Difference between revisions of "The Ten Wonders & The Source of Enlightenment"
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{{Seealso|The Ten Wonders & The Manfestation of Enlightenment|Wonderful - The Wonder of Spiritual Enlightenment}} | {{Seealso|The Ten Wonders & The Manfestation of Enlightenment|Wonderful - The Wonder of Spiritual Enlightenment}} | ||
| − | The Ten Wonders that are the Door to the Origin of [[Enlightenment]] | + | The [[Ten Wonders]] that are the Door to the Origin of [[Enlightenment]] |
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===The First five:=== | ===The First five:=== | ||
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| − | '''1. The Wonderful Original [[Cause]]''' - This is the very first inspiration of the [[Bodhi]] [[mind]] to walk in (practice) the [[path]] of the [[Bodhisattvas]]. It is the [[ultimate]] [[cause]] of the cultivation of [[enlightenment]]. In the 16th Chapter of The [[Lotus Sutra]], [[Sakyamuni]] made an illustration to describe a number of lifetimes that it so great that it is impossible to calculate or even [[imagine]]. With the [[lifetime]] of the wonderful original [[cause]] even exceeding this, it is seen for what it is - timeless and [[eternal]]. Only the [[Buddha]] is able to know {{Wiki|eternity}} like this. All of the [[manifestations]] of the [[cause]] in the past were not the original [[cause]]. The [[Lotus Sutra]] speaks of the [[Buddhas]] that lived in the remote past and their work in forming the [[causes]] and [[conditions]] for future [[enlightenment]]. However all of these [[causes]] happened in the interim period and were not the wonderful original [[cause]]. When placing the [[cause]] somewhere in the interim period of the past, it is more difficult to believe in it. Therefore The [[Lotus Sutra]] discards all the [[manifestations]] of the past and eliminates [[doubt]] in all which is provisional and not {{Wiki|real}}. The wonderful original [[cause]] that is [[eternal]] is here right now for you to make at this very moment. Included in this [[cause]] are all the [[objects]], [[wisdoms]], practices and ranks that are on the [[path]] of [[enlightenment]]. This wonderful original [[cause]] must be ever renewed in [[order]] for one to stay on the true [[path]]. The [[Lotus Sutra]] says: | + | '''1. The Wonderful Original [[Cause]]''' - This is the very first inspiration of the [[Bodhi]] [[mind]] to walk in (practice) the [[path]] of the [[Bodhisattvas]]. It is the [[ultimate]] [[cause]] of the [[cultivation]] of [[enlightenment]]. In the 16th [[Chapter]] of The [[Lotus Sutra]], [[Sakyamuni]] made an illustration to describe a number of lifetimes that it so great that it is impossible to calculate or even [[imagine]]. With the [[lifetime]] of the wonderful original [[cause]] even exceeding this, it is seen for what it is - timeless and [[eternal]]. Only the [[Buddha]] is able to know {{Wiki|eternity}} like this. |
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| + | All of the [[manifestations]] of the [[cause]] in the {{Wiki|past}} were not the original [[cause]]. The [[Lotus Sutra]] speaks of the [[Buddhas]] that lived in the remote {{Wiki|past}} and their work in forming the [[causes]] and [[conditions]] for {{Wiki|future}} [[enlightenment]]. However all of these [[causes]] happened in the interim period and were not the wonderful original [[cause]]. When placing the [[cause]] somewhere in the interim period of the {{Wiki|past}}, it is more difficult to believe in it. | ||
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| + | Therefore The [[Lotus Sutra]] discards all the [[manifestations]] of the {{Wiki|past}} and eliminates [[doubt]] in all which is provisional and not {{Wiki|real}}. The wonderful original [[cause]] that is [[eternal]] is here right now for you to make at this very [[moment]]. Included in this [[cause]] are all the [[objects]], [[wisdoms]], practices and ranks that are on the [[path]] of [[enlightenment]]. This wonderful original [[cause]] must be ever renewed in [[order]] for one to stay on the true [[path]]. The [[Lotus Sutra]] says: | ||
