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

2. 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.

3. The Parable of the Burning House
Telling of the Tale

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. This is the spirit of the Lotus Sutra

12. “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 )

13. “ …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 -

14. 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)

15. “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

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

17. 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 -

18. 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)

19. 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)

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

21. 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