What is the Lotus Sutra? It's History, Importance, and How to Practice
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- Опубліковано 18 бер 2021
- What is the Lotus Sutra? Myokei Caine-Barrett, Shonin explains the history, relevance, and tools for practicing with this foundational sutra. She says, “One of the reasons that the Lotus Sutra is so important is because it is one of the early sutras to say that all beings could achieve that same enlightenment as the Buddha.”
Myokei Caine-Barrett, Shonin is the first woman and the first Westerner to hold the position of bishop in the Nichiren Order of North America. She is the resident priest of the Myoken-ji Temple in Houston, Texas.
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We know the Lotus Sutra thanks to Nichiren! He alone fought for this Sutra. Thank you Nichiren Daishonin!
I believe there are a few errors here. Myokei Shonin said that the Lotus Sutra was transmitted from China to Japan in 500 BCE. I believe 500 BCE is generally when scholars believe the historical Buddha lived, so there was not yet any Chinese Buddhism to speak of, let alone Japanese Buddhism. Myokei Shonin might have meant 500 AD since the first diplomatic mission from Korea to Japan for the purpose of transmitting Buddhism occurred in 538 AD.
Also, the line of transmission was from India, to China, to Korea and then to Japan. Historically speaking, it makes sense that the continental countries would receive Buddhism first, and then the island nations.
Thank you for your thoughtful words here, and your respectful manner. It matters.
Yes I reckon she meant 500 AD
Naturally she meant 500 ad. Ironically,it drives the point home, time is unimportant. Beginning,middle, ending are mereley illusiory.
thank you for your graceful correction. While these other philosophical replies may have their place. For those new to Buddhism, or are seeking education, if they come across this channel which is part of a group that has been around for a time could get a very bad impression from this first showing. That is why a polite correction for the sake of clarity and truth is necessary. Thank you again.
There is 2 transmission by land and by sea route. Master Dengyo went to China Tiantai mountains to learn about Tiantai Lotus Sutra school before bringing the pure teachings from China to Japan, setting his temple at Mt Hiei. Pls read up
the oldest manuscript of Lotus Sutra was found in Gilgit (now Pakistan) in 1931, which is still in Indian musem with Gilgit Manuscripts, which shows that it was very well regarded in India as well.
Interesting, thanks
Did the manuscript have a date written on it prior to the 1931 discovery date? What is your point ? Buddha Sakayamuni was born in India.
@@daw7773 Sakyamuni was born in Nepal.
Thank you for posting.
This is a very interesting video! The history of the Lotus Sutra is fascinating and complex considering the number of languages and translations. If you don't mind I wanted to make the following comment:
The Lotus Sutra is a book of 380 pages (in one version; the other versions will be comparable in length). Reciting the Lotus Sutra in its entirety takes many hours, probably a number of days depending on one's stamina and free time. If one chooses to recite a version in a language one doesn't understand, the task will be very difficult. Please note: the only reason I'm mentioning this is to give people a realistic idea of what's involved in this this particular practice.
Very good explanation
Awesome! Thank you!
Thank you master.
Hello. I from Nichiren Shu. We are Just correct from our True teachings Nichiren Shonin taught.Bless you.🤗🙍Japan.
Thank you
I am an Sgi member I love the lotus sutra!!
🙏🙏🙏
PLEASE LINK WHERE TO PURCHASE THIS SUTRA BOOK???
hrmmm my first books this and dragon lance similar in theme, time travelling wizards....
Is your Buddhist Center in Houston open? I dialed the phone number listed on the website... the man said I had the wrong #
try her on FB
I've been listening to the whole sutra audio in Russian. It seems like that it days basically is that the practice of popularizing of sutra and reading it does that trick of e lighting one automatically. But dies it make any sense?
A segment from 'Saved by the Light of the Buddha Within'...
My new understandings of what many call 'God -The Holy Spirit' - resulting from some of the extraordinary ongoing after-effects relating to my NDE...
