Banzai SGI-Romania!

With many congratulations on this historic event - SGI-Romania advances from a district to a chapter! http://www.sgi.org/news/events/events2012/sgi-romania-established-as-chapter.html

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Olympics

Guidance for Tuesday 31st July Peace and security daimoku proposal ELA'12:   


Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with all our heart is what activates the protective functions of the universe. It is our inner transformation - namely, bringing forth our Buddha nature - that spurs them to action. Just expecting their protection without transforming our own life is not the correct way of prayer in Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. NL8272

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Olympics

Guidance for Monday 30th July Peace and security daimoku proposal ELA'12:  


Hence, in one of his writings, the Daishonin cites the words of the Great Teacher Miao-lo of China, "The stronger one's faith, the greater the protection of the gods" (WND-1,614), and comments "So long as one maintains firm faith, one is certain to receive the great protection of the gods" (WND-1,614).

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Olympics

Guidance for Sunday 29th July Peace and security daimoku proposal ELA'12: 


Buddhism teaches the principle of "the Buddha nature manifesting itself from within and bringing forth protection from without." When our Buddha nature emerges internally, it also activates the Buddha nature in the lives of others, which then manifests in the form of external protection. Protection received from the positive forces of the universe, therefore, is dependent on us first bringing forth our Buddha nature. Or put another way, it is our determination in faith that sets these protective functions into motion. Our Buddha nature manifests the moment we break through our inner darkness or ignorance based on our strong conviction in faith. NL8272

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Olympics

Guidance for Sat 28th July Peace and security daimoku proposal ELA'12: 


The purpose of our daily Buddhist practice is to be able to freely and fully experience in our own life the immeasurable beneficial power that flows from the vital and dynamic Buddha nature of all Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and protective deities. NL8272.

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Olympics

Our area in London is proudly hosting the Olympics and Paralympics this year! To protect this historic event with our vibrant daimoku, two districts in East London will be chanting every day from July 26th to September 10th. We'll be chanting for the safety and protection for all during the event.
Romford district in Redbridge Chapter has the honour of covering tomorrow, and I'm proud to say each slot is filled, and by each division, including naitoku.
I'll be sharing the guidance with you each day. So lighting the flame of guidance, here is today's:


Friday 27th July: The Daishonin states: "When with our mouths we chant the Mystic Law, our Buddha nature, being summoned, will invariably emerge" (WND1,887). As you will note he uses the word 'invariably'. When we chant daimoku we will invariably be able to manifest within us the limitless beneficial power of the Mystic Law. And the more we persevere in our Buddhist practice with strong faith, the more we can experience this immeasurable and boundless power in our life. NL 8272


Hope you got to see the opening ceremony on tv - it was amazing! Have a great Olympics weekend everyone! 

Daily Gosho - The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life

This Gosho is of special significance to me. After losing my closest relatives in a very short space of time, I must admit I struggled to keep up my three practices. I was absorbed by my losses and it took a great deal of effort (and chanting) to come out of Hell state. Back in Buddhahood now...well, most of the time anyway!

I had the great good fortune of attending a Training and Inspiration Day for the Women's Division leaders of London recently e-bulletin issue 72 I'm somewhere at the back on page 3!

Mrs Takahashi, General Women's Leader for Europe, gave a wonderfully moving explanation of the cycle of life and death. She said it was only natural to question the concept. She explained that the common perception is to see death as negative but what we should really look at is how the person lived and what their lifestate was like at the time of death. She said how important it was that we live each day earnestly striving for kosen-rufu. It touched me so much to think that although my mum had died at the very young age of 27, I could change my sadness by viewing it as the end of her mission for that one lifetime instead.  Such a feeling of freedom, I can't explain it adequately…but her clear guidance touched my heart deeply.

"Be resolved to summon forth the great power of faith, and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with the prayer that your faith will be steadfast and correct at the moment of death."

(The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 218) http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=216

Selection source: Kyo no Hosshin, July 19th, 2012

Background

This letter, dated the eleventh day of the second month in 1272, was sent by Nichiren Daishonin to Sairen-bo Nichijo, a former Tendai priest who, for reasons that are unclear, was also living in exile on Sado Island. Details about Sairen-bo are scarce, but it is known that he was originally from Kyoto, and that he had studied at Mount Hiei, the seat of the Tendai school, before his exile. He was also present at the Tsukahara Debate, held in front of Sammai-do, the Daishonin’s dwelling at Tsukahara, on the sixteenth and seventeenth days of the first month in 1272. In this debate the Daishonin was the clear victor over Pure Land, True Word, and other priests from Sado and from various provinces of northern Japan. A number of people converted to his teachings at this time, among them Sairen-bo.

Sairen-bo was a highly educated priest to whom the Daishonin sent several important essays, including The True Aspect of All Phenomena and The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life. He had a number of unresolved questions about Buddhist theory, and he addressed them one by one to the Daishonin, who in turn answered these questions in written form. The Daishonin praised him, saying, “How admirable that you have asked about the transmission of the ultimate Law of life and death!” In his reply the Daishonin offers a look into the wonder of the Buddha’s own enlightenment, as well as the practical means whereby ordinary people may attain the same end.

In the first paragraph, the Daishonin states that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the heritage of the ultimate Law of life, and that the transmission of this Law is made from the Buddha to all living beings. Then he refers to the question of how we can inherit the ultimate Law of life and manifest it within ourselves.

This Law flows in the depths of the lives of those who believe in the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, practice in exact accord with them, and chant the daimoku. The Daishonin declares that there is no distinction whatsoever between Shakyamuni Buddha, the Lotus Sutra, and us, ordinary people.

Viewed from the standpoint of the Daishonin’s Buddhism, this can be taken as a declaration that there is absolutely no difference or separation between Nichiren Daishonin as the Buddha of the Latter Day, the Law of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo—or the Gohonzon which embodies that Law— and ourselves, who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

In terms of time, the heritage—the mystic relationship between the Law and the lives of the people—courses eternally through past, present, and future, unbroken in any lifetime. In terms of space, the Daishonin proclaims that the heritage of the ultimate Law flows within the lives of his disciples and lay supporters who work in perfect unity for the realization of a peaceful world and happiness for all humanity.

