Daily Gosho - The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life

Let's redetermine our vow to work alongside our mentor for kosen-rufu. We chose our mission in the distant past; now is the time to stand up in our respective communities and countries. Watch us, Sensei!

"It must be ties of karma from the distant past that have destined you to become my disciple at a time like this. Shakyamuni and Many Treasures certainly realized this truth. The sutra's statement, "Those persons who had heard the Law dwelled here and there in various Buddha lands, constantly reborn in company with their teachers," cannot be false in any way."

(The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Volume 1, page 217) http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=216 Selection source: Kyo no Hosshin, Seikyo Shimbun, July 30th, 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 Practice - Chanting for safety during the Paralympics

Daily Guidance for daimoku for the safety of all during the Paralympics ELA'12 - Friday 31 August - tozo hosted by Hackney North district


Irrespective of the times, the way to transform the chaos and confusion of human society on a fundamental level lies in individuals cultivating their wisdom and strength so that they can create lives of happiness and victory for themselves. The spiritual revitalization of the people is the key to achieving this, and in the thought and life of Nichiren Daishonin, we find a hope-filled philosophy and path of action that make this possible. President Ikeda, Newsletter 8294

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Paralympics

Daily Guidance for daimoku for the safety of all during the Paralympics ELA'12 - Thursday 30 August

You must quickly reform the tenets that you hold in your heart and embrace the one true vehicle, the single good doctrine (of the lotus Sutra). If you do so, then the threefold world will become the Buddha land, and how could a Buddha land ever decline? The regions in the ten directions will all become treasure realms, and how could a treasure realm ever suffer harm?  If you live in a country that knows no decline or diminution, in a land that suffers no harm or disruption, then your body will find peace and security, and your mind will be calm and untroubled. 

On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=6&m=0&q= WND-1 25

Daily Gosho - The Four Virtues and the Four Debts of Gratitude

Remembering our debt of gratitude to our parents, who gave existence to us in this lifetime, so that we could practice Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.

"One never in any way disobeys a parent; is always mindful of providing a parent with all manner of good things, and if this happens to be impossible, in the course of a day one at least smiles twice or thrice in their direction."

(The Four Virtues and the Four Debts of Gratitude - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Volume 2, page 636) http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=41 Selection source: Teachings of Buddhism, Seikyo Shimbun, July 15th, 2012


Background
Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter while he was in exile in Ito on the Izu Peninsula. It was addressed to Kudo Sakon-no-jo Yoshitaka, known also as Kudo Yoshitaka, the lord of Amatsu in Awa Province.
Kudo Yoshitaka is said to have converted to Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings around 1256, about the same time Shijo Kingo and Ikegami Munenaka did, a few years after the Daishonin first proclaimed his teachings. While the Daishonin was in exile on Izu, Yoshitaka sent offerings to him and continued to maintain pure faith. He was killed defending the Daishonin at the time of the Komatsubara Persecution in the eleventh month of 1264. The Four Debts of Gratitude is the only letter still extant that the Daishonin addressed to him.
In this letter, in light of the reason for his banishment, Nichiren Daishonin expresses his conviction that he is a true practitioner of the Lotus Sutra. He mentions the “two important matters” that concern his Izu Exile. He states, “One is that I feel immense joy,” and explains the reasons for his joy. The greater part of the letter consists of this explanation. Following this, he states, “The second of the two important matters is that I feel intense grief.” Citing passages from the Lotus and Great Collection sutras that reveal the gravity of the offense of slandering the Law and its devotees, the Daishonin explains that he grieves at the thought of the great karmic retribution his tormentors must undergo. This is the concluding part of the letter.
In the body of the letter, the Daishonin gives two reasons for his “immense joy.” One is that he has been able to prove himself to be the votary of the Lotus Sutra by fulfilling the Buddha’s prediction made in the sutra that its votary in the Latter Day of the Law will meet with persecution. The other reason is that, by suffering banishment for the sutra’s sake, he can repay the four debts of gratitude. He declares that the ruler who condemned him to exile is the very person to whom he is the most grateful; thanks to the ruler, he has been able to fulfill the words of the Lotus Sutra and so prove himself to be its true votary.
Then, the Daishonin stresses the importance of repaying the four debts of gratitude set forth in the Contemplation on the Mind-Ground Sutra.The four debts of gratitude are the debts owed to all living beings, to one’s father and mother, to one’s sovereign, and to the three treasures—the Buddha, the Law, and the Buddhist Order.
Among these four debts of gratitude, the Daishonin places special emphasis on the debt owed to the three treasures, without which one could not attain Buddhahood.

