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**DumnEuronoumn** · 10-03-2011, 09:10 PM

Hi Podgerl,

I think some Mahayana scriptures could be described as revealed texts. For instance, the Heart Sutra presents itself as the words of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara following a deep realization, which he then communicates to Shariputra (one of the Buddha's chief disciples) and to us. So from our standpoint the sutra could be seen as "revealed wisdom".

Some scholars believe various Mahayana teachings may have resulted from monks entering deep meditative states during which they met -- or believed they met -- the Buddha, who taught them dharma. Moreover, according to Mahayana mythology, certain sutras -- including the Lotus -- were hidden for five centuries in a dragon realm, and eventually "discovered" by Nagarjuna.

Mahayana has the concept of dharmakaya. In this understanding, the historical Buddha (Siddartha Gautama) was one manifestation of the transcendent Buddha -- he appeared in a certain time and place (fifth century BC) in order to communicate the dharma according to our capabilities of understanding it; however, the dharma itself is timeless.

All this aside, Mahayana teaches that everyone is ultimately Buddha. Thus, the paradigm differs from that of monotheistic religions, where there is a distinct Creator God who hands down rules and revelations to His obedient subjects.

10-03-2011, 09:10 PM	#11
DumnEuronoumn Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 484 Senior Member	Hi Podgerl, I think some Mahayana scriptures could be described as revealed texts. For instance, the Heart Sutra presents itself as the words of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara following a deep realization, which he then communicates to Shariputra (one of the Buddha's chief disciples) and to us. So from our standpoint the sutra could be seen as "revealed wisdom". Some scholars believe various Mahayana teachings may have resulted from monks entering deep meditative states during which they met -- or believed they met -- the Buddha, who taught them dharma. Moreover, according to Mahayana mythology, certain sutras -- including the Lotus -- were hidden for five centuries in a dragon realm, and eventually "discovered" by Nagarjuna. Mahayana has the concept of dharmakaya. In this understanding, the historical Buddha (Siddartha Gautama) was one manifestation of the transcendent Buddha -- he appeared in a certain time and place (fifth century BC) in order to communicate the dharma according to our capabilities of understanding it; however, the dharma itself is timeless. All this aside, Mahayana teaches that everyone is ultimately Buddha. Thus, the paradigm differs from that of monotheistic religions, where there is a distinct Creator God who hands down rules and revelations to His obedient subjects.
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