Topic for Hoza Discussion Chapter 3 The Parable of the Burning House

Background and Setting In Chapter 2 Buddha proclaimed the ultimate Truth – that everyone has Buddha Nature which give them the capacity to become a buddha and that enables them to guide others toward Awakening. Shariputra, listening to the teachings of the Buddha is overcome with immense joy at this news that he, too, is certain to become a buddha. Up until then he had been a student of Buddha, but it never occurred to him that he had any chance of becoming a buddha himself. He speaks of his own spiritual progress, acknowledges that it is not yet complete, and shows his appreciation to the Buddha for revealing this final lesson. Shariputra goes on to tell the Buddha that his own doubts about the relationship between pervious lessons and the one being revealed in the3 Lotus Sutra have been dispelled; however he asks the Buddha to speak again to the twelve hundred others at various stages of understand, who were still puzzled by this talk of “skillful means”, Then Shakyamuni tells the Parable of the Burning House.

The Parable of the Burning House Telling of the Tale

Who’s Who PARABLE MEANING IN DAILY LIFE Great Elder Buddha - anyone who ever taught you Universal Truth Children people - myself, sangha members Decayed House saha world - selfish thinking and effects Burning suffering - physical, mental, emotional problems in your life Narrow Gate Universal Truth - practicing the Dharma One Vehicle

PARABLE MEANING IN DAILY LIFE 3 kinds of carts shravaka, pratyekabuddha Confidence to bodhisattva solve problems with Dharma Run out of house entering mental state of Practice teachings imagining carts seeking the teachings wholeheartedly Great white Supreme Enlightenment Become one with bullock cart One Buddha Vehicle Universal Truth

Important Points 1st idea didn’t work – had to create others (Creativity and Empowerment of the Lotus Sutra) When we use the teachings of the sutra as a guide for our daily lives, we see in this story, personal empowerment to creatively problem solve for ourselves.

Lets the children escape by themselves (We are responsible for taking action in this world) The Buddha’s compassion is useless unless all living beings can realize it. For this reason, he doesn’t use any divine powers. When we put the teachings into practice, we prove to ourselves and others, the power of the Dharma.

When we remove illusion – we escape the goat carts deer carts bullock carts shravaka pratyekabuddha bodhisattva “Take whichever of these teachings that you like…” Imagining these carts in their minds, the children already enter into the mental state of the Dharma. Leaving the burning house means that one is seeking the Buddha’s teaching. When we remove illusion – we escape the burning/suffering

Instead of just attaining personal enlightenment Children’s focus was not on getting out of the burning house (saha world) They wanted to gain attainment enlightenment through one of the vehicles (they asked the Buddha for these carts) Instead of just attaining personal enlightenment they received the One-Buddha vehicle to Supreme Enlightenment

Supreme Enlightenment Buddha wants to give this to all living beings It is given equally and unsparingly to anyone seeking Supreme Enlightenment

This is the spirit of the Lotus Sutra

“All this universe is my domain, and all the living beings in it are my children…” Question: If you are Buddha’s child, what will you be when you grow up? (if you are a baby buddha) Answer: a buddha ( By following his example )

“ …and I alone can liberate and protect them.” Not limited to the historical buddha, but to “buddha” in the sense of “One who has realized the Truth” For anyone who has fully realized the Truth, the universe is their domain. At such a time, the Self expands to fill the universe (Transcendent Self) Loss of “small self” is the Way (perfect freedom) - realizing that all we accomplish is not solo effort -

Moving away from the small self Awakening to the truth that 1st stage: All suffering is based on greed and desires that are created by our ego 2nd stage: Everything we are attached to/want, is a temporary appearance from cause and condition 3rd stage: All beings are in “essence” the same (True Nature) 4th stage: Casting away this “shell” we experience freedom and recognize that we are part of the Eternal Energy-Consciousness (We are part of and in service to all of life)

“Do not teach those who have evil minds.” Doesn’t mean refuse to associate or deal with them Teach them carefully, after helping them remove illusions (Unfavorable effect if this is not done first) Not a punishment from Buddha – It is impossible for the Truth of the universe to run counter to our lives, such as letting us fall into hell, make us an animal, or deficient in any way. - Man’s own illusion and actions/effects bring these on (we punish ourselves) Buddhist perspective = everything is an opportunity

Remember: If you are suffering – YOU ARE STILL COMPARING SOMETHING

What Does this Mean for US Digest the true meaning of this parable Teach the Dharma in a way that leads members to practice and joyfully teach the Dharma to others As practitioners, we can understand the purpose of Buddha’s guidance – his Original Vow - Enlightenment for All -

Know that we have universal guidance and compassion with us every day (connect) Continually make efforts for other’s happiness (a way of life) Continue to guide others until they find the “ One Vehicle” (Way to supreme enlightenment)

Reflection Awaken - and know that Truth is liberation (maintain True intent) What is the appropriate motivation and support to encourage all with their bodhisattva vow? Am I losing my connection to the Eternal by by being aloof or neglectful? Am I expressing gratitude every day? (thoughts, words, actions)

Discussion What are the many different ways to see the Parable of the Burning House? - perspectives ? - interpretations ?

Acquire the knowledge, skills and capacity PRACTICE Acquire the knowledge, skills and capacity to understand for yourself and others, the teaching found in the Parable of the Burning House. Practice it every day