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Paralympics

Daily guidance for daimoku for the safety of all during the Paralympics ELA'12  - Wednesday 29 August

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 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. Live so that all the people of Kamakura will say in your praise that Nakatsukasa Saburo Saemon-no-jo is diligent in the service of his lord, in the service of Buddhism, and in his concern for other people. 

The Three Kinds of Treasure  WND-1 p851 http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=848&m=0&q=

Daily Experience - Beginning It

Proving we can achieve anything that we set our mind to, so long as we have courage, Howard Hill describes his life at 50 and the challenges he overcame at http://www.sgiquarterly.org/feature2012Jly-8.html Enjoy!

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Paralympics

Daily guidance for daimoku for the safety of all during the Paralympics ELA'12  - Tuesday 28 August

Spare no effort in offering up prayers with firm faith. It is not that my resolve (to save you) is weak. Rather, it depends on the strength of each person’s faith. The Story of Ohashi no Taro  WND-1 p678 http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=675&m=0&q=

Daily Gosho - The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra

Yesterday was a day and a half. A wonderful Gohonzon enshrining ceremony and an impromptu discussion meeting in the car on the way back. Two hours later, I found myself in a situation which fundamentally needs to change. There is no other option; I need to transform this with the power of daimoku. And the results will depend on my strong faith and my deep desire to change poison into medicine. It all starts with us. And with our deep conviction, we will be able to transform anything...

"It is the heart that is important. No matter how earnestly Nichiren prays for you, if you lack faith, it will be like trying to set fire to wet tinder. Spur yourself to muster the power of faith."

(The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1000) http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=1000 Selection source: Kyo no Hosshin, Seikyo Shimbun, July 28th, 2012

Background

In the tenth month of the second year of Koan (1279), this letter was written in reply to a letter to Nichiren Daishonin from Shijo Kingo, informing him that Kingo had been ambushed by enemies among his fellow samurai, but had managed to escape unharmed.
The Daishonin teaches Kingo that faith must always come first, before any other tactic or strategy, and that faith in the Mystic Law is the ultimate factor that determines victory or defeat.

Daily Gosho - The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra

What's that saying in business? Fail to prepare, prepare to fail... Reminded of this when I read this Gosho quote. Nichiren Daishonin is reminding us of the need to prepare correctly with our sincere prayer, and concrete determination to achieve our goals. 

Sensei Ikeda gives us the guidance to form a blueprint in our mind of how we want our life to be, our biggest vision, our fullest potential. To make the determination based on our sincere daimoku, then take the correct action using our wisdom, courage and compassion - our Buddha nature. Let's continue crossing those moats...

"If a person cannot manage to cross a moat ten feet wide, how can he cross one that is a hundred or two hundred feet?'"

(The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 766)  http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=763  Selection source: Kyo no Hosshin, Seikyo Shimbun, July 27th, 2012

Background

This work is an autobiographical account covering the events of an important period in Nichiren Daishonin’s life - from the time shortly before the Tatsunokuchi Persecution through his two-and-a-half-year exile on Sado Island to his eventual retirement to Mount Minobu. In the course of his struggles over this period of nine years, the Daishonin fulfilled the predictions in the Lotus Sutra concerning its votary and established himself in both word and deed as the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law.

This letter was written in the second year of Kenji (1276) and addressed to the lay nun Konichi, a widow who lived in Awa, the Daishonin’s native province. Her son had earlier converted to the Daishonin’s teachings, and through him she herself became a convert. Some time after her conversion, her son died. But she overcame her deep sorrow and remained a sincere believer in the Daishonin’s Buddhism to the end of her life.

