From Great River Sangha<\/a><\/p>\nChapter One<\/p>\n
(All citations refer to the Senchu Murano translation)<\/p>\n
This chapter introduces the sutra.\u00a0 In it, the Buddha remains silent, but demonstrates a supernatural feat that sets the assembly of gathered disciples astir with questions:\u00a0 “Thereupon the Buddha emitted a ray of light from the white curls between his eyebrows, and illumined all the corners of eighteen thousand worlds…” (page 3).\u00a0 What could this mean?<\/p>\n
One bodhisattva present at that time, Manjushri, remembers a similar event in the remote past, and from this experience makes an announcement:<\/p>\n
All of you, know this, join your hands together,
\nAnd wait with one mind!
\nThe Buddha will send the rain of the Dharma
\nAnd satisfy those who seek enlightenment.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The Buddha will remove
\nAny doubt of those who seek
\nThe teaching of the Three Vehicles.
\nNo question will be unanswered. (page 22)<\/p>\n
Later, we will investigate what the Buddha (that which removes all doubts) represents in this sutra. For now, let’s consider how this sutra opens up.<\/p>\n
With an introduction like this, what do you expect of the teaching to come?<\/p>\n
What is the significance of the Buddha showing his disciples something they have never seen before?<\/p>\n