Being Upright Zen Meditation and Bodhisattva Precepts

by Anderson, Reb

• ISBN13: 9781930485013
• ISBN10: 1930485018
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-09-05
• Publisher: Rodmell Press

Summary

Being Upright takes us beyond the conventional interpretation of ethical precepts to the ultimate meaning that informs them. Reb Anderson first introduces us to the fundamental ideas of Zen Buddhist practice. Who was Shakyamuni Buddha and what was his central teaching? What does it mean to be a bodhisattva and take the bodhisattva vow? Why should we confess and acknowledge our ancient twisted karma? What is the significance of taking refuge in Buddha, dharma, and sangha? The author explores the ten basic precepts, including not killing, not stealing, not lying, not misusing sexuality, and not using intoxicants. A gifted storyteller, Anderson takes us to the heart of situations, where moral judgments are not easy and we do not have all the answers. With wisdom and compassion, he teaches us how to confront the emotional and ethical turmoil of our lives.

Author Biography

Reb Anderson moved to San Francisco from Minnesota, in 1967, to study Zen Buddhism with Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, who ordained him as a priest in 1970. Since then, Reb has continued to study at San Francisco Zen Center, which includes Beginner's Mind Temple at The City Center (San Francisco), Green Dragon Temple at Green Gulch Farm (near Muir Beach, California), and Zen Mind Temple (Carmel Valley, California). Reb served as abbot from 1986 to 1995 and is now a senior dharma teacher.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	xi
Introduction	xv
Receiving the Precepts: The Bodhisattva Initiation Ceremony	1	(6)
Entering Buddha's Way: Dependent Co-arising	7	(6)
Paying Homage: The Bodhisattva Vow	13	(8)
Renunciation: Letting Go of Attachments	21	(7)
Confession: All My Ancient Twisted Karma	28	(5)
The Sixteen Great Bodhisattva Precepts: The Teaching of the Two Truths	33	(7)
The Three Refuges: The Body of Buddha's Mind	40	(7)
The Three Pure Precepts: The Shape of Buddha's Mind	47	(6)
The Abode and the Source: Embrace and Sustain Forms and Ceremonies	53	(17)
Practicing and Being Practiced: Embrace and Sustain All Good	70	(7)
Taking Self and Others Across: Embrace and Sustain All Beings	77	(6)
The Ten Grave Precepts: The Activity of Buddha's Mind	83	(5)
Let the Buddha Seed Grow: Not Killing	88	(12)
The Suchness of Mind and Objects: Not Stealing	100	(11)
Nothing Is Wished For: Not Misusing Sexuality	111	(11)
The Dharma Wheel Has All-Inclusively Turned: Not Lying	122	(15)
Everything Is Inviolable: No Intoxicants	137	(11)
The Same Path: Not Speaking of Others' Faults	148	(11)
Not an Inch of Ground: Not Praising Self at the Expense of Others	159	(9)
One Hundred Grasses: Not Being Possessive	168	(7)
Oceans of Magnificent Clouds: Not Being Angry	175	(10)
Virtue Returns to the Ocean: Not Disparaging the Triple Treasure	185	(10)
Blood Vein: Face-to-Face Transmission	195	(8)
Notes	203	(9)
Appreciations	212	(3)
About the Author	215	(1)
From the Publisher	216	(2)
Index	218