The chronicle of events begins in when the Mongol empire sent a delegate to Japan to demand that the nation acknowledge fealty to the Mongols. The predictions of foreign invasion made in On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land had started to come true. The Daishonin once more remonstrated with the Kamakura authorities and religious leaders, but they ignored his repeated warnings and instead struck out against him and his followers. At this point the Daishonin urges his disciples never to yield to persecution but to devote their whole lives to propagating the Mystic Law.

His undaunted struggle incurred further wrath from the regime and from the other religious schools and finally led to the Tatsunokuchi Persecution. Later in his work The Opening of the Eyes, the Daishonin points to that attempt on his life as the immediate cause for him to reveal himself as the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law. In the passage that follows, the Daishonin speaks of his life on Sado. He expresses joy in the knowledge that he was the only one who fulfilled the prophecy in the Lotus Sutra concerning the votary who is exiled more than once.

After he returned to Kamakura in 1274, he remonstrated with the regime for yet a third time. When the government again spurned his counsel, he left Kamakura to live in the recesses of Mount Minobu, where this letter was written. Just five months later, the Mongol forces attacked Japan. The cause for this, he states, was the nation’s slander of the Lotus Sutra. In conclusion, the Daishonin expresses appreciation to the lay nun Konichi for having sent a letter to him at his lonely retreat on Mount Minobu.

Daily Gosho - The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life

Oh how timely! I've been talking a lot today about unity. Unity in my home, in my district and in our beloved organisation. There is nothing we cannot achieve if we are united as one, based on the oneness of mentor and disciple.

Let's strive to reach out to the members in our district and cherish each person from the bottom of our hearts. Valuing their unique qualities and contribution to kosen-rufu, we can support each other and build up the most solid foundation in our lives, community and district. Sowing the seeds for happiness in our own lives and growth of our organisation.

Give a member a call, send that text, organise a home visit - there are so many ways to deepen our bonds of friendship and become, as Nichiren wrote, "as inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim." We are many in body but most definitely one in mind. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

"All disciples and lay supporters of Nichiren should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with the spirit of many in body but one in mind, transcending all differences among themselves to become as inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim. This spiritual bond is the basis for the universal transmission of the ultimate Law of life and death."

(The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 217) http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=216 Selection source: Daibyakurenge, Gosho for July, 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 or der 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.”

Celebrating Men's Division Day!

The chinese character "Men" of Men Division (MD) literally means "men in the prime of life". It is important therefore that the Men's Division members, while on the one hand being self-possessed and level-headed, continue on the other to demonstrate courage, energy, and action as people who burn with a passionate commitment to kosen-rufu. If the Men's Division develop remarkably and establish a solid framework for kosen-rufu, our organization will remain secure forever. President Ikeda

Wishing our wonderful Men's Division a victorious day!

Daily Gosho - Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu

Let's recognise and celebrate our own unique qualities... Each of us, with the inherent capacity to manifest our Buddha nature, can contribute to the wellbeing of society in our own personal way, without having to become like someone else. We are unique, we are incomparable, we are BUDDHAS!

"When one comes to realise and see that each thing - the cherry, the plum, the peach, the damson - in its own entity, without undergoing any change, possesses the eternally endowed three bodies, then this is what is meant by the word ryo, 'to include' or 'all-inclusive'."

(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 784, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 200) Selection source: Kyo no Hosshin, July 25th, 2012

Daily Gosho - Letter to Gijo-bo

Shu ken ga metsu-do. Ko-kuyo shari. Gen kai e renbo. Ni sho katsu-go shin. Shujo ki-shin-buku. Shichi-jiki i nyunan. Isshin yok ken butsu. Fu ji shaku shinmyo. Ji ga gyu shuso. Ku shutsu ryojusen.  

Sound familiar? We recite these lines twice day during Gongyo, as part of Chapter 16, the Life Span of the Thus Come one. It translates as:

"When living beings have become truly faithful, honest and upright, gentle in intent, single-mindedly desiring to see the Buddha, not hesitating even if it costs them their lives, then I and the assembly of monks appear together on Holy Eagle Peak."

