Tag: Six Perfections
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This 2,000-Year-Old Text Is a Recipe for Life—Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Just Read It

Introduction: The Gap Between Knowing and Doing There’s a well-known gap between knowing something in theory and understanding it through experience. An old metaphor captures this perfectly: you can read a recipe for a meal, memorize every ingredient, and understand the chemistry of cooking, but you will remain completely ignorant of the food’s taste. True…
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The Immanence of the Eternal Buddha and the Practice of the Lotus Sutra

This briefing document summarizes the core themes and essential facts from the provided scholarly analysis of the Lotus Sutra, particularly focusing on the “Encouragement of Universal-Sage Bodhisattva” chapter (Chapter 28) and its philosophical underpinnings in the “Life Span of the Thus Come One” chapter (Chapter 16). It explores how practicing the sutra fosters a direct…
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The Empowering Presence and Protection of Universal-Sage Bodhisattva in the Lotus Sūtra

This briefing document reviews the main themes and important ideas surrounding Universal-Sage Bodhisattva (Samantabhadra/Fugen) as presented in the concluding chapter of the Lotus Sūtra, “Encouragement of Universal-Sage Bodhisattva.” It addresses the nature of his vow, the role of dhāraṇīs and “supernatural powers,” the significance of Jambudvīpa, and the enduring legacy of these teachings in various…
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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 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 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…