抄録
This paper examines how society is viewed in the doctrinal
framework of the Lotus Sutra, and what the sutra regards as an
appropriate degree of separation between society and Bodhisattvas.
Toward this end l consider the sutra's restrictions on social interactions
for the Bodhisattvas and the Buddha's predictions for the Bodhisattvas'
ultimate enlightenment.
The first subject is treated in Chapter 13 of the sutra, which lists
the places and people that Bodhisattvas should not approach. The
present version of the sutra (Kern/ Nanjio edition) leaves the
impression of a certain inconsistency, but emphasizes the notion of
Bodhisattvas avoiding certain places and people and thus distancing
themselves from society. However, a different overall impression is left
by a reading of the Kashgar manuscripts.
With regard to the Buddha's predictions for the bodhisattvas'
ultimate enlightenment, the descriptions of the nature of the Buddha
lands and the contents of the Buddha's teachings in the chapters
devoted to this subject convey the Lotus Sutra's concept of what
an ideal society would be like. This paper discusses the Lotus Sutra's
view of the relationship between the Bodhisattva and society on the
basis of these two topics.
https://ror.org/02kpeqv85 
