What is the role of visions and dreams in Buddhism?

What is the role of visions and dreams in Buddhism?

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight May 30, 2025 Duration: 21:36

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 114 - What is the role of visions and dreams in Buddhism? What are some visions and dreams that Buddhists have had? How ought we understand them? (How are they different from imagining a thing?)

References: Andrews, Allan A. The Teachings Essential for Rebirth: A study of Genshin’s Ōjōyōshū. Monumenta Nipponica, Sophia University, 1973.; Horton, Sarah (2004). The Influence of the Ōjōyōshū in Late Tenth- and Early Eleventh-Century Japan, Japanese Journal of Religious Studies 31 (1), 29-54; Rhodes, Robert F. (2007). Ōjōyōshū, Nihon Ōjō Gokuraku-ki, and the Construction of Pure Land Discourse in Heian Japan, Japanese Journal of Religious Studies 34 (2), 249-270; Rhodes, Robert F. (2001). Some Problems concerning Genshin's Biographies, Journal of Indian and Buddhist Studies (Indogaku Bukkyogaku Kenkyu) 50 (1), 514-511; Rhodes, Robert F. (2017). Genshin's Ōjōyōshū and the Construction of Pure Land Discourse in Heian Japan (Pure Land Buddhist Studies). University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 978-0824872489.; Ishida, Mizumaro (1970). Nihon Shisō Taikei 6: Genshin (in Japanese). Iwanami Shoten. ISBN 4000700065.; Kubota, Jun (2007). Iwanami Nihon Koten Bungaku Jiten [Iwanami Dictionary of Japanese Classical Literature] (in Japanese). Tokyo: Iwanami Shoten. ISBN 978-4-00-080310-6. OCLC 122941872.; Muller, A. Charles (1998). "East Asian Apocryphal Scriptures: Their Origin and Role in the Development of Sinitic Buddhism". Bulletin of Toyo Gakuen University. 6: 63–76. Archived from the original on 2013-03-17.; Silk, Jonathan A. (April 1997). "The Composition of the 'Guanwuliangshoufo-jing': Some Buddhist and Jaina Parallels to its Narrative Frame". Journal of Indian Philosophy. 25 (2): 181–256. doi:10.1023/A:1004291223455. JSTOR 23448579. S2CID 169187184.; Buswell, Robert Jr; Lopez, Donald S. Jr., eds. (2013). Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. ISBN 9780691157863.; Hakeda, Yoshito S., trans. (1967), Awakening of Faith—Attributed to Aśvaghoṣa, with commentary by Yoshito S. Hakeda, New York, NY: Columbia University Press, ISBN 0-231-08336-X; Jorgensen, John; Lusthaus, Dan; Makeham, John; Strange, Mark, trans. (2019), Treatise on Awakening Mahāyāna Faith, New York, NY: Oxford University Press, ISBN 9780190297718; King, Sally B. (1991), Buddha nature, State University of New York Press, ISBN 0585068313; Muller, Charles (1998). "East Asian Apocryphal Scriptures: Their Origin and Role in the Development of Sinitic Buddhism". Bulletin of Toyo Gakuen University. 6: 63–76.; Suzuki, Daisetz T. (1900). Açvaghosha's Discourse on the awakening of faith in the Mahâyâna. Chicago: Open Court Pub. Co.; Tarocco, Franceska (2008). "Lost in Translation? The Treatise on the Mahāyāna Awakening of Faith (Dasheng qixin lun) and its modern readings". Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies. 71 (2): 323–343. doi:10.1017/S0041977X08000566. hdl:10278/3684313.

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.

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: 100

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