All Writings

I hope whomever reads through these posts are moved to walk through the world with a wider sense of being, a more compassionate heart, and with a greater intention to recognize and work towards fostering interconnectedness with all beings. One of my favorite Buddhist texts, the Bodhicaryavatara by Shantideva has these beautiful lines that for me, sum up my intention as a human and as a chaplain:

May I be a guard for those that are protectorless, 
A guide for those who journey on the road.
For those who wish to cross the water.
May I be a boat, a raft, a bridge.

- Bodhicaryavatara by Shantideva (chap. 3, vs 18 Padmakara Translation)

Buddhism, Buddhist Writings Susan Shannon Buddhism, Buddhist Writings Susan Shannon

The Five Dhyani Buddhas; Gifts of the Five Skandhas

All Buddha’s teachings are aimed at inner transformation. The Tibetan word for Buddhist is “nang-pa la” which can be translated as “inside dweller, or “inside traveler.” Buddhism invites us to scale the Himalayas of our inner psychological constructs. The teachings of Buddha are aimed at recognizing and transforming our wrong view of reality, which is brought about by the tendency to identify ourselves as an independently existing entity.

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Death & Dying, Buddhism Susan Shannon Death & Dying, Buddhism Susan Shannon

A Comparison of Two Prayers for the Time of Death; The Christian Proficisere and the Tibetan Pho-Wa

This paper will compare two historical prayers, one Christian and one Tibetan Buddhist,  both which are to be performed at the time of death. I will give a brief description of each prayer, and segue into their similarities and differences. The relevance of these prayers today will also be discussed. 

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