The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings
The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings
Chapter Ten: The Teacher of the Law
Sixteen important points
Point Eight, on the passage “If you wish to put aside all sloth and remissness, / you must listen to this sutra.”
The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings says: The words “all sloth and remissness” refer to the teachings of the stras that were expounded as expedient means during the more than forty years [following the Buddha’s enlightenment]. These are all sutras of “sloth and remissness.” “This sutra” indicates the daimoku. Now Nichiren and his followers, who chant the daimoku, or Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, are diligent in their efforts. This is why the sutra says, “You must listen to this sutra.” In particular, it says, “You must listen to this sutra from Nichiren.”
Point Nine, on the words, “If they do not hear the Lotus Sutra, / they will be far removed from the Buddha’s wisdom.”
The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teaching says: The words “do not hear” refer to those who slander the Law. They are far removed from the wisdom that brings attainment of Buddhahood. But now Nichiren and his followers, who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, have gained enlightenment into the Buddha’s wisdom, and therefore they are very near to the attainment of Buddhahood.
Point Ten, on the passage “If when a person expounds this sutra / there is someone who speaks ill or reviles him / or attacks him with swords and staves, tiles and stones, / he should think of the Buddha and for that reason be patient.”
The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings says: “This sutra” refers to the daimoku. Speaking ill is an action of the mouth. Attacking someone with swords and staves is an act of the body. These two types of actions of the mouth and body come from the action of the mind. But now Nichiren and his followers, who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, think of the Buddha, and the charge he has laid on them, and for that reason, they respond with patience.
Point Eleven, on the passage “If after I have entered extinction / there are those who can expound this sutra, / I will send the four kinds of believers, magically conjured, / monks and nuns / and men and women of pure faith, / to offer alms to the teachers of the Law.”
The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings says: “Men and women” refers to ordinary men and women. “Teachers of the Law” refers to Nichiren and his followers. “Of pure faith” means those who have faith in the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren and his followers, who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, are such persons. This passage in the sutra indicates that the heavenly gods and benevolent deities will appear in the form of men and women to offer alms to the votaries of the Lotus Sutra.
Point Twelve, on the passage “If someone thinks to do evil to the teachers of the Law / with swords and staves or with tiles and stones, / I will dispatch persons magically conjured / who will act to guard and protect them.”
The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings says: The words “persons magically conjured” refers to beings such as the guardian and protector, the Great Bodhisattva Hachiman, who appeared at Tatsunokuchi. This passage in the sutra indicates that such deities will guard and protect Nichiren and his followers, who now chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
(to be continued)
The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings
Chapter Ten: The Teacher of the Law
Sixteen important points
Point Eight, on the passage “If you wish to put aside all sloth and remissness, / you must listen to this sutra.”
The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings says: The words “all sloth and remissness” refer to the teachings of the stras that were expounded as expedient means during the more than forty years [following the Buddha’s enlightenment]. These are all sutras of “sloth and remissness.” “This sutra” indicates the daimoku. Now Nichiren and his followers, who chant the daimoku, or Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, are diligent in their efforts. This is why the sutra says, “You must listen to this sutra.” In particular, it says, “You must listen to this sutra from Nichiren.”
Point Nine, on the words, “If they do not hear the Lotus Sutra, / they will be far removed from the Buddha’s wisdom.”
The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teaching says: The words “do not hear” refer to those who slander the Law. They are far removed from the wisdom that brings attainment of Buddhahood. But now Nichiren and his followers, who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, have gained enlightenment into the Buddha’s wisdom, and therefore they are very near to the attainment of Buddhahood.
Point Ten, on the passage “If when a person expounds this sutra / there is someone who speaks ill or reviles him / or attacks him with swords and staves, tiles and stones, / he should think of the Buddha and for that reason be patient.”
The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings says: “This sutra” refers to the daimoku. Speaking ill is an action of the mouth. Attacking someone with swords and staves is an act of the body. These two types of actions of the mouth and body come from the action of the mind. But now Nichiren and his followers, who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, think of the Buddha, and the charge he has laid on them, and for that reason, they respond with patience.
Point Eleven, on the passage “If after I have entered extinction / there are those who can expound this sutra, / I will send the four kinds of believers, magically conjured, / monks and nuns / and men and women of pure faith, / to offer alms to the teachers of the Law.”
The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings says: “Men and women” refers to ordinary men and women. “Teachers of the Law” refers to Nichiren and his followers. “Of pure faith” means those who have faith in the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren and his followers, who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, are such persons. This passage in the sutra indicates that the heavenly gods and benevolent deities will appear in the form of men and women to offer alms to the votaries of the Lotus Sutra.
Point Twelve, on the passage “If someone thinks to do evil to the teachers of the Law / with swords and staves or with tiles and stones, / I will dispatch persons magically conjured / who will act to guard and protect them.”
The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings says: The words “persons magically conjured” refers to beings such as the guardian and protector, the Great Bodhisattva Hachiman, who appeared at Tatsunokuchi. This passage in the sutra indicates that such deities will guard and protect Nichiren and his followers, who now chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
(to be continued)
wow so awesome that you and Gordy were able to make a great connection. I understand the benefits of your chants as my family has experienced greater benefits then could ever be imagined. Your gohonzon birthday...... what a wonderful 16 year relationship. So glad to hear of the joy and benefit to all. So much love and respect to share. Thanks for dropping in and bringing so much joy to share with us all. Im so happy that your father is chanting Im sure it is of great comfort to all. Much love my southern sister....... and hey Gordy 