Myoho-Renge-Kyo represents the identity of what some scientists are now referring to as the unified field of consciousnesses. In other words, it’s the essence of all existence and non-existence - the ultimate creative force behind planets, stars, nebulae, people, animals, trees, fish, birds, and all phenomena, manifest or latent. All matter and intelligence are simply waves or ripples manifesting to and from this core source. Consciousness (enlightenment) is itself the actual creator of everything that exists now, ever existed in the past, or will exist in the future - right down to the minutest particles of dust - each being an individual ripple or wave.
The big difference between chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and most other conventional prayers is that instead of depending on a ‘middleman’ to connect us to our state of inner enlightenment, we’re able to do it ourselves. That’s because chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo allows us to tap directly into our enlightened state by way of this self-produced sound vibration. ‘Who or What Is God?’ If we compare the concept of God being a separate entity that is forever watching down on us, to the teachings of Nichiren, it makes more sense to me that the true omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence of what most people perceive to be God, is the fantastic state of enlightenment that exists within each of us. Some say that God is an entity that’s beyond physical matter - I think that the vast amount of information continuously being conveyed via electromagnetic waves in today’s world gives us proof of how an invisible state of God could indeed exist.
For example, it’s now widely known that specific data relayed by way of electromagnetic waves has the potential to help bring about extraordinary and powerful effects - including an instant global awareness of something or a mass emotional reaction. It’s also common knowledge that these invisible waves can easily be used to detonate a bomb or to enable NASA to control the movements of a robot as far away as the Moon or Mars - none of which is possible without a receiver to decode the information that’s being transmitted. Without the receiver, the data would remain impotent. In a very similar way, we need to have our own ‘receiver’ switched on so that we can activate a clear and precise understanding of our own life, all other life and what everything else in existence is.
Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo each day helps us to achieve this because it allows us to reach the core of our enlightenment and keep it switched on. That’s because Myoho-Renge-Kyo represents the identity of what scientists now refer to as the unified field of consciousnesses. To break it down - Myoho represents the Law of manifestation and latency (Nature) and consists of two alternating states. For example, the state of Myo is where everything in life that’s not obvious to us exists - including our stored memories when we’re not thinking about them - our hidden potential and inner emotions whenever they’re dormant - our desires, our fears, our wisdom, happiness, karma - and more importantly, our enlightenment.
The other state, ho, is where everything in Life exists whenever it becomes evident to us, such as when a thought pops up from within our memory - whenever we experience or express our emotions - or whenever a good or bad cause manifests as an effect from our karma. When anything becomes apparent, it merely means that it’s come out of the state of Myo (dormancy/latency) and into a state of ho (manifestation). It’s the difference between consciousness and unconsciousness, being awake or asleep, or knowing and not knowing.
The second law - Renge - Ren meaning cause and ge meaning effect, governs and controls the functions of Myoho - these two laws of Myoho and Renge, not only function together simultaneously but also underlies all spiritual and physical existence.
The final and third part of the tri-combination - Kyo, is the Law that allows Myoho to integrate with Renge - or vice versa. It’s the great, invisible thread of energy that fuses and connects all Life and matter - as well as the past, present and future. It’s also sometimes termed the Universal Law of Communication - perhaps it could even be compared with the string theory that many scientists now suspect exists.
Just as the cells in our body, our thoughts, feelings and everything else is continually fluctuating within us - all that exists in the world around us and beyond is also in a constant state of flux - constantly controlled by these three fundamental laws. In fact, more things are going back and forth between the two states of Myo and ho in a single moment than it would ever be possible to calculate or describe. And it doesn’t matter how big or small, famous or trivial anything or anyone may appear to be, everything that’s ever existed in the past, exists now or will exist in the future, exists only because of the workings of the Laws ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’ - the basis of the four fundamental forces, and if they didn’t function, neither we nor anything else could go on existing. That’s because all forms of existence, including the seasons, day, night, birth, death and so on, are moving forward in an ongoing flow of continuation - rhythmically reverting back and forth between the two fundamental states of Myo and ho in absolute accordance with Renge - and by way of Kyo. Even stars are dying and being reborn under the workings of what the combination ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’ represents. Nam, or Namu - which mean the same thing, are vibrational passwords or keys that allow us to reach deep into our life and fuse with or become one with ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’.
