仏典の有効性
Effectiveness of Buddhist scriptures
2025-06-16
Would a remarkable Buddhist scripture be truly effective for someone seeking the blissful state of Nirvana?
And would an apocryphal sutra inevitably hinder the progress of such a person on their path?
These are subtle questions, but we might respond as follows:
● A remarkable Buddhist scripture conveys teachings that are extremely helpful for those who genuinely seek the blissful state of Nirvana, and it will likely contribute to their attainment of the goal in the shortest possible time.
● While apocryphal sutras carry the risk of misleading those who earnestly seek Nirvana, in reality, that is not necessarily the case. A sincere practitioner may draw closer to Nirvana even by using such texts as stepping stones.
Why so? Ultimately, what is most crucial for a person approaching the blissful state of Nirvana is whether they encounter rare and profound teachings that awaken their wisdom. It is not the authenticity or inauthenticity of the scriptures they read during their journey that truly determines their progress.
In other words, unless one is able to know, understand, and fully realize the truth that “it is through the encounter with the words of the Dharma that one gives rise to wisdom and ultimately attains awakening,” then no matter how remarkable the Buddhist scripture they read may be, it holds no true meaning. On the other hand, if one comes to realize this truth—even through an apocryphal sutra, a heterodox teaching, or even words from a different religion—then that encounter is indeed profoundly meaningful.
Of course, it is unreasonable to expect wisdom to arise from self-serving fantasies.
For a practitioner of the Buddhist path, what is required is contemplation and inquiry aligned with the Dharma. It is only through such proper reflection and the practices of calm abiding and insight that the mysterious arising of wisdom can be expected.
In this sense, the Buddhist path is spoken of as the path of the wise.
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