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[[File:42a364.jpg|thumb|250px|]][[File:9 fit512.jpg|thumb|250px|]][[File:Dharmakaya mudra.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:42a364.jpg|thumb|250px|]][[File:9 fit512.jpg|thumb|250px|]][[File:Dharmakaya mudra.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
* “I originally practiced the [[path]] of the [[Bodhisattva]], this becoming a [[livelihood]] that still has not ended.” | * “I originally practiced the [[path]] of the [[Bodhisattva]], this becoming a [[livelihood]] that still has not ended.” | ||
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| − | * "I have in [[reality]] attained [[enlightenment]] and come into this [[world]] for a limitless, [[boundless]], ever {{Wiki|increasing}} number…” | + | '''2. The Wonderful Original Effect''' - The wonderful original [[cause]] directly leads to the [[attainment]] of the [[ultimate]] [[enlightenment]], with its [[virtues]] of {{Wiki|eternity}}, [[bliss]], [[purity]], and the [[true self]]<ref>{{Wiki|eternity}}, [[bliss]], [[purity]], and the [[true self]]; The [[Four Virtues]] of [[Nirvana]], personified in the 15h [[Chapter]] of The [[Lotus Sutra]] as the [[The Four Leaders of the Bodhisattvas Springing Forth From the Earth|Four Leaders of the Bodhisattvas]] springing forth from the [[earth]].</ref>. The [[ultimate]] [[enlightenment]] is the wonderful original effect, which includes the wonderful Threefold [[Dharma]], the Threefold [[Body]] of [[Enlightenment]]<ref>[[The One That Has Come|The Threefold Body of Enlightenment]]: |
| − | * "In [[reality]] I have attained [[enlightenment]] and come into this [[world]] for {{Wiki|eternity}}, if anything. However by ways and means I instruct [[living beings]] in [[order]] to teach them.” | + | |
| + | The [[eternal]] [[embodiment]] of [[enlightenment]]; see also part 5 of the [[The Ten Wonders & The Manfestation of Enlightenment|Threefold Dharma]] in the [[Ten Wonders]] of the [[Manifestation]] of [[Enlightenment]]</ref>. [[Realizing]] that one has already [[attained]] [[enlightenment]] and come into this [[world]] for all of {{Wiki|eternity}} is the wonderful original effect, also called the Wonderful [[Enlightenment]]. In The [[Lotus Sutra]], the wonderful original [[cause]] and the wonderful original effect are revealed to be [[identical]]. The [[Lotus Sutra]] says: | ||
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| + | * "I have in [[reality]] [[attained]] [[enlightenment]] and come into this [[world]] for a {{Wiki|limitless}}, [[boundless]], ever {{Wiki|increasing}} number…” | ||
| + | * "In [[reality]] I have [[attained]] [[enlightenment]] and come into this [[world]] for {{Wiki|eternity}}, if anything. However by ways and means I instruct [[living beings]] in [[order]] to teach them.” | ||
'''3. The Wonderful Original Land''' - There must a place for the wonderful original effect to [[exist]]. Where is the land that the original [[Buddha]] returns to reside? The words of The [[Lotus Sutra]] say: “Since I have come, I have always been here in this [[Saha World]]<ref>[[The Saha World - The Six Spiritual Realms of Good and Evil|The Saha World]]: The [[Spiritual]] [[Realm]] of [[Life]] & [[Death]], the {{Wiki|mortal}} [[realm]] in which we all [[live]] and endure.</ref> [[teaching]] the [[Dharma]] and instructing [[living beings]]”. The original [[Saha World]] is the wonderful original land of the [[Buddha]]. The [[Lotus Sutra]] says: | '''3. The Wonderful Original Land''' - There must a place for the wonderful original effect to [[exist]]. Where is the land that the original [[Buddha]] returns to reside? The words of The [[Lotus Sutra]] say: “Since I have come, I have always been here in this [[Saha World]]<ref>[[The Saha World - The Six Spiritual Realms of Good and Evil|The Saha World]]: The [[Spiritual]] [[Realm]] of [[Life]] & [[Death]], the {{Wiki|mortal}} [[realm]] in which we all [[live]] and endure.</ref> [[teaching]] the [[Dharma]] and instructing [[living beings]]”. The original [[Saha World]] is the wonderful original land of the [[Buddha]]. The [[Lotus Sutra]] says: | ||
| − | * “I have already attained [[complete enlightenment]] in the [[Saha World]] and instructed and guided these [[Bodhisattvas]].” | + | * “I have already [[attained]] [[complete enlightenment]] in the [[Saha World]] and instructed and guided these [[Bodhisattvas]].” |
