As I reach the end of the Lotus Sutra, with help from Thich Nhat Hanh’s commentaries on it, I have found that I appreciate its message more than I did before. It is definitely a text you have to read and study a few times to really get the meaning.* In the past I wrote about the Lotus Sutra in the context of Pure Land Buddhism, but this time I hope to write the opposite: Pure Land Buddhism in the context of the Lotus Sutra. Not as a contradiction, just another viewpoint.
Anyways, from the Lotus Sutra, there are several clear messages:**
- Beyond all sectarianism, there is only one Buddha-Dharma, one “vehicle”. All teachings are expedient means for traversing this path.
- All beings can be enlightened and can reach full Buddha-hood.
- Anyone who delights in the Dharma even for a moment, will inevitably reach Buddha-hood sometime. Some may reach soon, some may take a long time, but Enlightenment is certain.
- The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas strive to teach and lead beings out of suffering.
- That the Pure Land of Shakyamuni Buddha is this world here though not everyone can see it, and that the Buddha has always existed, even when there is no physical, historical Buddha present. As long as the truth exists, the Buddha exists, because the Buddha embodies the truth.
As well as other messages these are the ones that stand out to me. When one studies Pure Land Buddhism, the message is effectively the same. Pure Land Buddhism has historically espoused Amida Buddha’s vows to rescue any being who calls upon his name, and that in the Pure Land one will reach Enlightenment inevitably, regardless of their past.
Also, in light of the Lotus Sutra readings, I begin to believe more and more that the Pure Land is right here, not in a remote location as the text states, and that Amida is Shakyamuni Buddha. When I read something like this from the Amitabha Sutra:
“Shariputra, those who have already aspired, now aspire or in the future will aspire to be born in Amida Buddha’s land, all dwell in the Stage of Non-retrogression for realizing the highest, perfect Enlightenment. They have already been born, are now being born, or will be born in that land. Hence, Shariputra, good men and women of faith should aspire to birth there.
Lately, I think that aspiration for birth in the Pure Land is the same as that first experience of bodhicitta, the aspiration for Enlightenment, and that when the text states that they have already been born, that is their minds first awakening to reality. Perhaps that Pure Land is indeed one of many expedient means in Buddhism.
Historically many Buddhists of Pure Land Buddhism have spoken highly of the Lotus Sutra, including Honen and Rennyo, and the history of Japanese Tendai Buddhism shows an increasing influence of Pure Land teachings in the medieval days, but it continues to fascinate me how much they converge. This post is not an attempt at writing anything authoritative, but just another way of looking at the teachings. 
Namuamidabu
* – This is my third time I think reading the sutra through.
** – In yesterday’s post, I mentioned Christians proselytizing outside a Buddhist temple. At the time, I couldn’t help but think that with the fears of damnation and punishment, I wish people everywhere could read and study the message of the Lotus Sutra. I think its more inclusive and positive message is a refreshing change of pace.
Hello, this blog is about my life as a father, Buddhist and Japanophile / Koreaphile. Any useful information I can pass along will hopefully make the 
The concept of the “one vehicle” (ekayana) which encompasses all of the many Buddhist practices is probably the most important teaching of the Tendai school in which I practice. For this reason, Tendai practitioners participate in virtually all practices, including Pure Land, esoteric practice, Shikan meditation and just about anything else you can think of. The Lotus Sutra is at the heart of Tendai.
I agree with your observation on this world being the Pure Land. I often reflect on what characteristics the Pure Land would have and find them present in the here and now. We are so fortunate to be born as humans, to live in a world where the Dharma is not only present but also thriving. Most of us have the luxury of being able to meet our basic needs for food, shelter and security and still have plenty of time left over to study and listen to the Dharma. If there are hindrances, most can be minimized or eliminated if we will just take the steps to do so.
Hi,
But, of course, many millions in this world do not have their basic needs met. For them it is far from being a Pure Land. Even if we are talking of ‘mind only’, certain physical needs must be met before the mind can see the world as Pure.
If this world, and only this world, is the Pure Land, then pity those born into poverty, sickness, hunger, abuse, warfare and violence. What chance do they have of realising it?
Marcus
What is meant by “Anyone who delights in the Dharma”? Does this mean anyone who has studied it? Practiced it? Chanted a sutra? Chanted many cutras? Recited Amida’s name?
Marcus: what chances do they have of realizing it? if the Lotus Sutra is true, then given enough time, the answer is 100%. That is the message of the Lotus Sutra I believe. All beings will become Buddhas if not now, then in the future.
I think it’s a pretty general, broad statement meant to mean that anyone who sees the wisdom of the dharma and says “wow, that’s really cool” and delights in its teachings, even for a moment. Like you said, this could be expressed as all of the above, if not more. It’s the mental delight that one feels when they’ve heard something profound and they want to know more. I believe people who’ve read this blog has already felt this delight at some point or another in the Dharma, otherwise they wouldn’t go looking for Buddhist blogs, so they are already are on the path to Buddhahood, even if they don’t believe it in themselves.
Just my opinion of course.
Hi Gerald,
Yes, I certainly agree with you.
But my comment was not directed at someone who accepts either (a) rebirth or (b) the real existence of a Pure Land.
My comment was directed at those who think the Pure Land is ‘mind-only’ and that the Pure Land doesn’t really exist at all, but can only be experienced in the here and now.
Of course I think the Pure Land is in a sense here and now…… but…. If you think that the Pure Land is ONLY this current world, then, sadly, many people are indeed excluded.
However, yes, I agree with you, eventually we are all headed for Buddhahood.
Namu Kwan Seum Bosal,
Marcus
Marcus, that’s certainly true, and I don’t agree with the mind-only approach myself, but I also don’t agree with the paradise-only approach either. Obviously you don’t either, but it’s worth mentioning anyways, in case one has misread my point.
Dai Chi, sorry for not responding sooner, but I think you raise some good points. I definitely agree that we all here studying Buddhism and such are pretty lucky. As Marcus mentions, we do indeed live a privileged life to study as much as we do; many others really do slave away in the world. But if we can help make the world a better place, then we’re putting the Dharma into practice, and not just enjoying an intellectual hobby!
Thank you Gerald, I find I agree with you totally! LOL!
Cheers mate!