<The unique function of the Lotus Sutra>           Among the various works which contain Shakyamuni's ideas and teachings, the Lotus Sutra is said to be the most practical and comprehensive text that contains his ultimate message. Ironically, however, Shakyamuni's ultimate message cannot be easily found, or understood conceptually, simply by studying the text of the Sutra.           It is even difficult to concretely define the teaching of the Lotus Sutra, because, unlike other texts, it is not written in a way that directly conveys a particular philosophy or teaching in dogmatic form. Rather, it constantly implies that the "real Lotus Sutra" and its "real teaching" exist in the mind of each and every person. That is to say that the realizations attained as the part of process of self-understanding the improvement are the real teaching of the Lotus sutra. In other words, there are unique ways of self-discovery and self improvement for every individual. The "real Lotus Sutra" and its "real teachings," therefore, are the personally appropriate ways that each individual will realize for himself or herself through its use. In this sense, the text of the Lotus Sutra is the tool for understanding one's self. Learning about one's self is more essential than learning any great teaching. It was the basis of the Shakyamuni's ultimate message.