Buddhist Teaching and Contemplation: An Introduction

Author: Song Zhiming
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-07-01
Features: After experiencing the joys and sorrows of life and broadly reading the journey of existence, we finally return to the presence of the Three Jewels with pious faith, revering the supreme path of enlightenment. Thus, there arises the desire for in-depth understanding of the Dharma—seeking wise teachers, associating with virtuous elders, studying scriptures, and entering monastic traditions; and there arises the aspiration to unify all teachings and integrate them into one’s own heart—holding all phenomena in perfect non-duality. However, faced with the vast Tripitaka scriptures and numerous treatises, the differing views of various schools, and the diverse approaches of virtuous teachers, practitioners often feel that the Dharma is too profound, boundless, and difficult to grasp, leading to doubts and even retreat. At this moment, the book Introduction to Buddhist Doctrines and Contemplation may serve as a unifying guide for you, enabling you to grasp the essence of the entire Dharma in a relatively short time.
The Buddha taught according to the capacities of individuals, and the Dharma spread through the efforts of individuals. The Dharma is inseparable from human life, and human life is enriched by the Dharma. The true meaning of the Dharma must be practiced through human wisdom to give it vitality. Therefore, any school that arises from the Dharma is established by accomplished masters, using skillful means to adapt to the needs of beings of different capacities. These schools guide fortunate beings back to their true home. Thus, when we receive inspiration from Tiantai’s teachings and contemplation, we should practice the Dharma according to our own circumstances: such as cultivating samatha-vipassanā through Tiantai, or "teaching in Tiantai, practice in Pure Land," or "Tiantai and Esoteric Buddhism are one, harmonious and non-dual," or "Tiantai and Chan are one, integrating sudden and gradual paths." All these approaches can vary according to individual needs, using the Dharma as a means to attain enlightenment.
The Dharma is the most perfect and ultimate goal within human nature. Therefore, within the human heart, when a Buddhist practitioner truly cultivates the Dharma, with their lively and practical wisdom and action, they transcend all limitations while simultaneously embracing, perceiving, and remaining free from all phenomena—becoming an unbound and liberated person! Sincerely hope that Introduction to Buddhist Doctrines and Contemplation can provide you with the opportunity to integrate all Dharma teachings, enabling you to soar beyond the ocean of doctrines and contemplation, reaching the shore of Nirvana!