There are various teaching methods employed by the Buddha in the Lotus Sutra: simile; metaphor; parable [of which there are seven]; skillful or expedient means; logic; historical precedent; narration [current events and prior birth stories]; questions and answers; and most importantly, a direct exposition of his Enlightenment. When studying the Lotus Sutra one can reflect, "here the Buddha is speaking of his experience in a previous existence and here the Buddha is answering the question of Sariputra", etc. Are there worlds where the Buddha actually experienced parthenogenesis as the physiological method of reproducing the species or is it a metaphor or is it something else? Is the Treasure Tower a metaphor only? Bodhisattvas 500 feet tall on other worlds? Flying cars? Some things are fruitless to question or contemplate and the Buddha was silent.
Or… just chant daimoku with faith and gratitude and infuse your life with wisdom and courage !
ReplyDeleteA person of strong faith constantly thinks of how they can benefit others.
It was as true in Nichiren’s time as it is now : faith alone is the portal to the Buddha’s wisdom —- actually, now more than ever it is crucial that we engage with others and not waste our time, but attend to the myriad daily activities of our lives !
Key points : Myoho renge kyo IS the Lotus Sutra . The Buddha is One with the Lotus Sutra — and most importantly : it is faith in Myoho Renge Kyo, Not knowledge of Buddhism itself, that is the Portal to the wisdom of the Buddha.
You are truly making very poor use of your precious time here, my friend —- distracting from the true teaching and causing confusion with your meager understanding.
~ Katie
I see. Nichiren wrote close to 1000 pages and more than 100 Gohonzons because just chant the Daimoku with faith and gratitude. Ok to destroy his Four Dictums, fail to remonstrate with the authorities, fail to perform the forceful practices, promote interfaith, while chanting the Daimoku, even with faith and gratitude? I don't think so, especially for priests. Daisaku Ikeda stated all SGI members are the true priests. Hehe
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