Tag: Lotus Sutra
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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…
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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…
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The Promise of Deliverance: An Exploration of World-Voice-Perceiver Bodhisattva and the Breaking of Bonds in the Lotus Sūtra
The Lotus Sūtra, a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhism, holds a revered position as a scripture that elucidates the profound truths of existence and the inherent potential for enlightenment within all beings.1 Central to its teachings is the figure of the World-Voice-Perceiver Bodhisattva, known by various names across cultures, including Avalokiteśvara, Kuan Yin, Kannon, and Kanzeon.3…
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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…
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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…
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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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Cosmic Cycles and the Path of Awakening: A Comparative Study of the I Ching and the Lotus Sutra
I. Introduction: Bridging Ancient Wisdom Streams A. Overview of the I Ching and Lotus Sutra Two monumental texts stand as pillars within the vast landscape of East Asian thought: the I Ching (易經, Yijing) or Classic of Changes, and the Saddharmapuṇḍarīka-sūtra, commonly known as the Lotus Sutra. The I Ching, originating in ancient China, began…
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The Lotus Sutra as the Buddha’s True Mind: An Analysis of Nichiren’s Interpretation in the Zui-jii Gosho
I. Introduction: Setting the Context – The Lotus Sutra, Nichiren, and the Zui-jii Gosho A. Overview The Saddharma Puṇḍarıˉka Suˉtra, or Lotus Sutra, stands as a cornerstone scripture within the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, revered for its profound doctrines and expansive vision of salvation. Its influence has permeated Buddhist thought, practice, and culture across Asia for centuries. Among…
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An Analysis of Nichiren’s Metaphor: The Buddha, His Children, Gratitude, and the Calm Mind
1. Introduction The writings of Nichiren Daishonin (1222–1282), the founder of Nichiren Buddhism, are replete with profound metaphors and analogies designed to convey the core tenets of his teachings, rooted firmly in the Lotus Sutra. One such evocative passage asserts: “Since time immemorial all the people on the earth have been the Buddha Śākyamuni’s beloved…
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The Preciousness of Mind: An Analysis of Nichiren’s Guidance in the “Emperor Shushun” Letter
Nichiren Daishonin (1222-1282) stands as a towering figure in the history of Japanese Buddhism, primarily recognized for his unwavering devotion to the Lotus Sutra as the supreme teaching for attaining enlightenment in the Latter Day of the Law.1 His extensive body of work, collectively known as the Gosho, comprises a rich tapestry of doctrinal treatises,…
Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra 