Prominent Buddhist Mystics
Buddhism, with its rich and diverse traditions, has given rise to many mystics who embody deep spiritual insight. Below is a comprehensive report on some of the most prominent Buddhist mystics, their teachings, and notable quotes.
1. Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha)
Teachings:
• The Buddha’s enlightenment forms the foundation of Buddhism. His teachings center around the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, emphasizing the cessation of suffering (dukkha) through mindfulness, ethical conduct, and wisdom.
• Central to his message is the concept of dependent origination, impermanence (anicca), and non-self (anatta).
Notable Quotes:
• “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
• “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”
• “All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What you think you become.”
2. Nagarjuna (2nd Century CE)
Teachings:
• Known as the founder of the Madhyamaka school, Nagarjuna explored the concept of emptiness (śūnyatā), asserting that all phenomena lack inherent existence.
• His dialectical approach emphasized the “Middle Way,” avoiding extremes of existence and non-existence.
Notable Quotes:
• “There is no distinction at all between samsara and nirvana.”
• “Things derive their being and nature by mutual dependence and are nothing in themselves.”
3. Bodhidharma (5th-6th Century CE)
Teachings:
• Regarded as the founder of Zen (Chan) Buddhism in China, Bodhidharma emphasized direct experience of enlightenment over scripture or ritual.
• His teachings focus on meditation (dhyana) and the realization of one’s Buddha-nature.
Notable Quotes:
• “The mind is the root from which all things grow. If you can understand the mind, everything else is included.”
• “Those who turn from delusion back to reality, who meditate on walls, the absence of self and other, the oneness of mortal and sage, and who remain unmoved even by scriptures, are in complete and unspoken agreement with reason.”
4. Milarepa (1052–1135)
Teachings:
• A Tibetan yogi and poet, Milarepa is celebrated for his rigorous spiritual discipline and his mastery of tantric Buddhism.
• His life story serves as an example of transformation—from a vengeful sorcerer to an enlightened being.
Notable Quotes:
• “When you run after your thoughts, you are like a dog chasing a stick. Instead, be like a lion who turns to face the stick and the thrower. One only throws a stick at a lion once.”
• “In horror of death, I took to the mountains - again and again, I meditated on the uncertainty of the hour of death. Capturing the fortress of the deathless, unending nature of mind, now all fear of death is over and done.”
5. Dogen (1200–1253)
Teachings:
• A Japanese Zen master and founder of the Soto Zen school, Dogen emphasized zazen (seated meditation) as the primary means to enlightenment.
• His writings, especially Shobogenzo, explore the unity of practice and enlightenment.
Notable Quotes:
• “To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be enlightened by all things.”
• “When you find your place where you are, practice occurs, actualizing the fundamental point.”
6. Padmasambhava (8th Century CE)
Teachings:
• Known as Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava is credited with establishing Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet.
• He combined tantric teachings with native Tibetan beliefs, emphasizing visualization, mantra, and rituals to achieve enlightenment.
Notable Quotes:
• “Though my view is as vast as the sky, my actions are as fine as flour.”
• “Do not investigate the root of things, investigate the root of mind. Once the mind’s root has been found, you will know one thing yet understand everything.”
7. Thich Nhat Hanh (1926–2022)
Teachings:
• A Vietnamese Zen master, Thich Nhat Hanh popularized mindfulness practice globally, emphasizing peace, compassion, and interbeing.
• He advocated engaged Buddhism, applying Buddhist principles to social and environmental issues.
Notable Quotes:
• “Because you are alive, everything is possible.”
• “Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
• “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”
8. Hakuin Ekaku (1686–1769)
Teachings:
• A Japanese Zen master, Hakuin revitalized the Rinzai Zen tradition by emphasizing rigorous koan practice and zazen.
• He stressed that enlightenment should be integrated with everyday life.
Notable Quotes:
• “Not knowing how near the truth is, we seek it far away—what a pity!”
• “Meditation in the midst of activity is a thousand times superior to meditation in stillness.”
9. Shunryu Suzuki (1904–1971)
Teachings:
• A Japanese Soto Zen master who brought Zen Buddhism to America, Suzuki’s teachings focused on simplicity, mindfulness, and “beginner’s mind.”
• His book, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, has become a classic in modern spiritual literature.
Notable Quotes:
• “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.”
• “When you do something, you should burn yourself completely, like a good bonfire, leaving no trace of yourself.”
10. Yeshe Tsogyal (8th Century CE)
Teachings:
• A Tibetan yogini and consort of Padmasambhava, Yeshe Tsogyal is considered the mother of Tibetan Buddhism.
• She achieved enlightenment and her life serves as an inspiration for female practitioners in Vajrayana.
Notable Quotes:
• “If you don’t keep your mind fixed on the guru, who is one with the deity, it’s like trying to cook food in a cold pan.”
• “All phenomena are like illusions and dreams; they have no essence. Yet we experience them as real. By realizing their nature, liberation occurs spontaneously.”
This list reflects the rich tapestry of mystical teachings in Buddhism, highlighting the universal and timeless truths they offer.