On a more personal level, nothing ever happens by chance or coincidence, it’s the causes that we’ve made in our past, or are presently making, that determine how these laws function uniquely in each of our lives - as well as the environment from moment to moment. By facing east, in harmony with the direction that the Earth is spinning, and chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo for a minimum of, let’s say, ten minutes daily to start with, any of us can experience actual proof of its positive effects in our lives - even if it only makes us feel good on the inside, there will be a definite positive effect. That’s because we’re able to pierce through the thickest layers of our karma and activate our inherent Buddha Nature (our enlightened state). By so doing, we’re then able to bring forth the wisdom and good fortune that we need to challenge, overcome and change our adverse circumstances - turn them into positive ones - or manifest and gain even greater fulfilment in our daily lives from our accumulated good karma. This also allows us to bring forth the wisdom that can free us from the ignorance and stupidity that’s preventing us from accepting and being proud of the person that we indeed are - regardless of our race, colour, gender or sexuality. We’re also able to see and understand our circumstances and the environment far more clearly, as well as attract and connect with any needed external beneficial forces and situations. As I’ve already mentioned, everything is subject to the law of Cause and Effect - the ‘actual-proof-strength’ resulting from chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo always depends on our determination, sincerity and dedication.
For example, the levels of difference could be compared to making a sound on a piano, creating a melody, producing a great song, and so on. Something else that’s very important to always respect and acknowledge is that the Law (or if you prefer God) is in everyone and everything.
NB: There are frightening and disturbing sounds, and there are tranquil and relaxing sounds. It’s the emotional result of any noise or sound that can trigger off a mood or even instantly change one. When chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo each day, we are producing a sound vibration that’s the password to our true inner-self - this soon becomes apparent when you start reassessing your views on various things - such as your fears and desires etc. The best way to get the desired result when chanting is not to view things conventionally - rather than reaching out to an external source, we need to reach into our own lives and bring our needs and desires to fruition from within - including the good fortune and strength to achieve any help that we may need. Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo also reaches out externally and draws us towards, or draws towards us, what we need to make us happy from our environment. For example, it helps us to be in the right place at the right time - to make better choices and decisions and so forth. We need to think of it as a seed within us that we’re watering and bringing sunshine to for it to grow, blossom and bring forth fruit or flowers. It’s also important to understand that everything we need in life, including the answer to every question and the potential to achieve every dream, already exists within us.
I was meditating trying to astral project, after I shifted my conscious was traveling/ flying in the body of a living snake and as I got to the end/ door I got excited and snapped back and I was in my human body sitting in my chair... Am I a NAGAS? All this happened b4 I learned about the Nagas people
In India, communities claimed lineage from mysterious things like the Sun, the Moon and the Naga (King Cobra). Its like a family totem, there were no non human people per se. All clues suggest that you are a human, its a thing to rejoice. Imagine what life would have been, sliding around as a snake, escaping death everyday and fight for bare minimum .
I have also seen snake in myself while staring at a mirror on a certain substance, hellp fellow nagha.
🙏Why we don't see new Buddha? If techniques are given?
Everyone can obtain Buddhahood... Some may say daiseka ikeda has reached Buddhahood. He is the current nichiren buddhism president.
@@junkybabes SGI president. Not all of Nichiren Buddhism. There are many Nichiren sects.
We do, the Dalai Lama is a buddha. He is an avatar of Lord Avalokitesvara, and is intact enlightened. Also buddhas, especially self made buddhas (ones that are enlightened due to their own efforts, not because of a deity) are very rare. The Lotus Sutra actually emphasizes this multiple times
@@junkybabes Is he okay ? Is he still alive and well? Why don't we see or hear from him .... ?
@@pinkifloyd7867 he's always writing stuff.
