-
The Inexpressible Merits of the Buddha and the Transformative Power of Language in the Lotus Sutra

The Lotus Sutra, a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhism, stands as a revered text celebrated for its profound expositions on the inherent Buddhahood of all beings and the path leading to enlightenment.1 Its teachings have resonated deeply across East Asia for centuries, influencing countless practitioners on their spiritual journeys.1 This report undertakes a detailed analysis of…
-
The Transformative Assurance of Universal Buddhahood: A Study of the Lotus Sutra’s Impact on Worldview and Conduct

The verses spoken by Śāriputra at the beginning of Chapter Three of the Lotus Sutra, expressing his profound joy and certainty of attaining unsurpassed enlightenment, serve as a powerful introduction to one of Mahayana Buddhism’s most radical and transformative teachings. His declaration, “I shall become a Buddha without fail. I shall be respected by gods…
-
The Luminous Reflection: Understanding Clarity in Chapter Nineteen of the Lotus Sūtra

The Lotus Sūtra, revered across East Asia, stands as a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhism, celebrated for its profound teachings that illuminate the inherent potential for Buddhahood within all beings.1 Its central doctrine of the One Vehicle (ekayāna) posits that despite the myriad paths and practices, the ultimate destination for all is the attainment of Buddhahood.1…
-
The Merits of Practice and Understanding in Lotus Sūtra Chapter Seventeen

The Lotus Sūtra, a foundational text within Mahayana Buddhism, articulates the doctrine of the One Vehicle, asserting that all paths ultimately lead to Buddhahood.1 This influential scripture, revered across various East Asian Buddhist traditions, is considered by many to encapsulate the complete and final teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, sufficient for attaining salvation.2 Chapter Seventeen of…
-
The Profound Purpose and Place of the Lotus Sutra in the Buddha’s Teachings

The Lotus Sutra, revered across many East Asian Buddhist traditions, stands as a pivotal scripture that offers a comprehensive and, for some, the ultimate expression of Shakyamuni Buddha’s enlightenment.1 Its verses, particularly those in Chapter Twenty-One addressed to Superior-Practice Bodhisattva, speak of the transformative power of expounding this sutra after the Buddha’s passing, capable of…
-
The Protective Vow of Universal-Sage Bodhisattva in the Lotus Sutra: Context, Interpretations, and Contemporary Relevance

Introduction: The Significance of Universal-Sage Bodhisattva’s Vow in the Lotus Sutra The Lotus Sutra, revered as a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhism, articulates the profound principle of universal Buddhahood, asserting that all beings possess the inherent potential to attain enlightenment.1 Within this influential scripture, Universal-Sage Bodhisattva, also known as Samantabhadra, stands as an eminent figure embodying…
-
The Auspicious Dawn of Wisdom

(A lyrical retelling of Great-Universal-Wisdom-Excellence Buddha’s Enlightenment) “The Auspicious Dawn of Wisdom” — Song Description This song is a journey through timeless space and sacred stillness. Inspired by Chapter Seven of the Lotus Sutra, The Auspicious Dawn of Wisdom tells the story of an ancient Buddha whose enlightenment echoes through the cosmos, stirring even heavenly…
-
The Power of Faith and Patient Practice: Unlocking the Ultimate Dharma in the Lotus Sūtra’s Chapter Fifteen

I. Introduction: The Lotus Sūtra and the Call to Engaged Faith A. The Apex of Mahayana Teachings The Saddharma Puṇḍarīka Sūtra, commonly known as the Lotus Sūtra, occupies a position of paramount importance within the vast corpus of Mahayana Buddhist scriptures. Revered across East Asia and beyond, it is often hailed as the “King of…
-
The Needle on Sumeru’s Peak: An Analysis of Rarity and Merit in Nichiren Daishonin’s Shō Hokke Daimoku-shō

I. Introduction: The Rarity of Encountering the Mystic Law A. Presentation of the Core Passage Within the corpus of writings attributed to the 13th-century Japanese Buddhist reformer Nichiren Daishonin, a particularly striking passage appears in his Treatise on Chanting the Great Title of the Lotus Sūtra (Shō Hokke Daimoku-shō). It presents a vivid, almost fantastical…