Nichiren Daishonin is urging us within this Gosho, to practice 'single-mindedly'. To summon forth our Buddha nature and use our courage, compassion and wisdom to fulfill our greatest potential. To create a life of indestructible happiness, a life in rhythm with the Mystic Law, based on our unshakable faith.

Let's each determine to practice single-mindedly...without hesitation or begrudging our lives, in the same spirit as Nichiren Daishonin did and as our Soka family do each and every day. Let's remember the struggles our three presidents have undertaken for kosen-rufu, and strive to live a life of absolute victory - with nam-myoho-renge-kyo at the centre of our lives.

"The verse section of the chapter states, '... single-mindedly desiring to see the Buddha, not hesitating even if it costs them their lives.' As a result of this passage, I have revealed the Buddhahood in my own life."

(Letter to Gijo-bo - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 389)
Selection source: Myoji no Gen, July 19th, 2012
http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=389 


Background
This letter was written at Ichinosawa on Sado Island in the fifth month, 1273, to Gijo-bo, who had been the Daishonin’s senior at Seicho-ji temple in Awa Province. Nearly a month earlier, Nichiren Daishonin had written The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind, in which he had explained both the object of devotion in terms of the Law and the correct practice for attaining enlightenment in the Latter Day. This letter briefly restates the profound contents of The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind.
Nichiren Daishonin says that, of all the chapters of the Lotus Sutra, the “Life Span” chapter is particularly important to him. He quotes a passage, “. . . single-mindedly desiring to see the Buddha . . . ,” and notes, “As a result of this passage, I have revealed the Buddhahood in my own life.” He declares that in his capacity as the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law he has realized and embodied Nam-myoho-renge-kyo of the Three Great Secret Laws, which is implied in the depths of the “Life Span” chapter.
This is one of the earliest references in his writings to the Three Great Secret Laws: the invocation (Nam-myoho-renge-kyo), the object of devotion (the Gohonzon), and the place of worship (the sanctuary).

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

Good morning everyone, here is this week's e-bulletin - featuring the Olympic Torch and an invite to the National Hiroshima Peace Day at Taplow Court on Sunday 9th September.

http://www.sgi-uk.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/sgi_e_bulletin_issue78.pdf

Hope everyone has a great week!

Daily Practice - 100 Day Campaign for a solid foundation in our lives

Our district in Romford has started a 100-day daimoku campaign, to create a solid foundation in ourselves, our family, our district, our relationships, our career, and kosen-rufu, following Fulwell District's shining example! We'll finish this campaign on the 18th of November - Soka Gakkai Founding Day. Would you like to take part with us? Here's how:

1. Decide what it is you want to change or transform
2. The amount of daimoku you will do per day towards this.  (1 hr. but no less than half hour)
3. Subscribe to Art of living and try to attend 70 % of meetings
4.  Contribute to the planning of the discussion meetings

Here's a wonderful daimoku chart to help you on your way to victory https://dl.dropbox.com/u/25421090/Daimoku%20Road.pdf Each square on the chart represents 15 minutes of chanting (1,000 daimoku). One hour's daimoku per day would equate to 400,000 daimoku over this 100-day period! 

You can chant either at home or with friends in the district. Why not call a friend and chant in your own homes, at the same time? This is called domei daimoku. Whichever way works for you, we really hope you can join us in this campaign. We've got an online calender so you can link your ichinen with global friends at http://www.doodle.com/7hga3753sm5gsqmv too.

Let's change karma into mission, and transform our obstacles into victories! Looking forward to hearing how you've won in November!

A Buddhist must not be defeated. I hope you will maintain an alert and winning spirit in your work and daily life taking courageous action and showing triumphant actual proof time and again.

President Ikeda, Faith into action

“You can’t build a tall building without first making its foundation solid and secure.”
Daisaku Ikeda

The important thing is to have the stand-alone spirit, the determination to overcome all difficulties within one’s current circumstances.  When one regards something as impossible the wall of difficulty appears higher and stronger and one loses the courage to observe reality as it is, eventually losing the ability to summon forth the power needed to confront it.  After making a half hearted effort and failing, one draws the cowardly conclusion that it was impossible, just as one has expected.

