T'ai Shen Pureland Centre: For the Propagation of Chinese Pureland Buddhism
Pureland
Buddhism evolved in China
during the Han Dynasty and spread to Japan,
Korea and Vietnam. It is
widely practiced across South East Asia and
many western countries.
Pureland
Buddhism has distinguishing features: faith in Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of
Infinite Life and Light and faith that in calling upon his name (Buddha Name
Remembrance) will attain rebirth in the Western Pure
Land and not have to
undergo the cycle or birth and death.
Many people
come to Pureland Buddhism not just for its ease of practice but because they
are searching a deeper more meaningful way of life. When we try to describe
Pureland Practise it at first seems very simple and even simplistic. However words are so often inadequate to
describe an experience. It is in the
practice of Pureland Buddhism that we begin to realize what is happening here.
Suddenly the words we have read come to light and life.
The central
practice of Pureland Buddhism is the practise of Buddha Name remembrance. The
name of Amitabha Buddha is recited aloud or silently in a meditative state of
mind so that in deep concentration we become one with the Buddha Mind. In
Chinese this process is called “Nienfo”. Nienfo means bringing the Buddha into
our present moment awareness. It is the
ultimate Mindfulness practice. However, it is not enough simply to practice "nienfo" or meditate. Our meditation must be transformed into deeds of compassion.
International Mindfulness Training Zaoxi China
Mindfulness
is not just a psychological process. It
is an entire way of Life in Pureland Buddhism. Many people live a life of quiet desperation,
stress, tension and depression. Mindfulness
is a way of life that can bring a deeper joy of living.
T’ai Shen
Pureland Centre conducts retreats and workshops in Mindfulness across Australia and has its International Mindfulness
Training in Zaoxi China.
Guang Jue Temple China
We are
affiliated with Guang Jue Monastery in Zaoxi China under the direction of the
Venerable Zheng Rong. It is a monastery in the Pureland Tradition.
People are
invited to stay with us for retreat at this tranquil monastery nestled amongst
the bamboo forested mountains. This is a life changing experience to spend uninterrupted time in a special retreat space.
The T'ai Shen Centre is a way of living out Chinese Pure Land Buddhism. The words “T’ai Shen" 泰神mean the Peaceful Spirit . The Chinese character “T’ai” 泰 conveys several important images. The first is Peace. Our work is one of bringing Peace into the world by bringing peace into our minds, hearts, families and communities through Compassion. The second image is that of being on top of a mountain. In ancient times fortresses were built on top of mountains so that soldiers could survey the surrounding area for advancing enemies. In Pure Land Buddhism we know our only enemy is our own ego. Through our practice we are far better able to have a correct view of life and defeat the self-nature. Finally, the character “T’ai” is similar to that of the character to “heaven”. Temples in China are very often built on top of mountains reminding us of the work of “heaven”. The character 神“Shen” means “spirit”. It reminds us of the needs for a spiritual way of life within a consumer society. It also reminds us of the Buddha nature, the spiritual nature, of all sentient beings.
Meditation & Chanting
Meditation with single focus on the Buddha Name in harmony with the breath helps us to develop the Buddha Mind. Chanting eliminates worldly distractions and brings our heart to Buddha mindfulness. In Pure Land practice this is called "nien fo". "Nien" means "Mindfulness - being present in heart and mind. You are welcome to join us at our Brisbane Australia Sangha for Meditation, Chanting, Buddha Name Recitation in the Pure Land Tradition and learn a way of life through compassion and devotion to Amitabha Buddha. For more see Pure Land Practice
Meditation Supplies and Mindfulness Tools
Order FREE books, pictures, CDs and DVDs and purchase meditation supplies and mindfulness tools.
"All that we are is a result of what we have thought; it is founded on our thoughts.
If a person speaks or acts with pure thought, joy will follow them like a shadow that never leaves them."
The Ven. Chin Kung
