhang, ring a, for Buddhist abbot . Miller said: Emperor Song Xiaowu also said, cubic Zhang room, covered Yimaoci grass, to home after home. ' The abbot monk Fang made only small, not because the Vimalakirti also. Tanluan deceased on note said: 'if the Vimalakirti abbot, containing more than bracts, why the country without money, but said the majority of?'
+
" Dictionary of [[Buddhism]] "Contains: (Tangta) is [[sleep]] [[Buddhist]] [[temple]], the [[abbot]] of the residence, so that the [[temple]] of the [[Lord]], the [[abbot]], because of the [[lives]] in the. The ancient said Shishi [[Vimalakirti]] ", square one Zhang, Zhang room name, was based on this. [[Fayuan Zhulin]] Gantong articles said: '[[vaishya]]- Miyagi Friday, house has six North [[Temple]], is by the said D at. [[Temple]] in the Northeast four Li Xu tower, is the Vimo homestead [[spirit]], before [[god]]. The piled brick homes, Chuan Yun: stone product, that is to say at this point also. Tang Hin Hing years chishi officer Wang Xuance, due to [[India]] The net house, Ehud quantity based, only the Shihu, the number of the [[abbot]] room. ' The lamp [[Zen]] regulation said: 'the elders not only for the main, is the [[abbot]], with the net name room, non private bedroom room.' The name of the first case of the [[abbot]], Tang Xuan policy has its say. Wang Jian [[Qi]] Toutuo [[Temple]] inscription reads: 'Song Daming five years before the cubic Zhang Mao CI.' Note, Gao said: 'the wall long one Zhang, high Yi Zhang, ring a, for [[Buddhist]] [[abbot]] . Miller said: Emperor Song Xiaowu also said, cubic Zhang room, covered Yimaoci grass, to home after home. ' The [[abbot]] [[monk]] Fang made only small, not because the [[Vimalakirti]] also. Tanluan deceased on note said: 'if the [[Vimalakirti]] [[abbot]], containing more than bracts, why the country without [[money]], but said the majority of?'
  
 
----------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------
  
While King Kanishka stayed at the summer palace to witness the tiger hunt, a Buddhist abbot came to the royal palace and requested an interview with the great King Kanishka's friend; and the abbot was admitted into the presence of Charaka, who happened to be in the company of some councilors of King Subâhu, among whom was Açvaghosha, the saintly philosopher. Said the abbot: "I come from the monastery in the hills situated near a Brahman village south of Benares and have been sent by the brethren, the venerable monks whose abbot I am. We know that King Kanishka and you are followers of the Buddha and are steadfast in the orthodox faith. Therefore we approach you in confidence and hope that you will lend your countenance to us, endeavoring to spread and establish
+
While {{Wiki|King}} [[Kanishka]] stayed at the summer palace to witness the tiger hunt, a [[Buddhist]] [[abbot]] came to the royal palace and requested an interview with the great {{Wiki|King}} Kanishka's friend; and the [[abbot]] was admitted into the presence of Charaka, who happened to be in the company of some councilors of {{Wiki|King}} Subâhu, among whom was Açvaghosha, the saintly [[philosopher]]. Said the [[abbot]]: "I come from the [[monastery]] in the hills situated near a [[Brahman]] village south of [[Benares]] and have been sent by the brethren, the [[venerable]] [[monks]] whose [[abbot]] I am. We know that {{Wiki|King}} [[Kanishka]] and you are followers of [[the Buddha]] and are steadfast in the orthodox [[faith]]. Therefore we approach you in [[confidence]] and hope that you will lend your countenance to us, endeavoring to spread and establish
  
the good law, the pure religion of the Tathâgata. We have settled in the hills, but there is a Shiva shrine close by and the villagers continue to offer gifts to the priests while the venerable brethren who profess faith in the glorious doctrine of the Buddha are neglected and sometimes positively suffer from privation."
+
the good law, the pure [[religion]] of the [[Tathâgata]]. We have settled in the hills, but there is a {{Wiki|Shiva}} [[shrine]] close by and the villagers continue to offer gifts to the priests while the [[venerable]] brethren who profess [[faith]] in the glorious [[doctrine]] of [[the Buddha]] are neglected and sometimes positively [[suffer]] from privation."
  
 
"What can I do about it?" queried Charaka.
 
"What can I do about it?" queried Charaka.
  
