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Wednesday, December 19, 2007

The Buddha and Ananda in the Lotus Sutra

The balance between study and practice is an important topic in Buddhism. Both are necessary, however Shakyamuni puts the emphasis on practice in this teaching from Chapter 9 of the Lotus Sutra, describing a past lifetime when they were fellow disciples.

"The thought of the highest complete enlightenment once awoke simultaneously in Ananda and myself in the presence of the Buddha Dharmagaganabhyudgataraja. Ananda always wanted to hear a great deal about the Dharma, while I always made diligent efforts. For this reason I have succeeded in attaining the highest complete enlightenment, whereas Ananda is the preserver of my teaching."

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