sharp reproof of the Tathâgata,[1] who said that "the fool is so ignorant that he deems himself to be wise?"
7. It is quite true that the Three Worlds are full of pain, whether we like to think so or no. The pale, lightless, flames of suffering are at this moment around us on every side. From time to time we may, it is true, enjoy some transient feeling of pleasure, but it is the pleasure of an untrue vision, the precursor of fresh pain, and when it has vanished, nothing is left but the flames of suffering.
Furthermore, flame kindles flame, and the fire burns on for ever: suffering brings forth suffering, in endless succession. Yesterday was full of pain, so is to-day, so will be to-morrow. With cries of pain and tears we came into this
- ↑ I have frequently noticed a tendency amongst Shinshu writers to limit the word Tathâgata (Jap. Nyorai). Such writers use the expression Shakuson to denote Sakyamuni, whilst Nyorai, used absolutely, almost always refers to Amida, the Tathâgata par excellence, the Being greater than Sakyamuni. This is not absolutely the case, because one sometimes finds the term also used of Sakyamuni, but in this sermon Nyorai seems to the consistently used of Amida.
