What is the Lotus Sutra?
법화경(法華經, Lotus Sutra) (Lotus Sutra / 法華經) is a central scripture of Mahayana Buddhism, teaching that all beings can attain Buddhahood. Proclaimed by Nichiren (日蓮) as the essential teaching of the Latter Day, it is the foundation of practice in Soka Gakkai (創価学会) and Korea SGI (韓國SGI).
Overview
The Lotus Sutra (法華經) — 'Saddharmapuṇḍarīka-sūtra' in Sanskrit, meaning 'White Lotus of the True Dharma' — centers on the universal salvation of all beings, the lotus metaphor, and the eternal Buddha. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (南無妙法蓮華経) is an act of devotion to this sutra.
Related Concepts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lotus Sutra?
The Lotus Sutra (法華經, 법화경) is one of the foundational scriptures of Mahayana Buddhism, teaching that all beings possess Buddha nature (佛性) and can attain Buddhahood. Nichiren (日蓮, 니치렌) proclaimed it as the most appropriate teaching for the Latter Day of the Law (末法).
What are the core teachings of the Lotus Sutra?
The Lotus Sutra (法華經) centers on the universal attainment of Buddhahood, the view of an eternal Buddha, and the practice of bodhisattva conduct (菩薩行) — benefiting oneself and others simultaneously. It teaches that every person inherently possesses Buddha nature.
What is the relationship between the Lotus Sutra and Nam-myoho-renge-kyo?
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (南無妙法蓮華経, 남묘호렌게쿄) is a chant of devotion to the title of the Lotus Sutra (法華經, 법화경). Nichiren (日蓮) taught that all the merits of the Lotus Sutra are contained within this title.
What role does the Lotus Sutra play in Soka Gakkai and Korea SGI?
Soka Gakkai (創価学会, 창가학회) and Korea SGI (韓國SGI, 한국SGI) uphold the Lotus Sutra (法華經) as their foundational scripture. Ikeda Daisaku (池田大作, 이케다 다이사쿠) interpreted its humanistic teachings as the philosophical basis for a modern peace movement.
What does the lotus metaphor in the Lotus Sutra mean?
The lotus metaphor in the Lotus Sutra (法華經, 법화경) teaches that, like a lotus blooming in muddy water, human dignity and Buddha nature can flower even amid suffering. This resonates with the philosophy of human revolution in Soka Gakkai (創価学会, 창가학회).