Having stated that the ultimate Law is within the lives of human beings, Nichiren Daishonin further explains how to inherit the Law. He emphasizes the importance of the attitude, “now is the last moment . . . ,” in order to manifest innate Buddhahood, a state that transcends both life and death.

In discussing the thousand Buddhas and the ten kings of hell, he reveals the continuity of cause and effect spanning past, present, and future. Whatever state of life predominates while one is alive will continue in the next life. Whether one can succeed to the heritage of the Law depends entirely on one’s faith. This is why he strictly warns in his conclusion, “Even embracing the Lotus Sutra would be useless without the heritage of faith.”

Daily Study - making it our passion!

In Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, we often hear the phrase 'the three practices' - faith, practice and study. Faith - the conviction that we can transform our circumstances through chanting; Practice - our own chanting and the encouragement we give to others and Study - developing our understanding of this practice.

Each one is vital and helps develop the other two practices simultaneously. When we chant, our faith deepens as we gain actual proof and benefits. When our faith deepens, we can practice even more earnestly for ourselves and others. And through study, our knowledge and confidence increase, giving us an even stronger faith, helping us to practice with the absolute determination to win. We begin to understand the deeper meaning of Nichiren Daishonin's teachings and President Ikeda's guidance and can use this knowledge in our daily life.

At times, it can seem difficult to carry out each of the three practices every day, and you may find that throughout your practice, that there is an emphasis on one of the three at one point or another. SGI-UK Vice General Director Kazuo Fujii gave recent guidance at our HQ course that the way to lead a truly victorious life was to do these three things a day:

Chant an hour a day

Study for half an hour a day

Make three people happy a day

Each of us, I'm sure, find some of these easier to achieve than others!  Or maybe that's just me!

Personally, I found study difficult throughout the early years of my practice. I had the time - I just didn't have the inclination! But Sensei urges us to make study part of our daily life so I started back at the basics. I re-read The Human Revolution with a view to deepening my understanding of the mentor-disciple relationship and the history of SGI.

As part of my responsibility for hosting our Basics of Buddhism meetings, I've really had to push myself to study Buddhist theory, and create material which will be of great value to our members.

I started to search for Gosho quotes which would help me challenge the difficulty I was facing.  On this point, Sensei says 'study means engraving in our lives the Daishonin's writings, which pulse with the Daishonin's powerful spirit to lead all people to enlightenment and to withstand any hardship in order to propagate the Law.' I discovered that my study needs to have a relevance to my daily life so that I can put the practice into action.

Sensei also gives us the guidance that study shouldn't be for study's sake, or that we should become arrogant about our expertise and superior knowledge. We study to develop our three practices. It's no good being an expert on Buddhism, but not carrying out our daily practice, or having weak faith. We need all three! As Sensei tells us, 'The purpose of Buddhist study is so that we can develop into truly exemplary practitioners of the Daishonin's Buddhism, courageous champions of faith and practice. We must never err on this point."

We can talk about this practice to others so much more passionately if we have the confidence and knowledge to answer anybody's questions concisely and precisely.

What great good fortune for us that there is so much study material available for us to use!

Let's discover how we can incorporate study into our daily life and the different resources available to us. We can gain inspiration from many different forms of material and different ways of studying, both on our own, and with other members:

Reading the Gosho (Writings of Nichiren Daishonin) and using phrases in our daily life to strengthen our three practices

Art of Living Magazine (SGI-UK)

President Ikeda's guidance

Signing up for daily guidance emails

Basics of Buddhism meetings at district level 

Study meeting at chapter level where we study a selected Gosho. It's worth preparing any questions you may have on the study material and asking the study lecturers

SGI-UK Study exams (Grades 1,2,3)

Supporting the members who have applied to take a study exam.

Some think of Buddhist practice as retreating to a quiet place and leading a life of calm and contemplation, but you should know that from its earliest origins Buddhism was a philosophy of practice, of living and energetically engaging with others in dialogue.

Buddhism is a teaching for helping all living beings, and especially the people who are suffering the most. Therefore, study needs to be rooted in daily life and serve as a guide for action. Study becomes a revitalizing force when it provides assurance and self-confidence in the power to overcome life’s difficulties and tribulations. The Soka Gakkai’s emphasis on study has achieved just this in the real world.

(Daisaku Ikeda, The New Human Revolution, Volume 24, Chapter 2, ‘Vigilant Safeguarding 38’,SGI Newsletter No. 8208, 12 April 2011)

Do you have a favourite Gosho quote? Is there a particular phrase that you use when times are difficult? How do you fit study into your daily life? Would love to swap notes!

Daily Encouragement - The Poor Woman's Lamp

I’ve spent a lot of time this week creating gifts, preparing for meetings, and really making sure every detail is covered to ensure our meetings are as dynamic as possible and that each member is cared for and supported fully. I can't say that I'm not tired! But I know how great I will feel when our meeting goes without a hitch, there are no accidents, and we leave feeling invigorated and inspired.

Whilst reading the Gosho Reply to Onichi-nyo, Nichiren Daishonin explains how sincere offerings expand our own life to its fullest. It could be our time, giving someone a lift to a meeting, a friendly text – anything that we offer for the advance of kosen-rufu is sure to bring benefits. Done without begrudging our lives, this spirit builds upon our bonds of friendship and elevates our lifestate into that of Buddhahood. How wonderful!  And how very much Soka Spirit!

The parable of the Poor Woman’s Lamp http://www.sgi.org/sgi-president/writings-by-sgi-president-ikeda/the-poor-womans-lamp.html

Daily Gosho - Winter Always Turns To Spring

The Gosho extract that keeps us moving forward. The one that assures us that we will have a victory, no matter how "murky our pond" is currently.

The one we can keep in our hearts, with absolute conviction, that we will transform poison into medicine, transform our karma into mission and prove the power of the practice to ourselves and others.

 The one we can use to rally forth our ichinen (sincere determination). And as President Ikeda writes "Daimoku is like light. As the Daishonin says 'A candle can light up a place that has been dark for billions of years'. Similarly, the moment we offer prayers based on daimoku, the darkness in our lives vanishes."

 "Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turns to spring."

(Winter Always Turns to Spring - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 536)  http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=535 

Selection source: New Human Revolution - "Atsuta" - 28, , July 18th, 2012

Background

This letter, written in the fifth month of the first year of Kenji (1275), is one of several that Nichiren Daishonin wrote to the lay nun Myoichi, who lived in Kamakura and was related to Nissho, one of the Daishonin’s six senior priest-disciples. Myoichi was an educated woman who had lost her husband and was struggling with the difficulties of raising her children alone. Nichiren Daishonin wrote to encourage her, explaining that believers of the Lotus Sutra are as if in the midst of winter, but that winter unfailingly turns to spring.

This letter reveals that the lay nun’s husband was a strong believer, since he continued to follow the Daishonin even when his estate was confiscated because of his faith. He died worrying about the Daishonin, who was then in exile, and about his wife, whose constitution was frail, and who would have to support their two children. But the Daishonin assures Myoichi that her husband has received the same benefits as sages such as the boy Snow Mountains and Bodhisattva Medicine King, and that he is protecting his bereaved family. One theory maintains that the lay nun is the same person as a believer named Myoichi-nyo who received the letter The Doctrine of Attaining Buddhahood in One’s Present Form.

Daily Gosho - Great Evil and Great Good

Rest assured. So long as we have faith, we can be certain of a victory. No matter what our problems are today, we are making the cause to change our future. The fact that we are facing challenges shows us that we are changing our fundamental darkness. Winter always turns to spring…

"Great events never have minor omens. When great evil occurs, great good follows." 

Selection source: Myoji no Gen, July 17th, 2012

http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=1119

Background

It is not certain whether this is the text of a short letter or a fragment of a longer piece. Neither its date nor its recipient is known. Judging from the content, it may have been sent to some of the Daishonin’s believers who were facing difficulties on account of their faith. With the assurance “When great evil occurs, great good follows,” the Daishonin encourages his disciples to regard the hostility they face as an omen of great good, that is, the eventual spreading of the correct teaching. He also urges them to rejoice like Mahakashyapa and Shariputra, who danced with joy in the Lotus Sutra when they heard the Buddha’s teaching of universal enlightenment, and realized that they, too, could become Buddhas.

Daily Practice - latest SGI-UK e-bulletin out now!

Some fantastic encouragement here for us all...

As Robert Samuels says - ‘Let’s have a wave of unique experiences in every district and advance in unity!'

http://www.sgi-uk.info/2012/07/18/latest-e-bulletin-jul12-issue-02/

Daily Practice - Our Greater Self

Seems to me, this is our daily challenge…to use our practice to summon forth our courage, compassion and wisdom in order to help others. This is the key to having a life of unshakeable happiness.

This weekend saw my Anger state appear…and pretty much stay there the whole weekend… My struggle was to stay compassionate towards someone whom I felt wasn't being that nice to me! Of course, our Buddhist practice shows us that the change must start from us. We must do our own human revolution first.  The situation is resolved now, through open and honest dialogue, but the last two days have reminded me that when my life state is lower than it should be, how quickly I revert to my lower natural world of Anger.

My daily practice is the key to developing my greater self, unconcerned by ego, insecurity and all those other karmic tendencies that stop me growing as a person and living the best life possible.

http://www.sgi.org/buddhism/buddhist-concepts/the-greater-self.html

Daily Gosho - The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood

This Gosho extract explains the concept of the mentor and disciple relationship.

As President Toda writes, ““The Lotus Sutra teaches that a mentor and his disciple will be reborn at the same time, lifetime after lifetime, thanks to the beneficial power of the Lotus Sutra, and they will spend time together in living its teaching. So, all I did was to put into action this time-honored principle of the Lotus Sutra. My teacher, Mr. Makiguchi, and I are not merely a mentor and his disciple in this lifetime alone. When I was a mentor, he was my disciple. When he was a mentor, I was his disciple. We were always together in the past, and we will be together too in the future.” (excerpt from the letter President Toda wrote to his wife’s father on March 23, Wakaki Hi no Shokan [Accounts of Youthful Days—Memoirs in Imprisonment])

How fortunate we SGI members are to have found the 'true teaching', and to be able to strive for kosen-rufu, alongside our mentor. Bodhisattvas of the Earth, who made a vow in the distant past, to be reborn together.

 "The sutra states, 'Those persons who had heard the Law dwelled here and there in various Buddha lands, constantly reborn in company with their teachers.'"

 (The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page ) Selection source: Kyo no Hosshin, Seikyo Shimbun, July 16th, 2012

http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=746

Background

This letter is addressed to Soya, a lay follower who lived in Soya Village in Shimosa Province. His full name and title were Soya Jiro Hyoe-no-jo Kyoshin, and he is thought to have been an officer of the high court of the Kamakura shogunate. He had converted to Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings around 1260 and became one of the leading believers in the area, together with Toki Jonin and Ota Jomyo.

In 1271, Soya became a lay priest and was given the Buddhist name Horen Nichirai by the Daishonin. Horen built two temples and lived at one of them until he died in 1291 at the age of sixtyeight.

In this letter, the Daishonin first quotes the “Expedient Means” chapter of the Lotus Sutra and states, “The way to Buddhahood lies within the two elements of reality and wisdom.” Reality indicates the ultimate truth that the Law permeates all phenomena in the universe. Wisdom, on the other hand, means the ability to perceive and understand this truth. When this wisdom exists — when the “water of wisdom” fills the “riverbed of reality”— it is known as the fusion of reality and wisdom. This is enlightenment. In other words, one illuminates and manifests the Law in one’s own life.

The Daishonin stresses that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the Law that unites both reality and wisdom; it is the seed of Buddhahood for all people in the Latter Day. This Law is to be propagated by Bodhisattva Superior Practices at the beginning of the Latter Day. The Daishonin states that he is the first one to embark on this great mission, by which he is really indicating that he is the original teacher who will lead all people to enlightenment.

Next, he points out that any teacher or disciple who ignores those who commit slander of the Law will fall into hell. This amounts to a compassionate warning about the responsibility believers have to protect the Buddha’s teaching.

Daily Gosho - Reply to the Lay Nun Nichigon

Let's determine to have the clearest water…the strongest faith…based on our vow of mentor and disciple.

"(When water is clear, the moon is reflected. When the wind blows, the trees shake.) Our minds are like the water. Faith that is weak is like muddy water, while faith that is brave is like clear water."

(Reply to the Lay Nun Nichigon - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 1079) http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=1079

Selection source: SGI President Ikeda's guidance, Seikyo Shimbun, July 15th, 2012

Background

This letter was written at Minobu in the eleventh month of the third year of Koan (1280) in response to a petition from the lay nun Nichigon. She is thought to have been either a relative of the lay priest Takahashi, a central figure among the believers in Fuji District of Suruga Province, or the mother of Nichigen, a priest of Jisso- ji temple in the same province who converted to Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings.

Daily Encouragement - Josho State of Mind by the New York Zone Youth Division

No lengthy blog needed to accompany this clip. The New York Zone Youth Division perform Josho State of Mind (Empire State of Mind Remix). What a shining example of stand-alone spirit, mentor and disciple relationship and itai doshin. Banzai New York!


If you have just started to chant and you watch this video, you know you're not alone and you know there is lots of other members to help you. Louis, age 10, Young Eagle Division  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9FS6PaVx-s

Daily Gosho - On Prayer

"Never be discouraged!"

Hard though isn't it…when the victory hasn't taken place yet. When you've chanted and chanted and nothing seems to have changed… 

The important thing is keep on pushing, to keep on chanting. As Nichiren tells us, our prayers cannot go unanswered. The important thing is our faith in the certainty of our victory. It all depends on our unshakeable faith in the power of Nam-myoho-renge kyo. Let's win together!

"And yet, though one might point at the earth and miss it, though one might bind up the sky, though the tides might cease to ebb and flow and the sun rise in the west, it could never come about that the prayers of the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra would go unanswered."

(On Prayer - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 345) 
Selection source: Kyo no Hosshin, Seikyo Shimbun, July 14th, 2012 http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=336&m=0&q=

Background

Prayers based upon the Lotus Sutra will definitely be answered, writes Nichiren Daishonin. In contrast, he emphasizes, prayers based upon mistaken teachings not only will go unanswered, but will create suffering both for those who offer them and for those on whose behalf they do so.

This is the theme of On Prayer, written by Nichiren Daishonin in the ninth year of Bun’ei (1272), when he was in exile on Sado Island. The writing is thought to be a reply to questions raised by Sairen-bo, a disciple of the Daishonin and former priest of the Mountain [Jikaku] branch of the Tendai school, who at the time was also living in exile on Sado Island.

Sairen-bo and the Daishonin exchanged a number of letters concerning various important Buddhist doctrines. In this letter, the Daishonin distinguishes between the efficacy of prayer based on schools that prevailed in Japanese society of the day— including the Flower Garland, Dharma Characteristics, Precepts, True Word, and Tendai schools— and prayer based upon the Lotus Sutra. The authorities of the contemporary imperial court and shogunate relied to a great degree upon the teachings and prayers of the True Word, Tendai, Zen, and Nembutsu schools.

It was because the prayers offered by priests of the True Word and Tendai schools were ineffectual, the Daishonin declares, that the imperial forces were defeated in the Jokyu Disturbance— a struggle for power between the imperial court and the Kamakura shogunate in 1221. Placing their trust in these schools, the court had requested that prayers be offered for its protection and victory.

Ultimately, however, despite such prayers, not only were the imperial forces defeated in battle, but three retired emperors were exiled to distant islands. Thus, concludes the Daishonin, such prayers do not simply go unanswered; they actually bring about misfortune.

On the other hand, prayers based on the Lotus Sutra are true prayers, the Daishonin says. He then states the reasons: all Buddhas, bodhisattvas, people of the two vehicles (voice-hearers and cause-awakened ones), and human and heavenly beings present in the assembly of the Lotus Sutra feel a great sense of gratitude because they attained Buddhahood through the sutra. To repay these debts of gratitude, they will certainly protect those who uphold the Lotus Sutra.

The Daishonin mentions the dragon king’s daughter and the evil Devadatta in particular, noting that because their attainment of Buddhahood was considered an especially remarkable achievement their debt of gratitude is correspondingly great; thus, he assures Sairen-bo, they, too, will never fail to guard the practitioners of the Lotus Sutra.

The Daishonin also firmly refutes the statement made by Kobo, the founder of the True Word school in Japan, who claimed in his work The Treatise on the Ten Stages of the Mind that the Mahavairochana Sutra ranks first, the Flower Garland Sutra second, and the Lotus Sutra third. To support his contention that True Word doctrines are misleading, the Daishonin cites this statement made by the Buddha in the Lotus Sutra, “I have preached various sutras, and among those sutras the Lotus is the foremost!”

The letter’s heading, “Nichiren, the shramana of Japan,” expresses his conviction that he is truly a shramana, or seeker of the way, and that he is the votary of the Lotus Sutra. Shakyamuni achieved enlightenment as a seeker of the way in India. In this sense this designation can also be said to convey the Daishonin’s conviction that he is the true shramana of Japan, and that he is the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law.

In conclusion, the Daishonin urges Sairen-bo to offer prayers based upon the correct doctrines of the Lotus Sutra and to fulfill his true potential as a human being by aspiring to attain Buddhahood.

Daily Experience - Repaying My Debt of Gratitude

After reading this heartfelt and beautifully written experience http://www.sgi.org/about-us/members-stories/repaying-my-debt-of-gratitude.html it struck me how we can use the power of the practice to transform our karma into mission. So empowering to have the tool to change our suffering into victory....

Daily Gosho - The Three Kinds of Treasure

How mystic that this Gosho keeps appearing for me this week! I'll have to study it harder; there must be a reason for it.

