Mahayana Buddhism and the Lotus Sutra
Mahayana Buddhism and Bodhisattvas
Overview of Mahayana Buddhism
Definition: Mahayana translates to "Great Vehicle".
One of the Four Great Mahayana Bodhisattvas is Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara.
Names in other languages:
Chinese: 觀世音 (Guanyin)
Japanese: Kannon
Tibetan: Chenrezig
Meaning: "One Perceiving the Sounds [of the Cries] of the World".
Hinayana: Denotes "Small/Lesser Vehicle".
Note: Hinayana is a derogatory term employed by Mahayana to refer to Early Buddhism and its early schools.
Understanding the Bodhisattva
Definition: The term "bodhisattva" derives from bodhi (awakening/enlightenment) and sattva (being).
Translation: "Enlightenment Being" or "Awakening Being" (or "one whose goal is awakening").
In Early Buddhism, a bodhisattva is on the path to awakening but not fully awakened.
Mahayana and Vajrayana View:
In these traditions, the term evolves to signify a large number of bodhisattvas who postpone their own enlightenment to assist all sentient beings in achieving their own.
Bodhisattvas' Abilities:
Can choose rebirth in samsara to help other sentient beings, especially those in unfortunate realms.
Bodhisattva Vow:
Commitment to attain enlightenment not for oneself but for the liberation of all beings from suffering.
Bodhicitta:
Translated as "aspiration to enlightenment" or "the thought of awakening".
A commitment to embark on the path of awakening for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Shift in goals: Rather than becoming arhats, practitioners strive to be bodhisattvas.
The Ten Bhumis of Bodhisattvas
Definition: The Ten Bhumis are the ten spiritual stages that a bodhisattva progresses through on the path to enlightenment.
Stages:
Perfect Joy
Immaculate
Luminous
Radiant
Hard to Keep
Clearly Manifest
Far Progressed
Immovable
Perfect Intellect
Cloud of Dharma
Each bhumi marks a milestone in developing virtues like wisdom and compassion.
The final stage allows for becoming a regent to a Buddha to aid all sentient beings.
Concept of bhūmi:
Sanskrit term meaning "ground" or "foundation"; in Mahayana Buddhism, refers to progressive levels of spiritual development.
These levels are intricately linked with the Five Paths.
Progressing through the levels brings enhanced abilities and wisdom, particularly from the ninth bhūmi onward.
Notable Bodhisattvas
Maitreya:
Translation: Maitreya (Skt.), Mile (Chin.), Miroku (Jap.).
Future Buddha to appear on Earth, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma.
Promise of Maitreya's arrival occurs when Dharma is forgotten, recognized across all major Buddhist schools—Early Buddhism, Theravāda, Mahāyāna, Vajrayāna.
Avalokiteśvara:
Name means "Lord who looks down" or "Lord who hears the cries of the World".
Symbol of compassion and mercy; responds to suffering with aid.
Originating in India, Avalokiteśvara's worship expanded throughout Asia, becoming highly revered in China and Japan.
Japanese nickname "Kannon" derives from "Kanzeon" (観世音), meaning "[The One Who] Perceives (Kan) the Sounds (on) of the World (Ze)".
Notable representation: The Eleven-Headed and Thousand-Armed Kannon in Sanjūsangen-dō Temple, Kyoto.
Kṣitigarbha:
Name translates to Kṣitigarbha (Skt.), Dizang (Chin.), Jizo (Jap.).
Known for his vow to guide beings in all six realms of reincarnation until the rise of Maitreya, refusing to achieve Buddhahood until all hells are emptied.
Considered the bodhisattva of hell-beings, especially revered in Japan as a guardian of deceased children.
Manjuśrī:
Name: Mañjuśrī (Skt.), Wenshu (Chin.).
Often depicted wielding a flaming sword symbolizing the realization of transcendent wisdom, which severs ignorance.
Holds the Perfection of Wisdom Sūtra in his lotus, embodying his attainment of ultimate realization.
Frequently portrayed riding a blue lion, symbolizing the use of wisdom to tame the mind.