"If the Shiva shrine were removed, the villagers would no longer seek religious comfort through Brahman rites and would turn Buddhists. We are told that you are a Buddhist monk; you will have sympathy with your suffering brethren and help them to expel the unbelievers."
+
"If the {{Wiki|Shiva}} [[shrine]] were removed, the villagers would no longer seek [[religious]] {{Wiki|comfort}} through [[Brahman]] [[rites]] and would turn [[Buddhists]]. We are told that you are a [[Buddhist monk]]; you will have [[sympathy]] with your [[suffering]] brethren and help them to expel the unbelievers."
  
"And do you think," objected Açvaghosha, "that either King Subâhu or King Kanishka would lend you his royal authority to interfere with the religious service of any one? No, my friend. The Shiva worshipers may be mistaken in their religious views, but they seek the truth and so long as they do no injury to their neighbors, their worship cannot be disturbed. And I do not know but the Shiva
+
"And do you think," objected Açvaghosha, "that either {{Wiki|King}} Subâhu or {{Wiki|King}} [[Kanishka]] would lend you his royal authority to interfere with the [[religious]] service of any one? No, my friend. The {{Wiki|Shiva}} worshipers may be mistaken in their [[religious]] [[views]], but they seek the [[truth]] and so long as they do no injury to their neighbors, their worship cannot be disturbed. And I do not know but the {{Wiki|Shiva}}
  
priests may in their own way do good service to the people."
+
priests may in their own way do good service to the [[people]]."
  
And there was a Brahman present, one of King Subâhu's councilors, who was pleased with Açvaghosha's remark and expressed his approval of the principle of toleration which the great emperor Açoka had proclaimed in one of his edicts as a maxim of good government, and the Brahman added:
+
And there was a [[Brahman]] present, one of {{Wiki|King}} Subâhu's councilors, who was pleased with Açvaghosha's remark and expressed his approval of the principle of toleration which the great emperor Açoka had proclaimed in one of his edicts as a maxim of good government, and the [[Brahman]] added:
  
"Do not ye, too, O Buddhists, preach the doctrine of the Brahmans, that there is a supreme Lord Creator over all creatures, a divine ego-consciousness of All-existence? Whether we call God Ishvara, or Shiva, or Amitâbha, he remains the same and has a just claim to worship."
+
"Do not ye, too, O [[Buddhists]], preach the [[doctrine]] of the [[Brahmans]], that there is a supreme [[Lord]] [[Creator]] over all creatures, a divine ego-consciousness of All-existence? Whether we call [[God]] {{Wiki|Ishvara}}, or {{Wiki|Shiva}}, or Amitâbha, he remains the same and has a just claim to worship."
  
Açvaghosha shook his head: "No, my Brahman friend! The good law is supreme, and it is a father omnibenevolent as we rightly designate it. It is the norm of existence, the standard of truth, the measure of righteousness; but that norm is not an Ishvara, neither Shiva, nor Brahma. Here is the difference between Ishvara and Amitâbha: Ishvara is deified egotism; he demands worship and
+
Açvaghosha shook his head: "No, my [[Brahman]] friend! The good law is supreme, and it is a father omnibenevolent as we rightly designate it. It is the norm of [[existence]], the standard of [[truth]], the measure of [[righteousness]]; but that norm is not an {{Wiki|Ishvara}}, neither {{Wiki|Shiva}}, nor [[Brahma]]. Here is the [[difference]] between {{Wiki|Ishvara}} and Amitâbha: {{Wiki|Ishvara}} is deified [[egotism]]; he demands worship and
  