* “Since I have come, I have always been in this [[Saha World]] [[teaching]] the [[Dharma]] and instructing, as well as other places guiding and benefiting [[living beings]].” | * “Since I have come, I have always been in this [[Saha World]] [[teaching]] the [[Dharma]] and instructing, as well as other places guiding and benefiting [[living beings]].” | ||
This land is not the [[Saha World]] of routine everyday [[existence]], but the wonderful original [[Saha world]], the original place of [[enlightenment]] where the [[Buddha]] has always been [[teaching]] the [[Dharma]] to the [[living beings]] that accept it with [[faith]]. | This land is not the [[Saha World]] of routine everyday [[existence]], but the wonderful original [[Saha world]], the original place of [[enlightenment]] where the [[Buddha]] has always been [[teaching]] the [[Dharma]] to the [[living beings]] that accept it with [[faith]]. | ||
| − | '''4. The Wonderful Original [[Sympathy]] & Response''' - Having already attained the effect, there is the original [[time]] of [[realization]] of the 25 [[Samadhis]]<ref>The 25 [[Samadhis]]: The [[meditations]] that reach into each of the [[The 25 States of Existence|25 Realms of Existence]] to [[enlighten]] [[living beings]]</ref>. With the [[vow]] of [[mercy]] and [[compassion]], there are the sympathetic [[spiritual]] capacities that are connected with the serene [[illumination]] of the [[Buddha’s]] [[eye]]. Therefore we speak of the original [[sympathy]] and response. The [[Lotus Sutra]] says: | + | |
| + | '''4. The Wonderful Original [[Sympathy]] & Response''' - Having already [[attained]] the effect, there is the original [[time]] of [[realization]] of the 25 [[Samadhis]]<ref>The 25 [[Samadhis]]: The [[meditations]] that reach into each of the [[The 25 States of Existence|25 Realms of Existence]] to [[enlighten]] [[living beings]]</ref>. With the [[vow]] of [[mercy]] and [[compassion]], there are the sympathetic [[spiritual]] capacities that are connected with the [[serene]] [[illumination]] of the [[Buddha’s]] [[eye]]. Therefore we speak of the original [[sympathy]] and response. The [[Lotus Sutra]] says: | ||
* “If there are [[living beings]] that come and reach me here, with my [[enlightened]] [[eye]] I will observe their [[faith]] and their other [[spiritual]] [[roots]], sharp and dull.” | * “If there are [[living beings]] that come and reach me here, with my [[enlightened]] [[eye]] I will observe their [[faith]] and their other [[spiritual]] [[roots]], sharp and dull.” | ||
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This is the wonderful original [[illumination]] of [[spiritual]] capacities and the wonderful original sympathetic response. | This is the wonderful original [[illumination]] of [[spiritual]] capacities and the wonderful original sympathetic response. | ||
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'''5. The Wonderful Original [[Spiritual]] [[Penetration]]''' - This is the very first [[time]] that one unites [[mercy]] and [[compassion]] with [[spiritual]] [[transformation]]. To [[influence]] others, the [[Buddha]] makes [[spiritual]] [[penetration]], displaying [[signs]] and stirring [[living beings]] in [[order]] to [[spiritually]] uplift them. Therefore it is called the wonderful original [[spiritual]] [[penetration]]. The [[Lotus Sutra]] says: | '''5. The Wonderful Original [[Spiritual]] [[Penetration]]''' - This is the very first [[time]] that one unites [[mercy]] and [[compassion]] with [[spiritual]] [[transformation]]. To [[influence]] others, the [[Buddha]] makes [[spiritual]] [[penetration]], displaying [[signs]] and stirring [[living beings]] in [[order]] to [[spiritually]] uplift them. Therefore it is called the wonderful original [[spiritual]] [[penetration]]. The [[Lotus Sutra]] says: | ||
| − | * “The secret [[mystery]] of The One That Has Come; the [[power]] of [[spiritual]] [[penetration]].” | + | * “The secret [[mystery]] of The [[One That Has Come]]; the [[power]] of [[spiritual]] [[penetration]].” |
And in the meantime it says: | And in the meantime it says: | ||
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This is taking on the [[form]] of the [[ten spiritual realms]] and making the various kinds of [[incarnations]] and is called the wonderful original [[spiritual]] [[penetration]]. | This is taking on the [[form]] of the [[ten spiritual realms]] and making the various kinds of [[incarnations]] and is called the wonderful original [[spiritual]] [[penetration]]. | ||
