1. In these excerpts, how does the Buddha explain the existence of various
Buddhist teachings?
The Buddha explains the existence of various teachings by stating that they teach the law according to what is appropriate. “I know that living things have various desires and attachments that are deeply implanted. I will, therefore, use various causes and conditions, words of simile and parable, and the power of expedient means and expand the Law for them.” This means the teaching differs for the appropriate situation to make more sense for everyone.
2. As the Lotus Sūtra describes it, is there one, or are there many truths?
According to the Lotus Sūtra,
there is only one truth.
3. Is the understanding of truth articulated in these excerpts something that
would contribute to a democratic and egalitarian religion or to an elitist
religious hierarchy?
Understanding the truth articulated in these excerpts would contribute to an elitist religious hierarchy. The elitist religious hierarchy believes that there is only one way, which is theirs, and people have to follow it no matter what.
4. How do later texts in other philosophical or religious traditions deal with
alternative texts that claim authority? Do they use techniques similar to
the doctrine of “expedient means”? Or do different philosophical or
religious traditions use other strategies to establish the ultimate authority
of a particular text or teaching?
Some religions use the “expedient means” to establish ultimate authority because it makes it easier for people to believe what is being taught to be true if they have no other option to learn from. Other religions
may use other techniques like divine revelation and historical continuity. The different strategies to deal with alternative texts depend on the text's tradition and context.