This extract reminds me how fortunate I was to be born as a human, and to meet the practice. I started practicing in 1995 at the age of 21. I'd been searching for something (anything!), and I had the great good fortune to be introduced to Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism by a compassionate colleague who obviously could see I was suffering. It felt like coming home…

"It is rare to be born a human being. The number of those endowed with human life is as small as the amount of earth one can place on a fingernail. Life as a human being is hard to sustain - as hard as it is for the dew to remain on the grass. But it is better to live a single day with honor than to live to 120 and die in disgrace."

(The Three Kinds of Treasure - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 851) http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=848
Selection source: Kyo no Hosshin, Seikyo Shimbun, July 14th, 2012

Background

This letter was written at Minobu in the ninth month of 1277 and addressed to Shijo Nakatsukasa Saburo Saemon-no-jo Yorimoto, commonly known as Shijo Kingo, in Kamakura. Sometime around 1274, Shijo Kingo had begun making efforts to convert his lord, who was named Ema, to the Daishonin’s teachings. Lord Ema, however, did not respond positively. Instead, he reduced the size of Kingo’s landholdings and threatened to send him to the remote province of Echigo. Kingo’s colleagues spread scurrilous reports about him, and Kingo was accused of fomenting trouble at a debate in the sixth month of , during which the Tendai priest Ryuzo-bo was bested by the Daishonin’s disciple Sammi-bo.

Nichiren Daishonin cautions Shijo Kingo and instructs him on the best course of behavior in his trying circumstances. Later that year Lord Ema fell ill, and Kingo, applying his medical skills, helped cure him. The lord was most grateful and in 1278 restored, and later even increased, Kingo’s landholdings.

At the outset of this letter, the Daishonin tells Kingo that he should remember his debt of gratitude to his lord, and stresses the Buddhist teaching that fundamental changes within oneself inevitably result in changes in the environment. He mentions that when he was about to be executed at Tatsunokuchi Kingo vowed to die by his side. Now Kingo is undergoing a severe ordeal and the Daishonin is exerting all his powers to protect him. The Daishonin says that, since Kingo was fortunate enough to have been born human and encountered the true teaching, he should accumulate “the treasures of the heart” and win the respect of others. Finally, through historical references to Emperor Sushun and others, the Daishonin teaches Kingo that as a Buddhist he should conduct his daily life admirably and be considerate of others.

Daily Experience - Changing the Times

Very inspiring experience from a Young Women's member in Iceland here at http://www.sgi.org/about-us/members-stories/top-20/changing-the-times.html

For the second time this week, I'm thinking of the Gosho Three Kind of Treasures and the paragraph "More valuable than treasures in a storehouse are the treasures of the body, and the treasures of the heart are the most valuable of all. From the time you read this letter on, strive to accumulate the treasures of the heart!"

As this lady said, it is through deepening our faith, and strengthening our practice for oneselves and others that we can achieve "true peace and security", no matter what the situation.

Daily Encouragement - Humanitarian Activities

Another example here of SGI's proactive action towards the safety and protection of the land. I'm reminded of the Gosho The Three Kinds of Treasures, where Nichiren Daishonin writes that it is our behavior as human beings that discerns us.

The heart of the Buddha’s lifetime of teachings is the Lotus Sutra, and the heart of the practice of the Lotus Sutra is found in the “Never Disparaging” chapter. What does Bodhisattva Never Disparaging’s profound respect for people signify? The purpose of the appearance in this world of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, lies in his behavior as a human being.

The wise may be called human, but the thoughtless are no more than animals.

Respectfully.

Nichiren

Soka Gakkai Student Members in Tohoku hold symposium on Recovery from March 11, 2011, Disaster http://www.sgi.org/news/h-relief/relief2012/soka-gakkai-student-members-tohoku-symposium.html

Daily Gosho - Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man

How reassuring and comforting is the level of absolute conviction that Nichiren Daishonin writes with… He is reminding us that we cannot fail. Winter always turns to Spring…

"If only you chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, then what offence could fail to be eradicated? What blessing could fail to come?  This is the truth, and it is of great profundity. You should believe and accept it."

(Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man -The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 130) http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=99

Background

This treatise is generally thought to have been written in the second year of Bun’ei (1265). Its recipient is unknown. However, toward the end of the work, the unenlightened man refers to himself as “a man who carries a bow and arrows and devotes himself to the profession of arms,” so it has been suggested that Nichiren Daishonin may have written it for someone of the samurai class.

The treatise consists of two parts and is written chiefly in question-and- answer form. The “sage” in the title indicates the votary of the Lotus Sutra, or Nichiren Daishonin himself, while the “unenlightened man” represents all ordinary people of the Latter Day of the Law. In the first part, the unenlightened man, who has realized life’s impermanence and is seeking the truth, is visited in succession by a priest of the Precepts school, a lay believer of the Pure Land school, a practitioner of the True Word school, and a priest of the Zen school. Through their conversations, the Daishonin outlines the basic tenets of these four major Buddhist schools of his day.

The Precepts priest, who is the first visitor, asserts that the teachings concerning the precepts are the most important of the eighty thousand sacred teachings of Buddhism. He holds up Ryokan, the chief priest of Gokuraku- ji temple, as an example and exhorts the unenlightened man to observe the five precepts and the two hundred and fifty precepts and devote himself to charitable works as Ryokan does.

The next visitor, a Pure Land believer, praises the Nembutsu teachings, which enable one to be reborn in Amida Buddha’s Pure Land and thereby gain emancipation from the sufferings of birth and death. He singles out the eighteenth of Amida Buddha’s forty-eight vows as the sole source of salvation for ordinary people in the Latter Day and asserts that even persons guilty of the ten evil acts and the five cardinal sins can attain rebirth in the Pure Land by calling on this Buddha’s name.

