Tenfold Contemplation Method
Limited Preview of the forthcoming
Tendai Lotus Tenfold Contemplation Method.
Copyright © 2000-2003 Tendai Lotus Teachings
An authentic Tendai meditation method is being finalized for release to those wishing to experience traditional Tendai contemplation methods applicable to modern life. The full course will span some ten weeks and cover the spectrum of lineage teachings as found within classic Tendai Teachings. Aspirants will engage in each contemplation, augmented by authentic material and guidance. Upon release, this first course will be open to a select group of individuals. Contact TLT.
Excerpt from the Introduction:
"Actualization of the human condition has long been a goal of Buddhist meditative practices. Implementing tradition-proven methods, handed down for centuries from Master to Pupil, aspirants of Buddhism have for thousands of years, turned inwards on their search for Awakening, for Buddha Mind.
As meditation aspirants, we are taught how to harness the spiraling mind and reach that inner sanctity residing in each and every one of us; home.
The Tendai Tenfold Contemplation Method (hereafter referred to as the Jujokan-Ho and abbreviated as JJKH) is an excellent method of authentic Buddhist meditative practice, designed to lead the aspirant to Awakening within the Tendai Dharma. This contemplation, originally a product of the Chinese T’ien-t’ai school, is a voyage of deep understanding and even deeper insight. Through trekking the very fabric of the Mind itself, we as aspirants are peering within the Buddha Mind, that Highest Facet of Awakening. The JJHK is structured so that those of all degrees of meditative accomplishment might benefit from its voyage."
The Tendai Jujokan-Ho (Tenfold Contemplation Method)
(1) Observing the Inconceivable Sphere
(2) Arousing the Bodhi Mind of Compassion
(3) Calm-Observation with skillful tranquility
(4) Refuting the hold of phenomena
(5) Penetrating the Barriers of Consciousness
(6) Cultivation of the 37 refinements leading to Awakening
(7) The Method of Therapeutic Cures
(8) Recognizing the Sequential Stages of Progress
(9) Diligence
(10) Perfect Equanimity
The Tenfold Contemplation Method (Jujokan-Ho, JJKH) is an authentic Tendai meditation as pronounced by the classic T’ien-t’ai Patriarch Chih-i (538-598) which has been critically presented in order to be of practical use to a Western audience. Through ten levels of structured, investigative meditation, the aspirant is guided within the historical themes inherent in Tendai contemplative exercises which are relevant to this day.
The JJKH consists of 10 specific contemplations, performed under the guidance of Tendai Lotus Teachings Executive Director Reverend Jion Prosser, which serve as reliable supports for the true experience of Tendai meditation. Each contemplation is progressive in the sense that it builds upon the experiences of the previous meditation. During the course of the meditation, aspirants are forming a personal relationship with Reverend Jion in order to deepen their experience of the overall Method. Through in-depth correspondence, each aspirant can both receive critical feedback and inquire of specific themes discovered as a result of performing the meditations. At the conclusion of a meditation session, the meditation aspirant is presented with a Tendai Lotus Teachings Commentary upon the specific contemplation. This Commentary is designed as a capping verse for the experience we have partaken of during the specific contemplation. It in turn leads into the next week’s contemplation, a revolving series of meditation, feedback and commentary.
Undergoing the 10-tiered JJKH has the potential to invigorate our lives to such an extent that both our understanding of the Buddha’s Dharma and our exhibition of the Wisdom and Compassion inherent in that same Dharma might blossom more fully. It has often been the case that aspirants are diligent in their pursuit of the Highest Dharma, be it Tendai or otherwise, yet do not possess the resources or capabilities to train actively with lineage teachers. The JJKH is a prime opportunity to personally partake of the Wisdom that is Tendai under a lineage resplendent with Truth and Meaning.
Serious inquiries only please to dharma@tendai-lotus.org