Dōgen's Appropriation of Lotus Sutra Ground and Space

The Lotus Sutra is prominent among the many sources quoted by Dōgen in his writings, highlighting the Mahōyōna context of his teachings and worldview. In this paper I focus on Dōgen's use of the pivotal story in Lotus Sutra chapters fifteen and sixteen-the myriad bodhisattvas emerging from unde...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Japanese journal of religious studies
Main Author: Leighton, Taigen Daniel 1950- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Nanzan Institute [2005]
In: Japanese journal of religious studies
Further subjects:B Religious Practices
B Wisdom
B Zen Buddhism
B Enlightenment
B Religious Studies
B Sons
B Dharma
B Bodhisattva
Online Access: Volltext (kostenfrei)
Description
Summary:The Lotus Sutra is prominent among the many sources quoted by Dōgen in his writings, highlighting the Mahōyōna context of his teachings and worldview. In this paper I focus on Dōgen's use of the pivotal story in Lotus Sutra chapters fifteen and sixteen-the myriad bodhisattvas emerging from underground and the inconceivable life-span of the Buddha-to express his own worldview of earth, space, and time as enlightening forces. The shift in perspective expressed in this sutra story reflects a fundamental shift in East Asian Buddhist soteriology. A close reading of Dōgen's references to this story discloses how his hermeneutical play with its imagery of ground, space, and emptiness expresses immediate awakening, beyond stages of cultivation; he cites the inconceivable life-span story as an encouragement to present practice. The contrast between D6gen's response to the enduring Śākyamuni and that of his older contemporary Myōe is revealing.
Contains:Enthalten in: Japanese journal of religious studies