Tag: Mahayana Buddhism
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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 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…
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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 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…
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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 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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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…
Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra 