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Mahayana Tripitaka - Northern Transmission 14 - Lotus Sutra
Seeing impermanence and non-self in a leaf, we realize the truth of impermanence, non-self, and the intrinsic nature of nirvana, the intrinsic nature of interdependent origination that has always been present in all phenomena. After attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, the Buddha practiced walking meditation for twenty-one days, realizing that the supreme wisdom is difficult to share with beings of slow capacities, so he decided not to speak immediately of the Buddha vehicle but to teach according to the three vehicles — śrāvaka, pratyekabuddha, and bodhisattva — as skillful means. When this intention arose, the Buddhas of the ten directions manifested and affirmed that the three vehicles are “skillful means for beings of lesser wisdom,” and then he began to teach the Lotus Sutra. In the “Parable” chapter, the venerable Śāriputra was given the prediction of supreme, perfect enlightenment by the Buddha, and the great assembly rejoiced, marking the second turning of the Dharma wheel.
From the historical dimension, stepping into the ultimate dimension — the dimension of the unborn and undying — we realize that nirvana is present right in the here and now. The hot cup of tea, the green grass, the flower bud, the pebble… all “expound the Lotus Sutra” and confer upon us the Buddha nature. Zen poetry is a vivid illustration of this way of practice:
“This morning, arriving here, the hot cup of tea, the green grass, suddenly the image of you from the past appears.”
“The construction of a thousand lifetimes, but my dear, your work has already been completed for a thousand lifetimes.”
“The stream and the birds urge you today to continue being a singing flower.”
Each complete moment is a recognition of impermanence, non-self, nirvana, and the continuous transmission of the Buddha’s prediction.