I read it , sadly it makes very little sense to me. But I like the way it said even dumb people like me can achieve enlightenment lol all I have to say is good luck with that Buddha
Every Buddhic MUST do the cards and dice and page turning, as well as ALL the other Ahimsa Religions... please enjoy , what would it mean abouot this reality?
you are dismissing Nichiren from the equation and how he dedicated his life to the spreading of the Lotus Sutra in Japan and then the rest of the world. That includes the crucial Sanskrit word NaMU from the title. which means Presently I resolve / commit to Manifest !! so its 7 charaters of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. We can not have this distortions , how else one can recite the Lotus Sutra , if not chant its title. that IS reciting the entire Sutra . This is what Nichiren Taught.
enlightenment as a video game?
The Lotus Sutra was transmitted from China to Korea, and from Korea to Japan.
I am astounded by the myriad errors made in this lecture. First, it is the Lotus that proclaims itself "foremost of past, present and future" among the Buddhist Sutras. Because it is the Law all Buddhas awaken to. Second, the Lotus is not an early teaching of Buddhism, since it is rooted in the final 8 years of the Buddha's 50 year preaching career. Third, it indeed is designed to lead all people to enlightenment, since it gives prophecies of enlightenment to all denied such prophecies in prior teachings. The higher the teaching, to more people it can support, and the more enlightened the teaching, the more deluded people it can lead directly to enlightenment. Some seem to think that the highest teaching is impossible to understand, but that is to slander the highest teaching and confuse the entire nature and spirit of Buddhism. This explanation is just sad.
Thank you. Now, that is a synopsis!
btw,.. 0:12
is thought to be the highest teaching
0:16
in the *nitrogen school it may not be
0:19
considered so high
0:20
in the rest of buddhism
A segment from 'Saved by the Light of the Buddha Within'...
My new understandings of what many call 'God -The Holy Spirit' - resulting from some of the extraordinary ongoing after-effects relating to my NDE...
Myoho-Renge-Kyo represents the identity of what some scientists are now referring to as the unified field of consciousnesses. In other words, it’s the essence of all existence and non-existence - the ultimate creative force behind planets, stars, nebulae, people, animals, trees, fish, birds, and all phenomena, manifest or latent. All matter and intelligence are simply waves or ripples manifesting to and from this core source. Consciousness (enlightenment) is itself the actual creator of everything that exists now, ever existed in the past, or will exist in the future - right down to the minutest particles of dust - each being an individual ripple or wave.
The big difference between chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and most other conventional prayers is that instead of depending on a ‘middleman’ to connect us to our state of inner enlightenment, we’re able to do it ourselves. That’s because chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo allows us to tap directly into our enlightened state by way of this self-produced sound vibration. ‘Who or What Is God?’ If we compare the concept of God being a separate entity that is forever watching down on us, to the teachings of Nichiren, it makes more sense to me that the true omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence of what most people perceive to be God, is the fantastic state of enlightenment that exists within each of us. Some say that God is an entity that’s beyond physical matter - I think that the vast amount of information continuously being conveyed via electromagnetic waves in today’s world gives us proof of how an invisible state of God could indeed exist.
For example, it’s now widely known that specific data relayed by way of electromagnetic waves has the potential to help bring about extraordinary and powerful effects - including an instant global awareness of something or a mass emotional reaction. It’s also common knowledge that these invisible waves can easily be used to detonate a bomb or to enable NASA to control the movements of a robot as far away as the Moon or Mars - none of which is possible without a receiver to decode the information that’s being transmitted. Without the receiver, the data would remain impotent. In a very similar way, we need to have our own ‘receiver’ switched on so that we can activate a clear and precise understanding of our own life, all other life and what everything else in existence is.
Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo each day helps us to achieve this because it allows us to reach the core of our enlightenment and keep it switched on. That’s because Myoho-Renge-Kyo represents the identity of what scientists now refer to as the unified field of consciousnesses. To break it down - Myoho represents the Law of manifestation and latency (Nature) and consists of two alternating states. For example, the state of Myo is where everything in life that’s not obvious to us exists - including our stored memories when we’re not thinking about them - our hidden potential and inner emotions whenever they’re dormant - our desires, our fears, our wisdom, happiness, karma - and more importantly, our enlightenment.
