Part 15-4
“Why? Subhuti, those who take pleasure in small dharmas are attached to the idea of self, the idea of person, the idea of a being, and the idea of a liver of life; so they cannot accept this Sutra, read or recite it, or explain it to others.”
Commentary:
‘Those who take pleasure in small dharmas’ implies people who are deluded by words and attached to literal understanding. As mentioned in the preceding parts, ancient masters would say that people who understand the true-Self depending on the words in the sutras are not the Buddha’s students but his enemy. Speaking of the Sutra with one’s mind dwelling on words, said ancient masters, is no better than speaking ill of the Buddha. In contrast, the Lotus Sutra says that once we realise the true-Self, no matter what words we may read, or speak; mundane books, political discourses, wealth, or jobs, they will be a Dharma talk. The core of this part is that we should see what this Sutra points to instead of being attached to the words in it.
Student: “Who can accept this Sutra, read or recite it, or explain it to others?”
Master: “One who has no Sutra can.”
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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