The Avatamsaka Sutra is a profound Mahayana Buddhist scripture that describes a vast, interconnected cosmic vision. It is the first sutra Shakyamuni Buddha expounded after his enlightenment, revealing a universe of infinite realms filled with countless Buddhas. The sutra is renowned for its complex philosophical teachings, particularly its vision of total interconnectedness, where every part of the universe reflects the whole.

In Mahāyāna belief there are certain highly evolved beings who have been practicing Buddhism for so many lifetimes that they have become superhuman divine beings. These so-called “celestial bodhisattvas” are said to have accrued immense merits and powers. However, they have intentionally chosen to delay becoming Buddhas in order to dedicate themselves to compassionately helping others.  In our lineage these famous Bodhisattvas can be seen as archetypes representing various qualities such as wisdom, compassion, and activity.

The visual images and symbols that convey religious messages and teachings in Buddhist art, including specific colors, gestures, and attributes associated with various deities.

In contrast to Dogen Zenji, who deeply explored the internal self, Keizan Zenji stood out with his ability to look outwards and boldly spread the teaching. For the Soto Zen School, the teachings of these two founders are closely connected with each other. In spreading the Way of Buddha widely, one of them was internal in his approach while the other was external.

The Lotus Sūtra is one of the most influential and venerated Buddhist Mahāyāna sūtras. It is the main scripture on which the Tiantai along with its derivative schools, the Japanese Tendai and Nichiren, Korean Cheontae, and Vietnamese Thiên Thai schools of Buddhism were established.

Cultivating the Empty Field is a modern translation of the core of Chinese Ch'an master Hongzhi's Extensive Record.  First to articulate the meditation method known to contemporary Zen practitioners as shikantaza ("just sitting") Chinese Zen master Hongzhi is one of the most influential poets in all of Zen literature. This translation of Hongzhi's poetry, the only such volume available in English, treats readers to his profound wisdom and beautiful literary gift. In addition to dozens of Hongshi's religious poems, translator Daniel Leighton offers an extended introduction, placing the master's work in its historical context , as well as lineage charts and other information about the Chinese influence on Japanese Soto Zen.

Nagarjuna was a pivotal Buddhist monk and philosopher who lived in India between 150-250 CE, often referred to as the "second Buddha" in Mahayana tradition. Born into a Brahmin family, he became a renowned scholar at Nalanda Monastic University and is celebrated as the founder of the Madhyamaka (Middle Way) school of Buddhist philosophy. His most significant contribution was developing the concept of sunyata (emptiness), which argues that phenomena lack inherent existence and are interconnected. Nagarjuna's groundbreaking philosophical work, particularly his text "Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way," challenged existing metaphysical assumptions by demonstrating that things have no fixed nature, and it is precisely this lack of essence that allows for transformation and change. His teachings profoundly influenced Buddhist thought across India, Tibet, China, and Japan, establishing him as one of the most important Buddhist philosophers in history.
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The Tenzo Kyōkun, or "Instructions for the Cook," is a profound Buddhist text by Dōgen that transcends simple culinary guidance, offering deep insights into Zen practice and spiritual understanding.

The Vimalakīrti Nirdeśa is a Buddhist text which centers on a lay Buddhist meditator who attained a very high degree of enlightenment considered by some second only to the Buddha's.