Metaphors and parables in the Lotus Sutra

parallels with the Gospels and inspirations for interreligious dialogue

Abstract

Religious plurality is a fact that brings together several challenges, among them, finding a language that enables different traditions to become closer. Considering the dialogue between Christians and Buddhists, we can get some inspirations from their scriptures permeated by parables and metaphors, instead of having been considered as a set of dogmatic and doctrinal concepts. The article draws a comparative exercise between parables and metaphors of the Lotus Sutra and the Gospels. The subjects presented in those texts have parallels that can offer a way of approximation between these traditions. The metaphors presented have a strong appeal to perceive the meaning of life with the intention of escaping the dramas and dangers, and at the same time, present an openness to universal horizons. However, institutional and doctrinal interpretations can narrow these possible significations. Starting from analyses of the characteristics of this literature, we try to dialogue with some topics in Paul Ricoeur’s theoretical framework on his criticism of the Occidental thought that assumed conceptual accuracy instead of a lighter and more poetic expression with his intention to express the meaning of human life. Following his inspiration, we defend that the richness of parables and metaphors can touch human hearts more deeply than any conceptual theological formulations.