“It is difficult to see a Buddha” – Lotus Sutra, Chapter I

Thinking about this phrase I am always struck by the differing ways this can be interpreted. On the one hand the sutra is specifically referring to how rare it is to encounter a Buddha in one’s lifetime; the fact that Buddhas only physically appear on rare occasions.

Here on this earth we have the historical Buddha who appeared and taught some 2,500 years ago. There is also the prediction of the appearance of Maitreya at some point in the distant future, who will teach for a limited amount of time, numbering supposedly just a few days at most.

Another meaning is we fail to perceive the eternally existing Buddha in the universe. It is difficult for us to look at life and see there is the Buddha present in every moment, in every breath. Of course through our practice and study of the Lotus Sutra we know, at least theoretically, that the Buddha is ever present and never disappears.

Another possible interpretation is that within our own lives it is difficult for us to see the Buddha. Also, that it is difficult for us to see the Buddha in other beings. Sometimes this difficulty is because we don’t want to see the Buddha either in others or ourselves. We may have ingrained in our minds that we are not worthy or that we are incapable of being such a thing as a Buddha. We may even hold that opinion of others also, thinking that there is no way this or that person, with the way they act, or the way they think, that they could be a Buddha.