Celebrating the Vernal Equinox in Mexico

The Final Commission

”to give the Buddha-wisdom

the Self-existent wisdom

to all living beings”

  Again to say one need not be a “Buddhist” to practice the teachings of the Buddha. There is fundamentally no need to seek “identities” as this or that. Practicing these teachings is in essence celebrating life.

  AT THAT TIME Shakyamuni Buddha rose from his Law seat, manifesting supernatural powers, laid his right hand on the heads of the innumerable bodhi­sattva-mahasattvas, and spoke thus: “I, for incalculable hundreds of thousands of myriads of countless nayutas of kalpas, have practiced this rare Law of Perfect Enlightenment. Now I entrust it to you. Do you wholeheartedly promulgate this Law and make it increase and prosper far and wide.” . . .

  ".  .  .  The Tathagata is most benevolent and compassionate, not mean and stingy, and is able fearlessly to give the Buddha-wisdom, the Tathagata-wisdom, and the Self-existent wisdom to all living beings. The Tathagata is the great lord of giving to all living beings. Do you also follow and learn the Tathagata's example, not being mean and stingy.

  If good sons or good daughters in ages to come believe in the Tathagata-wisdom, do you proclaim this Law-flower Sutra to them that they may hear and know it, in order that they may obtain the Buddha-wisdom. If there be living beings who do not believe in it, do you show, teach, benefit, and rejoice them with the other profound laws of the Tathagata. If you are able thus to act, then you will have repaid the grace of the Buddhas.

  . . . Thereupon Shakyamuni Buddha caused all the emanated buddhas who had come from all directions, each to return to his own land, saying: “Buddhas! Peace be unto you. Let the stupa of the Buddha Abundant Treasures be restored as before.”

  As these words were spoken, the innumerable emanated buddhas from all directions, who were seated on lion thrones under the jewel trees, as well as the Buddha Abundant Treasures, the host of infinite asankhyeyas of bodhisattvas, Eminent Conduct and others, also the four groups of hearers, Shariputra and others, and all the worlds, gods, men, asuras, and so on, hearing the preaching of the Buddha, rejoiced greatly. /////

  This is a portion of the Lotus Sutra, the 22^nd chapter, I was able to relive this morning, in celebration of life, bringing an important event back to life and into today’s world, here and now, with you. Also celebrating a joyous, humorous, touching video with friends at Fanvids, ”I Think I Do” and post from Jerry Gordon in Japan, among other celebrations.