Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dai Bosatsu Zendo Monastery.

Transforming Adversity: Embracing Buddhism’s Path to Inner Peace

Recently, after an incident in which I lacked compassion and expressed anger at one of our workers doing construction in our backyard, my wife criticized me. In a moment of frustration, my voice boomed across the backyard, and all activity ceased. She reminded me, “You claim to be a Buddhist,” highlighting the contrast between my actions and spiritual ideals.

I told my wife that while there is no “Ph.D. in Buddhism” that makes one enlightened, I am only a beginner.

Although many academic institutions offer Ph.D. programs in Buddhist Studies, they explore various aspects of Buddhism, such as its history, philosophy, texts, cultural practices, and influence across different cultures and time periods. Students might study ancient languages like Sanskrit, Pali, or Tibetan and conduct in-depth research on specific topics within the field. These programs are typically interdisciplinary, involving elements of religious studies, history, philosophy, and area studies.

What I mean is that there is no academic graduation or diploma that signifies enlightenment. In Buddhism, enlightenment, or “nirvana,” is a profound personal realization and spiritual awakening that transcends intellectual understanding. It involves insights into the nature of suffering, impermanence, and non-self, leading to liberation from suffering.

“Bliss Ninny” (plural bliss ninnies) (slang, derogatory) is an unrealistically optimistic person, or a Pollyanna, who might seem to prefer to retreat from difficult situations by professing seemingly irrelevant platitudes rather than engaging meaningfully with difficulty at hand. Photo Credit: Freepik AI Generator.

We often confuse spirituality with clichéd images of people sitting in full lotus or half lotus positions, hands and fingers arranged in popular mudras, smiling in a posed, tranquil moment with a backdrop of the ocean, nature, or a class setting — clearly a picture staged for Facebook or Instagram. We fail to see the turmoil inside — the monkey mind, the ugliness, the darkness, the anger, the greed, the jealousy, the hunger, the lust, the resentment. My friend Brian coined the term “bliss ninnies” for them, reminiscent of some years ago when we’d encounter Hare Krishna followers selling flowers near airports and bus stops. This may sound cynical, but the reality is that many “bliss ninnies” take a weekend course in Reiki and declare themselves Reiki masters or breath workers. Brian humorously referred to them as “master–bators.”

Hare Krishna followers selling flowers at terminals. They may not be in airports anymore — many airports banned them, and ISKCON lost a Supreme Court case claiming a constitutional right to proselytize in the terminals — but the Hare Krishnas still believe in spreading the word about their faith far and wide. Adherents believe that Krishna (an avatar of Vishnu) is the Supreme Lord and that humans are eternal spiritual beings trapped in a cycle of reincarnation. The nature of the cycle for individual beings is determined by karma, the law of the consequences of past actions, which returns beings to physical existence. Photo Credit: Freepik AI generaed.

Enlightenment is an ongoing process.

Traditionally, enlightenment is pursued through dedicated spiritual practice, including meditation, ethical living, and guidance from a teacher rather than through academic study. While academic programs provide valuable insights into Buddhist philosophy and history, they are not designed to confer enlightenment, which is a deeply personal and experiential attainment.

My journey in practicing Buddhism has been far from easy, but it has taught me invaluable lessons.

Photo Credit: David Behl.

My journey in practicing Buddhism has been far from easy, but it has taught me invaluable lessons:

Acknowledging Personal Flaws: Being a Buddhist is not about claiming superiority but about recognizing my ignorance and the mental defilements I need to transform through wisdom. It’s an ongoing process without a final graduation.

Humility and Perspective: Admitting my arrogance and striving to cultivate humility and a broader understanding of life are crucial steps in my journey.

Equality of All Beings: Embracing the notion that all beings are equal and rejecting any belief in my superiority or inferiority is fundamental.

Cultivating Universal Love: Although I have personal preferences, I aim to emulate the Buddha by fostering compassion and love for all beings.

Letting Go of Worldly Desires: The practice focuses on releasing attachments to desires rather than pursuing personal interests.

Acceptance of Impermanence: Understanding life’s transient nature enables me to maintain confidence and serenity, even in adversity.