| − | The Ten Wonders that are the Door to the Origin of [[Enlightenment]] | + | The [[Ten Wonders]] that are the Door to the Origin of [[Enlightenment]] |
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===The last five:=== | ===The last five:=== | ||
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| − | * “All these [[Bodhisattvas]] have been influenced by me to inspire the great [[mind]] of [[enlightenment]]. They all abide in the non-retreating stage, cultivating and training in my [[teaching]].” | + | '''6. The Wonderful Original [[Teaching]] of the [[Dharma]]''' - Having first sat at the place of [[enlightenment]] (the [[Bodhimandala]]) and [[attained]] the true [[enlightenment]], the [[Buddha]] turned the [[wheel]] of the [[Dharma]] and [[taught]] with the four unhindered [[forms]] of expression<ref>The [[four unhindered forms of expression]]: |
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| + | :1 The [[letter]] of the law ([[S]]. [[Dharma]]) | ||
| + | :2 The meaning ([[S]]. [[Artha]]) | ||
| + | :3 The [[language]] or [[form]] of expression ([[S]]. [[Nirukti]]) | ||
| + | :4 [[Eloquence]] ([[S]]. [[Pratibhana]]).</ref>. The [[Lotus Sutra]] says: | ||
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| + | * “All these [[Bodhisattvas]] have been influenced by me to inspire the great [[mind]] of [[enlightenment]]. They all abide in the non-retreating stage, [[cultivating]] and {{Wiki|training}} in my [[teaching]].” | ||
And in the meantime: | And in the meantime: | ||
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This is the wonderful original [[teaching]] of the [[Dharma]]. | This is the wonderful original [[teaching]] of the [[Dharma]]. | ||
| − | '''7. The Wonderful Original Followers''' - These are the [[people]] that received the original [[teaching]] of the [[Dharma]]. They are the [[Bodhisattvas]] that spring forth from the [[earth]]. [[Maitreya]] was not aware of their [[existence]]. The [[Lotus Sutra]] says: | + | '''7. The Wonderful Original Followers''' - These are the [[people]] that received the original [[teaching]] of the [[Dharma]]. They are the [[Bodhisattvas]] that spring forth from the [[earth]]. [[Maitreya]] was not {{Wiki|aware}} of their [[existence]]. The [[Lotus Sutra]] says: |
* “All these [[Bodhisattvas]] have a golden hue and dwell in the [[emptiness]] below. They are all my children. I have instructed this multitude for all of {{Wiki|eternity}}.” | * “All these [[Bodhisattvas]] have a golden hue and dwell in the [[emptiness]] below. They are all my children. I have instructed this multitude for all of {{Wiki|eternity}}.” | ||
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'''8. The Wonderful Original [[Nirvana]]''' - The original [[Nirvana]] is the [[realization]] of the [[virtue]] of freedom or [[detachment]]. Having already connected with and [[spiritually]] uplifted [[living beings]] the [[Buddha]] speaks of entering into [[extinction]]. This is called the Original [[Nirvana]]. The [[Lotus Sutra]] says: | '''8. The Wonderful Original [[Nirvana]]''' - The original [[Nirvana]] is the [[realization]] of the [[virtue]] of freedom or [[detachment]]. Having already connected with and [[spiritually]] uplifted [[living beings]] the [[Buddha]] speaks of entering into [[extinction]]. This is called the Original [[Nirvana]]. The [[Lotus Sutra]] says: | ||
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* “And again I speak of entering into [[Nirvana]], doing like this everywhere by distinguishing the ways and means.” | * “And again I speak of entering into [[Nirvana]], doing like this everywhere by distinguishing the ways and means.” | ||
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With the [[conditions]] for [[enlightenment]] having already been accomplished, the [[Buddha]] then declares His entry into [[Nirvana]]. | With the [[conditions]] for [[enlightenment]] having already been accomplished, the [[Buddha]] then declares His entry into [[Nirvana]]. | ||