praise. Amitâbha is love, he is free from the vanity of egoism and is only anxious for his children that they should avail themselves of the light and shun the darkness, that they should follow his advice and walk in the path of righteousness. Ishvara calls sin what is contrary to his will; he loves to be addressed in prayer and he delights in listening to the praises of his worshipers. Not so Amitâbha. Amitâbha cares not for prayer, is indifferent to worship, and cannot be flattered by praise, but the good law is thwarted when his children err; and Amitâbha appears to be wrapt in sadness by the evil results of their mistakes; not for his sake—for he is eternal and remains the same forevermore—but for the sake of the sufferings of all sentient creatures, for all creatures are his disciples, he guides them, he teaches them, he encompasses them. He is like a father unto them. So far as they partake of his nature, they are his children."
+
praise. Amitâbha is [[love]], he is free from the vanity of [[egoism]] and is only anxious for his children that they should avail themselves of the [[light]] and shun the darkness, that they should follow his advice and walk in the [[path of righteousness]]. {{Wiki|Ishvara}} calls [[sin]] what is contrary to his will; he loves to be addressed in [[prayer]] and he delights in listening to the praises of his worshipers. Not so Amitâbha. Amitâbha cares not for [[prayer]], is indifferent to worship, and cannot be flattered by praise, but the good law is thwarted when his children err; and Amitâbha appears to be wrapt in {{Wiki|sadness}} by the [[evil]] results of their mistakes; not for his sake—for he is [[eternal]] and remains the same forevermore—but for the sake of the [[sufferings]] of all sentient creatures, for all creatures are his [[disciples]], he guides them, he teaches them, he encompasses them. He is like a father unto them. So far as they partake of his nature, they are his children."
  
Said the Brahman: "I for one do not believe that Ishvara, or Brahma, or whatever you may call God, is a person such as we are. He is a higher kind of personality, which however includes
+
Said the [[Brahman]]: "I for one do not believe that {{Wiki|Ishvara}}, or [[Brahma]], or whatever you may call [[God]], is a [[person]] such as we are. He is a higher kind of [[personality]], which however includes
  
the faculties of perception, judgment and reason. I believe therefore that the Buddhist faith is lacking in this, that its devotees think of Amitâbha as deficient in self-consciousness. Buddhist ethics are noble, but are human deeds the highest imaginable? Since the godhead is greater than man, the highest bliss will forever remain a union with Brahma, or Ishvara, or Sakra, or whatever you may call the great Unknown and Unknowable, who has revealed himself in the Vedas and is pleased with the prayers and sacrifices of the pious who express their faith in worship."
+
the [[faculties]] of [[perception]], judgment and [[reason]]. I believe therefore that the [[Buddhist]] [[faith]] is lacking in this, that its devotees think of Amitâbha as deficient in self-consciousness. [[Buddhist]] [[ethics]] are [[noble]], but are [[human]] [[deeds]] the highest imaginable? Since the godhead is greater than man, the highest [[bliss]] will forever remain a union with [[Brahma]], or {{Wiki|Ishvara}}, or [[Sakra]], or whatever you may call the great Unknown and Unknowable, who has revealed himself in the [[Vedas]] and is pleased with the [[prayers]] and sacrifices of the pious who express their [[faith]] in worship."
  
"When I was young," replied Açvaghosha, "I was a Brahman myself; I believed in Brahma the Supreme Being, the Creator of and Lord over all the worlds that exist. I know there is much that is good in the Brahman faith, and I did not abandon it because I deemed it bad or injurious. I abandoned it, because the doctrine of the Tathâgata was superior, all-comprehensive; and more profound, for it explains the problems of existence, its whence and whither, and is more helpful. The doctrine of the Tathâgata is practical and not in the
+
"When I was young," replied Açvaghosha, "I was a [[Brahman]] myself; I believed in [[Brahma]] the Supreme [[Being]], the [[Creator]] of and [[Lord]] over all the [[worlds]] that [[exist]]. I know there is much that is good in the [[Brahman]] [[faith]], and I did not abandon it because I deemed it bad or injurious. I abandoned it, because the [[doctrine]] of the [[Tathâgata]] was superior, all-comprehensive; and more profound, for it explains the problems of [[existence]], its whence and whither, and is more helpful. The [[doctrine]] of the [[Tathâgata]] is practical and not in the
  
