Buddha wisdom
Buddha wisdom
仏智 ( Jpn butchi )
The supreme wisdom of a Buddha that penetrates the true aspect of all phenomena.
The "Expedient Means" (second) chapter of the Lotus Sutra states: "The wisdom of the Buddhas is infinitely profound and immeasurable.
The door to this wisdom is difficult to understand and difficult to enter.
Not one of the voice-hearers or pratyekabuddhas is able to comprehend it."
The "Simile and Parable" (third) chapter of the sutra explains that even Shariputra, who was known as foremost in wisdom among all Shakyamuni's disciples, could attain enlightenment only by taking faith in the Buddha's teachings.
That is, it attributes Shariputra's enlightenment not to his wisdom but to his faith.
The Lotus Sutra makes clear that all human beings have Buddha wisdom as a potential, and that only faith in the sutra can bring it forth.
Concerning the relationship between faith and wisdom, Nichiren (1222-1282) set forth the principle of substituting faith for wisdom in On the Four Stages of Faith and the Five Stages of Practice.
Here, wisdom indicates the Buddha wisdom that is beyond ordinary understanding.
This principle means that through faith one can gain the Buddha wisdom and attain enlightenment.
