Chanting Growers Group

[EasyMyohoDisco]

BREATHROUGH! SUPER HUGE BENEFIT and STILL 14 HOURS OF DAIMOKU LEFT FOR 1 MILLION!

BREATHROUGH! SUPER HUGE BENEFIT and STILL 14 HOURS OF DAIMOKU LEFT FOR 1 MILLION!

Here it is everyone, my greatest benefit:

This weekend I will be purchasing a small rug for my living room and a taller stand for my Butsudan (altar where I keep Gohonzon) and in next weeks planning meeting I will be setting up 3 Tosos and 2 Study Meetings to be held in MY HOME! I came to this determination yesterday afternoon then after a long session of daimoku last night I affirmed to myself that at the next planning meeting I will go forward and offer my home for meetings! Our first study meeting we will study "On the Four Stages of Faith and the Five Stages of Practice" which is a very special Gosho to me that Thomas encourages us to re and reread since I began my practice and I'm sure prior to that as well. Also on the second study meeting we will studying "The Fourteen Slanders".

This is it everyone, I am really going to advance now and make progress in every aspect of my life! I resolve to really live the Buddhism of Ichinen Sanzen, to Be a humble and dedicated Bodhisattva, to always embrace the entity of the Mystic Law, and to be all that I am and more!

This is a huge victory for me! I am very pleased, so far and feel very rich these days even though financially I am still struggling ( considerably less than before I must note), Daimoku is my new currency and I'm accumulating alot alot good fortune for our daily causes with respect to kosen-rufu.

I am so very grateful to Thomas, Babba, Socal, Bonzo, Hitman, Alwaystotheleft, Leonardodavinci, Meds, Respect, everyone for being a part of this here on the thread. Through this thread I have been able to translate its essential message and channel the unlimited potential of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo! in my life and the lives of others. Recently Socal provided a post with an article on Buddha in Your Rearview Mirror here on the thread and I forwarded the contents of the article to over 400 people of which many responded by telling me they immediately forwarded the article to their friends and family. Do you see the chain reaction? Its happening, kosen-rufu is taking place now and we must accept responsibility in our lives to have our faith applied to every situation! Faith in Gohonzon is key!

I bow in obeisance to you all!

your brother,
Myohodisco

P.S. If you need anything whats mine is yours.

 

[Bonzo]

Right on Easy!!! Do it to it my Brotha!

Movin' fuckin' mountains!!!

"Faith in Gohonzon is Key" I couldnt agree more, what it has done for me in just the last week i cant begin to describe.

Shine On Easy, Shine On!







peace

bonz

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>!!!!!!Nam myoho renge kyo!!!!!!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Human society is made up of people who have met success and those who have not. No one knows for sure whether their life will be blessed by fortune or burdened by fate. The elation of triumph is short-lived, but those who understand that every setback, too, is only temporary and who continue to make steady efforts with confidence and conviction, can achieve truly great things. Ultimately, victory comes from never giving in to defeat.

Daisaku Ikeda

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"Life is the blossoming of flowers in the spring, the ripening of fruit in the fall, the rhythm of the earth and of nature. Life is the cry of cicadas signaling the end of summer, migratory birds winging south in a transparent autumn sky, fish frolicking in a stream. Life is the joy beautiful music instills in us, the thrilling sight of a mountain peak reddened by the rising sun, the myriad combinations and permutations of visible and invisible phenomena. Life is all things."

"Buddhism teaches that a single day of life is worth more than all the treasures of the universe."

"Everyone born in this world has a unique role that only he or she can fulfill. Were this not the case, we would not be here. The universe never acts without cause; everything invariably has a reason for being. Even the weeds people love to loathe serve a purpose. I might add that every cherry blossom has its own personality, a purpose and meaning in life that is unique to it—as do the plum, peach and damson."

quotes: Daisaku Ikeda

 

[Bonzo]

Thank you SoCal!!! Wooooooooooo Hooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Life is so precious, lets live it to its fullest!!!

Wooooooooooooo Hooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!








Peace

Bonz

>>>>>>>>>>Nam myoho renge kyo>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>Nam myoho renge kyo>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>Nam myoho renge kyo>>>>>>>>>

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Bodhisattva Never Disparaging of old said that all people have the Buddha nature and that, if they embrace the Lotus Sutra, they will never fail to attain Buddhahood. He further stated that to slight a person is to slight the Buddha himself. Thus, his practice was to revere all people. He revered even those who did not embrace the Lotus Sutra because they too had the Buddha nature and might someday believe in the sutra.

[ The Fourteen Slanders, WND Page 756 ]

 

[PassTheDoobie]

The Fourteen Slanders / WND pg. 755

The Fourteen Slanders / WND pg. 755

I have received the string of coins, the horse load of polished rice, and the white quilted robe that you sent.

Rolling fields and hills stretch out more than a hundred ri to the south of this mountain. To the north stands lofty Mount Minobu, which joins the peaks of Shirane farther off. Jutting sharply up to the west is a mountain called Shichimen. Snow remains on these peaks throughout the year. There is not a single dwelling other than mine in the area. My only visitors, infrequent as they are, are the monkeys that come swinging through the treetops. And to my regret, even they do not stay for long, but scurry back to where they came from. To the east run the surging waters of the Fuji River, which resemble the flowing sands of the desert. It is extraordinary indeed that you send letters from time to time to this place whose inaccessibility makes visitors rare.

I learned that the scholar Nichigen of Jisso-ji temple, upon becoming my disciple, was driven out by his own disciples and lay supporters, and had to give up his lands, so that he now has (1) no place of his own. Nonetheless, he still visits me and takes care of my disciples. What devotion to the way! Nichigen is a sage. He is already unrivaled as a scholar of Buddhism. Yet he has discarded all desire for fame and fortune and become my disciple. He has lived the words in the sutra, "We (2) care nothing for our bodies or lives." To repay his debts of gratitude to the Buddha, he has taught you and your fellow believers and inspired you, Matsuno, to make these sincere offerings. All this is truly amazing.

The Buddha stated that, in the latter age, monks and nuns with the hearts of dogs would be as numerous as the (3) sands of the Ganges. By this he meant that the priests and nuns of that day would be attached to fame and fortune. Because they wear robes and surplices, they look like ordinary priests and nuns. But in their hearts they wield a sword of distorted views, hastening here and there among their patrons and filling them with countless lies so as to keep them away from other priests or nuns. Thus they strive to keep their patrons to themselves and prevent other priests or nuns from coming near them, like a dog who goes to a house to be fed, but growls and springs to attack the moment another dog approaches. Each and every one of these priests and nuns is certain to fall into the evil paths. Being the scholar that he is, Nichigen must have read this passage in the sutra. His unusual consideration and frequent visits to me and my disciples are deeply appreciated.

In your letter you write: "Since I took faith in this sutra [the Lotus], I have continued to recite the ten factors (4) of life and the verse section of the 'Life Span' chapter and chant the daimoku without the slightest neglect. But how great is the difference between the blessings received when a sage chants the daimoku and the blessings received when we chant it?" To reply, one is in no way superior to the other. The gold that a fool possesses is no different from the gold that a wise man possesses; a fire made by a fool is the same as a fire made by a wise man.

However, there is a difference if one chants the daimoku while acting against the intent of this sutra. There are various stages in the practice of this sutra [and various forms of slander exist accordingly]. Let me sum them up by quoting from volume five of The Annotations on "The Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra": "In defining the types of evil, The Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra states briefly, 'Expound among (5) the wise but not among the foolish.' (6) One scholar enumerates the types of evil as follows: 'I will first list the evil causes and then their effects. There are fourteen evil causes: (1) arrogance, (2) negligence, (3) wrong views of the self, (4) shallow understanding, (5) attachment to earthly desires, (6) not under-standing, (7) not believing, (8) scowling with knitted brows, (9) harboring doubts, (10) slandering, (11) despising, (12) hating, (13) envying, and (14) bearing grudges.'" Since these fourteen slanders apply equally to priesthood and laity, you must be on guard against them.

Bodhisattva Never Disparaging of old said that all people have the Buddha nature and that, if they embrace the Lotus Sutra, they will never fail to attain Buddhahood. He further stated that to slight a person is to slight the Buddha himself. Thus, his practice was to revere all people. He revered even those who did not embrace the Lotus Sutra because they too had the Buddha nature and might someday believe in the sutra. Therefore, it is all the more natural to revere those priests and lay people who do embrace the sutra.