The other state, ho, is where everything in Life exists whenever it becomes evident to us, such as when a thought pops up from within our memory - whenever we experience or express our emotions - or whenever a good or bad cause manifests as an effect from our karma. When anything becomes apparent, it merely means that it’s come out of the state of Myo (dormancy/latency) and into a state of ho (manifestation). It’s the difference between consciousness and unconsciousness, being awake or asleep, or knowing and not knowing.
The second law - Renge - Ren meaning cause and ge meaning effect, governs and controls the functions of Myoho - these two laws of Myoho and Renge, not only function together simultaneously but also underlies all spiritual and physical existence.
The final and third part of the tri-combination - Kyo, is the Law that allows Myoho to integrate with Renge - or vice versa. It’s the great, invisible thread of energy that fuses and connects all Life and matter - as well as the past, present and future. It’s also sometimes termed the Universal Law of Communication - perhaps it could even be compared with the string theory that many scientists now suspect exists.
Just as the cells in our body, our thoughts, feelings and everything else is continually fluctuating within us - all that exists in the world around us and beyond is also in a constant state of flux - constantly controlled by these three fundamental laws. In fact, more things are going back and forth between the two states of Myo and ho in a single moment than it would ever be possible to calculate or describe. And it doesn’t matter how big or small, famous or trivial anything or anyone may appear to be, everything that’s ever existed in the past, exists now or will exist in the future, exists only because of the workings of the Laws ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’ - the basis of the four fundamental forces, and if they didn’t function, neither we nor anything else could go on existing. That’s because all forms of existence, including the seasons, day, night, birth, death and so on, are moving forward in an ongoing flow of continuation - rhythmically reverting back and forth between the two fundamental states of Myo and ho in absolute accordance with Renge - and by way of Kyo. Even stars are dying and being reborn under the workings of what the combination ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’ represents. Nam, or Namu - which mean the same thing, are vibrational passwords or keys that allow us to reach deep into our life and fuse with or become one with ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’.
On a more personal level, nothing ever happens by chance or coincidence, it’s the causes that we’ve made in our past, or are presently making, that determine how these laws function uniquely in each of our lives - as well as the environment from moment to moment. By facing east, in harmony with the direction that the Earth is spinning, and chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo for a minimum of, let’s say, ten minutes daily to start with, any of us can experience actual proof of its positive effects in our lives - even if it only makes us feel good on the inside, there will be a definite positive effect. That’s because we’re able to pierce through the thickest layers of our karma and activate our inherent Buddha Nature (our enlightened state). By so doing, we’re then able to bring forth the wisdom and good fortune that we need to challenge, overcome and change our adverse circumstances - turn them into positive ones - or manifest and gain even greater fulfilment in our daily lives from our accumulated good karma. This also allows us to bring forth the wisdom that can free us from the ignorance and stupidity that’s preventing us from accepting and being proud of the person that we indeed are - regardless of our race, colour, gender or sexuality. We’re also able to see and understand our circumstances and the environment far more clearly, as well as attract and connect with any needed external beneficial forces and situations. As I’ve already mentioned, everything is subject to the law of Cause and Effect - the ‘actual-proof-strength’ resulting from chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo always depends on our determination, sincerity and dedication.
For example, the levels of difference could be compared to making a sound on a piano, creating a melody, producing a great song, and so on. Something else that’s very important to always respect and acknowledge is that the Law (or if you prefer God) is in everyone and everything.