Samantabhadra:
Name: Samantabhadra (Skt.), translates to "Universal Worthy."
Associated with Buddhist practices and meditation, forming part of the Shakyamuni trinity with Shakyamuni Buddha and Manjuśrī.
Revered in China as associated with action while Manjuśrī is linked with wisdom.
In Japan, revered by Tendai and Shingon sects, particularly as the protector of the Lotus Sūtra.
The Lotus Sūtra
Overview:
Also refers to as Saddharma Puṇḍarīka Sūtram.
Considered one of the most significant Mahāyāna sūtras.
Foundation for schools like Tiantai, Tendai, Nichiren in Japan, Cheontae in Korea, and Thiên Thai in Vietnam.
Content:
Chapter Examples:
Chapter 2: Discusses "Skillful Means," where Shakyamuni adapts teachings to suit audiences.
Reveals the concept of One Vehicle (ekayāna) and the goal for all beings to reach Buddha's insight.
Highlights the superiority of preserving the sūtra's teachings, driving home that rejection of the Lotus Sūtra leads to rebirth in hell.
Chapter 3: The "Parable of the Burning House," a narrative illustrating the Buddha's use of skillful means to lead beings to liberation.
Key elements of the parable:
Burning house = samsara,
Flames = suffering,
Children = all beings,
Father = Buddha,
The three carts = different vehicle teachings,
The single jeweled carriage = Mahayana’s ultimate truth.
Chapter 11: "Two Buddhas Seated Side by Side," reveals the existence of other Buddhas and the opportunity for multiple Buddhas to manifest simultaneously.
Explores the doctrine of the immeasurable lifespan and omnipresence of Buddhas, stressing propagation of the Lotus Sūtra.
Chapter 12: “Devadatta,” introduces narratives supporting the idea of universal access to enlightenment regardless of gender, emphasizing that both women and non-human beings can achieve Buddhahood.
Dragon Girl, daughter of the nāga king, transforms and proves readiness for enlightenment despite skepticism due to gender.
Summary of Key Themes:
The Lotus Sūtra emphasizes inclusivity in enlightenment, the expansive nature of compassion embodied by bodhisattvas, and the crucial role of skillful means in teaching.
Zen Buddhism
Definition: Zen (Japanese pronunciation) derives from Chán (Chinese).
A Mahayana Buddhist tradition formed during the Tang dynasty, combining Indian Mahayana with Chinese Daoist thought.
Zen centers on mind transmission of insight from teacher to student and the realization of inherent Buddha nature.
Key Concepts:
Dhyana: Literally translates to meditation, a core practice in Zen.
Emptiness (śūnyatā): Critical to understanding liberation from suffering; indicates all phenomena lack inherent existence.
Buddha Nature (tathāgatagarbha): The essence or womb within all beings that indicates their capacity for enlightenment.
Historical Figures and Practices in Zen
Bodhidharma:
Recognized as the first patriarch of Chinese Chan Buddhism. He is noted for the emphasis on zazen, or seated meditation without reliance on scriptures, and the mind-to-mind transmission of insight.
Meditation Practices:
Zazen (sitting meditation) utilized to regulate the mind, promote mindfulness, and attain insights.
Incorporates practices like koan contemplation deeply rooted in Zen’s teachings.
Koan Practice:
Meaning: Paradoxical riddles or dialogues used to provoke Great Doubt and break conventional thinking.
Famous Koan Examples:
"What is the Sound of One Hand Clapping?"
Designed to challenge logical thought processes, emphasizing non-dual understanding.
"Does a Dog Have Buddha-Nature or Not?"
Zhaozhou’s answer “Mu” serves as a deeper inquiry into existence and non-existence rather than a definitive statement.
The Controversy over the Sixth Patriarch (Huineng):
Huineng's sudden enlightenment doctrine versus Shenxiu’s gradual approach, marking a pivotal moment in Zen dogma and emphasizing immediate, instinctual awakening.
Rinzai vs. Soto Schools:
Rinzai emphasizes koan study; Soto focuses on "just sitting" (shikantaza), reflecting different paths to enlightenment while still under the Buddhist umbrella.