The True Word practitioner, who visits next, says that even the most profound doctrines of the exoteric teachings are no more than an introduction to the esoteric teachings. The exoteric teachings, he says, were expounded by Shakyamuni, the Buddha of the manifested body, in accordance with his disciples’ capacities, while the esoteric teachings were preached by Mahavairochana, the Buddha of the Dharma body, out of his spontaneous joy in the Law. He accordingly urges the unenlightened man to discard the exoteric teachings and take faith in the more profound esoteric teachings.

The last to come calling is a mendicant Zen priest. He likens the sutras to a finger pointing at the moon and denounces the doctrines contained in them as so much nonsense, exhorting the unenlightened man to sit in meditation to perceive the true nature of his mind in accordance with the “wordless teaching” of Zen.

Troubled by the contradictions in what he has heard, and determined to discover which teaching is correct, the unenlightened man then sets out on a journey in search of a teacher who can clarify matters for him. After visiting various temples one after another, he finally encounters a sage who embraces the Lotus Sutra. The title Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man refers to the subsequent dialogue that unfolds between them. The unenlightened man confesses that, although he has learned the teachings of the Precepts, Nembutsu, True Word, and Zen schools, he cannot determine whether or not those teachings are true. In reply, the sage declares that the doctrines of all four schools are the cause for rebirth in the evil paths, because they are based on provisional teachings, while only the true teaching, the Lotus Sutra, enables all people without exception to attain Buddhahood.

This comparison of the true and provisional teachings forms the focus of this treatise. The sage refutes the doctrines of those schools that are based on the provisional teachings and cites sutra passages to demonstrate that the supremacy of the Lotus Sutra was set forth by Shakyamuni Buddha himself. His rebuttal of the Nembutsu and True Word doctrines concludes part one of this treatise. Part two begins with his refutation of Zen.

By this time, the unenlightened man has become convinced of the truth of the Lotus Sutra. But he hesitates to embrace it out of considerations of loyalty and filial piety; he points out that everyone from the ruler on down to the common people has faith in other schools, and his own parents and ancestors embraced the Pure Land teachings. The sage replies that one can best repay one’s debts of gratitude to one’s parents and sovereign by embracing the correct Buddhist teaching and thus leading them to salvation. Next, one should evaluate the Buddhist teachings on their own merits and not according to the number of their adherents. The sage also explains that there are two ways of Buddhist practice—shoju and shakubuku—depending upon the time. The present period, when distorted teachings flourish, is the time for shakubuku, he says.

The unenlightened man now having resolved to embrace the Lotus Sutra, the sage reveals to him that the essence of the sutra lies in the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo that form its title. Myoho-renge-kyo, he explains, is the Buddha nature inherent in all beings. When one chants Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the Buddha nature inherent in all things will be summoned forth, and one’s own Buddha nature will simultaneously emerge. Even without profound understanding of the Buddhist teachings, one can by this practice attain Buddhahood in one’s present form. The sage concludes by exhorting the unenlightened man to maintain faith throughout life, without wavering in his resolve.

Interview with Rev. James Lawson, leading non-violence theorist in the Civil Rights Movement

Just finished reading an interview with Rev. James Lawson via SGI Quarterly http://www.sgiquarterly.org/feature2012Jly-3.html 
This man's courage and bravery really stood out for me. He had a mission to accomplish, and with that focus, the emotion of fear just disappeared. Very reminiscent of the early volumes of the Human Revolution where Shin'ichi Yamamoto describes his determination for kosen-rufu, working alongside his mentor, Sensei Toda. No matter how fierce the battle, how large the struggle and personal sacrifices, he kept on going...no matter what.

Daily Gosho - On Persecutions Befalling the Sage

I'm honest to admit to you, Reader, that throughout my practice, there was a time when I did slacken, and boy, the devils took advantage!

I will share the full experience on here once I've polished it up a bit but in a nutshell, I suffered from very severe post-natal psychotic depression for a couple of years after I had my son.  My super-strong practice instantly suffered.  The one thing I should have done was to chant - it was the one thing I couldn't do.  

Now I have recovered from that period of my life, I remind myself of this Gosho and determine to strengthen my three practices every day.  

Although extremely harrowing, my 'hell state' and suffering pale in comparison when I read of the harassment suffered by the farmers of the Atsuhara Persecution. How admirable their spirit.  How strong their mentor-disciple relationship. How steadfast their faith, under such extreme circumstances. I vow to continue and strengthen, day by day…

"Strengthen your faith day by day and month after month. Should you slacken in your resolve even a bit, devils will take advantage."

(On Persecutions Befalling the Sage - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 997) 

http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=996&m=0&q=

Background

Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter at Minobu on the first day of the tenth month of the second year of Koan (1279) to his followers in general. It reviews some of the outstanding incidents in his life. But more importantly, it contains the sole allusion to his inscription of the object of devotion for all humanity as the purpose of his life, a task that he accomplished on the twelfth day of the same month.

Around 1275, propagation efforts in the Fuji area began to produce significant results under the leadership of Nikko Shonin. There were a number of converts among both priests and laity, but as the number of new believers increased, so did official pressures. In Atsuhara, a village in Fuji District of Suruga Province, believers were subjected to a series of threats and harassments known collectively as the Atsuhara Persecution. Twenty believers, all farmers, were arrested on the twenty first day of the ninth month, 1279, on false charges, and three of them were later beheaded. In spite of these persecutions, not one of the twenty farmers abandoned their faith.

Seeing that his followers were now ready to give their lives if necessary to protect the Law, the Daishonin realized that the time had come to fulfill the purpose of his life, as is described in the first paragraph: “For me it took twenty-seven years.” “It” here means the reason for his appearance in the world— that is, the inscription of the object of devotion for the sake of all humankind.

Next, details concerning the persecutions encountered by Shakyamuni Buddha and Nichiren Daishonin are presented. The important prophecies in the Lotus Sutra for the Latter Day of the Law are also outlined.

The types of ill effects suffered by slanderers are explained to show the impact of the strict law of cause and effect on individuals and on society. The Daishonin states that the miserable fate of several treacherous disciples, as well as the crisis facing Japan at the time, is retribution for hostility shown toward the votary of the Lotus Sutra.

