fivefold comparison Goju sotai

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Shotenzenjin
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fivefold comparison Goju sotai

Post by Shotenzenjin »

Nichiren Daishonin developed a fivefold system that ranks all teachings and compares them to the Buddhism of the sowing, showing the Buddhism of the sowing to be superior

The fivefold comparisons are

1. Comparison of Buddhist teachings to non Buddhist teachings

2. Comparison of Mahayana to Hinayana

3. Comparison between the Lotus Sutra and pre Lotus Sutra teachings

4. Comparison between the essential and the theoretical teachings

5. Comparison between the Buddhism of the sowing and the Buddhism of the harvest
Generation's shall pass, our determination shall grow, at the foot of Mount Fuji
Like smoke that reaches far beyond the clouds.--nichimoku shonin. Third high priest of Nichiren Shoshu

Hokekko of true Buddhism https://nstny.org

Introduction to Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source= ... VKyEQ_cxK9
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_johnarundel_
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Re: fivefold comparison Goju sotai

Post by _johnarundel_ »

The Comparison of Buddhist Teachings and Non-Buddhist Teachings (Naige Sotai) [内外相対]

Big Thanks, Shoten Zenjin for starting this page

Introduction


The comparison between Buddhist teachings and non-Buddhist teachings is the first and most basic level of the fivefold comparison established by Nichiren Daishonin.

Let’s look at the term “Naige Sotai” (内外相対)

“Nai” - 内 - This means “inner truth” which refers to Buddhism

“Ge” - 外 - This means “outer truth” which refers to non-Buddhist teachings such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Brahmanism, Taoism, and Confucianism

Unlike the non-Buddhist teachings, Buddhism teaches the profound concept of cause and effect spanning the three existences of past, present, and future. Nichiren Daishonin states in "The Opening of the Eyes” (“Kaimoku Sho”),
Though they skillfully established doctrines, they understood neither the past nor the future. It seems as if they only grasped the present.

(Gosho, p. 524)
Non-Buddhist teachings, or “outer way” teachings typically do not teach cause and effect spanning the three existences. Many are monotheisitic religions that teach that the universe is created and controlled by a single god or deity. Other religions taught concepts such as “original energy” and “causes do not produce effects.”

Three Types of Non-Buddhist Teachings

1) Teachings that are outside the realm of Buddhism.

This simply refers to religions other than Buddhism, as mentioned above. Their doctrines are unrelated to the teachings of the sutras

2) Teachings of those who are related to Buddhism, but function to denounce it

Another phrase for this is “Buddhism-related Outer Way.” These are non-Buddhist teachings that have incorporated many of the teachings
taught in the sutras into their own religions, thus posing as Buddhism. We see many “new religions” in Japan today that can be categorized as
this

3) Teachings that are doctrinally associated with Buddhism.

Also known as “Buddhism-learned Outer Way.” This category of teachings has deviated from the correct practice of Buddhism to the point where
they can be classified as non-Buddhist teachings. This can result from a misunderstanding of the Buddha’s true intention.

Overview

Quoting the Shinjikan Sutra, Nichiren Daishonin states,
If you wish to know the causes you have accumulated in the past [in your past existences], look at the effects that are manifested in the present. And if you wish to know the effects that will be manifested in the future, look at the causes you are accumulating in the present…”

(Gosho, p. 571)
To be awakened to the true entity of life, one must understand the cause and effects of past, present, and future. This a primary teaching of Buddhism. Because of this the most basic Hinayana Buddhist teaching is superior to the most profound level on non-Buddhist teachings.

From the standpoint of our daily lives, if we do not understand our karma, we often blame or place responsibility on external factors to fix our problems. However, when we understand that all aspects in our life, good or bad, are results of the cause made in the past, we can then take responsibility and change our lives for the better.

Personally, for me, this was a major turning point. When I was able to really realize that my obstacles were results of accumulated negative karma, it was then when I could tackle them.



My sources:

Doctrines and Practices of Nichiren Shoshu
Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Vols. 1-2
Nichikan Shonin Mondan Shu
"The five characters of Myoho-Renge-Kyo are the core of the Lotus Sutra and the origin of all Buddhas throughout the entire world. Upon seeing the signs that these five characters now must be propagated, I, Nichiren, have set the precedent, today, at the beginning of the Latter Day of the Law."

- Nichiren Daishonin, “Shuju onfurumai-gosho” 種種御振舞御書


https://www.nichirenshoshu.or.jp/eng/daishonin.html
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Shotenzenjin
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Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2020 11:23 pm

Re: fivefold comparison Goju sotai

Post by Shotenzenjin »

Your welcome John
Generation's shall pass, our determination shall grow, at the foot of Mount Fuji
Like smoke that reaches far beyond the clouds.--nichimoku shonin. Third high priest of Nichiren Shoshu

Hokekko of true Buddhism https://nstny.org

Introduction to Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source= ... VKyEQ_cxK9
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