Lotus Sutra Study Program - Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Former Deeds of King Wondrous Adornment

Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Former Deeds of King Wondrous Adornment
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.
Chapters Twenty-Seven Themes:
Practice for others - be a good friend
See yourself as mighty and wholesome
Treasures of the heart are the most valuable of all
It is rare to meet the Dharma
Share through stories - inviting others to think for themselves
What does Chapter Twenty-Seven mean to us in our daily life and practice?
Remind yourself everyday how lucky you are to be alive and to be able to practice the Wondrous Dharma
Embrace your Bodhisattva vow to practice for others
Be a Good Friend to your family, friends and community
Showing transformation (actual proof) in your life is the most powerful thing you can do to help others
The mindful ‘spiritual’ life is more powerful and freeing than the material or digital