At the same time the Daishonin tells his disciples that they must now “summon up the courage of a lion king.” Furthermore, he urges believers in the Atsuhara area to be prepared for the worst.

In the last section, the Daishonin cites the example of Sammi-bo, one of his earliest disciples, who was highly esteemed for his debating skill and great learning, but forsook his faith and died a tragic death during the Atsuhara Persecution.

Daily Experience - A sign of hope and the spirit of Ishinomaki

Just had to share this man's experience during the tsunami of 2011 and his courageous action to rebuild his home and his family's life. So inspiring... makes me wonder how deep my attachment to the 'treasures of the storehouse' really is, if I was faced with this level of destruction.

This man really dug deep amid the confusion and fear and as he said, took that 'one step forward'. I salute his victorious spirit with "Ganbaro! Ishinomaki" (Let's keep going, Ishinomaki!)

http://www.sgiquarterly.org/people2012Jly-2.html

Daily Gosho - The Supremacy of the Law

You know those times when you've chanted. And then chanted some more. And nothing's changed yet?  And you start getting a bit jittery? Maybe that's just me then :) My impatience screams out for that instant transformation of the issue. My greater self knows that my sincere prayer and determinations are changing the really deep stuff, that karmic baggage as it were. But even so, there are times when I just want that conspicuous benefit, right now!

That's when I need to read this Gosho and in particular the first line. "Strengthen your resolve more than ever". That's it. That's all I need to do. Maintain and strengthen my faith. Keep on pushing myself with the absolute conviction that I will have a victory. Might not be tomorrow, but just "as surely as an arrow aimed at the earth cannot miss the target", the victory will arrive. It all depends on my ichinen, my strength of faith and my actions. It all depends on me.

"Strengthen your resolve more than ever. Ice is made of water, but it is colder than water. Blue dye comes from indigo, but when something is repeatedly dyed in it, the colour is better than that of the indigo plant.  The Lotus Sutra remains the same, but if you repeatedly strengthen your resolve, your colour will be better than that of others, and you will receive more blessings than they do."

(The Supremacy of the Law - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 615)

Background

Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter at Minobu in the eighth month of the first year of Kenji (1275). It was addressed to Oto, the daughter of Nichimyo, an earnest believer living in Kamakura. This letter, though addressed to Oto, was obviously meant for her mother, whom the Daishonin had called the Sage Nichimyo in a letter dated the fifth month of 1272.

Virtually nothing is known about Nichimyo other than that she visited the Daishonin, with her daughter, while he was in exile on Sado Island. The journey to Sado was a dangerous one, and the Daishonin was greatly impressed by the strength of faith she demonstrated.

In this letter, the Daishonin says, “Ice is made of water, but it is colder than water. Blue dye comes from indigo, but when something is repeatedly dyed in it, the color is better than that of the indigo plant.” With this paraphrase of a passage in the well-known Chinese classic, Hsün Tzu, he encourages Nichimyo to strengthen her faith still more so she can gain even greater vitality and good fortune.

The title for this letter derives from a passage in The Annotations on the Nirvana Sutra that reads, “One’s body is insignificant while the Law is supreme. One should give one’s life in order to propagate the Law.” The Daishonin declares that however much people hate and persecute him, because the Law is supreme, it will spread without fail. Then, after his death, his remains, he adds, will be respected, as will those who have aided him.

Daily Gosho - On Repaying Debts of Gratitude

Reading this, I am reminded of my debt of gratitude. To Nichiren Daishonin, to Sensei Ikeda and to the person who introduced me to this practice. It is our responsibility, privilege and deep honour to be able to propagate this philosophy.  'Our practice for oneselves and others' which brings forth abundant compassion will enable us to achieve kosen-rufu, for the benefit and happiness of the whole world.

This is the mission we chose in the distant past. It's now up to us!

"If Nichiren's compassion is truly great and encompassing, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo will spread for ten thousand years and more, for all eternity."
(On Repaying Debts of Gratitude - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 736)

Daily Encouragement - Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion

The word 'courage' keeps coming up for me this week. Probably because I know I need to be more courageous than ever, and change my suffering into mission. And I'm doing it, I really am. Based on the strategy of the Lotus Sutra, I've left my fear at the front door, and have determined to have a daily victory, no matter what.
President Ikeda gives us wonderful guidance on how being courageous can enable us to fulfil our unique missions in life and reach our full potential.  His inspirational words can be read at http://www.sgiquarterly.org/feature2012Jly-5.html 
Let's engrave these words into our hearts, and continue to bravely advance, one step at a time...

Daily Study - The Ten Worlds

The prime concern of Buddhism is our life-state, the joy or suffering we experience at each moment. This is always seen as an interaction between external conditions and inner tendencies; the same conditions that will be experienced by one person as unremitting misery may be a source of exhilarating challenge and satisfaction to another. Strengthening our inner state so that we are able to resist and even transform the most difficult and negative conditions is the purpose of Buddhist practice.

To find out how, take a look at http://www.sgi.org/buddhism/buddhist-concepts/ten-worlds.html and discover the key to creating a life of indestructible happiness...

Daily Gosho - Reply to Kyo'o

Let's bravely achieve our own unique missions, with the knowledge that through sincere faith and belief in the Gohonzon, we will enjoy ‘protection from without’ once our Buddha nature is manifested. How reassuring… the most important thing is faith.

"Wherever your daughter may frolic or play, no harm will come to her; she will move about without fear like the lion king."

(Reply to Kyo'o - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 412) Selection source: Kyo no Hosshin, Seikyo Shimbun, July 7th, 2012

Background

This brief letter was written in the eighth month of the tenth year of Bun’ei (1273) and was addressed to Kyo’o, Shijo Kingo’s infant daughter. Since Kyo’o was then only one year old, however, it may be assumed that the letter was meant for Shijo Kingo and his wife, Nichigen-nyo. They had two children, Kyo’o (Sutra King) and another daughter, Tsukimaro (Full Moon), who was a year older. Both were apparently named by Nichiren Daishonin.

This letter was written in response to news that Kyo’o had become seriously ill. At this time the Daishonin was living in exile on Sado Island.