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'''9. The Wonderful Original Lifespan''' - With the [[Buddha]] having already declared His entry into [[extinction]], it follows that there is the lifespan of the [[Dharma]], which may be either long or short. This is the lifespan. The [[Lotus Sutra]] says: | '''9. The Wonderful Original Lifespan''' - With the [[Buddha]] having already declared His entry into [[extinction]], it follows that there is the lifespan of the [[Dharma]], which may be either long or short. This is the lifespan. The [[Lotus Sutra]] says: | ||
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* “Here and there [[teaching]] of myself in different names and terms, for periods of [[time]] great and small.” | * “Here and there [[teaching]] of myself in different names and terms, for periods of [[time]] great and small.” | ||
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'''10. The Wonderful Original Benefits''' - The original [[deeds]], [[vows]], penetrations, responses, etc., are the followers. These are the abundant benefits. The [[Sutra]] says: | '''10. The Wonderful Original Benefits''' - The original [[deeds]], [[vows]], penetrations, responses, etc., are the followers. These are the abundant benefits. The [[Sutra]] says: | ||
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* “And with ways and means I teach the {{Wiki|subtle}} and wonderful [[Dharma]] that is able to make [[living being]] raise up the [[mind]] of [[joy]].” | * “And with ways and means I teach the {{Wiki|subtle}} and wonderful [[Dharma]] that is able to make [[living being]] raise up the [[mind]] of [[joy]].” | ||
This is the {{Wiki|benefit}} of the meantime. | This is the {{Wiki|benefit}} of the meantime. | ||
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===The sequential [[birth]] and [[origination]] of these ten:=== | ===The sequential [[birth]] and [[origination]] of these ten:=== | ||
| − | These ten kinds of meanings so far have been just been explained from here and there in the Sutra’s words. Now we [[desire]] to compile them in a sequential [[order]] so we can explain their [[birth]] and [[origination]]. | + | |
| + | These ten kinds of meanings so far have been just been explained from here and there in the [[Sutra’s]] words. Now we [[desire]] to compile them in a sequential [[order]] so we can explain their [[birth]] and [[origination]]. | ||
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# The original [[cause]] is at the beginning. | # The original [[cause]] is at the beginning. | ||
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# With there {{Wiki|being}} [[Nirvana]], we speak of the lifespan of the [[Dharma]] {{Wiki|being}} either long or short. | # With there {{Wiki|being}} [[Nirvana]], we speak of the lifespan of the [[Dharma]] {{Wiki|being}} either long or short. | ||
# The lifespan, whether it is long or it is short, creates [[spiritual]] benefits, and after the [[Buddha’s]] [[extinction]] there are the benefits of the True [[Dharma]] and the Copied [[Dharma]], etc. | # The lifespan, whether it is long or it is short, creates [[spiritual]] benefits, and after the [[Buddha’s]] [[extinction]] there are the benefits of the True [[Dharma]] and the Copied [[Dharma]], etc. | ||
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The meanings of these are measureless but we settle upon there {{Wiki|being}} ten in [[order]] to tie them together from beginning to end and arrive at a number that reveals the sequence. | The meanings of these are measureless but we settle upon there {{Wiki|being}} ten in [[order]] to tie them together from beginning to end and arrive at a number that reveals the sequence. | ||
Revision as of 12:11, 29 January 2015
- See also :
- See also :
The Ten Wonders that are the Door to the Origin of Enlightenment
The First five:
1. The Wonderful Original Cause - This is the very first inspiration of the Bodhi mind to walk in (practice) the path of the Bodhisattvas. It is the ultimate cause of the cultivation of enlightenment. In the 16th Chapter of The Lotus Sutra, Sakyamuni made an illustration to describe a number of lifetimes that it so great that it is impossible to calculate or even imagine. With the lifetime of the wonderful original cause even exceeding this, it is seen for what it is - timeless and eternal. Only the Buddha is able to know eternity like this.