air as are the theories and speculations of the Brahmans. You seek a union with Brahma, and what is he? We may dispute his existence and no one can refute us. He is an idea, a metaphysical assumption, and his mansion is everywhere and nowhere. Thus the Tathâgata says that those who believe in Brahma are like a man who should make a staircase where four roads meet, to mount up high into a mansion which he can neither see nor know how it is, where it is, what it is built of, nor whether it exists at all. The priests claim the authority of the Vedas, and the Vedas are based upon the authority of the authors who wrote them, and these authors rely on the authority of Brahma. They are like a string of blind men clinging to one another and leading the blind,21 and their method of salvation consists in adoration, worship, and prayer." It is a doctrine for children, and though the words of their theory are high-sounding they are not the truth but a mere shadow of the truth; and in this sense the Tathâgata compared them to the monkey at the lake who trie
+
[[air]] as are the theories and speculations of the [[Brahmans]]. You seek a union with [[Brahma]], and what is he? We may dispute his [[existence]] and no one can refute us. He is an idea, a [[metaphysical]] assumption, and his mansion is everywhere and nowhere. Thus the [[Tathâgata]] says that those who believe in [[Brahma]] are like a man who should make a staircase where four roads meet, to mount up high into a mansion which he can neither see nor know how it is, where it is, what it is built of, nor whether it [[exists]] at all. The priests claim the authority of the [[Vedas]], and the [[Vedas]] are based upon the authority of the authors who wrote them, and these authors rely on the authority of [[Brahma]]. They are like a string of blind men [[clinging]] to one another and leading the blind,21 and their method of salvation consists in adoration, worship, and [[prayer]]." It is a [[doctrine]] for children, and though the words of their theory are high-sounding they are not the [[truth]] but a mere shadow of the [[truth]]; and in this [[sense]] the [[Tathâgata]] compared them to the monkey at the lake who trie
  
to catch the moon in the water, mistaking the reflection for the reality."
+
to catch the moon in the [[water]], mistaking the reflection for the [[reality]]."
  
"But would not all your arguments," replied the Brahman, "if I were to grant them, apply with the same force to Amitâbha? What is the difference whether we say Brahma or Amitâbha? Both are names for the Absolute."
+
"But would not all your arguments," replied the [[Brahman]], "if I were to grant them, apply with the same force to Amitâbha? What is the [[difference]] whether we say [[Brahma]] or Amitâbha? Both are names for the [[Absolute]]."
  
"There would be no difference in the names if we understood the same by both. Brahma, the Absolute, is generally interpreted to mean Being in general, but Amitâbha is Enlightenment. We do not hanker after existence, but we worship truth, goodness, and purity.
+
"There would be no [[difference]] in the names if we understood the same by both. [[Brahma]], the [[Absolute]], is generally interpreted to mean [[Being]] in general, but Amitâbha is [[Enlightenment]]. We do not hanker after [[existence]], but we worship [[truth]], goodness, and purity.
  
"By Amitâbha we understand the eternal, infinite light, i.e., the spiritual light of comprehension, and this light is a reality. No one doubts that there is a norm of truth and a standard of right and wrong. That is Amitâbha. We may not yet know all about Amitâbha; our wisdom is limited; our goodness is not perfect. But we ground ourselves upon that which we do know, while you Brahmans start with speculations, seeking a union with the Absolute, which is a vague idea, something unknown and unknowable. Amitâbha is certainly
+
"By Amitâbha we understand the [[eternal]], [[infinite]] [[light]], i.e., the [[spiritual light]] of [[comprehension]], and this [[light]] is a [[reality]]. No one [[doubts]] that there is a norm of [[truth]] and a standard of right and wrong. That is Amitâbha. We may not yet know all about Amitâbha; our [[wisdom]] is limited; our goodness is not perfect. But we ground ourselves upon that which we do know, while you [[Brahmans]] start with speculations, seeking a union with the [[Absolute]], which is a vague idea, something unknown and unknowable. Amitâbha is certainly
  
not a limited self-consciousness, but an infinite principle, an omnipresent law, an eternal norm, higher than any individual, but the depth of this norm is unfathomable, its application universal and infinite; its bountiful use immeasurable.
+
not a limited self-consciousness, but an [[infinite]] principle, an {{Wiki|omnipresent}} law, an [[eternal]] norm, higher than any {{Wiki|individual}}, but the depth of this norm is unfathomable, its application [[universal]] and [[infinite]]; its bountiful use [[immeasurable]].
  
"We know something but not all about Amitâbha. He is the Dharmakâya, the embodiment of the good law. He is the Nirmanakâya, the aspiration to reach bodhi in the transformations of the evolution of life. He is the Sambhogakâya, the bliss of good deeds.22 The philosophers, scientists, poets, of the future, the thinkers and dreamers of mankind, will find in Amitâbha a wonderful source of inspiration which can never be exhausted. The Tathâgata's religion is not mere metaphysics, his philosophy is not mere mythology. He allows metaphysics and mythology their spheres, but urges the practical issues of life. Thus his religion comprises all without becoming vague."
+
"We know something but not all about Amitâbha. He is the Dharmakâya, the embodiment of the good law. He is the Nirmanakâya, the [[aspiration]] to reach [[bodhi]] in the transformations of the evolution of [[life]]. He is the Sambhogakâya, the [[bliss]] of good deeds.22 The [[philosophers]], [[scientists]], poets, of the future, the thinkers and dreamers of mankind, will find in Amitâbha a wonderful source of inspiration which can never be exhausted. The Tathâgata's [[religion]] is not mere [[metaphysics]], his [[philosophy]] is not mere [[mythology]]. He allows [[metaphysics]] and [[mythology]] their spheres, but [[urges]] the practical issues of [[life]]. Thus his [[religion]] comprises all without [[becoming]] vague."
  
Said the Brahman: "How can so many contradictory things be united in one?"
+
Said the [[Brahman]]: "How can so many contradictory things be united in one?"
  
And Açvaghosha replied: "My venerable
+
And Açvaghosha replied: "My [[venerable]]
  
teacher, the saintly sage Parsva, once told me the parable of the elephant which explains the relation of the truth to the sundry doctrines held by the several sects and schools, priests and philosophers, prophets and preachers.
+
[[teacher]], the saintly sage Parsva, once told me the [[parable]] of the elephant which explains the relation of the [[truth]] to the sundry [[doctrines]] held by the several sects and schools, priests and [[philosophers]], prophets and preachers.
  
The Brahman said that he had never heard the story, and expressed his desire to hear it.
+
The [[Brahman]] said that he had never heard the story, and expressed his [[desire]] to hear it.
 
</poem>
 
</poem>
 
{{R}}
 
{{R}}
 
[http://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/ami/ami13.htm www.sacred-texts.com]
 
[http://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/ami/ami13.htm www.sacred-texts.com]
 
[[Category:Monasteries]]
 
[[Category:Monasteries]]

Revision as of 07:51, 26 August 2013

1. The superior of a monastery.
2. Abbr. Abb. Used as a title for such a person.

One Chinese term for abbot, fangzhang 'ten feet square' is a term used primarily in Chan monasteries and refers to the ideal size of the abbot's quarters. The great enlightened Buddhist layman Vimalakirti, who lived during the time of the Buddha, was said to have lived in a stone room of that size.

Another frequently used Chinese term for abbot is zhuchi, literally "dweller and upholder", is explained as meaning that the abbot is one who protects the Dharma while abiding peacefully in the world.

The abbot was Taoism natural appellation, Buddhism China After borrowing this commonly known as. The temple Abbot house called the abbot, also called hall, main hall. This is an abbot word sense. Generalized Abbot Abbot except refers to dwellings, including its affiliated facilities such as dormitory, Tang, Liao, tea.

The abbot and the abbot difference
Buddhist abbot Zhang: a square room. And the abbot room, Zhang room. That is Temple The living room or guest house temple, also known as Han Zhang , Purlin The hall. India monk room to Party A for, Vimalakirti meditation hall so well, and Zhang said; instead the abbot room. This re apply for Buddhist temple abbot, or the title of master. Commonly known as the "master" or "abbot monk".
Abbot : semantic "maintain live". Originally meaning generation pass, continued the Buddha The life of wisdom The man, after it is used to refer to take charge of the temple, and the elders. The use of the word in this temple title called, also known as The temple of the Lord Or The Lord . The Japanese Buddhist circles called for duty. Due to the place called the "master", so "Abbot" one word is also extended to the abbot.
General as long as there are temples there Abbot The abbot, and must be on the scale of the temples can be. And the abbot may concurrently multiple Temple The abbot, but not. In general, the abbot must by the provincial religious management department and the Buddhist Association appointed to take effect.
NOUN
Introduction
Buddhism Generally used in representing the abbot abbot, who is the top leader of temples, also have the responsibility of the teacher.
Buddhist used to refer to Temple The elders or the place of residence. Such as "Vimalakirti by" load, as the Buddha's Vimalakirti koji, the bedroom a foot square, but can let the public. Compared to the temple, named. To the Tang dynasty, Whitehead (AD 720814 years) to establish the abbot system, specifically the abbot Abbot room, title and general temple abbot. " Jingde chuandeng recorded "Volume six Whitehead made" Zen ":" both for regulation Main , i.e.