The fourth volume of the Lotus Sutra states, "If there were a person who spoke only one word to curse the lay persons or monks or nuns who up-hold and preach the Lotus Sutra, then his offense would be even graver than that of cursing Shakyamuni Buddha to (7) his face for the space of a kalpa." The Lotus Sutra also states, "[If anyone sees a person who accepts and upholds this sutra and tries to expose the faults or evils of that person], whether what he speaks is true or not, [he will in his present existence be afflicted with (8) white leprosy]." Take these teachings to heart, and always remember that believers in the Lotus Sutra should absolutely be the last to abuse one an-other. All those who keep faith in the Lotus Sutra are most certainly Buddhas, and one who slanders a Buddha commits a grave offense.

When one chants the daimoku bearing in mind that there are no distinctions among those who embrace the Lotus Sutra, then the blessings one gains will be equal to those of Shakyamuni Buddha. A commentary states, "Both the beings and the environment of the Avichi hell exist entirely within the life of the highest sage [Buddha], and what is more, the life and the environment of Vairochana [Buddha] never transcend the lives of common mortals (9)." You can surmise the significance of the fourteen slanders in the light of the above quotations.

That you have asked me about Buddhism shows that you are sincerely concerned about your next life. The Lotus Sutra states, " . . . a person capable of listening to this Law, such a person (10) is likewise rare." Unless the Buddha's true envoy appears in this world, who is there that can expound this sutra in exact accord with the Buddha's intent? Moreover, it would appear that there are very few who ask about the meaning of the sutra in an effort to resolve their doubts and thus believe in it wholeheartedly. No matter how humble a person may be, if his wisdom is the least bit greater than yours, you should ask him about the meaning of the sutra. But the people in this evil age are so arrogant, prejudiced, and attached to fame and profit that they are afraid that, should they become the disciple of a humble person or try to learn something from him, they will be looked down upon by others. They never rid themselves of this wrong attitude, so they seem to be destined for the evil paths.

The "Teacher of the Law" chapter says: "If you make offerings to the priest who preaches the Lotus Sutra and hear its teachings for even a moment, then you will experience joy because you can gain even greater benefits than one who offers immeasurable treasures to the Buddha for the space of (11) eighty million kalpas."

Even an ignorant person can obtain blessings by serving someone who expounds the Lotus Sutra. No matter if he is a demon or an animal, if someone proclaims even a single verse or phrase of the Lotus Sutra, you must respect him as you would the Buddha. This is what the sutra means when it says, "You should rise and greet him from afar, showing him the same respect you (12) would a Buddha." You should respect one another as Shakyamuni and Many (13) Treasures did at the ceremony in the "Treasure Tower" chapter.

The priest Sammi-bo may be lowly, but since he can explain even a little about the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, you should respect him as you would the Buddha and ask him about the teachings. "Rely on the Law and not (14) upon persons" should be your guideline.

Long, long ago there was a youngman who lived in the Snow Mountains and was called the boy Snow Mountains. He gathered ferns and nuts to keep himself alive, made garments of deerskin to clothe his body, and quietly practiced the way. As he observed the world with care and attention, the boy came to understand that nothing is permanent and everything changes, and that all that is born is destined to die. This weary world is as fleeting as a flash of lightning, as the morning dew that vanishes in the sun, as a lamp easily blown out by the wind, or as the fragile leaves of the plantain that are so easily broken.

No one can escape this transience. In the end, all must take the journey to the Yellow Springs, the land of darkness. When we imagine the trip to the other world, we sense utter darkness. There is no light from the sun, the moon, or the stars; not even so much as fire to light a torch. And along that dark road, there is no one to keep you company. When one is in the saha world, one is surrounded by parents and relatives, brothers and sisters, wife and children, and retainers. Fathers may show lofty compassion, and mothers, profound loving sympathy. Husband and wife may be as faithful as two shrimps of the sea who vow to share the same hole and never to part throughout life. Yet, though they push their pillows side by side and sport together under quilts embroidered with (15) mandarin ducks, they can never be together on that journey to the land of darkness. As you travel alone in complete darkness, who will come to encourage you?

