Hi Eternal Now
Thanks for the great explanation on the
南无妙法莲华经
and the related organisation such as Soka Gakkai.
Although I am neither a member of Soka nor
Shoshu , I do understand that they do practice reciting Lotus
Sutra but they will recite extract of chapter 2 & 16 and
with lots of Daimoku. As it is view as the KEY teaching of
the whole lotus sutra. Whereas the Nichiren Shu sect will recite
the 2 chapter together with the rest of 26 Chapter. As we view
every chapter is of EQUAL importance,
each complement one another.
For lay person during our home regular practice, we
will recite the 2 Chapter like Soka peers however
we are encourage to recite the rest on our own basis when
our schedule permit. If you notice, such practice has a parrallel
with our Chinese Buddhism when we place a lot of emphasis on the
Chapter 25 Guan Yin Universal Door,"妙法蓮華經觀世音菩薩普門品". Therefore, lot of people
will associate Lotus Sutra with the saving power of Guan Yin which
is expedite mean方便 instead of the key message of Lotus Sutra which
is, "Every senient being has the potential to be a Buddha." Of
course, I believe Guan Yin through his wonderous way still able to
guide senient beings to the key
message.
No doubt there are doctrinal and
practice differences between Soka and the mainstream buddhism
but they has make great contribution by bring Lotus Sutra to
the west which result in the renewal interest in the this
Sutra. For every positive deed Soka has planted through
goodwill, I would praise them for it. For every positive effect,
that is waiting to bear fruit in due time, I would wait and
see.
I shall end this, with Tina Turner
interview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85dJoS7401g&feature=channel
Gassho
Esmond
南无妙法莲华经
I see.. thanks for sharing.