All of the manifestations of the cause in the past were not the original cause. The Lotus Sutra speaks of the Buddhas that lived in the remote past and their work in forming the causes and conditions for future enlightenment. However all of these causes happened in the interim period and were not the wonderful original cause. When placing the cause somewhere in the interim period of the past, it is more difficult to believe in it.
Therefore The Lotus Sutra discards all the manifestations of the past and eliminates doubt in all which is provisional and not real. The wonderful original cause that is eternal is here right now for you to make at this very moment. Included in this cause are all the objects, wisdoms, practices and ranks that are on the path of enlightenment. This wonderful original cause must be ever renewed in order for one to stay on the true path. The Lotus Sutra says:
- “I originally practiced the path of the Bodhisattva, this becoming a livelihood that still has not ended.”
2. The Wonderful Original Effect - The wonderful original cause directly leads to the attainment of the ultimate enlightenment, with its virtues of eternity, bliss, purity, and the true self[1]. The ultimate enlightenment is the wonderful original effect, which includes the wonderful Threefold Dharma, the Threefold Body of Enlightenment[2]. Realizing that one has already attained enlightenment and come into this world for all of eternity is the wonderful original effect, also called the Wonderful Enlightenment. In The Lotus Sutra, the wonderful original cause and the wonderful original effect are revealed to be identical. The Lotus Sutra says:
- "I have in reality attained enlightenment and come into this world for a limitless, boundless, ever increasing number…”
- "In reality I have attained enlightenment and come into this world for eternity, if anything. However by ways and means I instruct living beings in order to teach them.”
3. The Wonderful Original Land - There must a place for the wonderful original effect to exist. Where is the land that the original Buddha returns to reside? The words of The Lotus Sutra say: “Since I have come, I have always been here in this Saha World[3] teaching the Dharma and instructing living beings”. The original Saha World is the wonderful original land of the Buddha. The Lotus Sutra says:
- “I have already attained complete enlightenment in the Saha World and instructed and guided these Bodhisattvas.”
- “Since I have come, I have always been in this Saha World teaching the Dharma and instructing, as well as other places guiding and benefiting living beings.”
This land is not the Saha World of routine everyday existence, but the wonderful original Saha world, the original place of enlightenment where the Buddha has always been teaching the Dharma to the living beings that accept it with faith.
4. The Wonderful Original Sympathy & Response - Having already attained the effect, there is the original time of realization of the 25 Samadhis[4]. With the vow of mercy and compassion, there are the sympathetic spiritual capacities that are connected with the serene illumination of the Buddha’s eye. Therefore we speak of the original sympathy and response. The Lotus Sutra says:
- “If there are living beings that come and reach me here, with my enlightened eye I will observe their faith and their other spiritual roots, sharp and dull.”
This is the wonderful original illumination of spiritual capacities and the wonderful original sympathetic response.
5. The Wonderful Original Spiritual Penetration - This is the very first time that one unites mercy and compassion with spiritual transformation. To influence others, the Buddha makes spiritual penetration, displaying signs and stirring living beings in order to spiritually uplift them. Therefore it is called the wonderful original spiritual penetration. The Lotus Sutra says:
- “The secret mystery of The One That Has Come; the power of spiritual penetration.”
And in the meantime it says:
- “Some revealing my life, some revealing the lives of others - some revealing my work, some revealing the work of others.”
