Lotus Sutra Study Program - Chapters Twenty-One and Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-One: The Transcendent Powers of the Tathagata and ChapterTwenty-Two: Entrustment
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-One and Twenty-Two Themes:
Time relativity
Ten Supernatural Powers of Tathagata
Transmission Specific and General
Innate Buddha Wisdom
Place of Awakening
Vows
World Peace
Manifestation Bodies
Why these chapters means to us:
Buddha Nature is within and without - the wholeness of life
We awaken to Buddha Nature directly by opening our heart/mind
Wherever we are is the Place of Awakening
Our vow gives us strength, courage and power
Each of us has “superpowers” - and they’re all different
Our intentions reach out affecting everything around us
Our Odaimoku has power
Everything we do creates something new
Time is relative and short

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