In the abbot, with the net name (i.e. Vimalakirti translation) room, non private bed room." "Journey to the west" article four four: "clean the abbot, sleep a night." Later Taoism Quanzhen also uses this name, refers to the monastery Host And he lived in a quiet room. (Chang Zheng) (from ". Buddha source ")
" Dictionary of Buddhism "Contains: (Tangta) is sleep Buddhist temple, the abbot of the residence, so that the temple of the Lord, the abbot, because of the lives in the. The ancient said Shishi Vimalakirti ", square one Zhang, Zhang room name, was based on this. Fayuan Zhulin Gantong articles said: 'vaishya- Miyagi Friday, house has six North Temple, is by the said D at. Temple in the Northeast four Li Xu tower, is the Vimo homestead spirit, before god. The piled brick homes, Chuan Yun: stone product, that is to say at this point also. Tang Hin Hing years chishi officer Wang Xuance, due to India The net house, Ehud quantity based, only the Shihu, the number of the abbot room. ' The lamp Zen regulation said: 'the elders not only for the main, is the abbot, with the net name room, non private bedroom room.' The name of the first case of the abbot, Tang Xuan policy has its say. Wang Jian Qi Toutuo Temple inscription reads: 'Song Daming five years before the cubic Zhang Mao CI.' Note, Gao said: 'the wall long one Zhang, high Yi Zhang, ring a, for Buddhist abbot . Miller said: Emperor Song Xiaowu also said, cubic Zhang room, covered Yimaoci grass, to home after home. ' The abbot monk Fang made only small, not because the Vimalakirti also. Tanluan deceased on note said: 'if the Vimalakirti abbot, containing more than bracts, why the country without money, but said the majority of?'



While King Kanishka stayed at the summer palace to witness the tiger hunt, a Buddhist abbot came to the royal palace and requested an interview with the great King Kanishka's friend; and the abbot was admitted into the presence of Charaka, who happened to be in the company of some councilors of King Subâhu, among whom was Açvaghosha, the saintly philosopher. Said the abbot: "I come from the monastery in the hills situated near a Brahman village south of Benares and have been sent by the brethren, the venerable monks whose abbot I am. We know that King Kanishka and you are followers of the Buddha and are steadfast in the orthodox faith. Therefore we approach you in confidence and hope that you will lend your countenance to us, endeavoring to spread and establish

the good law, the pure religion of the Tathâgata. We have settled in the hills, but there is a Shiva shrine close by and the villagers continue to offer gifts to the priests while the venerable brethren who profess faith in the glorious doctrine of the Buddha are neglected and sometimes positively suffer from privation."

"What can I do about it?" queried Charaka.

"If the Shiva shrine were removed, the villagers would no longer seek religious comfort through Brahman rites and would turn Buddhists. We are told that you are a Buddhist monk; you will have sympathy with your suffering brethren and help them to expel the unbelievers."

"And do you think," objected Açvaghosha, "that either King Subâhu or King Kanishka would lend you his royal authority to interfere with the religious service of any one? No, my friend. The Shiva worshipers may be mistaken in their religious views, but they seek the truth and so long as they do no injury to their neighbors, their worship cannot be disturbed. And I do not know but the Shiva

priests may in their own way do good service to the people."

And there was a Brahman present, one of King Subâhu's councilors, who was pleased with Açvaghosha's remark and expressed his approval of the principle of toleration which the great emperor Açoka had proclaimed in one of his edicts as a maxim of good government, and the Brahman added:

"Do not ye, too, O Buddhists, preach the doctrine of the Brahmans, that there is a supreme Lord Creator over all creatures, a divine ego-consciousness of All-existence? Whether we call God Ishvara, or Shiva, or Amitâbha, he remains the same and has a just claim to worship."

Açvaghosha shook his head: "No, my Brahman friend! The good law is supreme, and it is a father omnibenevolent as we rightly designate it. It is the norm of existence, the standard of truth, the measure of righteousness; but that norm is not an Ishvara, neither Shiva, nor Brahma. Here is the difference between Ishvara and Amitâbha: Ishvara is deified egotism; he demands worship and

praise. Amitâbha is love, he is free from the vanity of egoism and is only anxious for his children that they should avail themselves of the light and shun the darkness, that they should follow his advice and walk in the path of righteousness. Ishvara calls sin what is contrary to his will; he loves to be addressed in prayer and he delights in listening to the praises of his worshipers. Not so Amitâbha. Amitâbha cares not for prayer, is indifferent to worship, and cannot be flattered by praise, but the good law is thwarted when his children err; and Amitâbha appears to be wrapt in sadness by the evil results of their mistakes; not for his sake—for he is eternal and remains the same forevermore—but for the sake of the sufferings of all sentient creatures, for all creatures are his disciples, he guides them, he teaches them, he encompasses them. He is like a father unto them. So far as they partake of his nature, they are his children."

