Why is The Platform Sutra important?
The Platform Sutra thus represents the emergence and eventual dominance of the orthodox, Southern position wherein it is held that the mind is fundamentally pure by nature, and it advocates the twin methods of meditation and insight as the means to attain enlightenment.
Who wrote the lankavatara Sutra?
Guṇabhadra
This edition by Guṇabhadra is said to be the one handed down from the founder of Chan Buddhism, Bodhidharma, to the Second Patriarch, Dazu Huike, saying: I have here the Laṅkāvatāra in four fascicles which I now pass to you.
How long is the Lotus Sutra?
The sutra, composed largely in verse, has a total of 28 chapters and contains many charms and mantras (sacred chants). It was first translated into Chinese in the 3rd century ad and became extremely popular in China and Japan, where common belief held that the simple act of chanting it would bring salvation.
How many patriarchs are there in the history of Zen?
Shitou Xiqian – Fayan School – Yunmen school – Caodong/Soto school
| Six Patriarchs | ||
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Jingqing Daotu (ca.863-937) (WG: Ching-ch’ing Tao-fu. Jpn: Kyōsei Dōfu) | 8 generations |
| 6 | Xuansha Shibei (835-908) | Dōgen |
| 7 | Luohan Guichen (867-928) | Sōtō |
| 8 | Fayan Wenyi (885-958) |
Where was Bodhidharma born?
Bodhidharma was the second Indian Buddhist monk to travel to Southern China. He was born to King Sugandha in the late 5th century. After Bodhidharma was born, he became a member of the warrior caste called Kshatriya. He grew up in a very religious atmosphere and later became a teacher.
What is the significance of the town of Kushinagar in India?
Kushinagar is a town in the Kushinagar district of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, where Buddhists believe Gautama Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana after his death. It is an international Buddhist pilgrimage centre.
What is final enlightenment?
The final Enlightenment remains the ultimate ideal of all Buddhists, to be attained by ridding oneself of false beliefs and the hindrance of passions. This is achieved by following the course of spiritual discipline known as the Eightfold Path.
Why is the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch called the Dharma jewel?
The Dharma Jewel of the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch, and this title represents the deepest truth of this sutra. It is called The Platform Sutra because it was given at the same platform where the Sixth Patriarch in his later years received the Precepts—these Precepts which help us live a clear-minded daily life.
What are the main themes of the Platform Sutra?
The “platform” (施法壇) refers to the podium on which a Buddhist teacher speaks. Its key themes are the direct perception of one’s true nature, and the unity in essence of śīla (conduct), dhyāna (meditation) and prajñā (wisdom).
How is the Platform Sutra similar to Oxhead school?
McRae notes a similarity in reasoning with the Oxhead School, which used a threefold structure of “absolute, relative and middle”, or “thesis-antithesis-synthesis”. According to McRae, the Platform Sutra itself is the synthesis in this threefold structure, giving a balance between the need of constant practice and the insight into the absolute.