Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra 2

The second instalment of the wisdom of the Lotus Sutra seeks to define and understand what life is.

We use the word self [to refer to ourselves], but this word actually refers to the universe. When we ask how the life of the universe is different from the life of each one of you, the only differences we find are those of your bodies and minds. Your life and that of the universe are the same.

In the discussion on the philosophy of life, there are two common analogies used. 

The first described life as tree. With the source of life beginning from the roots or the stem, and each individual lives as the leaves or the flowers and fruits. In a sense, life begins from a foundational primal force and everything else is created from there. Such thinking is common in many mythologies and the Abrahamic religions. It tends to define the lives of each individual as having separate independent souls while being denominated to a common creator.

The Lotus Sutra, however, finds the above understanding of life lacking and aligned itself with the second analogy with views lives as waves on the ocean. Perceiving each individual life as even more closely related than merely sharing a creator, it views that each life actually common with the comic life itself.

For example, each of our lives is like waves on the ocean. We interact with those close to us constantly. And the winds (representing karma) influence us heavily. When we are born, it is like the wave riding high. And when we die, it is like the wave returning to the embrace of the ocean. But when we examine the nature of the waves, we find the same water that is the ocean. When we fully accept this interpretation of life, then true compassion can be developed. Because if every lives share the same entity, hurting another person would be like the cancer cells destroying their host body, they are hurting themselves ultimately.

What is life?

It is an entity which is simultaneously the infinite macrocosm and each of the microcosms that represent countless individual living beings. It is an enormous life-entity, always undergoing dynamic change and, at the same time, eternal and everlasting. The Buddha and the Mystic Law are names that we give to this undeniable entity--cosmic life. We are all embodiment of this sublime entity.

Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra 1

This year's YMD study focus is on the Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra. So here I am beginning to study this wonderful set of dialogues again. I should begin with the sharing of two segments from the opening instalment which provide the setting for my study.

First up, why do we study the Lotus Sutra?

Some people say that the prevailing mood in the world today is one of powerlessness. Whatever the case may be, we are all aware that things cannot continue as they are. Yet decisions about political, economic and environmental issues all seem to be made somewhere beyond our reach. What can the individual accomplish in the face of the huge institutions that run our world? This feeling of powerlessness fuels a vicious cycle that only worsens the situation and people's sense of futility.

At the opposite extreme of this sense of powerlessness lie the Lotus Sutra's philosophy of a single life-moment encompassing three thousand realms (ichinen sanzen) and the application of this teaching to our daily lives. The principle of one life-moment containing three thousand realms teaches us that the inner determination (ichinen) of one individual can transform everything. It is a teaching that gives ultimate expression to the infinite potential and dignity inherent in the life of each human being.

Basically, the core message in the Lotus Sutra is the empowerment of the individual. And we do need it more than ever this our contemporary world.

Another point to note is that the Lotus Sutra is described as the "King of Sutras". We have to understand here that "King" does not overwrite the other teachings. "King" here means to enhance the potential of all teachings. That means that the universality of the Lotus Sutra allows even non-Buddhists to benefit.

So how do we attempt to tap the wisdom of the Lotus Sutra?

German author and poet Hermann Hesse (1877-1962) write in his poem "Bucher" (Books):

All the books in the world 

Will not bring you happiness, 

But they will quietly lead you 

Back inside yourself.

There you will find all you need, 

Sun, stars and moon,

 For the light for which you search 

Dwells within you.

The wisdom you so long sought 

In books, 

Will then shine forth from every page-- 

For now that wisdom has become your own.

Books containing knowledge is only useful as far as we examine our lives against the teachings. With this, I turn the page.