Said the Brahman: "I for one do not believe that Ishvara, or Brahma, or whatever you may call God, is a person such as we are. He is a higher kind of personality, which however includes

the faculties of perception, judgment and reason. I believe therefore that the Buddhist faith is lacking in this, that its devotees think of Amitâbha as deficient in self-consciousness. Buddhist ethics are noble, but are human deeds the highest imaginable? Since the godhead is greater than man, the highest bliss will forever remain a union with Brahma, or Ishvara, or Sakra, or whatever you may call the great Unknown and Unknowable, who has revealed himself in the Vedas and is pleased with the prayers and sacrifices of the pious who express their faith in worship."

"When I was young," replied Açvaghosha, "I was a Brahman myself; I believed in Brahma the Supreme Being, the Creator of and Lord over all the worlds that exist. I know there is much that is good in the Brahman faith, and I did not abandon it because I deemed it bad or injurious. I abandoned it, because the doctrine of the Tathâgata was superior, all-comprehensive; and more profound, for it explains the problems of existence, its whence and whither, and is more helpful. The doctrine of the Tathâgata is practical and not in the

air as are the theories and speculations of the Brahmans. You seek a union with Brahma, and what is he? We may dispute his existence and no one can refute us. He is an idea, a metaphysical assumption, and his mansion is everywhere and nowhere. Thus the Tathâgata says that those who believe in Brahma are like a man who should make a staircase where four roads meet, to mount up high into a mansion which he can neither see nor know how it is, where it is, what it is built of, nor whether it exists at all. The priests claim the authority of the Vedas, and the Vedas are based upon the authority of the authors who wrote them, and these authors rely on the authority of Brahma. They are like a string of blind men clinging to one another and leading the blind,21 and their method of salvation consists in adoration, worship, and prayer." It is a doctrine for children, and though the words of their theory are high-sounding they are not the truth but a mere shadow of the truth; and in this sense the Tathâgata compared them to the monkey at the lake who trie

to catch the moon in the water, mistaking the reflection for the reality."

"But would not all your arguments," replied the Brahman, "if I were to grant them, apply with the same force to Amitâbha? What is the difference whether we say Brahma or Amitâbha? Both are names for the Absolute."

"There would be no difference in the names if we understood the same by both. Brahma, the Absolute, is generally interpreted to mean Being in general, but Amitâbha is Enlightenment. We do not hanker after existence, but we worship truth, goodness, and purity.

"By Amitâbha we understand the eternal, infinite light, i.e., the spiritual light of comprehension, and this light is a reality. No one doubts that there is a norm of truth and a standard of right and wrong. That is Amitâbha. We may not yet know all about Amitâbha; our wisdom is limited; our goodness is not perfect. But we ground ourselves upon that which we do know, while you Brahmans start with speculations, seeking a union with the Absolute, which is a vague idea, something unknown and unknowable. Amitâbha is certainly

not a limited self-consciousness, but an infinite principle, an omnipresent law, an eternal norm, higher than any individual, but the depth of this norm is unfathomable, its application universal and infinite; its bountiful use immeasurable.

"We know something but not all about Amitâbha. He is the Dharmakâya, the embodiment of the good law. He is the Nirmanakâya, the aspiration to reach bodhi in the transformations of the evolution of life. He is the Sambhogakâya, the bliss of good deeds.22 The philosophers, scientists, poets, of the future, the thinkers and dreamers of mankind, will find in Amitâbha a wonderful source of inspiration which can never be exhausted. The Tathâgata's religion is not mere metaphysics, his philosophy is not mere mythology. He allows metaphysics and mythology their spheres, but urges the practical issues of life. Thus his religion comprises all without becoming vague."

Said the Brahman: "How can so many contradictory things be united in one?"

And Açvaghosha replied: "My venerable

teacher, the saintly sage Parsva, once told me the parable of the elephant which explains the relation of the truth to the sundry doctrines held by the several sects and schools, priests and philosophers, prophets and preachers.

The Brahman said that he had never heard the story, and expressed his desire to hear it.

Source

www.sacred-texts.com