On the other hand, when one makes up one’s mind ‘to win without fail’, the imaginary wall of difficulty begins to crumble.  In one’s heart, the lion-like spirit awakens and one tackles one’s challenges head on, roaring out to them confidently, “Come on!”.

Thoughts on The New Human revolution’ Seikyo Shimbun October 6th 2003

Daily Gosho - The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon

Let's keep our practice, and the Gohonzon at the centre of our lives…steadfastly exerting ourselves in the three practices…strengthening our faith, day by day…

"Never seek this Gohonzon outside yourself. The Gohonzon exists only within the mortal flesh of us ordinary people who embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo."

(The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 832) http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=831&m=0&q=
Selection source: Kyo no Hosshin, July 23rd, 2012

Background
In this reply to Nichinyo, Nichiren Daishonin expresses his gratitude for her offerings to the Gohonzon and explains the significance of the object of devotion. The exact identity of Nichinyo is unclear. She is thought to have been either the wife of Ikegami Munenaka, the older of the Ikegami brothers, or a daughter of the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon, an earnest believer in Suruga Province. Judging from two letters the Daishonin sent her, she seems to have been a woman of good education and considerable affluence. Moreover, as the recipient of a Gohonzon, or object of devotion, she was evidently a sincere believer. This letter contains a description of the Gohonzon that details the figures represented therein and their significance. The Daishonin also underscores the importance of faith in the Gohonzon.
In the first half of the letter, the Daishonin points out the rarity and importance of the Gohonzon. He cites the Lotus Sutra and other works to show that the Gohonzon is the embodiment of “the true aspect of all phenomena” and “the three thousand realms in a single moment of life.”
In the second half, describing the great benefit of faith in the Gohonzon, the Daishonin declares, “Never seek this Gohonzon outside yourself,” adding that the Gohonzon is also found only in faith. Sharing two examples from secular tradition, the Daishonin reminds Nichinyo that faith is by far the most important element in manifesting “the Gohonzon” in one’s life. He concludes by stressing that chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with faith is the most complete form of Buddhist practice.

Daily Gosho - Concerning the Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha Fashioned by Nichigen-nyo

When we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, there is not a single part of our environment which cannot fail to be transformed…

"When a strong wind blows, the grass and trees can no longer remain still; when the earth shakes, the seas are atremble.  Thus, if one can move Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, can the grass and trees fail to respond, can the waters remain calm?"

(Concerning the Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha Fashioned by Nichigen-nyo - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 2, page 811) Selection source: SGI President Ikeda's guidance, Seikyo Shimbun, July 22nd, 2012

Background

This letter was written in the second month of 1279 at Mount Minobu to Nichigen-nyo, the wife of Shijo Kingo in Kamakura.

In this passage, the Daishonin used the analogies of one’s head and hair, strong wind, grass and trees to illustrate the fact that when one moves the root of something, everything else will move in accord.

In other words, the Daishonin taught us that when one prays to the Gohonzon with single-minded determination, one could certainly positively transform the harsh reality one is confronting.

In his discussion on “The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra”, SGI President Ikeda said the following with regards to one’s attitude when offering prayers, “The Gohonzon doesn’t respond to indulgent, abstract prayer. When we pray to the Gohonzon with our entire life, there is no way that a path forward will not be opened.”

Daily Gosho - On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land

There is no obstacle which we cannot overcome, with the power of our vibrant daimoku…

"A blue fly, if it clings to the tail of a thoroughbred horse, can travel ten thousand miles, and the green ivy that twines around the tall pine can grow to a thousand feet."

