Close disciple of the Buddha who extended his teachings to common people
One of the Buddha’s closest and most important disciples, Vimalkirti became known for his wisdom and ability to teach Dharma to not only monastics but to everyday, common people. Like the Buddha and born into a wealthy family, he also renounced his position and possessions but his teaching and influence extended back to people not willing to renounce so much. This helped shape the Buddhist traditions into welcoming everyone. Although sometimes considered legendary, teachings attributed to him on emptiness became a central theme in Buddhist philosophy and most traditions consider him an historical figure and a founding influence on the Chan and Zen traditions.Lineages
Tibetan Vajrayana Zen
Vimalakirti Sutra
“This body is like a dream, compounded of false and empty visions.”
from Vimalakirti Sutra
Comments: Click to comment
“The body is ownerless, the product of a variety of conditions. Impermanent, fragile, and feeble it is like a magical illusion, consisting of falsifications like a ball of foam, unable to bear any pressure like a water bubble, not remaining very long, like a mirage, born from the appetites of the passions. Wise men do not rely on it.”
from Vimalakirti Sutra
Comments: Click to comment
Comments (0)