“Dhuta-deeds”

in today’s world

  The Great-Vehicle teachings (the Mahayana) in the Lotus Sutra shatter, or at least reconstruct our thinking of Dhuta deeds (“Dukka” in Pali) found in earlier teachings, such as “sleeping in or near a graveyard, or wearing old patched clothing, etc.” Unfortunately the pessimistic nature of these ancient precepts have found their way into modern Buddhist thinking. The Pali “dukka” is more often used, and dukka is defined simply as suffering.

  The Mahayana “dhuta” and “dhuta-deeds” are viewed in a much broader context. To begin with, Mahayana teaching encourages practicing the dhuta-deeds, first of all by discovering within ourselves a desire to achieve the “Great Way” leading to enlightenment, as with the great Bodhisattvas found in the Lotus Sutra who “spring up out of the earth.” Note—they do not come down from above.

  “These are my sons and daughters who dwell in this Buddha-world, ever practicing the dhuta deeds, joyfully devoted to quiet places [meditative mindfulness], shunning the clamor of the crowds, with no pleasure in much talk. Such sons and daughters as these are learning the law of my Way, always zealous day and night, for the sake of seeking the Buddha-way, they dwell in space beneath the suffering world. Firm in their power of will and memory, every diligently seeking after wisdom, they preach all kinds of wonderful laws, having no fear in their minds.”