Realizing the true nature of existence and the law of universe to make this world peaceful and ideal

Science And Buddhism
Sinyou Tsuchiya ·

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In Hinayana, monks tend to be pessimistic of the world and try to enter into Nirvana by extinguishing ignorance which cause all illusion. For ordinary people, it is difficult to imitate those monks. Therefore, people needed to seek the real intention of the Buddha Shakyamuni (Gautama). In Mahayana, the real intention of the Buddha Shakyamuni is that people attain Buddhahood by realizing the true nature of existence and the law of universe to make this world peaceful and ideal. The philosophy of Buddhism based on the basic teachings of the Buddha Shakyamuni has been developed in Mahayana and become able to expound the Dharma more in detail. However, on the other hand, because Mahayana became the Buddhism for all people, it came to make convenient sutras for people by using the teachings other than Buddhism or creating other Buddhas who give benefit. As the result, Buddhists variously criticized others who cling to different Buddhas and doctrines. Also, because of superstitions, the teachings of the Buddha Shakyamuni and the noble philosophy of Buddhism were in imminent danger.

Therefore, the Lotus Sutra was expounded to unify Buddhism under the Buddha Shakyamuni again together with the noble philosophy. However, spreading the Lotus Sutra is very difficult, because of Buddhists who adore different Buddhas other than the Buddha Shakyamuni and advocate different doctrines from the teachings of the Buddha Shakyamuni. Although the Lotus Sutra does not deny other Buddhas and teachings as the expedients, persons who advocates the Lotus Sutra which tries to unify Buddhism under the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni will be criticized of course. Therefore, believers of the Lotus Sutra have to overcome difficulties for Buddhism as a true disciple of the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni. Although Theravada tends to deny Mahayana which has created many Buddhas, I think they should know about the Lotus Sutra which unifies all Buddhism under the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni and has all noble philosophies. All people need to obtain peacefulness of mind while making a living for family and have to make efforts to establish the ideal society in this world. Since the world is not simple, people are not able to obtain happiness in the present life or in the next life, by only respecting monks like a Buddha and hearing basic teachings of Buddhism.