Detailed information about San-jin

Detailed information about San-jin

This is a specific on “The three kinds
of Buddha’s Bodies.”
In the previous general overview
article, I mentioned that there are
“The three kinds of Buddha’s Bodies”
known by the following names:

1　Sanjin
2　San-in Buddha-nature
3　Santai

In today’s article, I would like to
talk about “San-jin.”
“San-jin” is the most essential and
central designation among the terms
describing the three kinds of Buddha’s
bodies.
The reason is that “San-jin” interprets
the Buddha through the “Lifespan and Life”
of Buddha.
“San-jin” encompasses a meaning
so profound and vast that all information
regarding Buddha and Buddha-nature
originates from it.

The Ultimate Purpose for
which the “Life Span” chapter
was preached in the Lotus Sutra

Lotus Sutra—a scripture that
expounded upon the Buddha and
Buddha-nature substantially and
completely, contains a chapter
named “Nyorai-Juryō-bon.”
It is Chapter 16.
(Nyorai signifies Buddha,
Juryō signifies Lifespan,
bon signifies Chapter)
The “Nyorai-Juryō-bon” is a pivotal
chapter that forms the core of this
scripture. It provides a detailed
explanation of the Buddha’s Lifespan.

So, what was the ultimate purpose
for which the “Nyorai-Juryō-bon”
chapter was preached?
The key to unraveling this lies in
the character “Juryō“.
“Ju” in “Juryō” literally means “lifespan.”
“ryō” means “amount.”
However, the “ryō” of “Nyorai-Juryō
-bon,” carries the meaning of
“measure” or “reveal.”

In short, from this, this indicates
that the ultimate purpose of the
“Nyorai-Juryō-bon” chapter is:

・to measure the Buddha’s
     lifespan and Life.
・and to reveal it.

Furthermore, measuring the Buddha’s
lifespan is, at the same time, to measure
the amount of the Buddha’s Virtues and
Kudoku (Good Fortune). (1)

(1) Kudoku—Virtue, Good Fortune, and
           Merit resulting from good deeds.

Based on the purpose of the “Nyorai-Juryō
-bon” chapter, I would like to measure and
clarify in detail the Buddha’s Lifespan and
Kudoku (Good Fortune) together with you.

To be continued

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