In Chapters One and Two, Sakyamuni firmly declared that the true teaching of the Buddha is the One Vehicle of the Lotus Sutra. He urged us to believe and accept it from the bottom of our hearts. In Chapter 4, he unveils how we can believe, accept, and understand it properly. In the previous chapters, Sariputra had been the principal direct listener to Sakyamuni’s preaching. Here his place is taken by four other important “hearers.” They are Subhuti, Maha-Katyayana, Maha-Kasyapa, and Maha-Maudgalyayana. [Maha means “great” in Sanskrit.]
Introduction to the Lotus SutraMonthly Archives: February 2018
The Paradise of the Buddhas Here
Since all things are one in essence, even Buddha and the common people, the inhabited world is identical with the Paradise where all the Buddhas live. Therefore the Buddha says, “I am ever in this lower world of evils”; and again, “I am ever on the Vulture Peak.” These words signify that the world, which is apparently so full of evils, is in reality not different from the Paradise of all the Buddhas, which is illuminated with Glorious Light.
Doctrines of Nichiren (1893)Enjoying Good Things, Recognizing Struggles
It is not easy, this is true. We don’t realize how much effort we have put into becoming what we are now, or we may not realize how little effort we have put into being who we are. So when we undertake a practice that works on fixing our mistaken views, or tackles our habits, we think it extremely difficult. We boarded a plane to take us to a destination, enlightenment. The Buddha is our pilot, our fellow Sangha members are also passengers along with us. Together we can reach our goal. Let us together enjoy the good things and recognize the struggles, always making efforts to become enlightened and enable others to do the same.
Lotus Path: Practicing the Lotus Sutra Volume 1Daily Dharma – Feb. 1, 2018
Arouse your power of faith,
And do good patiently!
You will be able to hear the Dharma
That you have never heard before.
The Buddha sings these verses in Chapter Fifteen of the Lotus Sūtra. These are another emphasis of the superiority of those who put the Buddha’s teachings into practice rather than those who merely hear and understand them. It is only when we are engaged in creating benefit in the world, in helping all beings to become enlightened, that we are able to hear the Buddha’s highest teaching, the teaching of his own enlightenment.
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