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How do later texts in other philosophical or religious traditions deal with alternative texts that claim authority? Do they use techniques similar to the doctrine of “expedient means”? Or do different philosophical or religious traditions use other strategies to establish the ultimate authority of a particular text or teaching?   Please answe only question number 4

How do later texts in other philosophical or religious traditions deal with alternative texts that claim authority? Do they use techniques similar to the doctrine of “expedient means”? Or do different philosophical or religious traditions use other strategies to establish the ultimate authority of a particular text or teaching?   Please answe only question number 4

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Please read the Lotus Sutra and respond to the questions at the end of the first short selection (these questions are pasted below). Each response should be between 1-3 sentences and should come only from the primary source itself. 
  1. In these excerpts, how does the Buddha explain the existence of various Buddhist teachings?
  2. As the Lotus Sūtra describes it, is there one or are there many truths?
  3. Is the understanding of truth articulated in these excerpts something that would contribute to a democratic and egalitarian religion or to an elitist religious hierarchy?
  4. How do later texts in other philosophical or religious traditions deal with alternative texts that claim authority? Do they use techniques similar to the doctrine of “expedient means”? Or do different philosophical or religious traditions use other strategies to establish the ultimate authority of a particular text or teaching?

 

Please answe only question number 4 

**Introduction** The *Lotus Sūtra* is a Buddhist scripture composed well after the death of the historical Buddha (around 483 BCE) and written down in Sanskrit even later. The scripture was translated into Chinese at least five different times between 255 and 601 CE and proved to be a tremendously influential text for Chinese Buddhism. The *Lotus Sūtra* is a text of the Mahāyāna School of Buddhism. As such, its major message is that there is only one way to reach enlightenment, and that is through the way of the bodhisattva as described in the *Lotus Sūtra*. The passage below, which describes the Buddha talking with one of his followers, Śāriputra, addresses the question asked by the multitude, of why there are so many schools of Buddhism. This is an issue that Mahāyāna scriptures had to address, since they were written relatively late in the history of Buddhism and had to compete for authority with earlier texts. **Document Excerpts with Questions** (Longer selection follows this section) From *Sources of Chinese Tradition*, compiled by Wm. Theodore de Bary and Irene Bloom, 2nd ed., vol. 1 (New York: Columbia University Press, 1999), 447-448. © 1999 Columbia University Press. Reproduced with the permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. --- **Selection from the Lotus Sūtra:** **"The Buddha Preaches the One Great Vehicle"** “Śāriputra, ever since I attained Buddhahood I have through various causes and various similes widely expounded my teachings and have used countless expedient means to guide living beings and cause them to renounce their attachments. Why is this? Because the Thus-Come One is fully possessed of both expedient means and the perfection of wisdom. …” “Śāriputra, the Buddhas preach the Law in accordance with what is appropriate, but the meaning is difficult to understand. Why is this? Because we employ countless expedient means, discussing causes and conditions and using words of simile and parable to expound the teachings. This Law is not something that can be understood through pondering or analysis. Only those who are Buddhas can understand it.”
Transcribed Image Text:**Introduction** The *Lotus Sūtra* is a Buddhist scripture composed well after the death of the historical Buddha (around 483 BCE) and written down in Sanskrit even later. The scripture was translated into Chinese at least five different times between 255 and 601 CE and proved to be a tremendously influential text for Chinese Buddhism. The *Lotus Sūtra* is a text of the Mahāyāna School of Buddhism. As such, its major message is that there is only one way to reach enlightenment, and that is through the way of the bodhisattva as described in the *Lotus Sūtra*. The passage below, which describes the Buddha talking with one of his followers, Śāriputra, addresses the question asked by the multitude, of why there are so many schools of Buddhism. This is an issue that Mahāyāna scriptures had to address, since they were written relatively late in the history of Buddhism and had to compete for authority with earlier texts. **Document Excerpts with Questions** (Longer selection follows this section) From *Sources of Chinese Tradition*, compiled by Wm. Theodore de Bary and Irene Bloom, 2nd ed., vol. 1 (New York: Columbia University Press, 1999), 447-448. © 1999 Columbia University Press. Reproduced with the permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. --- **Selection from the Lotus Sūtra:** **"The Buddha Preaches the One Great Vehicle"** “Śāriputra, ever since I attained Buddhahood I have through various causes and various similes widely expounded my teachings and have used countless expedient means to guide living beings and cause them to renounce their attachments. Why is this? Because the Thus-Come One is fully possessed of both expedient means and the perfection of wisdom. …” “Śāriputra, the Buddhas preach the Law in accordance with what is appropriate, but the meaning is difficult to understand. Why is this? Because we employ countless expedient means, discussing causes and conditions and using words of simile and parable to expound the teachings. This Law is not something that can be understood through pondering or analysis. Only those who are Buddhas can understand it.”
**Primary Source Document: Selection from the Lotus Sutra** --- “Śāriputra, I know that living beings have various desires, attachments that are deeply implanted in their minds. Taking cognizance of this basic nature of theirs, I will therefore use various causes and conditions, words of simile and parable, and the power of expedient means and expound the Law for them. Śāriputra, I do this so that all of them may attain the one Buddha vehicle and wisdom embracing all species. …” “… There is no other vehicle, there is only the one Buddha vehicle.”
Transcribed Image Text:**Primary Source Document: Selection from the Lotus Sutra** --- “Śāriputra, I know that living beings have various desires, attachments that are deeply implanted in their minds. Taking cognizance of this basic nature of theirs, I will therefore use various causes and conditions, words of simile and parable, and the power of expedient means and expound the Law for them. Śāriputra, I do this so that all of them may attain the one Buddha vehicle and wisdom embracing all species. …” “… There is no other vehicle, there is only the one Buddha vehicle.”
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