Path TO Buddhahood According To Lotus Sutra
To become a Buddha. Several principles concerning the attainment of Buddhahood or Enlightenment have been expounded on the basis of the Sutras:
(1) Attaining Buddhahood in one's present Form. This means to attain Buddhahood just as one is, without discarding the Body of a common mortal. Also referred to as attaining Buddhahood as a common mortal, this principle was formulated by the T'ient'ai school on the basis of the Lotus Sutra. According to many of the teachings other than the Lotus Sutra, one can attain Buddhahood only after having discarded the Body of a common mortal that gives rise to Earthly desires and Illusions. In contrast, the Lotus Sutra teaches that one can attain Buddhahood in one's present Form, or as an ordinary person. This principle is often illustrated by the example of the Dragon King's daughter who, according to the "Devadatta" (twelfth) chapter, attained Buddhahood in a single moment without changing her dragon Form. The concept of attaining Buddhahood in one's present Form contrasts with that of attaining Buddhahood through transformation of sex and character. The latter means, for example, that a woman must be reborn as a man in order to attain Enlightenment.
(2) Attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime or in a single lifetime. This concept contradicts the idea that one must practice over a period of many Kalpas in order to attain Buddhahood. This concept is essentially the same as attaining Buddhahood in one's present Form. Other principles concern the attainment of Buddhahood by certain categories of people and derive from the Lotus Sutra per se:
(1) Attainment of Buddhahood by persons of the two vehicles. In the first half of the Lotus Sutra, persons of the two vehicles—voice-hearers and cause-Awakened ones—receive a prophecy from Shakyamuni Buddha that they will attain Buddhahood in future ages. This prophecy refutes the view of the provisional Mahayana teachings, which deny persons of the two vehicles the attainment of Buddhahood, for they seek only personal salvation and do not strive to save others. The Lotus Sutra says that they will practice the Bodhisattva way and attain Buddhahood.
(2) Attainment of Buddhahood by women. In the first half of the Sutra, the Dragon King's daughter attains Buddhahood, and Yashodhara, Mahaprajapati, and other women receive Shakyamuni's prophecy of their future Enlightenment. Almost all Sutras deny women the capacity for attaining Buddhahood and insist that they must be reborn as men in order to attain Enlightenment. The Lotus Sutra, however, teaches that both women and men are equally endowed with the potential for Buddhahood, based on the teaching of the true aspect of all Phenomena.
(3) Attainment of Buddhahood by Evil persons. Even those who oppose and slander the correct teaching of Buddhism, such as icchantikas, or persons of incorrigible disbelief, can attain Buddhahood through a reverse relationship. That is, because they establish a connection with the correct teaching by opposing it, though they receive the negative effect, eventually they profess Faith in it and attain Buddhahood. In the Lotus Sutra, this idea is illustrated by the examples of Devadatta and those who ridiculed and attacked Bodhisattva Never Disparaging. See also Buddhahood.
Introduction:
The Lotus Sutra, a fundamental scripture in Mahayana Buddhism, introduces distinctive principles regarding the attainment of Buddhahood or Enlightenment. This article explores key concepts outlined in the Sutra, emphasizing the revolutionary ideas that challenged conventional beliefs prevalent during its time.
Attaining Buddhahood in One's Present Form:
The T'ient'ai school, drawing inspiration from the Lotus Sutra, proposed the idea of attaining Buddhahood in one's current form, challenging the notion that one must discard the mortal body to achieve Enlightenment. This principle, exemplified by the Dragon King's daughter, emphasizes the potential for Buddhahood without transformation of physical characteristics or gender.
Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime:
Contradicting the traditional belief in the need for prolonged practice over many Kalpas, the Lotus Sutra introduces the concept of achieving Buddhahood in this lifetime. This idea aligns with the notion of attaining Buddhahood in one's present form, highlighting the immediacy and accessibility of Enlightenment.
Attainment of Buddhahood by Persons of the Two Vehicles:
The Lotus Sutra challenges the view held by provisional Mahayana teachings, asserting that even those following the path of voice-hearers and cause-Awakened ones (persons of the two vehicles) can attain Buddhahood. The Sutra prophesizes their future Enlightenment, emphasizing their capacity to practice the Bodhisattva way and contribute to the salvation of others.
Attainment of Buddhahood by Women:
In a groundbreaking departure from traditional views, the Lotus Sutra affirms the capacity of women to attain Buddhahood. Through examples like the Dragon King's daughter, Yashodhara, and Mahaprajapati, the Sutra rejects the notion that women must be reborn as men to achieve Enlightenment. It establishes the equality of men and women in their potential for Buddhahood based on the true aspect of all phenomena.
Attainment of Buddhahood by Evil Persons:
The Lotus Sutra introduces the concept that even those who oppose and slander the correct teachings of Buddhism, such as icchantikas, can attain Buddhahood through a reverse relationship. By establishing a connection with the correct teaching, even in opposition, these individuals may eventually profess faith and reach Enlightenment. Examples like Devadatta and those who ridiculed Bodhisattva Never Disparaging illustrate this idea.
Conclusion:
The Lotus Sutra, with its revolutionary principles, challenges conventional notions about the path to Buddhahood. By advocating for the immediate attainment of Enlightenment in one's present form, regardless of gender or past actions, the Sutra encourages a more inclusive and accessible approach to spiritual realization. The Lotus Sutra's influence extends beyond its time, shaping Mahayana Buddhism's understanding of Buddhahood and inspiring followers to embrace a path of compassion and wisdom.
