Questions and Answers
The 'true aspect' refers to ______-renge-kyo.
Myoho
All phenomena and their true aspect are not ______ things.
two separate
Prior to the Lotus Sutra, a gap was believed to exist between a Buddha and an ordinary ______.
person
The Lotus Sutra guarantees the attainment of Buddhahood by ______ persons.
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The fundamental wish of Shakyamuni and all other Buddhas is to open the door of ______ wisdom.
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The Lotus Sutra embodies the essence of ______ Buddhism.
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In the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni reveals that Buddhahood exists inherently in the lives of ______ people.
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The first half of the Lotus Sutra consists of the theoretical teaching, which includes the first ______ chapters.
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The two doctrines central to the theoretical teaching are the 'true aspect of all phenomena' and the 'attainment of Buddhahood by persons of the ______ vehicles.'
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The principle of the true aspect of all phenomena is expounded in the '______ Means' chapter of the sutra.
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Study Notes
Overview of the Lotus Sutra
- Central scripture in Mahayana Buddhism demonstrating that everyone can attain Buddhahood.
- Marks a radical shift from previous Buddhist views on life and enlightenment.
- Shakyamuni’s prior teachings suggested ordinary people could not achieve Buddhahood within their lifetime.
Pre-Lotus Sutra Teachings
- Ordinary people were believed to reside in one of nine worlds until death; rebirth was necessary for change.
- Attainment of Buddhahood required multiple lifetimes of eliminating earthly desires and achieving virtues.
Key Doctrines of the Lotus Sutra
- Buddhahood is inherent in all individuals, contrary to earlier teachings.
- Everyone can access their own Buddhahood immediately through inner realization.
- Two principal doctrines: the “true aspect of all phenomena” and the “attainment of Buddhahood in the remote past.”
The True Aspect of All Phenomena
- The Lotus Sutra consists of 28 chapters, split into theoretical (first 14) and essential teachings (last 14).
- "True aspect of all phenomena" highlighted in the 'Expedient Means' chapter.
- All phenomena encompass the reality and workings of life; true essence symbolizes their ultimate nature.
- Buddhas possess profound wisdom to perceive this ultimate reality, indicating all phenomena and their true essence are inseparable.
Interpretation by Nichiren Daishonin
- Clarifies "all phenomena" refers to all beings across the Ten Worlds and their environments, while “true aspect” refers to Myoho-renge-kyo.
- Asserts that all beings and environments represent manifestations of Myoho-renge-kyo, emphasizing equality among beings of the Ten Worlds.
- Suggests there is no insurmountable gap between Buddhahood and ordinary life states.
Inclusivity of the Teachings
- The Lotus Sutra affirms that individuals from the two vehicles (voice hearers and cause-awakened beings) can attain Buddhahood.
- Guarantees the possibility of enlightenment for historically marginalized groups: evil individuals and women.
- Buddhas appear to guide all beings to recognize and awaken to their own Buddha wisdom.
Purpose of the Teachings
- The ultimate aim of the teachings is to inspire awareness and guidance toward Buddha wisdom for all beings, promoting universal potential for enlightenment.
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Description
Explore the significance and major doctrines of the Lotus Sutra, a foundational scripture in Mahayana Buddhism. This quiz will cover the essential teachings that advocate for the potential of all individuals to attain Buddhahood. Understanding these concepts can radically change one's perspective on life and enlightenment.