Empathy and Wisdom: I enrich my life by applying wisdom to benefit myself and others while practicing empathy towards all sentient beings.

Living with Dharma: Every day offers the opportunity to practice and realize that enlightenment is found in present-moment awareness.

Growth Through Challenges: I now view setbacks as opportunities for growth and development through the Dharma.

Gratitude for the Journey: I hold a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to practice, learn from wise teachers, and follow this path.

Discovering Inner Buddha-Nature: Buddhism guides me to find and cultivate my true Buddha-nature rather than seeking external divine figures.

These insights emphasize a path of self-improvement, understanding, and compassion, fostering a harmonious relationship with the world.

The Flower Sermon is a story of the origin of Zen Buddhism in which Gautama Buddha transmits direct prajñā (wisdom) to the disciple Mahākāśyapa. In the original Chinese, the story is Niān huā wēi xiào (拈花微笑, meaning “Picking up a flower and smiling”). Photo Credit: Freepik.

In every setback, I find a profound opportunity for growth.

There is a quote used by business coaches, “In the Chinese language, the word ‘crisis’ is composed of two characters, one representing danger and the other, opportunity,” is often cited to illustrate that within every crisis lies potential for positive change. In the Chinese term for crisis, 危机 (wēi jī), 危 (wēi) indeed translates to “danger” or “to endanger.” However, 机 (jī) does not directly translate to “opportunity.” Instead, while 机会 (jī huì) means “opportunity,” 机 (jī) alone is more accurately translated as “a crucial point” or “when something begins to change.” This subtle nuance stresses that while crises carry significant risks, they also mark pivotal moments that can lead to transformation. Thus, the essence of the phrase encourages viewing crises not just as challenges but as catalysts for innovation and growth, reinforcing the idea that adversity can lead to resilience and adaptation.

In support of this journey, the “Buddhist Bible” serves as a valuable compilation of essential writings from various Buddhist traditions, including Theravada and Mahayana. It reflects core concepts like the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the principles of impermanence, suffering, and non-self, all of which encourage the cultivation of wisdom, compassion, and lovingkindness.

Some renowned English translations and compilations of Buddhist texts include “The Buddhist Bible” by Dwight Goddard, I personally like “The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching” by Thich Nhat Hanh, and “What the Buddha Taught” by Walpola Rahula. These works provide essential guides for understanding and practicing Buddhism’s teachings.

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Parallax Press.

Of particular note is the “Heart Sutra,” a profound Mahayana text that captures the essence of Prajnaparamita teachings. It emphasizes the concept of “emptiness,” asserting that all phenomena lack inherent reality and fostering an understanding of non-duality and liberation through insight. Chanting the Heart Sutra is an integral meditative practice, especially within the Rinzai Zen tradition, which helps practitioners internalize its teachings and cultivate compassion and wisdom.

In the “Flower Sermon,” a quintessential Zen story often attributed to Shariputra, the Buddha held up a flower, and only Mahākāśyapa responded with a smile, symbolizing the direct transmission of wisdom beyond words. This reflects Zen Buddhism’s emphasis on immediate experience and enlightenment beyond intellectual grasp, reminding me of the importance of direct understanding in my journey.

My practice of Buddhism is about growth, not comparison, and embracing each moment as part of a larger tapestry of learning and self-discovery.

“Buddhism guides me to seek wisdom within, not from external sources.”

Milarepa is seated in front of The Heart Sutra. Photo Credit: Freepik AI.

The Heart Sutra

The Heart Sutra, also known as “The Heart of the Perfection of Wisdom,” is one of the most renowned and frequently recited texts in Mahayana Buddhism. Despite its brevity, the sutra elegantly captures the essence of the Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom) teachings, which emphasize the concept of “emptiness” or “śūnyatā.” This profound teaching is attributed to the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who delivered the discourse to the disciple Sariputra.

“Form is emptiness, and emptiness is form”

At its core, the Heart Sutra conveys that all phenomena are intrinsically empty of independent existence, suggesting that forms, perceptions, sensations, and even consciousness itself do not possess inherent reality. The famous line “Form is emptiness, and emptiness is form” encapsulates this idea, indicating that while things appear tangible, they lack intrinsic separateness.

Heart Sutra Chant:

THE HEART SUTRA Han Nya Shin Gyo

MAHA PRAJNA PARAMITA HRIDAYA SUTRA A VA LO KI TESH VA RA, THE BO DHI SATT VA OF COM PAS SION, DO ING DEEP PRAJ NA PA RA MI TA, CLEAR LY SAW THAT THE FIVE SKAN DAS ARE SHUN YA TA, THUS TRAN SCEND ING MIS FOR TUNE AND SUF FER RING. O SHA RI PU TRA, FORM IS NO O THER THAN SHUN YA TA, SHUN YA TA IS NO O THER THAN FORM. FORM IS EX ACT LY SHUN YA TA, SHUN YA TA EX ACT LY FORM. FEEL ING, THOUGHT, VO LI TION, AND CON SCIOUS NESS ARE LIKE WISE LIKE THIS. O SHA RI PU TRA, RE MEM BER DHAR MA IS FUN DA MEN TAL LY SHUN YA TA. NO BIRTH, NO DEATH. NO THING IS DE FILED, NO THING IS PURE. NO THING CAN IN CREASE, NO THING CAN DE CREASE. HENCE IN SHUN YA TA NO FORM, NO FEEL ING, NO THOUGHT, NO VO LI TION, NO CON SCIOUS NESS; NO EYES, NO EARS, NO NOSE, NO TONGUE, NO BO DY, NO MIND; NO SEE ING, NO HEAR ING, NO SMELL ING, NO TAST ING, NO TOUCH ING, NO THINK ING; NO WORLD OF SIGHT, NO WORLD OF CON SCIOUS NESS; NO IG NOR ANCE AND NO END TO IG NOR ANCE; NO OLD AGE AND DEATH AND NO END TO OLD AGE AND DEATH. NO SUF FER ING, NO CRA VING, NO EX TINC TION, NO PATH; NO WIS DOM; NO AT TAIN MENT. IN DEED, THERE IS NO THING TO BE AT TAINED; THE BO DHI SATT VA RE LIES ON PRAJ NA PA RA MI TA WITH NO HIN DRANCE IN THE MIND. NO HIN DRANCE, THERE FORE NO FEAR. FAR BE YOND UP SIDE DOWN VIEWS, AT LAST NIR VA NA. PAST, PRE SENT, AND FU TURE, ALL BUD DHAS, BO DHI SATT VAS RE LY ON PRAJ NA PA RA MI TA AND THERE FORE REACH THE MOST SU PREME EN LIGHT EN MENT. THERE FORE KNOW: PRAJ NA PA RA MI TA IS THE GREAT EST DHA RA NI, THE BRIGHT EST DHA RA NI, THE HIGH EST DHA RA NI, THE IN COM PARA BLE DHA RA NI. IT COM PLETE LY CLEARS ALL SUF FER ING. THIS IS THE TRUTH, NOT A LIE. SO SET FORTH THE PRAJ NA PA RA MI TA DHA RA NI. SET FORTH THIS DHA RA NI AND SAY: GA TE, GA TE, PA RA GA TE, PARA SAM GA TE, BO DHI SVA HA HEART SU TRA.

https://youtu.be/7vRjqszHDHc?si=rJNHTCr0NmGS0VKJ

Heart Sutra 中文（臺灣）：《般若波羅蜜多心經》硬筆書法紙。Photo Credit: Wikimedia Creative Commons Attribution. A breathtaking display of the Heart Sutra, crafted by Shoko Kanazawa — a talented calligrapher with Down’s syndrome — draws thousands to Japan’s Ryoun-ji temple as her powerful, soul-revealing art inspires and embraces all who see it. Photo Credit: Kyodo News

Original Text:

HAN NYA SHIN GYO Heart Sutra

MA KA HAN NYA HA RA MI TA SHIN GYO KAN JI ZAI BO SA GYO JIN HAN NYA HA RA MI TA JI SHO KEN GO ON KAI KU DO IS SAI KU YAKU SHA RI SHI SHIKI FU I KU KU FU I SHIKI SHIKI SOKU ZE KU KU SOKU ZE SHIKI JU SO GYO SHIKI YAKU BU NYO ZE SHA RI SHI ZE SHO HO KU SO FU SHO FU METSU FU KU FU JO FU ZO FU GEN ZE KO KU CHU MU SHIKI MU JU SO GYO SHIKI MU GEN NI BI ZES SHIN NI MU SHIKI SHO KO MI SOKU HO MU GEN KAI NAI SHI MU I SHIKI KAI MU MU MYO YAKU MU MU MYO JIN NAI SHI MU RO SHI YAKU MU RO SHI JIN MU KU SHU METSU DO MU CHI YAKU MU TOKU I MU SHO TOK KO BO DAI SAT TA E HAN NYA HA RA MI TA KO SHIN MU KE GE MU KE GE KO MU U KU FU ON RI IS SAI TEN DO MU SO KU GYO NE HAN SAN ZE SHO BUTSU E HAN NYA HA RA MI TA KO TOKU A NOKU TA RA SAM MYAKU SAM BO DAI KO CHI HAN NYA HA RA MI TA ZE DAI JIN SHU ZE DAI MYO SHU ZE MU JO SHU ZE MU TO TO SHU NO JO IS SAI KU SHIN JITSU FU KO KO SETSU HAN NYA HA RA MI TA SHU SOKU SETSU SHU WATSU GYA TEI GYA TEI HA RA GYA TEI HARA SO GYA TEI BO JI SOWA KA HAN NYA SHIN GYO

https://youtu.be/7vRjqszHDHc?si=rJNHTCr0NmGS0VKJ

“Embracing impermanence leads to serenity and confidence in adversity.”

Flower: KASUMI BUNSHO (1905–1998) Flower (Hana) Calligraphy. Photo Credit: Japanese Zen art.

Key teachings of the Heart Sutra include:

Emptiness: All dharmas (phenomena) are characterized by emptiness; they have no distinct, eternal essence.

Non-Duality: It transcends dualistic distinctions that typically separate entities, such as self and other or subject and object.

Liberation through Understanding: Realizing the nature of emptiness leads to liberation from suffering and the cessation of dukkha (suffering or dissatisfaction).

Chanting the Heart Sutra holds a significant place in Buddhist practice, particularly within the Rinzai Zen tradition. Chanting serves multiple purposes: it is a meditative practice that helps integrate the mind and body and fosters concentration. It allows practitioners to embody the teachings of the sutra at a deeper level. Through repeated recitation and contemplation, one may gradually internalize the profound insights of emptiness and non-duality, fostering compassion and wisdom.

The English version used in the Rinzai Zen tradition preserves the essence of these teachings, inviting practitioners to explore the paradoxical nature of emptiness and the interconnectedness of all things. Engaging with the Heart Sutra through chanting can be a transformative experience, opening the door to greater understanding and peace.

The Heart of the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra

Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, when practicing the Prajnaparamita deeply, perceived that all five skandhas* are empty and thereby became free from all suffering.

Shariputra, form does not differ from emptiness; emptiness does not differ from form. The form itself is emptiness; emptiness itself is formed. So, too, are feeling, perception, formation, and consciousness.

Shariputra, all dharmas are marked with emptiness; they do not appear nor disappear, are not tainted nor pure, and do not increase nor decrease.

Therefore, in emptiness, no form, no feeling, no perception, no formation, no consciousness; no eyes, no ears, no nose, no tongue, no body, no mind; no color, no sound, no smell, no taste, no touch, no object of mind; no realm of eyes and so forth until no realm of mind consciousness; no ignorance and also no extinction of it, and so forth until no old age and death and also no extinction of them; no suffering, no origination, no stopping, no path; no cognition, also no attainment with nothing to attain.

The Bodhisattvas depend on Prajnaparamita, and their minds are no hindrance. Without any hindrance, no fears exist; far apart from every perverted view, they dwell in Nirvana.

In the three worlds, all Buddhas depend on Prajnaparamita and attain Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

Therefore, know the Prajnaparamita is the great transcendent mantra, the great bright mantra, the utmost mantra, and the supreme mantra, which is able to relieve all suffering and is true, not false.

So proclaim the Prajnaparamita mantra, proclaim the mantra that says:

Gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha!

Śāriputra was one of the top disciples of the Buddha. He is considered the first of the Buddha’s two chief male disciples, together with Maudgalyāyana. Photo Credit: Freepik.

Who Was Sariputra

Sariputra, also known as Śāriputra or Sāriputta, was one of the chief disciples of the Buddha and renowned for his profound wisdom. He is often depicted in Buddhist texts as having an exceptional ability to understand and articulate the Dharma, making him one of the Buddha’s most trusted disciples in teaching others.

In the Flower Sermon, the Buddha is said to have simply held up a flower to his disciples as a sign of the ineffable truth of enlightenment. Among all the disciples, only Mahākāśyapa responded by smiling, indicating his direct understanding of the Buddha’s non-verbal teaching. This smile was said to symbolize the transmission of direct, non-verbal wisdom — an insight into the nature of reality without reliance on words or scripture. The Buddha then supposedly acknowledged Mahākāśyapa’s understanding by entrusting him with the “Dharma transmission,” making him the first patriarch of what would become the Zen tradition.

This story is highly symbolic and reflects Zen Buddhism’s emphasis on direct experience and enlightenment that transcends intellectual understanding. It’s worth noting that while Sariputra is known for his wisdom in many other accounts within the Pali Canon and Mahayana texts, the Flower Sermon is specifically associated with Mahākāśyapa.

The Buddha gives a wordless sermon to his disciples (sangha) by holding up a white flower. No one in the audience understands the Flower Sermon except Mahākāśyapa, who smiles. Photo Credit: Freepik.

Skandhas: In Buddhism, the term “skandhas” refers to the five aggregates or components that make up a being’s mental and physical existence. These aggregates are the basis for understanding the concept of non-self (anatta) and are essential in explaining how human experience arises.

The five skandhas are:

Form (Rupa): This refers to the physical aspect of existence, including the body and external matter.

Sensation (Vedana): These are the feelings or sensations that arise from contact with sensory objects. Sensations can be pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral.

Perception (Sanna): This involves the recognition and labeling of sensory input, allowing individuals to discern differences and categorize experiences.

Mental Formations (Sankhara): These include a range of mental activities such as thoughts, intentions, desires, and volitions that shape personality and responses to experiences.

Consciousness (Vinnana): This is the awareness or consciousness of sensory experiences and mental phenomena, which arises from contact between the senses and the external world.

In Buddhist teachings, understanding the skandhas is crucial for realizing how attachment to these aggregates contributes to the illusion of a permanent self and leads to suffering. Recognizing the impermanent and non-substantial nature of the skandhas is a step towards achieving enlightenment and liberation from suffering.

Prajnaparamita:

The Prajnaparamita teachings, central to Mahayana Buddhism, are a profound collection of sutras that emphasize the perfection of wisdom (Prajnaparamita). They explore the concept of “śūnyatā” or emptiness, suggesting that all phenomena are empty of independent existence and intrinsic nature. This wisdom challenges practitioners to transcend conventional dualistic notions of reality, such as self and other or subject and object, thereby realizing the interconnectedness and impermanence of all things. By embodying this deep understanding, one can overcome ignorance and illusions, ultimately leading to liberation from suffering. The Prajnaparamita texts, including the renowned Heart Sutra and Diamond Sutra, guide practitioners in cultivating this transformative insight, encouraging a path of compassion and selflessness.

About the Author: Vazken Kalayjian is a multifaceted individual whose talents and expertise span a broad spectrum. He provides profound spiritual insights as a meditation teacher, guiding individuals on their inner journeys toward self-discovery and enlightenment. In addition, Vazken Kalayjian is an accomplished painter and spiritual artist who uses his creativity to convey profound truths and inspire transformative experiences through art.

In the business realm, Vazken Kalayjian is an entrepreneur and a renowned global branding expert. With a deep understanding of branding principles, he assists businesses in expanding their reach and establishing strong company and product brands in the market. Combining spiritual wisdom with business acumen, Vazken Kalayjian offers a holistic and grounded approach, guiding individuals and organizations toward success and fulfillment.

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