『법화경』의 비유 연구: 예수 비유와의 비교를 중심으로

Abstract

Religious truths are so intricate and profound that its hard for ordinary people to realize them. The parables are used to help ordinary people understand the truth. That is why religious texts include a wide variety of parables. Lotus Sūtra also has abundant parables. This article aims to study the characteristics of the parables in the Lotus Sūtra. First, Buddhas parables in the Lotus Sūtra explain how the Buddha teaches people via a means. Second, the parables in the Lotus Sūtra are directed towards a comprehensive range of people regardless of age, sex, social class, or education. Third, Buddhas parables are the natural narratives with no surprise, unpredictability, and irony.