Previously I’ve published Nikkyō Niwano’s warnings against misinterpreting the message of Chapter 25, The All-Sidedness of the Bodhisattva Regarder of the Cries of the World [The Universal Gate of World-Voice-Perceiver Bodhisattva]. In reviewing Buddhism for Today, I’ve set aside quotes I previously skipped over.
First, this summary:
Buddhism for Today, p388Summarizing the teachings of this chapter, the following three points may be mentioned:
The first teaching is: If a person is in a position of leadership, he must regard the wishes of all the people and with a perfect mind of compassion sacrifice himself for the suffering people, and he must help them in their suffering and distress. The second teaching is: When a person is confronted by a crushing or harassing problem or any conflict, or feels the urge to indulge in any evil, he should call to mind the Bodhisattva Regarder of the Cries of the World, who is gentle, peaceful, and tolerant. Then he will be able to open his mind and cope calmly with any problem, however crushing or harassing. He will also become free of disputatiousness and all evil impulses. The third teaching is: A person should aim at reaching the mental stage of the Bodhisattva Regarder of the Cries of the World, who possesses excellent virtue and supernatural power. For this purpose, he must follow the teaching of the truth taught by the Tathāgata Śākyamuni and practice the disciplines without retrogression.
From these three teachings, we can well understand the true intention of the Buddha in this chapter.
The meaning of keeping in mind Bodhisattva Regarder of the Cries of the World:
Buddhism for Today, p379To keep in mind and revere the Bodhisattva Regarder of the Cries of the World is to think about this bodhisattva and to feel a longing for him as an ideal model. To keep in mind this bodhisattva, with deep longing for him, will help improve our character. However, since ancient times most people have not interpreted the meaning of keeping in mind the Bodhisattva Regarder of the Cries of the World in this way but have revered the bodhisattva in order to be set free from actual suffering through the bodhisattva’s supernatural power. This cannot be said to be true faith; true faith is much more profound.
Becoming a Regarder of the Cries of the World:
Buddhism for Today, p379-380Kanzeon or Kannon is the name in Japanese of Avalokiteśvara, the bodhisattva of great compassion, mercy, and love. Kan means to behold something, and zeon indicates the idea of the cries of the people. These cries are not limited to people crying out aloud but include their earnest desires and aspirations. The Bodhisattva Kanzeon may be considered as the bodhisattva who, by virtue of his supernatural power, is capable of regarding or taking notice of the cries of the people whether these represent either suffering or desire, letting them be delivered from their suffering by preaching the teaching suitable to each one, leading them to their desire, and appearing in the forms suited to those to be led.
These are absolutely indispensable conditions for those who are in a position of leading others. The parents in a family must always watch over their children’s health and their state of mind in order to bring them up correctly. When the parents regard the cry of each child—this child needs a certain food, or that child seeks something—they prepare suitable meals, give the children sound training, and advise them on their problems. The parents lead their children in the way conducive to their health and suited to their desires. All parents worthy of the name make sacrifices for the happiness of their children. Such people are ideal parents and are also a manifestation of the spirit of the Bodhisattva Regarder of the Cries of the World.
The goal sought by every believer in the Lotus Sutra:
Buddhism for Today, p380-381A believer in the Lotus Sutra, who has the earnest wish to spread the Buddha’s teachings abroad, to lead all people to the way of the perfection of their character, and to establish an ideal society in this world based on the spirit of great benevolence and compassion shown by the Bodhisattva Regarder of the Cries of the World, must clearly discern the worries, sufferings, and desires of those around him. He must also be able to lead those people freely with the tactful means best suited to each one. Then he can effectively carry out the practices of the bodhisattvas.
By virtue of his supernatural power, the Bodhisattva Regarder of the Cries of the World can save all living beings from the seven dangers and three poisons, give them what they desire, and preach the Law freely by appearing in whichever of his thirty-three incarnations suits the nature of the follower. The supernatural power displayed by this bodhisattva is the goal that a believer in the Lotus Sutra must endeavor to reach by following the example of the bodhisattva, and it is also the ideal required of a leader, who must set an example for others through his position.