The Contemplation Sutra

The Contemplation Sutra

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight April 22, 2022 Duration: 1:58:26

The Contemplation Sutra - Join us as we read and discuss the Contemplation Sutra

Resources: Inagaki, Hisao, trans.  The Sutra on the Visualization of the Buddha of Infinite Life Delivered by Sakyamuni Buddha.  BDK English Tripitaka Series.   (Berkeley:  Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, 2004), pp. 63-87.; The Three Pure Land Sutras, translated by Inagaki Hisao, Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, 2003.; Fujita, Kotatsu. “The Textual Origins of the Kuan wu-liang-shou fo ching.” In Chinese Buddhist Apocrypha, edited by Robert Buswell, Jr., 149-173. Honolulu:  University of Hawaii Press, 1990.  "Discourse on the Pure Land (浄土論)." (Vasubandhu's Commentary on the Pure Land from the extant Chinese text)  Trans. by David Matsumoto, Pacific World Journal, Third Series, 17 (2015) 23–42.; Pas, Julian.  Visions of Sukhavati: Shandao's commentary on the Kuan Wuliangshou-fo ching. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1995.  Payne, Richard. “The Five Contemplative Gates of Vasubandhu’s Rebirth Treatise as a Ritualized Visualization Practice,” in The Pure Land: History and Development, eds. James Foard, Michael Solomon, and Richard Payne (Berkeley: Regents of the University of California, 1996), 233–266. Tanaka, Kenneth K. The Dawn of Chinese Pure Land Buddhist Doctrine: Ching-ying Hui-yüan’s Commentary on the “Visualization Sutra.” Albany: State University of New York Press, 1990.  Yamabe, Nobuyoshi. “The Sūtra on the Ocean-Like Samādhi of the Visualization of the Buddha: The Interfusion of the Chinese and Indian Cultures in Central Asia as Reflected in a Fifth Century Apocryphal Sūtra.” PhD diss., Yale University, 1999.; Paul Williams, “Trust, Self-Abandonment, and Devotion: the cults of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas,” in Mahāyāna Buddhism, the Doctrinal Foundations (Routledge, 2008), pp. 209-218. ; Fujita, Kōtatsu. “Pure Land Buddhism in India.” In The Pure Land Tradition: History and Development. Translated by Taitetsu Unno. Edited by James Foard,  Michael Solomon, and Richard K. Payne, 1–36. Berkeley: Regents of the University of California, 1996.; “Recollection of the Buddha,” in Chapter Seven of the Visuddhimagga: The Path of  Purification. Trans.  Bhikkhu Ñanamoli. (Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society, 2010), pp. 186-209.; Harrison, Paul. “Buddhānusmriti in the Pratyutpanna-buddha sammukhāvasthita-samādhi sutra.” Journal of Indian Philosophy 6 (1978): 35-57.; Harrison, Paul; McRae, John, trans. The Pratyutpanna Samādhi Sutra, Berkeley, Calif.: Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, 1998.  Banzhou sanmei jing (佛說般舟三昧經): Earliest Chinese Translation of the Pratyutpanna-buddha-saṃmukhâvasthita-samādhi-sūtra, CBETA.; Harrison, Paul. 1998. “Women in the Pure Land: Some Reflections on the Textual Sources.” Journal of Indian Philosophy 26 (6): 553-572.; James, Dobbins, “Women, Sexuality, and Pure Land Buddhism,” in Letters of Eshnni:  Images of Pure Land Buddhism in Medieval Japan, (Honolulu, University of Hawaii Press, 2004), pp. 74-106.; Starling, Jessica. “Neither Nun nor Laywoman: The Good Wives and Wise Mothers of Jōdo Shinshū Temples.” Japanese Journal of Religious Studies 40, no. 2 (2013): 277–301.

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by tweeting to us @BrightBuddhism, emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com, or joining us on our discord server, Hidden Sangha https://discord.gg/tEwcVpu!

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host


Nicholas Bright Haight brings his academic background and personal curiosity to each episode of Bright On Buddhism. As a scholar of East Asian Buddhism currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Religion, with a specialization in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture, Nick approaches these conversations with both depth and accessibility. The discussions unfold in a relaxed, question-and-answer style, making often complex philosophical and historical ideas feel approachable and immediately relevant. You’ll hear explorations that draw from his specific research areas, like Japanese Buddhist historical responses to cultural shifts, while also addressing the broader, timeless questions at the heart of the tradition. This isn’t a formal lecture series, but rather a thoughtful dialogue meant for anyone with an interest in how these ancient teachings intersect with modern life. The Bright On Buddhism podcast creates a space where scholarly insight meets casual conversation, demystifying topics without losing their profound essence. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or just beginning to explore spirituality and religion, these episodes offer a grounded and informative perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 252

Bright On Buddhism
Podcast Episodes
Who is Samantabhadra/Puxian/Fugen? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:46
Bright on Buddhism Episode 28 - Who is Samantabhadra/Puxian/Fugen? What are some stories about Samantabhadra/Puxian/Fugen? What sort of devotional texts/rituals are there for Samantabhadra/Puxian/Fugen? Resources: https:…
How does Buddhism perceive friendships and romantic relationships? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:49
Bright on Buddhism Episode 26 - How does Buddhism perceive friendships and romantic relationships? How does this relate to non-attachment? How does one maintain these relationships and follow the precepts? Resources: Kev…
How does one remember their past lives in Buddhism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:58
Bright on Buddhism Episode 25 - What does the canon say about people who claim to remember their past lives or parts of them? How does one come to remember past lives? What does Buddhism say about groups of people whose…
What are mantra in Buddhism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:10
Bright on Buddhism Episode 24 - What is the meaning of the word mantra? What are the different understandings of this word in Buddhism? What are some of the most famous mantras and their function? Resources: Kevin Traino…
How does Buddhism deal with the issue of destiny and fate? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:49
Bright on Buddhism Episode 23 - How does Buddhism deal with the issue of destiny and fate? How much control does one have over destiny and fate? How does karma affect how much agency we have in our lives? Resources: Kevi…
What are the different realms of Samsara? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:54
Bright on Buddhism Episode 22 - What are the different realms of Samsara? What are their native inhabitants like? What happens when they die? Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton…
What is common Buddhist temple etiquette? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:03
Bright on Buddhism Episode 21 - What is common Buddhist temple etiquette? What is the doctrinal foundation for this etiquette? How is this etiquette different between different schools of Buddhism? Resources Yun, Venerab…
The Diamond Sutra [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:33
The Diamond Sutra - Join us as we read and discuss the Diamond Sutra Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Watson, Burton. “The Diamond Sut…