(On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 17) http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=6

Selection source: Kyo no Hosshin, Seikyo Shimbun, July 21st, 2012

Taiwan Soka Association's contribution to society

Another example of SGI's contribution to the wellbeing of society... The Taiwan Soka Association Women's Chorus was recently invited to perform at the Duanwu Festival held by the Taoyuan Women's Prison.

http://www.sgi.org/news/h-relief/relief2012/tsa-womens-chorus-perform-taoyuan-womens-prison.html

Let's engrave Sensei's guidance into our hearts and do the Buddha's work, in every muddy swamp we see… "Please go to the places where people are struggling the most, encourage and inspire others, and cause wonderful flowers of happiness to bloom. It is our responsibility as leaders of kosen-rufu to lighten people's hearts and brighten their spirits, to impart courage and hope to all." SGI Newsletter No. 8573, SGI President Ikeda's Encouragement

Daily Gosho - The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings

"If in a single moment of life we exhaust the pains and trials of millions of kalpas, then instant after instant there will arise in us the three Buddha bodies with which we are eternally endowed.  Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is just such a 'diligent' practice."

(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 790, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 214)Selection source: Kyo no Hosshin, Seikyo Shimbun, July 20th, 2012

Let's continue to practice in such a diligent manner, without regrets. President Ikeda encourages us in his Lecture on “the Opening of the Eyes” (NL 6594):

"No  matter  what  happens,  we  must  not  give  in  to  doubt,  we  must  not  be  discouraged.  Those  who possess such a robust spirit will not fear anything."

No matter what…this is the Soka Spirit…achieving victory after victory, no matter what the circumstance...

Daily Practice - Summer Courses

Hopefully everyone will have the chance to get to one of this year's Summer Courses.  My son Louis just came back from his first - a Young Eagles course, for boys aged 7 to 12 - and he would like to share his experience with you:

Louis Websdale, age 10, Romford District, Young Eagle

Champions of the Future, Champions of Peace!

I went on the Ropes Course on the second day of the course. I was chosen to go up first and show everyone how you do it. I was nervous because I'd never done anything like that before but I pushed myself and it paid off.  The best part of the whole course was the tarzan swing and chanting with everyone which was an amazing feeling! I came home and led Gongyo for the first time. My family were really proud of me after the course. 

If you are a Young Eagle reading this blog, then out of my heart, IT WAS AMAZING! Hope to see you next year!

Daily Practice - Discussion Meetings

Today is certainly an auspicious day!  65 years ago today, Daisaku Ikeda met the man who was to become his mentor in life,Josei Toda, when he attended his first discussion meeting. This experience led him to become a member of the Soka Gakkai ten days later, 24th August, which is now celebrated as Men's Division Day.

I had planning yesterday for our September discussion meeting. It was vibrant, collaborative and well-attended.  Our detailed planning will ensure a fantastic meeting next month, I'm sure. And today's anniversary has got me thinking more deeply about our tradition of discussion meetings or 'zadankai'.

I wonder how what percentage of members decided to start practicing after attending their first meeting...I know I did. I felt like I'd come home when I heard the group chanting. The discussion was lively, attended by people across all sections of society and I felt very welcome. I hope all 'first-timers' enjoy theirs as much I did. "I'll have some of that", I thought!

Studying why we host meetings, rather than lectures, I read the following quote from President Makiguchi: 

Once when he was asked whether it might be better to have formal lectures instead of a discussion format, President Makiguchi replied, "No, it wouldn't. Dialogue is the only way to communicate with another about life's problems. At a lecture, listeners inevitably feel uninvolved."

I think discussion meetings can be so inspiring when they are filled with heartfelt experiences, when you can see how much someone has transformed their situation, and won their personal battle. 

Sensei Ikeda talks more about our discussion meetings in "The SGI's Peace Movement from Buddhist Peacework"  I loved the line "The powerful Buddha nature that emerges from the combination of chanting daimoku and the mutual inspiration achieved by attending the discussion meeting enables each individual to generate value in the forms of beauty, benefit, and goodness." I know how great I always feel, leaving a discussion meeting, with renewed determination to practice alongside my mentor.

While preparing this blog post, I found this guidance which I would like to share. I am determined to invite two friends to our meetings this month so I am going to engrave this guidance into my heart...and then chant to be courageous and invite them along...

