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.