This is taking on the form of the ten spiritual realms and making the various kinds of incarnations and is called the wonderful original spiritual penetration. The Ten Wonders that are the Door to the Origin of Enlightenment
The last five:
6. The Wonderful Original Teaching of the Dharma - Having first sat at the place of enlightenment (the Bodhimandala) and attained the true enlightenment, the Buddha turned the wheel of the Dharma and taught with the four unhindered forms of expression[5]. The Lotus Sutra says:
- “All these Bodhisattvas have been influenced by me to inspire the great mind of enlightenment. They all abide in the non-retreating stage, cultivating and training in my teaching.”
And in the meantime:
- “Some is teaching my works, some the works of others.”
This is the wonderful original teaching of the Dharma.
7. The Wonderful Original Followers - These are the people that received the original teaching of the Dharma. They are the Bodhisattvas that spring forth from the earth. Maitreya was not aware of their existence. The Lotus Sutra says:
- “All these Bodhisattvas have a golden hue and dwell in the emptiness below. They are all my children. I have instructed this multitude for all of eternity.”
These are the wonderful original followers.
8. The Wonderful Original Nirvana - The original Nirvana is the realization of the virtue of freedom or detachment. Having already connected with and spiritually uplifted living beings the Buddha speaks of entering into extinction. This is called the Original Nirvana. The Lotus Sutra says:
- “And again I speak of entering into Nirvana, doing like this everywhere by distinguishing the ways and means.”
- “Now I am not really not extinguished, and yet as a device I speak of the need to attain extinction.”
With the conditions for enlightenment having already been accomplished, the Buddha then declares His entry into Nirvana.
9. The Wonderful Original Lifespan - With the Buddha having already declared His entry into extinction, it follows that there is the lifespan of the Dharma, which may be either long or short. This is the lifespan. The Lotus Sutra says:
- “Here and there teaching of myself in different names and terms, for periods of time great and small.”
- “Periods of time” These are the lifespans.
- “Great and small” - This is being long or short, permanent (lasting) or impermanent (transient). With the lifespans of the interim period already being like this, the original lifespan is like this as well.
10. The Wonderful Original Benefits - The original deeds, vows, penetrations, responses, etc., are the followers. These are the abundant benefits. The Sutra says:
- “And with ways and means I teach the subtle and wonderful Dharma that is able to make living being raise up the mind of joy.”
This is the benefit of the meantime.
The sequential birth and origination of these ten:
These ten kinds of meanings so far have been just been explained from here and there in the Sutra’s words. Now we desire to compile them in a sequential order so we can explain their birth and origination.
- The original cause is at the beginning.
- The cause directly renders an effect (the attainment of enlightenment).
- With the attainment of the effect there is the (creation of the pure) land.
- With the ultimate effect being in the (creation of the) land, there is illumination of its spiritual capacities. The capacities are stirred and consequently they are spiritually influenced
- Upon offering spiritual influence there is spiritual penetration.
- Having achieved spiritual penetration, there is the teaching of the Dharma.
- With the teaching of the Dharma being accepted, there is the attainment of followers.
- With the followers having been spiritually uplifted, the conditions for enlightenment have been accomplished and there is Nirvana.
- With there being Nirvana, we speak of the lifespan of the Dharma being either long or short.
- The lifespan, whether it is long or it is short, creates spiritual benefits, and after the Buddha’s extinction there are the benefits of the True Dharma and the Copied Dharma, etc.
The meanings of these are measureless but we settle upon there being ten in order to tie them together from beginning to end and arrive at a number that reveals the sequence.
Footnotes
- ↑ eternity, bliss, purity, and the true self; The Four Virtues of Nirvana, personified in the 15h Chapter of The Lotus Sutra as the Four Leaders of the Bodhisattvas springing forth from the earth.
- ↑ The Threefold Body of Enlightenment: The eternal embodiment of enlightenment; see also part 5 of the Threefold Dharma in the Ten Wonders of the Manifestation of Enlightenment
- ↑ The Saha World: The Spiritual Realm of Life & Death, the mortal realm in which we all live and endure.
- ↑ The 25 Samadhis: The meditations that reach into each of the 25 Realms of Existence to enlighten living beings
- ↑ The four unhindered forms of expression:
