The Oral Transmission of the Meaning

Chapter 25
The Universal Door of the Bodhisattva
Observing the Sounds of the World

#2 On the Wonder of Observing the Sound

In Sanskrit, the Wonderful Dharma (Myoho) is called Saddharma.

Sat is translated as 'Wonderful'. This word 'Sat' is the seed¹ for Observing the Sound. Therefore Observing the Sound is a different name for 'The eyes of The Lotus Sutra'.

Now, upon entering into the demise of the Dharma, Nichiren and his kind offer service, chanting Namu-Myoho Renge Kyo, and the benefits of Observing the Sound are in the heavens and on the earth, in the clouds as well as in the mire².

And in discussing Observing (Kan), there is the Total Observation
The World (Se) is that which is Inconceivable
The Sound (On) is the Spiritual Capacity of the Buddha³

Observation (Kan) is a different name for the Spiritual Realm⁴, because one already has the Total Observation

In Observing the Sounds of the World, there is the true spiritual aspect of reality. Hell, hunger, brutality and all of the spiritual realms are understood and seen in the inconceivable world.

With the Sound containing the true spiritual aspect of reality, it can not be said that living beings are without the enlightenment to it.

This is where the Chapter on Measuring the Life teaches of the innate triple body of enlightenment⁵ in the original existing tenfold spiritual realm.

The Bodhisattva Observing the Sounds has already accepted the crown of The Lotus Sutra. In fact, those that embrace this Sutra will surpass the benefits of Observing the Sounds of the World⁶.

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 Footnotes:

1. Seed: Seed mantra (S. Bija)

2. In the heavens and on the earth, in the clouds as well as in the mire: The spiritual reach and influence of the Bodhisattva can be found at all levels of the human condition, whether one is in the deepest pit of hell or the highest heaven. This can also be interpreted to be a reference to the identity between Life & Death (Samsara) and Nirvana, the common and the noble.

3. The Total Observation, The Inconceivable World & the Spiritual Capacity of the Buddha: See Chih-I's explanation of the name Observing the Sounds of the World

4. The Spiritual Realm: (S. Dharmadhatu) The spiritual realm of the mind, the Buddha and all living beings; The realm of the human condition

5. Triple Body of Enlightenment: The threefold nature of enlightenment

6. The Bodhisattva Observing the Sounds of the World is but one chapter of the Sutra

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