TO MY FRIENDS

Our SGI discussion meetings always abound with lively and cheerful conversations and vibrant hope starts shining in everyone’s heart. This friend and that friend; let’s help them all to form a connection to Buddhism by inviting them to our discussion meetings.

– Daisaku Ikeda, October 15 2010

Wishing everyone a fantastic discussion meeting this month!

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Olympics

Guidance for Monday 13th August Peace and security daimoku proposal ELA'12. Wishing all the athletes a safe return home, and a big thank you to all the volunteers and people who helped to organise such a fantastic and accident-free event! Well done!

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. WND-1 p345

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Olympics

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

When we revere Myoho-renge-kyo inherent in our own life as the object of devotion, the Buddha nature within us is summoned forth and manifested by our chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. This is what is meant by 'Buddha'. To illustrate, when a caged bird signs, birds who are flying in the sky are thereby summoned and gather around, and when the birds flying in the sky gather around, the bird in the cage strives to get out. When with our mouths we chant the Mystic Law, our Buddha nature, being summoned, will invariably emerge. The Buddha nature of Brahma and Shakra, being called, will protect us and the Buddha nature of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, being summoned, will rejoiced. WND-1 p887

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Olympics

Guidance for Saturday 11th August Peace and security daimoku proposal ELA'12:     

On Jan 23rd Tokyo Metropolitan area experienced its first substantial snowfall in some time. At 4.30 the next morning, when it was still dark and freezing, members of the Soka High School baseball team were out shoveling snow in the street in front of Higashiyamatoshi Station. No one told them to do so. Wishing to be of assistance to the local community they decided to do this on their own initiative. By 6.00am when commuters started to arrive at the station, they had cleared a path. And then the youth went to school as usual. When people in the community later learned about what the young men had done, they were impressed.
I am reminded of the words of the late Nobel Peace laureate Wangari Maathai; "It is very, very important for us to take action at the local level, because sometimes when we think of global problems, we get disempowered, but when we take action at the local level, we are empowered." NL8454

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Olympics

Guidance for Friday 10th August Peace and security daimoku proposal ELA'12:    

All disciples and lay supporters of Nichiren should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with the spirit of many in body but one in mind, transcending all differences among themselves to become as inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim. WND-1 p216 Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life

Daily Study - Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki

How do you like your eggs in the morning? Or rather, how do you like your Buddhist study material... My lovely Young Women's District leader has shared this wonderful podcast - ideal for those who like to listen while they learn.

http://abuddhistpodcast.com/2012/06/17/letter-to-the-lay-priest-nakaoki/

You can download the podcasts site at http://abuddhistpodcast.com/,  follow at Twitter, see the gosho at Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki and read the background below. Enjoy the study, in whichever format works for you!

Background

This letter was written at Minobu to the lay priest Nakaoki and his wife, believers who lived at Nakaoki on the island of Sado. Though the present work is traditionally titled Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki, it is addressed to Nakaoki’s wife. It would seem that Nichiren Daishonin wrote it for both of them when Nakaoki came to visit him at Minobu.

Nakaoki’s father, the lay priest Nakaoki no Jiro, had already passed away when this letter was written. Despite his own long-standing faith in the Nembutsu, he had apparently embraced the Daishonin’s teachings when they met during his exile and had protected him during his stay on the island. Later, one of his sons, the Nakaoki of this letter, also became the Daishonin’s follower, along with his wife. After the Daishonin was pardoned and went to live at Minobu, the young Nakaoki repeatedly made the journey from Sado to see him and bring him offerings.

In the beginning of this letter, the Daishonin describes how Buddhism was first introduced to Japan, and how erroneous teachings such as those of the Nembutsu and True Word have spread throughout the country. Because the Daishonin pointed out the errors of the various schools, he met with repeated persecutions, culminating in an abortive attempt to behead him at Tatsunokuchi and his subsequent exile to Sado Island. He continues, however, that he alone has made clear the underlying cause of recent disasters affecting the nation, urging people to abandon mistaken teachings and instead chant the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra. Therefore, he is “the most loyal subject in all of Japan.” Though the people may despise him and the authorities persecute him, because he embraces the Lotus Sutra, which all Buddhas cherish, he is certain to beprotected. In conclusion, the Daishonin praises the faith of the Nakaokis in supporting the votary of the Lotus Sutra, and assures them of great blessings in this life and the life to come.

