Tag: spiritual enlightenment
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An Ancient Text’s Surprising Diagnosis for Modern Unhappiness
We are all engaged in a lifelong pursuit of happiness. It’s a fundamental human drive, yet for many, it remains an elusive goal, always just over the horizon. We follow the prescribed paths—career success, new experiences, material comfort—only to find ourselves back where we started, with the persistent feeling that we’re missing something obvious, as…
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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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Faith, Eternal Buddhahood, and the Attainment of Supreme Enlightenment in the Lotus Sūtra (Chapter Seventeen)
Date: June 3, 2025 Subject: Analysis of Lotus Sūtra Chapter Seventeen, focusing on the declaration of the Buddha’s eternal lifespan and its implications for attaining supreme enlightenment. Sources: Excerpts from “Lotus Sūtra Chapter Seventeen Analysis,” with specific references to cited texts. Key Takeaways: This briefing document analyzes the profound teachings presented in Chapter Seventeen of…
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Chapter 26a–Ancient Devotion: The Value of True Friendship
Then, the Enlightened One spoke to the gathered spiritual seekers: Long ago, in a time so distant it can’t be measured, a great spiritual leader emerged. He was known as “The One of Resonant Voice, Bedecked with Stars and Blossoms, Profound in Wisdom,” a fully enlightened being gifted in wisdom and ethical living. This occurred…
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Chapter 25a–Divine Incantations:The Universal Promise of Protection
Bodhisattva Bhaishajya Rāja stood up, draped his robe over one shoulder, knelt on one knee, and with clasped hands, asked the Lord: “How much spiritual merit will a person gain, whether a young man or woman, who either memorizes or keeps a written copy of the Lotus Sutra?” The Lord responded: “Imagine, Bhaishajya Rāja, if…
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Chapter 20–The Unwavering Path of Always Reviled: A Journey Towards Universal Enlightenment
The Lord then addressed the Bodhisattva Mahasattva Mahāsthāmaprāpta (Embodiment of Wisdom’s Might). Similarly, Mahāsthāmaprāpta, one may infer from what has been said that he who rejects such a Dharmaparyaya as this, who abuses monks, nuns, lay devotees male or female, keeping this Sutra, insults them, treats them with false and harsh words, shall experience dire…
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Chapter 12–The Ocean’s Wisdom: Mañjuśrī’s Enlightenment Teachings
At that moment, a spiritual seeker named Peak of Wisdom, who came from the realm of enlightenment, spoke to the Enlightened One, Prabhūtaratna: “My Lord, shall we return to our realm of enlightenment?” But the Buddha Sākyamuni replied, “Wait a moment, young seeker. First, speak with my disciple, Mañjuśrī, to discuss a matter of spiritual…
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Chapter 11–Revelation of the Jewel Stūpa: The Unity of Tathāgatas
When Lord Sākyamuni, the Enlightened One, saw that all his divine creations had arrived, that each was seated upon their throne, and that the devoted followers of the Tathāgatas were present, he knew the moment had come. With the desire of the Tathāgatas in his heart, he rose into the sky, shining like a meteor.…
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Chapter 7–The Unveiling of the Wheel of Dharma: A Journey through the 12-Fold Chain of Causation
Thereupon, monks, those fifty hundred thousand myriads of kotis of Brahma angels addressed the Lord, with one voice, in common chorus, with the following two verses. Unsurpassed wheel, roll forward, begin the beatOf the immortal drum, release from evils’ deceit,From hundreds of sorrows set all beings free,Show the path of Nirvana, the way to eternity.…
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Chapter 7–Symphony of the Cosmos: The Brahma Angels in the Lotus Sutra
The scene repeated itself across the cosmos. In the south-west, in the west, in the north-west, in the north, in the north-east, and in the nadir, the same occurrence unfolded, like a symphony resonating through space and time. The aerial cars of the Brahma angels shone with a divine light, reflecting the Buddha’s enlightened presence.…
Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra 