Two Perspectives on Doctrine of Ichinen Sanzen

comparison chart
The doctrine of Ichinen Sanzen must be considered from two perspectives: the doctrine as taught in the theoretical section (shakumon) of the Lotus Sutra and the doctrine as taught in the essential section (honmon) of the Lotus Sutra. Simply speaking, the theoretical section refers to the first 14 chapters of the Lotus Sutra, which is the realm of the historical Buddha, while the essential section refers to the latter 14 chapters, which is the realm of the Eternal Śākyamuni Buddha who is eternally engaged in the activities of saving living beings. The theoretical section is known as the “Ichinen Sanzen of Ri, ‘ while the essential section is known as “Ichinen Sanzen of Ji

Buddha Seed: Understanding the Odaimoku