In Agama Sutra, they say Buddha passed away by his own choice. And because he finished his task, because he has nothing to do more in this world, he took nirvana, it says. So underlying thought is already to help others, to save sentient beings. Usually, you know, Mahayana Buddhist denounced Hinayana Buddhism. They said Hinayana Buddhist just practice our way to help themselves, not to help others. That is what they say, but actually when they say in Agama Sutra that he took nirvana because he finished his task in this world, it means that already he came to this world to save others. And in various so-called Hinayana sutra, we find this kind of thought. Anyway, those vows are supposed to be Mahayana-- Bodhisattva's vow or Mahayana vow, but actually, those four vows are vows for all Buddhists. All Buddhists should have this vow. --------------------------- Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture - 69-04-29 - as found on shunryusuzuki.com. Edited by DC - Going through Suzuki lectures and posting anything that can stand on its own. Not looking for zingers or "the best of." I find that following these excerpts daily provides another way to experience Suzuki's teaching. Got to https://www.instagram.com/cuke_archives/ for more daily Shunryu Suzuki lecture excerpts - with a photo.
