Unlocking Buddhahood: Simultaneity of Cause and Effect in Lotus Sutra Perspective

Buddhism's Fundamental Principle: The Simultaneity of Cause and Effect

The essence of Buddhism is the belief in the law of cause and effect karma which underpins all phenomena. Positive actions, thoughts, and words lead to happiness; negative ones, which harm life, result in unhappiness. This basic concept guides Buddhist practice.

Traditionally, Buddhist practice was seen as a gradual transformation over many lifetimes from an imperfect common mortal to a Buddha through self-improvement. required accumulating good causes while extinguishing past bad effects and avoiding new negatives.

However, the Lotus Sutra reveals a more profound causality principle behind enlightenment.

The Lotus Sutra's perspective sees delusion and enlightenment common mortal and Buddha states as equally inherent within life; life itself is neutral, not inherently flawed. While being in a deluded state may be seen as default condition, attning Buddhahood does not necessitate an essential change in nature. The notion of Buddhahood existing far from ordinary reality is itself a delusion.

This distinction between pre-Lotus Sutra and Lotus Sutra views on enlightenment can be understood through the Ten Worlds model which describes our inner life state as oscillating between hell to Buddhahood across ten worlds based on actions and response. In the pre-Lotus Sutra view, mortals practice Buddhism in nine worlds cause leading to Buddhahood realization effect. The nine worlds vanish entirely, replaced by Buddhahood.

The Lotus Sutra instead elucidates that Buddhahood alongside other nine worlds are constant potentialities of life at any given moment. Fth and action bring forth the dormant world of Buddhahood, making the nine worlds fall into dormancy. This revolutionary perspective on 'attnment' is embodied in the concept of simultaneity of cause and effect the nine worlds cause and the world of Buddhahood effect coexist as inherent possibilities.

This view suggests that Enlightenment is a natural state we are already owed with, needing only to unlock it through fth practice.

Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, along with confidence in inherent Buddha nature, activates this potential enabling success and overcoming challenges confidently. This sustned belief in our abilities inspires us to tackle difficulties courageously.

In essence, the Lotus Sutra posits a different paradigm where problems are opportunities to demonstrate inner strength and enlightenment impact, fostering growth and victory over adversity through fth and practice.

Adapted from an article published by the Soka Gakk Quarterly in April 2013.

The revised version retns core concepts while enhancing clarity and engagement. It's structured for a more fluent reading experience with adjustments to terminology and sentence structure.

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