Though old and young alike dwell in the realm of uncertainty, it is part of the natural order for the elderly to die first and the young to remain awhile. Thus, even as we grieve, we can find some cause for consolation. Sometimes, however, it is the old who remain and the young who die first. No one feels more bitter resentment than a young child who dies before its parents. No one despairs more deeply than parents who see their child precede them in death. People live in this fleeting world where all is uncertainty and impermanence, yet day and night they think only of how much wealth they can amass in this life. From dawn to dusk they concentrate on worldly affairs, and neither revere the Buddha nor take faith in the Law. They ignore Buddhist practice and lack wisdom, idling their days away. And when they die and are brought before the court of Yama, the lord of hell, what can they carry as provisions on the long journey through the threefold world? What can they use as a boat or raft to ferry themselves across the sea of the sufferings of birth and death to the Land of Actual Reward or the Buddha Land of Tranquil Light? When one is deluded, it is as if one were dreaming. And when one is enlightened, it is as if one had awakened. Thinking in this way, the boy Snow Mountains resolved to awake from the dream of the transient world and to seek the reality of enlightenment. So he secluded himself in the mountains and devoted himself to deep meditation, sweeping away the dust of delusion and befuddlement in his single-minded pursuit of the Buddhist teaching.

The god Shakra looked down from heaven and observed the boy Snow Mountains in the distance. He thought to himself: "Though the baby fish are many, there are few that grow up to be big fish. Though the flowers of the mango tree are many, there are few that turn into fruit. In like manner, there are many people who set their hearts on enlightenment, but only a few who continue their practice and in fact attain the true way. The aspiration for enlightenment in common mortals is often hindered by evil influences and easily swayed by circumstances; though many warriors don armor, few go without fear into battle. Let me go test this young man's resolve." So saying, Shakra disguised himself as a demon and appeared at the boy's side.

At that time the Buddha had not yet made his appearance in the world, and although the boy Snow Mountains had sought everywhere for the scriptures of the great vehicle, he had been unable to learn anything of them. Just then he heard a faint voice saying, "All is changeable, nothing is constant. This is the law of birth and death." The young man looked all around in amazement, but there was no one in sight except a demon standing nearby. In appearance it was fierce and horrible; the hairs on its head were like flames and the teeth in its mouth like swords, and its eyes were fixed on the boy in a furious glare. When the boy saw this, he was not frightened in the least. He was so overjoyed at the opportunity to hear something of the Buddhist teaching that he did not even question it. He was like a calf separated from its mother that hears the faint sound of her lowing. "Who spoke that verse? There must be more!" he thought, and once more he searched all around, but still there was no one to be seen. He wondered if it could have been the demon who recited the verse. But on second thought that seemed impossible, since the demon must have been born a demon in retribution for some past evil act. The verse was certainly a teaching of the Buddha, and he was sure it could never have come from the mouth of a lowly demon. But as there was no one else about, he asked, "Was it you who preached that verse?" "Don't speak to me!" replied the demon. "I've had nothing to eat for days. I'm starved, exhausted, and almost out of my mind. I may have uttered some sort of nonsense, but in my dazed condition I don't even know what it was."

"For me to hear only the first half of that verse," said the boy, "is like seeing only half the moon, or obtaining half a jewel. It must have been you who spoke, so I beg you to teach me the remaining half." The demon replied sarcastically, "You are already enlightened, so you should feel no resentment even if you don't hear the rest of the verse. I'm dying of starvation, and I haven't the strength to speak - say no more to me!"

"Could you teach me if you had something to eat?" asked the boy. "If I had something to eat, I might be able to," said the demon. Elated, the boy said, "Well, then, what kind of food would you like?" But the demon replied, "Ask no more. You will certainly be horrified when you hear what I eat. Besides, you would never be able to provide it."

Yet the boy Snow Mountains was insistent. "If you will just tell me what you want, I will try to find it for you." The demon answered, "I eat only the tender flesh of humans and drink only their warm blood. I fly through the air far and wide in search of food, but people are protected by the Buddhas and gods so that, even though I want to kill them, I cannot. I can only kill and eat those whom the Buddhas and gods have forsaken."

Hearing this, the boy decided to give his own body for the sake of the Law, so that he could hear the entire verse.

"Your food is right here," he said. "You need look no further. Since I am still alive, my flesh is warm, and since my flesh is warm, so is my blood. Therefore, I ask you to teach me the rest of the verse, and in exchange, I will offer you my body." Then the demon grew furious and demanded, "Who could believe your words? After I've taught you the rest of the verse, who can I call on as a witness to make you keep your promise?"

