Tag: Avici Hell
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Slander of the True Dharma (Hōbō) in Nichiren Buddhism

This briefing document analyzes the concept of “slander of the True Dharma” (hōbō) as a cornerstone of Nichiren’s teachings, drawing on the provided source material. It explores the multifaceted nature of slander, its historical and doctrinal context, karmic consequences, the paradox of compassionate condemnation, and its modern interpretations. Executive Summary The doctrine of hōbō is…
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Devadatta’s Enlightenment in the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren’s Philosophy

1. Executive Summary This briefing examines the paradoxical concept of Devadatta’s enlightenment, a central tenet in the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren’s philosophy. Devadatta, cousin and notorious adversary of Shakyamuni Buddha, committed two of the five “Anantarika-karma” (grave offenses) and was traditionally condemned to the Avīci Hell, a realm of incessant suffering. However, the Lotus Sutra,…
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Chapter 19–Hearing the Universe: The Twelve Hundred Sensory Qualities

Moreover, Satatasamitabhiyukta (Ever and Constantly Strenuous), whether a young man from a noble family or a young woman who shares and teaches this Sacred Teaching to others, will possess twelve hundred fine qualities of the ear. They will hear all the sounds produced in the universe, from the depths of the great hell known as…
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Chapter 19–The Sensory Gifts of the Virtuous Bodhisattva

The Lord then spoke to the Bodhisattva Mahasattva Satatasamitabhiyukta, meaning “Ever and Constantly Strenuous.” He declared that anyone, whether a young man or a young woman from a noble family, who shall preserve, read, teach, or write this Teaching, or have it written, will gain extraordinary qualities. They will receive eight hundred fine traits of…