Gemini Thinking
In this square illustration, I have visually translated Nichiren’s commentary from the Shishin Gohon-Shō regarding the states of Great Concentration and Insight. I have depicted Shakyamuni Buddha at the center as the source of the Wonderful Dharma.
The scene contrasts the "True Teaching" with "Provisional Teachings" to illustrate the concept that the truer the teaching, the lower the required stage of the practitioner. On the left, a simple figure of pure faith, representing all beings, is directly illuminated by the Buddha’s mind, showing how the Lotus Sūtra is accessible even at a low stage of practice. In contrast, on the right, a scholar monk is surrounded by the intellectual labor of the provisional teachings, which required a high state of intellectual or meditative skill from those enlightened by them. This image reminds us that we do not need to rely on our own cleverness to harmonize with the seed of enlightenment within us.
Annotations on the Great Concentration and Insight states: “The passage cited about the earlier teachings correctly distinguishes between the provisional and the true. This is because it explains the truer the teaching the lower the stage (of those enlightened by it); whereas the more provisional the teaching the higher the state must be (of those enlightened by it).”
Nichiren wrote this passage in his Treatise on The Four Depths of Faith and Five Stages of Practice (Shishin Gohon-Shō). The passage from T’ien-t’ai he quotes reminds us that we do not need to rely on our own talents or intelligence to become enlightened. The highest teaching of the Lotus Sūtra is meant for all beings, wise or simple, clever or stupid. The Buddha’s provisional teachings were intended to match the minds of those who heard them. But the Wonderful Dharma is the Buddha’s own mind, harmonizing with the seed of enlightenment within us all.
The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com