Pre-Lotus Sutra teachings
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pre-Lotus Sutra teachings
爾前教 (Jpn nizen-kyo )
The teachings that Shakyamuni Buddha expounded during the first forty-two years of his preaching life, from the time following his enlightenment up until he began to expound the Lotus Sutra. According to T'ient'ai's classification of the Buddha's teachings into five periods, the teachings of the first four periods—the Flower Garland, Agama, Correct and Equal, and Wisdom periods—constitute the pre-Lotus Sutra teachings, all of which he identified as provisional teachings, or expedient means to lead people to the Lotus Sutra.
See also; five periods.
