Tag: Buddhahood
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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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Seeing the Buddha in the Lotus Sūtra
I. Executive Summary This briefing examines the multifaceted meaning of “seeing the Buddha” within the context of the Lotus Sūtra, contrasting the historical quest for a physical encounter with Siddhartha Gautama with the Sutra’s promise of an ever-present Buddha accessible through spiritual engagement. The Lotus Sūtra redefines “seeing the Buddha” from a literal perception to…
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Nichiren’s Practical Path to Joy and Wisdom
This briefing reviews the core tenets of Nichiren Buddhism, with a particular focus on its accessible, everyday approach to faith and practice, as exemplified in Nichiren’s “Letter to the Nun Myoichi.” It draws primarily from an essay titled “Unveiling Everyday Faith: Nichiren’s Practical Path to Joy and Wisdom in the ‘Letter to the Nun Myoichi’,”…
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Navigating Adversity in Nichiren Buddhism – Persecution, Purification, and the Path to Buddhahood
This briefing examines the core themes within Nichiren’s teachings, particularly his understanding of persecution, the role of the “three poisons,” and the transformative power of the Lotus Sutra in the “Latter Day of the Law.” It highlights how adversity is not merely an obstacle but a crucial catalyst for spiritual growth and internal purification, ultimately…
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The Auspicious Dawn of Wisdom: An Analysis of Great-Universal-Wisdom-Excellence Buddha’s Enlightenment in the Lotus Sutra
The Lotus Sutra stands as a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhism, deeply revered across various East Asian Buddhist traditions. Many consider it to encapsulate the ultimate and complete teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, offering a path to salvation for all. Its narratives and parables present a transformative perspective on the Buddhist path and the very essence of…
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The Profound Encouragement of Universal-Sage Bodhisattva in Chapter 28 of the Lotus Sutra
The Lotus Sutra, revered as a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhism, presents a comprehensive vision of the path to Buddhahood, asserting that this supreme state is attainable by all beings without exception.1 Central to its teachings is the doctrine of the One Vehicle (Ekayana), which posits that all Buddhist paths ultimately converge on Buddhahood, and the…
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The Illusory Oasis: An Analysis of the Parable of the Magic City in the Lotus Sutra
The Lotus Sutra, a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhism, holds a prominent position in East Asian Buddhist traditions.1 Revered as the final and complete teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha by many, it presents profound concepts such as the One Vehicle (Ekayana) and skillful means (Upaya).1 These doctrines underscore the Mahayana understanding that all Buddhist paths ultimately converge…
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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…
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The Inconceivable Supernatural Powers of the Buddha in the Lotus Sūtra
1. Introduction Overview This report undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the concept of “inconceivable supernatural powers” (acintya−ṛddhi) attributed to the Buddha, particularly as referenced in Chapter Six, “Bestowal of Prophecy,” of the Saddharma Puṇḍarīka Sūtra (Lotus Sūtra). The specific impetus for this investigation is the verse sung by Śākyamuni Buddha following his prophecy of future…
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The Merits of Encouraging Others to Hear the Lotus Sutra: An Expert Analysis of Chapter Eighteen
Key Phrase Translation from Buddhist Text Translation Society Translation from Nichiren Information Translation from 500 Yojanas Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma Dharma Flower Sutra sutra called the Lotus sūtra called the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma dhāraṇīs Dharani Bodhisattva dharani bodhisattvas Bodhisattvas who obtain dharanis living with the Bodhisattvas who obtain dhāraṇīs born…
Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra 