The Buddha's Key Teachings in The Lotus Sutra

An interpretation of selected verses spoken by the Buddha in Chapter 2 of The Lotus Sutra. The content is largely derived from an integration of the Kato, Kern, and Hurvitz translations.

[@ramcesgaston5319]

I am experiencing extreme joy and happiness. May all sentient beings witness this profound brilliant glory.

[@namoamidabuts]

Wonderful to hear of your joy and happiness. Thank you for your comment, and for the wish that you are extending to all.

[@tnofficial7]

@@monkymind4316 maybe he means contingent?

[@pavankumargautam5067]

I'm a proud follower of nicherin buddhism.....it has been only six months and I'm realising the changes within me...all my worries have been evaporated and I'm experiencing the mystical way of working of this sutra... Nam Myoho Renge kyo....peace to all

[@namoamidabuts]

Thank you for your comment, and best wishes to you in your new spiritual direction. Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. -John

[@oltedders]

I have chanted Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for 55 years. Never give up. Never forsake the Lotus Sutra. Buddhahood is certain if you read, recite and keep it in mind. Devote yourself to the Wonderful Law of the Lotus Sutra. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. Nam Myoho Rege Kyo.

[@ProjectTeachThem]

I appreciate the time you take to proclaim the dharma. Turn the Wheel!!!! Please accept this four-line gatha of the Pratyutpanna Samadhi Sutra: "Even if people go in search of it, but do not get to hear it, Their merit and blessings will be inexhaustible; No one could assess their virtue and righteousness, Much less theirs, who do hear it and take it up." I encourage all who wish to know the dharma, take up this sutra!!!

[@namoamidabuts]

Yes, Addison. What a wonderful gatha! And the sutra is profound and sublime! Thank you for taking the time to comment. -John

[@savagesangrebayshitcrazy9940]

I truly appreciate and enjoy your renditions of the Holy Ones Teachings

[@namoamidabuts]

Glad to hear it. Thanks for the feedback. -John

[@MrFriendly789]

We, the huge multitude of people, want to avoid future suffering and to be at rest and easy and to lead happy lives. We want to avoid the burden of everyday life and with the help of Buddha Dharma attain the state of everlasting and true happiness. We know what suffering is and we want to avoid it. May all Buddhas help us!

[@namoamidabuts]

And may all beings be happy.

[@stevebelzer4758]

John - I listened to your reading of Lotus in the car driving to Navy Base San Diego It is interesting that the focus of the words is a little different listening while driving - rather than in a quiet room - Reading the “Buddhist Handbook “ by John Snelling Helps with listening and understanding now that I have a better grip on nomenclature , terms , and cosmology I am heartened that if Sariputra was confused and the others and required explanations by skillful means I feel I am in good company and glad to be able to hear the lotus again and again The profound and wonderful Dharma is difficult to underhand but you make it easier by various skillful means ❤ is very helpful like a Bible

[@namoamidabuts]

I am glad to know that I have made it easier, Steve. In a sense we are all "in the assembly" with Sariputra. -John

[@stevebelzer4758]

@@namoamidabuts ❤️👍

[@stevebelzer4758]

@@namoamidabuts John I continue to read “The Bhuddist Handbook” by John Snelling In my humble opinion , it is an invaluable aid , like a Bible Concordiance For context , nomenclature , history cosmology that provides a rich understanding of These wonderful uploads of SUTRA you provide giving merit , raising bohdichitta and instructing us layity as part Of sanga

[@namoamidabuts]

Many will benefit from your recommendations and comments, Steve. Thanks for taking the time to share.

[@sifurayshepard5254]

John: The glory of the Lotus Sutra continues to wash over any who read it with deepest respect. Thanks to your readings, I am blessed. Nàmó Āmítuó fó Ray

[@namoamidabuts]

Yes, Ray, the Lotus is wonderful. Thanks for your comment and feedback. By the way, I could not reply to your comments on "Kyoten Sutra Readings, Lotus Sutra Extracts Pt. 1 (Homage): because, while I got the notifications, they did not show up in the video comment section. Just wanted you to know that KZbin sometimes has glitches. -John

[@pbwbh]

I have been reciting Nembutsu often over the last couple of years, and recently I have been feeling more comfortable with just relaxing and being faithful.

[@namoamidabuts]

Wonderful. Thank you for sharing your experience. Namu Amida Butsu. -John

[@stevenmcshane5807]

I appreciate your dedication

[@namoamidabuts]

Thanks much, Steven. -John

[@brianreeves]

Thank you John, I appreciate you.

[@namoamidabuts]

And I thank you, Brian, for your comments and feedback. Our "back and forth" makes me feel less isolated in this project of sharing the Buddhadharma. -John

[@thomasbusco]

so very happy for you

[@namoamidabuts]

I assume you are commenting on the comment by ramcesgaston5319. Thank you for your kindness. -John

[@black_sheep_nation]

Thank you! I listen to your videos on my walks.

[@namoamidabuts]

I am glad you are enjoying them. I assume you do so on you phone. It's great that we have this technology.....and it is even more wonderful that we have these Mahayana Buddhist teachings!

[@black_sheep_nation]

acalaacala Yes on my cell. I'm grateful every day for the Buddha's teachings, practicing Buddhism! Thank you for breaking down the sutras! They've been so helpful to my practice! I would like to hear a more in depth video about the Pure Land Buddhism You did a video a few years back, but it was quite short; and I've not found any other videos regarding it clear, either. Thanks again for taking the time to do these!

[@namoamidabuts]

I assume you mean you would like to hear more commentary on the Pure Land approach. You may want to check out the Al Bloom essays that I have been reciting. I also just recited the smaller of the three Pure Land (Sukhavati) sutras, but those were really geared toward folks who lived back in the day. I will consider doing more by way of commentary. Thanks for the feedback. -John

[@AwakenYourInnerBuddha]

I love how you recite! It's easy on my ears. Thanks a lot. It seems like you are producing a lot of recitation videos. I'll recommend them to my friends who are another Lotus Sutra lovers.

[@namoamidabuts]

Thanks so much for your feedback. And kudos to you and your friends for your focus on the Lotus Sutra. I look forward to seeing the uploads on your channel. -John

[@ceruleandusk]

You have a very respectable library!

[@namoamidabuts]

Thanks. I am grateful to have it.

[@jayquanwilder8744]

Thank you for this knowledge

[@namoamidabuts]

I am glad you found this of interest, Jayquan, and I commend you for digging into the Lotus Sutra. -John

[@Samana358]

Thank you lots of love 🙏🙏🙏

[@namoamidabuts]

My pleasure. -John ☸

[@ritukamnnit]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

[@namoamidabuts]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo….Glory to the Sutra of the Lotus of the Supreme Law.

[@lolafalana9144]

🙏🏽🍇📿 Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

[@exitthematrix1487]

Chapter 2 is skillful means chapter, correct? what I REALLY like about the Lotus Sutra is that it says we can ALL become Buddhas.. Look within, not without. Because the without will leave us without. In my experience. NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO. To the Top of the Mountain.

[@namoamidabuts]

Correct, Chapter 2. And yes, it is a doctrine of "universal salvation". A most wonderul scripture! Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

[@exitthematrix1487]

@@namoamidabuts thanks. but unlike Pureland, where the merits of Amitabha save you... in the Lotus Sutra, WE SAVE OURSELVES. NO NEED TO PRAY TO OUTSIDE FORCE. THE FORCE IS IN US ALREADY. My understanding. I like it better, because I like to be in control. Not at the whims of obeisance to any outside being. Any saint sage god deity demon or buddha.

[@NeverCryWolf64]

Remove all doubts and uncertainties....

[@namoamidabuts]

Yes! 🙏

[@pedrozaragoza2253]

Gloria in Excelsis Deo! 🙏

[@namoamidabuts]

🙏

[@stevebelzer4758]

John , if you see this comment - as I read Handbook by Snelling - Do you know if , in this Age of Decline of the Dharma - do we as the Sanga have any in this Saha world of Samsara that most of Sanga or sect or school consider to be Arhat - or are there acknowledged Bodhisattva teaching the dharma in some temple in our age ? or are we entirely reliant on only the Sutra , the Sanga , Monks and Venerables and our own practice to overcome hinderances align with Paramita - meditate and pursue awakening using these resources - without a living Arhat in our age ❤??

[@namoamidabuts]

There are many wise teachers in our age, Steve. While our world is, in many respects, filled with problems and we, ourselves, are plagued by many hinderances, some aspects of Buddhism are surviving and even thriving. So there is, to my mind, a basis for hope for the future. While we do not have a living Buddha, we are blessed, as you suggest, with his teachings via the sutras, and the commentaries of past masters. For this I am deeply grateful. -John

[@stevebelzer4758]

@@namoamidabuts yes Sir As I progress, NOW I understand our fortunate circumstances to be 1. In Human Relm and a sentient being , able to discern the Buddha Path , be a “stream enterer” connect with Sanga and have a chance to gain “glimpses “ by hearing the Dharma over and over - your readings slow this - 10 years ago no one could listen to the Lotue Sutra as they fell asleep or Perfeftion if Wisdom as they practice morning yoga - although it’s acknowledged we are in a time of “Decline of Dharma” that knowledge just increases gratitude that we not in a period of dissolution, chaos where the teachings are unavailable

[@namoamidabuts]

Yes, Steve. When I first got turned on to Buddhism, in the late 70's, there were very few books or English translations of sutras. Today there is an abundance.

[@stevebelzer4758]

@@namoamidabuts it is my hope sometime (as a retired AA Captain ) to sometime drop into ATL and take you to lunch , and scatter Manradada flowers (and Great Mandarada flowers ) to gain merit and virtue I do have plans to visit the Great Compassion Temple (just outside of Toronto ) to personally say “thank you “ to Ven Rev Miao Jing Like you, she spreads the Dharma as her “mission “ is to use Social Media (KZbin uploads ) to instruct with Skillful Means , various illustrations an Example (Lol which she does quite well With a sense of humor) Best Stevekalaca

[@namoamidabuts]

@@stevebelzer4758 I am actually 4 or 5 hours from ATL, but it would be great to meet and scatter flowers as is done in the sutras - a very nice event to imagine. -John

[@velourea]

Very beautiful explanation

[@namoamidabuts]

Thanks so much for your kind feedback. -John

[@carmenlidia13]

🌺 ➰🌺 You Are So Appreciated

[@namoamidabuts]

Thank you for your gracious comment. -John

[@rayshepard4616]

Hi, John... As I hear this beautiful sutra I wonder why Jodo Shinshu does not include this in their accepted texts. Gassho Ray

[@namoamidabuts]

Dr. Al Bloom wrote a paper that addresses Shinran and the Lotus. I recited it and will work on editing and uploading it in the near-term future. My uninformed "hunch" is that Shinran was wanting to make a clear break with the Tendai School (which bases their doctrine on the Lotus), since they were the source of oppression aimed at Shinran and his teacher Honen. That said, you can "see" in reading Shinran's writings, that he was clearly influenced by the contents of the Lotus itself, such as in his reference to One Vehicle.

[@drake8846]

Dependent arising, seeing all appearances lack inherent existence, free from extreme views of existence and non-existence, is the middle way of suchness.

[@namoamidabuts]

I love your succinct phrasing of this profound truth. Thank you!

[@morpety]

John greetings love and respect. Buddha-mind is not accessible to me because the Lotus Sutra tells me that I have a Buddha-mind. But the most important transmission here is that I have the possibility. Unique at that time. I am sure you were born into a tradition that said. I AM the way, the light, and the way. Completely misunderstood as follow Jesus, but rather in the sense of when Moses asked who was causing the burning bush. I AM was the response. So, what is this Buddha-mind, or I AM? The tradition I followed was to make the sensation and feelings available to the mind to become open and sensitive to that question and wait for an answer. The question here is can the higher be invoked by the lower? I certainly believe the ground can be prepared, but the crossover depends on an action from the higher not the lower. I am in my working day, and a self-remembering comes upon me, and I reconnect with all the efforts I have made in this direction, and then there is a possibility to reconnect with the Buddha-mind. But that impulse comes from above and not my identified workday mind.

[@namoamidabuts]

My experience, Phil, is also that action from "the higher" is needed and that the "impulse comes from above". I am grateful for you sharing this in such an elegant way with the image of the "ground being prepared..." and "reconnecting". Respect to you my friend. -John

[@penguin0101]

What is the difference between nicheren buddhism and theravada buddhism?

[@namoamidabuts]

Theravada is based on the early teachings of the historical Buddha, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Nichiren is one school within the later Mahayana (Great Vehicle) branch of Buddhism. Followers of that school revere the Lotus Sutra, which is the focus of this video. I did a video on the different schools of Buddhism which may be of help to you in your understanding. Here is a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmHVqYmmjtOcsJI

[@sacredweb333]

This is cool

[@namoamidabuts]

Glad you like it.

[@sacredweb333]

@@namoamidabuts yah super interested in what was said here. Going to check back now and again and try to implement the teaching in daily life.

[@namoamidabuts]

Excellent! I wish you well in your study and practice -John

[@bhagiwilson283]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@namoamidabuts]

🙏

[@stevenmcshane5807]

I'm in Philadelphia

[@namoamidabuts]

I have a buddy who grew up there. I grew up in Detroit.

[@archangelxero4462]

Namas Saddharma Pundarika Sutra

[@namoamidabuts]

Yes. Namas Saddharma Pundarika Sutra

[@exitthematrix1487]

is the Lotus Sutra the HIGHEST SUTRA? Nichiren Shoshu says yes. It is the culmination and summary of real Buddhism. Not pureland?

[@namoamidabuts]

Different schools of Buddhism are going to tout different sutras as "highest". I would say they are all "real Buddhism" in that Buddhism provides many paths soas to accomdate the differing spiritual needs of beings. That is the sense in which I view the Lotus Sutra's teaching of skillful means as being a critical aspect of the overall Buddhadharma. However, in terms of which teaching resonates with the greatest number of people, it is the Pure Land tradition, which Shinran refined to its ultimate simplicity.

[@exitthematrix1487]

@@namoamidabuts thanks. But Purelad has A Saviour, AMITABHA. Nichiren school says the savior is in the Mirror. RIght? The latter seems more true to me. Every savior I've ever prayed to has been very capricious in his answering me. I've had to make my own bed every morning of my life. All respect sir, enjoy your channel.

[@namoamidabuts]

I have enjoyed your comments and respect your understanding. If it resonates with your sense of what is true and meaningful, that's what counts.