Learning from Esoteric Buddhist Ritual Objects: The Spirit and Merits of Chanting Sutras

Esoteric Buddhist ritual implements, which are tools used for incantations, are symbols of the Buddha's great compassion to assist sentient beings (=practitioners) in attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime. This book provides a detailed explanation of the meaning and function of Esoteric Buddhist ritual implements, primarily for lay people. It also clearly explains the importance of chanting sutras. One color illustration at the frontispiece. ◉Table of Contents I. The Ritual Dojo is a Magnified World of Life Why are Esoteric Buddhist Temples Dimly Lit? / Memories of a Young Monk / On the Altar Various Aspects of Life The Palace—The Embodiment of the Spirit The Dwelling Place of Hungry Ghosts is a Place of Impurity The Secret Buddha—A Symbol of the Absolute The Absolute is Invisible to the Eye / The True Body of the Buddha Cannot Be Seen / All Phenomena Are the Buddha / Becoming a Buddha Through Worship II The Truth of Empowerment Hidden in Esoteric Buddhist Ritual Objects Empowerment—A Secret Method for Receiving the Power of the Buddha Shingon Buddhism is a Doctrine of Empowerment/Symbolizing Wisdom and Compassion/The Compassion of the Buddha And Representing the New Beginning of Sentient Beings/Three Days of Offering a Stomach is the Compassion of the Buddha Attendant Deities—Symbols of Wisdom and Compassion Why is it "The Great Compassion of the Tathagata"?/Does Manjushri Hold a Sharp Sword in His Feet?/What is Prajna? Wisdom Reaching "Likeness"/The Buddha's Wisdom That Destroys the Palace of Evil/The Sorrow of Compassion is Wisdom The Sorrow of Wisdom/Great Compassion is Compassion with Wisdom/And Others Great Altar—A Dharma Realm of Diamond-like Firmness The Dojo for the Eternal Practice of Bodhisattvas/What is a Mandala?/Adornment is Worship Boundary—A Dharma Realm Built by the Spirit of Seeking the Way The Spirit of Seeking the Way A Barrier Questioning the Presence or Absence of Something / Vajradala and Vinayaga / Demonic Beings Responding to the Delusions of the Ascetic Vajra Pagoda—What Supports the Seeking Spirit Vajra Pagoda and Vajra Line / What the Five Types of Barriers Mean Many Treasures Pagoda—A Symbol of Spiritual Dignity The Repository of the Dharma Body's Relics / The Earth is the Foundation of Buddhism / Why is Dainichi Nyorai represented by the letter A? / What the Relic Pagoda Means Five Flower Vase—What Makes the Flower of Life Bloom Why is Water a Jewel? / Why is it a Treasure Vase? / The Dragon is the Karma of Sentient Beings The Five Colors Represent the Buddha's Compassion / Others Wheel of Defilements—The Teaching of Enlightenment Karma—The Completion of the Work of the Oneness of Buddha and Ordinary Beings III Symbols of the spiritual power of blessing Platform—the pedestal of a Bodhisattva The practitioner is a Bodhisattva Incense powder—that which severs the defilements of the three karmic actions Precepts for purifying defilements Sprinkling water—that which nourishes life Wisdom that flows forth the water of compassion / that which burns away the defilements in the water Six vessels—six kinds of offerings made to the Buddha Offerings to the Buddha are a form of self-cultivation The meaning of the six kinds of offerings Merit of burning incense—to attain unhindered enlightenment / Merit of offering almsgiving—to wash away defilements of worldly desires and sins / Incense powder…