Comments on: The Lotus Sutra and Pure Land Buddhism http://japanlifeandreligion.com/2009/01/04/the-lotus-sutra-and-pure-land-buddhism/ My life as a father, Buddhist and Japanophile. Sat, 11 Jun 2011 01:53:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Gerald Ford http://japanlifeandreligion.com/2009/01/04/the-lotus-sutra-and-pure-land-buddhism/#comment-2478 Gerald Ford Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:58:33 +0000 http://nihonshukyo.wordpress.com/?p=2371#comment-2478 Cheers mate! Cheers mate!

]]> By: Marcus http://japanlifeandreligion.com/2009/01/04/the-lotus-sutra-and-pure-land-buddhism/#comment-2471 Marcus Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:59:14 +0000 http://nihonshukyo.wordpress.com/?p=2371#comment-2471 Thank you Gerald, I find I agree with you totally! LOL! :) Thank you Gerald, I find I agree with you totally! LOL! :)

]]> By: Gerald Ford http://japanlifeandreligion.com/2009/01/04/the-lotus-sutra-and-pure-land-buddhism/#comment-2470 Gerald Ford Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:27:39 +0000 http://nihonshukyo.wordpress.com/?p=2371#comment-2470 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! :) 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! :)

]]> By: Marcus http://japanlifeandreligion.com/2009/01/04/the-lotus-sutra-and-pure-land-buddhism/#comment-2475 Marcus Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:30:29 +0000 http://nihonshukyo.wordpress.com/?p=2371#comment-2475 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 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

]]> By: Gerald Ford http://japanlifeandreligion.com/2009/01/04/the-lotus-sutra-and-pure-land-buddhism/#comment-2472 Gerald Ford Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:55:24 +0000 http://nihonshukyo.wordpress.com/?p=2371#comment-2472 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. 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.

]]> By: Gerald Ford http://japanlifeandreligion.com/2009/01/04/the-lotus-sutra-and-pure-land-buddhism/#comment-2477 Gerald Ford Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:46:20 +0000 http://nihonshukyo.wordpress.com/?p=2371#comment-2477 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. 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.

]]> By: Tornadoes28 http://japanlifeandreligion.com/2009/01/04/the-lotus-sutra-and-pure-land-buddhism/#comment-2476 Tornadoes28 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:42:45 +0000 http://nihonshukyo.wordpress.com/?p=2371#comment-2476 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? 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?

]]> By: Marcus http://japanlifeandreligion.com/2009/01/04/the-lotus-sutra-and-pure-land-buddhism/#comment-2473 Marcus Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:40:38 +0000 http://nihonshukyo.wordpress.com/?p=2371#comment-2473 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 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

]]> By: Dai Chi http://japanlifeandreligion.com/2009/01/04/the-lotus-sutra-and-pure-land-buddhism/#comment-2474 Dai Chi Sun, 04 Jan 2009 13:29:54 +0000 http://nihonshukyo.wordpress.com/?p=2371#comment-2474 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. 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.

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