NB: There are frightening and disturbing sounds, and there are tranquil and relaxing sounds. It’s the emotional result of any noise or sound that can trigger off a mood or even instantly change one. When chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo each day, we are producing a sound vibration that’s the password to our true inner-self - this soon becomes apparent when you start reassessing your views on various things - such as your fears and desires etc. The best way to get the desired result when chanting is not to view things conventionally - rather than reaching out to an external source, we need to reach into our own lives and bring our needs and desires to fruition from within - including the good fortune and strength to achieve any help that we may need. Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo also reaches out externally and draws us towards, or draws towards us, what we need to make us happy from our environment. For example, it helps us to be in the right place at the right time - to make better choices and decisions and so forth. We need to think of it as a seed within us that we’re watering and bringing sunshine to for it to grow, blossom and bring forth fruit or flowers. It’s also important to understand that everything we need in life, including the answer to every question and the potential to achieve every dream, already exists within us.
@@tombird6089 ✌❤
Thanks @draz0909, I so agree , having had 36 years of assiduous practice.
Can you do a BETTER JOB???do do it instead of slandering this sincere attempt...40 years here chanting I don't hear so many mistakes????
The can’t be destroyed is enteral is a copy and past job from the bhagvata Gita .
This discussion is incredibly sad.
As T’ien-t’ai and Dengyo both pointed out: where else in the Buddhist Sutras is it declared: “in these more than 40 years, I’ve not yet revealed the truth.” That means, according to the disciples of the Buddha who wrote down his lifetime teachings, all prior Buddhist Sutras were definitely written off as teachings that conceal the truth.
There are only two Buddhist Sutras after the declaration of “I’ve not yet revealed the truth,” are the Lotus Sutra and the Nirvana Sutra.
“If one merely says… praise to the Buddha!, then one has attained the way.” Hence, even the ignorant can definitely attain the way through the Sutra, unlike what you declare above.
The above also ignores the fact of the Buddhist explanation of expedient means as described in the Sutra, which pins the entire Buddhist catalogue as a great allegory.
The Bodhisattva Never Disparaging Chapter makes it clear that hearing the Sutra is one and the same as attaining enlightenment itself.
The only other teaching after the Buddha declared “I have not yet revealed the truth” is the Nirvana Sutra, which teaches us that correcting incorrect teachers of the Law is a compassionate act.
Those Buddhist practitioners who claim to believe in Buddhism but do not recognize the Buddha’s injunction that the Lotus is the foremost teaching of the Buddha, past, present and future are as good as non-Buddhist, because it means that they fail to understand the perfectly clarity of the language represented right before their eyes. The Lotus Sutra declares its intent to be propagated in the fifth five hundred years and beyond after the Buddha’s passing: no other Buddhist sutras asks this of Buddhist practitioners.
Hi, Thank you for your comments. I understand your comments and your others on this video. As a current practitioner of the Lotus Sutra myself, I believe that the essence of the Truth is as Nichiren Daishonin stated there is Theoretical proof, Doctrinal proof, and Actual Proof, with Actual proof being the greatest.
The key is that Actual Proof when revealed in one's life everything then changes for you.
Therefore seeing life "As It Is" makes it possible to see that Great Love & Compassion are being revealed in all phenomena, and at all times. This understanding goes far beyond "winning or losing" or getting it "right".
I truly believe that Nichiren Daishonin foresaw today when we would be in an existential challenge for our very existence and the key before us, is can we reveal the Love and Wisdom that embraces all.
Finally, the Lotus Sutra is very clear that one should be very mindful not to find fault or criticize those who chant NMHRK and embrace the Lotus Sutra.....
With that I am excited because with your practice and study your enlightenment is definitely assured.
From time to time a rebel frustrated by institutions writes a contradicting tomb to countermand that institution's authority. It's not like we don't know these texts originated from Japan.
if that were the case, did the Great Teacher T’ien-t’ai then originate from Japan?
@@draz0909 No, from China.
@@buddhaspriest correct.
This will not save you from the coming judgement that is about to enter into the world. Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. Repent and believe that He is God, that He died for your sins, and rose again, and you will receive the gift of eternal life.
If there is judgement or labeling, there cannot be pure conscious awareness regardless of what you practice. cheers!
What kind of god is this who throw you into hell just for the wrong believe. That is insane. Also Jesus speak in the bible that "this generation" will witness his second comming. "this generation" was 2000 years ago. and he didnt came back. Since then every generation thought they will be the one who will witness his second comming.