The Daishonin explains the significance of the Gohonzon, the object of devotion. At the Tatsunokuchi Persecution in 1271, the Daishonin revealed his identity as the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law. Only after this did he begin to inscribe the Gohonzon and bestow it on his followers, particularly those who had staunch faith in his teachings.

In this letter, the Daishonin says that the boundless benefits of the Gohonzon will surely cure Kyo’o’s sickness and urges Kingo and his wife to believe firmly in the Gohonzon.

Daily Practice - Creating brilliant lives of happiness that shine

Just arrived home from our Womens Division Summer Course. And have to blog about it right away. WOW, WOW, WOW. 

This year, I could only attend one day but I am so glad I made the determination to get there, even for a short time.  Our theme for the course was 'Creating brilliant lives of happiness that shine.' and we studied 'The Light of Happiness' from The New Human Revolution, vol 25.

So much still to digest but I wanted to share a few things that struck an immediate chord with me. 

Our beautiful bonds of friendship which transcend society's usual boundaries such as race, age, class.

Our care for fellow members, supporting their individual needs and our determination that each member would have a victory before, during and after the course.

Our encouragement for members who take on responsibilities and really challenge their lives through activities such as a course.

Our leaders' sincere wish for us all to strengthen our faith, practice and study and most of all, lead lives of indestructible happiness.

Our HQ leaders' guidance included these gems which I will engrave into my heart over the next few days:

Each time I slander myself, I should stop and think 'But I am a BUDDHA' and not let those lesser-self thoughts undermine that undeniable fact.

Determine to make the impossible, possible - NO MATTER WHAT.

That I should really chant to see what it is in my life that makes me suffer.

Chant, chant, chant until the situation has been transformed.

Realise my own unique mission.

Take responsibility for my life, and not be pulled around by my environment.

Repay my debt of gratitude to the person who introduced me to the practice, by establishing the happiest life for myself.

Practice for others, knowing that one word could touch someone else's heart.

This guidance is not new to me, but it's like I make a fresh new determination whenever I attend a course of this nature.

Today, I redetermine to lead a brilliant life of happiness that shines....

Daily Encouragement - the courage of a lion king

So I woke up this morning, to a problem that I never knew I had last night. A biggie. And it's WIN or LOSE time. I've have worked so hard on this one particular issue that I refuse to be defeated now.

But... I feel physically sick, my stomach is in knots, and my lesser self is shouting in my ear. So what to do. There is only ONE thing I can do. Chant, and then chant some more. Chant fighting daimoku with the courage of a lion king, as so wonderfully described in the Gosho Reply to Kyo'o . I determine to wield the mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra.

There is no point my lesser self analysing the situation, 'thinking' of a way out, planning a strategy in my mind. The only strategy that I can use is that of the Lotus Sutra (see Strategy of the Lotus Sutra). That's when I know I'll be accessing my Buddhahood lifestate. When my wisdom, courage and compassion will shine through and appear in every thought, word, and action of mine.

I will chant with the absolute faith and conviction that this situation will be transformed and that I can prove the power of this practice once more to others.

I leave you with President Ikeda's wonderful encouragement on 'Victory'.

Let's WIN together!

Whatever problems you may have, ultimately you chose to have them in this lifetime.  In other words, you have your present problems so you can prove the power of Myoho.  If you truly understand this point in the depths of your life, you will have no reason to fear problems.  All you have to do is courageously overcome each one with the power of faith.  Remember that no obstacle or worry is impossible to overcome with the power of faith.  - SGI President Ikeda

Daily Gosho - The Properties of Rice

As pioneer members, we take on the responsibility to propagate the Mystic Law in our own area, with Nichiren Daishonin's full blessing and encouragement. How empowering!
"I entrust you with the propagation of Buddhism in your province. It is stated that 'the seeds of Buddhahood sprout as a result of conditions, and for this reason they preach the single vehicle.'"
(The Properties of Rice - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1117)
Selection source: Kyo no Hosshin, Seikyo Shimbun, July 6th, 2012


Background

Only a fragment of this letter remains, and its recipient and the date of its writing are not known. It was once thought to represent the concluding portion of The True Aspect of All Phenomena, written on Sado Island in the fifth month of 1273, but in view of its style and content it is now considered to be a fragment of a letter written after Nichiren Daishonin moved to Mount Minobu. Likewise, it is thought that it may have been sent to the lay priest Takahashi Rokuro Hyoe, who

lived at Kajima in Fuji District of Suruga Province. Takahashi’s wife was Nikko Shonin’s aunt, and Takahashi and his family appear to have actively supported the propagation movement in the Fuji area.

It is worthy of note that, in closing, the Daishonin entrusts the letter’s recipient with the responsibility for propagation in his province, suggesting that the recipient had strong faith and was a leading figure among the believers in that area.

Daily Study - Examinations... do we really need them?

Some may say 'not'. Some may say 'why not'. In my experience, I've come to realise what wonderful benefits appear when I devote my time and energy to study.  Out of the three practices, I've always found study to be the one I've struggled with, and I admit that I've put it to the bottom of the to-do list at times!
But after taking on the responsibility of hosting 'Basics of Buddhism' meetings, I determined to study more so that I could encourage and support other members, especially guests and Naitoku. And if I was going to support, I actually needed to know the material inside out. I would not have felt like I was truly caring for the members without that deep knowledge and confidence to relay it in a meeting.
Sensei Ikeda gives us the guidance that we should live the Gosho through our daily lives. I often find myself rushing to my 'Writings of Nichiren Daishonin' to read that one particular quote which is going to get me through whatever-the-challenge. I have so many personal favourites. There is always one that I think - yep, that's it...that's the attitude I need to take. That's the spirit in which I need to practice with. 
With study comes a deepening of faith. And our deepening faith inspires us to practice even harder. I see it as a circle, where I can do my human revolution at each stage.
Anyone else planning on doing the exams this year? Would love to hear how you fit study into your daily life!
And for more inspiration: http://www.sgi.org/news/events/events2012/ssa-members-take-buddhist-elementary-level-study-exam.html