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Olympics

Guidance for Thursday 9th August Peace and security daimoku proposal ELA'12:   

Unless we can perceive our fellow human beings and feel their sufferings as our own, we will never be free of conflict and war. In other words, a transformation within our own lives is important. Buddhism Day by Day June 2nd

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Olympics

Guidance for Wednesday 8th August Peace and security daimoku proposal ELA'12:  

Josei Toda often said: "The Gohonzon represents the strongest concentration of the universal life force. When we connect with the Gohonzon in our lives, our life force also gains that same strength." 
When we are actively striving for the kosen-rufu movement and for the sake of the happiness of others, we are filled with vibrant life force. NL8470

Daily Encouragement: SGI-USA - Future Division's Newscast

I think the future is assured, based on the efforts of these wonderful Future Division members of SGI-USA. Check out their inspiring newscast http://youtu.be/xTpuadP9FrA 

Roaring like lion cubs...fantastic to see...thank you guys! @OfficialSGIUSA

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Olympics

Guidance for Tuesday 7th August Peace and security daimoku proposal ELA'12: 

In any and all SGI activities or events, the important thing is having the shakubuku spirit - the spirit to share Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism with others. If we lose sight of this point, the activity or event will contribute nothing to the growth and development of those participating. NL8380

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

Here's the latest e-bulletin from SGI-UK - proud to see East London's Mimosas, Young Eagles and Womens Division members featured in this issue. Enjoy!
http://www.sgi-uk.info/2012/08/01/latest-e-bulletin-aug12-issue-01/

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Olympics

Guidance for Monday 6th August Peace and security daimoku proposal ELA'12:  


"Real peace is only to be found in the realities of daily life. We must plant the seeds of a fundamental peace in the daily life of individuals, in our hearts and inner lives. And, we must protect and foster these seeds until they grow into the firm reality of peace for all. (Ikeda, A Piece of Mirror, p101-102)

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Olympics

Guidance for Sunday 5th August Peace and security daimoku proposal ELA'12:  


"People must be wise and take action themselves to create peace. We must unite across borders...When people of one country communicate with those of others, they can create a current towards peace...Peace can never be attained by passively waiting for it. It is necessary for each of us, no matter how weak we feel we are, to build deep within our hearts a stronghold for peace." (Ikeda, A Piece of Mirror, p101)

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Olympics

Guidance for Saturday 4th August Peace and security daimoku proposal ELA'12: 


"The first condition for world peace is for people to really learn about each other, to start to really understand and appreciate each other. The surest way of melting the 'ice' of mistrust is to promote interaction among ordinary people - through meetings, visits and cultural and educational exchange." (Ikeda, A Piece of Mirror, p100)

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Olympics

Guidance for Friday 3rd August Peace and security daimoku proposal ELA'12:  


"What hinders progress towards peace? In a single word, mistrust. It is the prejudice and preconceptions that grow from mistrust...Without removing this wall of mistrust, and without the effort to discover the goodness that shines in every single human being, no progress towards peace will be possible." Ikeda, A Piece of Mirror, p100

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Olympics

Guidance for Thursday 2nd August Peace and security daimoku proposal ELA'12:   


"The Soka Gakkai promotes correct fiath in order to establish the correct teaching on the level of the individual. To do so on the level of society, we are spreading the spirit to respect human beings and put people first. Based on these ideas, we are advancing a movement of peace, culture and education in actual society." (Ikeda,WNDW Vol 1 p85)
 

Daily Practice - Chanting for safety during the Olympics

Guidance for Wednesday 1st August Peace and security daimoku proposal ELA'12:   


"The essence of 'establishing the correct teaching' lies in believing in the fundamental good that is the Lotus Sutra and in each individual establishing peace in their hearts. Only when a society that functions in accord with the fundamental good is firmly secured will a truly peaceful society be actualised." Ikeda, WNDW Vol 1 p75