Introduction
The Path to Holiness
The Path to Holiness presents a modern interpretation of the Lotus Sūtra. Its central themes are the grace the Holy Lord extends to all beings and the hope of holiness. It explores the progression from receiving instruction and cultivating oneself to the sacred mission of sharing the Way and helping others towards liberation. As the series’ final volume, it directs the pursuit of eternal life into steadfast and lasting practice.
The parables of children rescued from a burning house, a wandering son returning home and a temporary resting place in a conjured city show how the sacred teaching guides people in differing circumstances and dispositions. Faith grows towards life’s ultimate destination. Predictions of holiness and instructions to share the teaching transform the hope of deliverance into responsibility: those who receive the teaching are also called to illuminate others and uphold authentic faith.
This path makes demands on character and action. The book teaches gentleness and patience, honesty and respect in sharing scriptural meaning, and steadfastness amid questions, rejection and adversity. It calls companions on the Way to support and encourage one another. The mission is carried through everyday relationships, long commitment and transmission across generations, joining personal practice to the welfare of others.
For readers wishing to study the Lotus Sūtra’s parables and teachings, reflect on the growth of faith and translate understanding into lasting practice.
Scriptures
Scriptures in this volume
The Sūtra of the Lotus of the Wonderful Dharma
The burning house, the returning son and the conjured city illuminate the hope of holiness and the mission of sharing the teaching.
Read this volume’s excerptQuestions
Questions to bring to your reading
How can I read the Lotus Sūtra’s parables?
First understand the situation, dialogue and guidance within the story, then return to the surrounding scripture. This volume connects the parables with growth in faith, personal cultivation, fidelity and service to others.
Why does sharing the teaching require attention to how we treat people?
This volume emphasises gentleness, patience, honesty and respect. Its guidance on relating to others and answering questions shows how a sacred mission must become visible in character and action.
From the books · Free excerpts
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Part 1 · Chapter 2, verse 5
Invisibly present were also the Holy Messengers who had descended into this world to enlighten human hearts. They quietly guided humanity in the endless pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty; they silently inspired humanity to ponder the profound meaning of life; they gently encouraged humanity to detach themselves from worldly distractions and find tranquility and simplicity; they subtly motivated humanity to bravely walk the path toward truth without hesitation.
Excerpt source · The Path to Holiness · Part 1 · Chapter 2, verse 5
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