[Buddha-l] Re: G-d, the D-vil and other imaginary friends

[Stanley J. Ziobro II]

On Wed, 16 Mar 2005, Dharma Grandmother wrote:

> Stan Ziobro wrote :
> "...If there are, conceptually, sentient beings which lack Buddha
> nature, are they responsible for their misdeeds? Also, could such a
> being be ...."
>
> With deep respect, my understanding is that in Mahayana Buddhism (which
> is only "yana" that teaches BN), "all" sentient beings have Buddha
> Nature so the question would seem to have no basis.  ??

If one considers the Consciousness Only doctrines to be allied with the
Mahayana, then it is not without basis.  Even if one should not make that
consideration and hold that these doctrines occupy a liminal position
between Nikaya Buddhist reflections and the Mahayana, one is still working
within a Buddhist worldview and the question remains pertinent.  In Japan
at least one notes the spirited debates of monks from the Koufukuji, a
center of Consciousness Only Buddhism, with, for instance, Tendai monks,
who held doctrines that would qualify as Mahayana in your conception.

Stan Ziobro