My fourth this from Chapter III about the variety of people who will take faith in the Lotus Sutra
I had a conversation the other day with a temple supporter who told me about an artist who uses words from various Buddhist texts to create some beautiful art. Immediately ideas began to pop up in my mind. So I have begun exploring the merging of text from the Lotus Sutra to a visual representation beyond merely words on paper.
I’ve only done this for two days and this is what I have experienced. One it is meditative and surprisingly it also facilitates memorization of small portions of the sutra. The way I am doing it for now is to write the same thing multiple times in various ways. Sometimes I’ll switch
My third attempt Chapter XVI
directions, or I might write words on top of words. While I hope to improve my ‘eye’ for this over time, the creation of beautiful art is secondary. Eventually I hope that the text image will inspire people to explore and appreciate the Lotus Sutra both as a teaching and a treasure given by the Buddha.
I am curious where this will go over time. One beauty of this practice is it does not take a long time. Perhaps you might consider doing this yourself.
My first attempt from Chapter XVI
Pick a passage from the sutra. You might have a favorite one, or there might be a passage you would like to meditate on more deeply. Take some paper, any paper will do and begin writing. You do not need to try anything fancy, or you could abandon all fears of criticism and simply write as an expression of where you are and who you are in this moment. Another idea is to write it as a gift to a friend, perhaps someone you know could use an encouraging word. You could share this with them, cheer them up, encourage them through a difficult time, or express your appreciation for their presence in your life. You never know when a simple act such as that can change someone’s day from misery to happiness.
And it is a low-key easy way to share the Dharma with someone. I believe that the idea of giving a gift is the way we should share the Dharma with others; a gift from the Buddha to them through your hands.
