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From: kde@heawk1.gsfc.nasa.gov ( Keith Evans)
Newsgroups: soc.religion.eastern
Subject: Re: Buddha Dharma and free thinking
Message-ID: <1990Dec14.033821.1872@nas.nasa.gov>
Date: 14 Dec 90 03:38:21 GMT
References: <1990Dec7.011311.2389@nas.nasa.gov> <1990Dec8.020416.27265@nas.nasa.gov> <1990Dec11.022212.10949@nas.nasa.gov> <1990Dec12.061626.10201@nas.nasa.gov>
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In <1990Dec12.061626.10201@nas.nasa.gov> tilley@cs.rochester.edu (Dave Tilley) writes:

>In article <1990Dec11.022212.10949@nas.nasa.gov> mayne@sun10.scri.fsu.edu (William (Bill) Mayne) writes:
>>
>>In article <1990Dec8.020416.27265@nas.nasa.gov> kde@heawk1.gsfc.nasa.gov ( Keith Evans) writes:
>>>...In the first 42 years of Shakyamuni's preaching life,
>> ...(deleted for brevity)
>>even though Nichiren depends largely on the supposed statements
>>of Sakyamuni.

>I would suggest that you read the Lotus Sutra for yourself. It is highly
>valued by Many sects. I find it wonderful. My opinion is that the Nichiren
>sect does misinterpret in some ways or ad on to it incorrectly in some ways.

>I don't read from it that previous teachings are wrong but that they are
>but mere point at the moon. I also do not get from the Sutra that chanting
>...
>happen. As far as I can see (and that is not far) this encourages  (beginners
>at least) to attach to desires. This seems against the very fiber of the Dharma.

>I was so bothered by this latter point that I wonder if this is actually
>the teaching of Nicheren or some American curruption of his teaching.

>I have yet to find any reference to this in his teaching.

>Any Ideas?  Keith?

That the dragaonking and his 10 demon daughters could gain enlightenment
throught the Lotus Sutra, inplies that one can gain enlightenment as
they are, without having to extinguish their desires. The idea of chanting
for desires is value. Chanting for desires initially to prove the power
of the Gohonzon to the new beleiver. For instance, doing drugs has very
little value for one's life (unless they are sick). But chanting for
drugs and getting them, has great value to show the new member the power
of Buddhism and to inspire the desire for enlightenment. so new members`
are encouraged to chant for things the act of chanting one in in the 
state of Buddhahood (earthly desires are enlightenment). And actually,
as one fulfills his desires, he soon realizes what he thought would
make him happy is only temporary and he gains a deeper understanding of
happiness really is, rahter than just trying to deny one's desires
outright, which you can't do, unless you deny your humanity.

>>Besides, the early teaching of the Buddha uses appeal to reason
>>of personality. I find the former teaching far more plausible.

>Many sects revere their teachers. But I do have some problems with
>the use of the assertion that this is TRUE Buddhism. Yech! Like the
>others are not. It misses the whole beauty of the Lotus Sutra.

You should look at the omens in the Lotus Sutra. The Treasure Tower
appearing in the 11th chapter, and Taho (Many Treasures) Buddha
who said everything that you (Shakyamuni) have said is the truth
and the emergence of the bodhisattvas from the past (discpiles of
Shakyamuni) was like saying that this 25-year-old man was the father
of these 100-year-old men.
 
--
   Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
            Respectfully,
  	         Keith Evans		kde@heawk1.gsfc.nasa.gov