Day 3 covers the first half of Chapter 2, Expedients. Having last month considered the Buddha’s great purpose, we consider why the Buddhas teach only Bodhisattvas. The Buddha said to Śāriputra: “The Buddhas, the Tathāgatas, teach only Bodhisattvas. All they do is for one purpose, that is, to show the insight of the Buddha to … Continue reading Day 3
Each time as I cycle through the 32 Days of the Lotus Sutra (which, of course, is actually 34 days with the addition the Sutra of Innumerable Meanings and the Contemplation of Universal Sage) I am struck by the promises offered to everyone. This is especially true in Chapter 2. “Any Śrāvaka or Bodhisattva Who … Continue reading 800 Years: Promises
Day 4 concludes Chapter 2, Expedients, and completes the first volume of the Sūtra of the Lotus flower of the Wonderful Dharma. Having last month considered the teaching of the one vehicle, we consider small acts that lead to enlightenment. Those who met a past Buddha, Who heard the Dharma from him, And who obtained … Continue reading Day 4
In 1989, when I first chanted the Daimoku, I was encouraged to chant in order to get stuff. Didn’t matter what stuff. Chanting was magical. Have faith, I was told. Since leaving Soka Gakkai, my understanding of faith has shifted 180 degrees. This was true on Nov. 15, 2015, when I published a blog post … Continue reading 800 Years: The Cause of the Great Purpose
Śāriputra! Some disciples of mine, who think that they are Arhats or Pratyekabuddhas, will not be my disciples or Arhats or Pratyekabuddhas if they do not hear or know that the Buddhas, the Tathāgatas, teach only Bodhisattvas. The Buddha makes this declaration to his disciple Śāriputra in Chapter Two of the Lotus Sutra. When the … Continue reading Daily Dharma – Feb. 20, 2022
Day 7 concludes Chapter 3, A Parable, and begins Chapter 4, Understanding by Faith. Having last month considered why the Buddha says he teaches only Bodhisattvas, we consider why lesser teachings are inadequate. [I said:] “To those who have little wisdom, And who are deeply attached to sensual desires, The Buddhas expound the truth that … Continue reading Day 7
Day 7 concludes Chapter 3, A Parable, and begins Chapter 4, Understanding by Faith. Having last month considered the vehicle the Buddha offers, we consider why the Buddha says he teaches only Bodhisattvas. (The Buddha said to Śāriputra:) All of you Are my children. I am your father. You were under the fires of many … Continue reading Day 7
Therefore, anyone who has wisdom should copy this sūtra with all his heart, cause others to copy it, and also keep, read and recite it, memorize it correctly, and act according to it. The Buddha declares this to Universal-Sage Bodhisattva in Chapter Twenty-Eight of the Lotus Sūtra. It is important to remember that early in … Continue reading Daily Dharma – June 30, 2021
The ten subtleties of “traces” are: Subtlety of Objects; Subtlety of Wisdom; Subtlety of Practice; Subtlety of Stages; Subtlety of Threefold Dharmas; Subtlety of Empathy and Response; Subtlety of Supranormal Powers; Subtlety of Preaching the Dharma; Subtlety of Attendants; and Subtlety of Merit and Benefit…. For scriptural proof I will quote only passages from the … Continue reading The Ten Subtleties of ‘Traces’
The Buddhas, the Tathāgatas, teach only Bodhisattvas. All they do is for one purpose, that is, to show the insight of the Buddha to all living beings, to cause them to obtain the insight of the Buddha. The Buddha speaks these words in Chapter Two of the Lotus Sutra. Here he emphasizes the importance of … Continue reading Daily Dharma – June 13, 2021