Lotus Sutra Study Program - Chapter Twenty-Eight: Encouragement from the Bodhisattva Universal Sage

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Encouragement from the Bodhisattva Universal Sage
These sessions are a different approach to studying the Lotus Sutra, they are a personal approach to the Lotus Sutra and not academic, theoretical, or dogmatic. The Lotus Sutra is best viewed as stories and parables, never to be taken literally. The Lotus Sutra is a living breathing sutra. Seek insight into what does the Lotus Sutra say to you? It may be different for each or us. And it may change for you over time.
What does the Lotus Sutra mean to you, me, us, our practice?
I use four texts as guides for these presentations to help triangulate the meaning:
1) Two Buddhas Side by side - Stone/Lopez representing an academic viewpoint,
2) Buddhism for Today - Niwano representing a Lay Nichiren perspective,
3) Open Heart, representing a different sect of Buddhism’s viewpoint and
4) Ongi Kuden allegedly recorded from Nichiren oral lectures on My. Minobu.
I augment these four texts with with Nichiren Shu's Nichiren Buddhist Dictionary, Nichiren’s Gosho, Zhiyi’s Clear Serenity, Quiet Insight and SGI’s Nichiren Buddhist Library.
Buddha was just a human; like us! Given to mortal processes of birth, aging, sickness and death. As was Nichiren. They both found meaning and purpose in life through helping relieve suffering and guide people to happiness.
In their example we can find our own True Purpose.
Chapter Twenty-Eight: Encouragement from the Bodhisattva Universal Sage Themes:
Practice
Four Requirements
Hand(s) of the Buddha laid upon us
Interchangeability of sutra and Buddha
The Place of Practice
Dharani for protection
What does Chapter Twenty-Eight mean to us in our daily life and practice?
Practice - Practice - Practice
Take the medicine
Do the work
Trust the process (buddha-nature)
Sincere Desire
Open Heart-Mind
Sangha
You are not alone