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NINTH: HAVING BOTH EXTRA AND SELF-
STRENGTH TO REACH ENLIGHTENMENT
Exoteric teaching considers a strength from outside
(external power) and an inner strength.
From Essay on the Ten Pillar and Contemplation on the
Buddha's Realm:
- The gate of self-strength
This gate is the practicing of the six cardinal virtues and
other numerous virtues. This is difficult and is compared to
walking a thousand miles. One will be slow to reach the
destination.
- The gate of extra-str e n gt h
This practice involves calling on the Buddha's help. This is
easy to do, and is compared to sailing downstream with favorable
wind. The result is thus faster.
Secret Dharani have both strengths:
From Mahayana Precious Solemn King Sutra: “Everyday ,
the Dharani practitioner gets all the perfections and merits”.
From Great Buddha's Crown Recitation: “One claims to be
a vegetarian or claims to observe moral precept when it is not
true. Such a person, once hearing the Buddha's Transcendental
Dharani, can attain the rank of Prateyka Buddha.