Origin of the Lotus Sutra
The Lotus Sutra is a fundamental text in Mahayana Buddhism and is considered one of the most important scriptures in this tradition. It comprises several chapters and presents the Buddha’s teachings on topics such as Enlightenment, emptiness, and the inherent Buddha-nature within all beings. A key concept highlighted in the Lotus Sutra is the idea that everyone has the potential to attain Buddhahood, regardless of their current state. This idea is conveyed through the parable of the three vehicles and the subsequent revelation of the great vehicle, representing a broader and more inclusive path to awakening.
Upāya: Skillful Means
In the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha speaks of “skillful means” (in Sanskrit, “upāya”) as a strategy to guide beings toward awakening. These skillful means are pedagogical or discursive approaches the Buddha used to adapt his teachings to the capacities and understanding of his audience. One of these skillful means is the use of parables. The Buddha employs stories and parables to illustrate important points in his teachings. For example, the parable of the three chariots represents the “three vehicles” or spiritual paths to Enlightenment, emphasizing the “bodhisattva vehicle” as the highest path.
The Three Turnings of the Dharma Wheel
The sutra discusses three “turnings” or stages in the Buddha’s teachings. This includes the first stage, addressing suffering and the path to liberation, the second stage, which reveals emptiness, and the third stage, presenting the Lotus Sutra as the final and supreme teaching. The sutra emphasizes that all beings, without exception, have the capacity to achieve Enlightenment and become buddhas. This is a skillful means to inspire everyone to follow the bodhisattva path and work for the welfare of all beings.
Śūnyatā: Emptiness
The concept of emptiness (śūnyatā) teaches that all things are inherently empty of substantial nature, serving as a skillful means to help individuals transcend conceptual limitations. Throughout the sutra, the role of bodhisattvas is praised and highlighted—those who have chosen to delay their own Enlightenment to help others achieve it. This is a skillful means to inspire compassion and altruistic aspiration in practitioners.
Dharma Workshop on the Lotus Sutra
Sunday, October 12, 5:00 PM to 7:15 PM
Led by Zen Master: Lluis Nansen Salas
Single Session: 20 euros (10 euros for active members)
See full course information: Dharma Course