The boy replied: "This body of mine is mortal. But if I give my life for the Law, casting away this vile body that would otherwise die in vain, in the next life I will certainly attain enlightenment and become a Buddha. I will receive a pure and wonderful body. It will be like throwing away a piece of crockery and receiving a precious vessel in exchange. I call upon Brahma and Shakra, the four heavenly kings, and the Buddhas and bodhisattvas of the ten directions to be my witnesses. I could not possibly deceive you in their presence."

The demon, somewhat mollified, said, "If what you say is true, I will teach you the rest of the verse." The boy Snow Mountains was overjoyed and, removing his deerskin garment, spread it out for the demon to sit upon while he preached. Then the boy knelt, bowed his head to the ground, and placed his palms together in reverence, saying, "All I ask is that you teach me the rest of the verse." Thus he offered his heartfelt respect to the demon. The demon, seating himself on the deerskin, then recited these words: "Extinguishing the cycle of birth and death, one enters the joy of nirvana." The moment he heard this, the boy was filled with joy, and his reverence for the verse was boundless. Resolving to remember it in his next life, he repeated it over and over again, and etched it deep in his heart.

He pondered, thinking to himself, "I rejoice that this verse [though it came from a demon] is no different from the teaching of the Buddha, but at the same time I lament that I alone have heard it and that I am unable to transmit it to others." Thereupon he inscribed the stanza on stones, cliff faces, and the trees along the road, and he prayed that those who might later pass by would see it, understand its meaning, and finally enter the true way. This done, he climbed a tall tree and threw himself down before the demon. But before he had reached the ground, the demon quickly resumed his original form as Shakra, caught the boy, and gently placed him on a level spot. Bowing before him reverently, the god said, "In order to test you, I held back the Thus Come One's sacred teaching for a time, causing anguish in the heart of a bodhisattva. I hope you will forgive my fault and save me without fail in my next life."

Then all of the heavenly beings gathered around to praise the boy Snow Mountains, saying, "Excellent, excellent! He is truly a bodhisattva." By casting away his body to listen to half a verse, the bodhisattva was able to eradicate offenses calling for twelve kalpas of the sufferings of birth and death [and attain enlightenment]. His story is referred to in the Nirvana Sutra.

In the past the boy Snow Mountains was willing to give his life to hear but half a verse. How much more thankful should we be to hear a chapter or even a volume of the Lotus Sutra! How can we ever repay such a blessing? Indeed, if you care about your next life, you should make this bodhisattva your example. Even though you may be too poor to offer anything of value, if the opportunity should arise to give up your life to acquire the Law of the Buddha, you should offer your life in order to pursue the Law.

This body of ours in the end will become nothing more than the soil of the hills and fields. Therefore, it is useless to begrudge your life, for though you may wish to, you cannot cling to it forever. Even people who live a long time rarely live beyond the age of one hundred. And all the events of a lifetime are like the dream one dreams in a brief nap. Though a person may have been fortunate enough to be born as a human being and may have even entered the priesthood, if he fails to study the Buddha's teaching and to refute its slanderers but simply spends his time in idleness and chatter, then he is no better than an animal dressed in priestly robes. He may call himself a priest and earn his livelihood as such, but in no way does he deserve to be regarded as a true priest. He is nothing but a thief who has stolen the title of priest. How shameful and frightening!

In the theoretical teaching of the Lotus Sutra there is a passage that reads, "We care nothing for our bodies or lives but are anxious only for the unsurpassed way (16)." Another passage from the essential teaching reads, "Not hesitating (17) even if it costs them their lives." The Nirvana Sutra states, "One's body is insignificant while the Law is supreme. One should give one's life in order to (18) propagate the Law." Thus both the theoretical and essential teachings of the Lotus Sutra, as well as the Nirvana Sutra, all indicate that one should give one's life to spread the Law. It is a grave offense to go against these admonitions, and though invisible to the eye, the error piles up until it sends one plummeting to hell. It is like heat or cold, which has no shape or form that the eye can see. Yet in winter the cold comes to attack the trees and grasses, humans and beasts, and in summer the heat comes to torment people and animals.

As a lay believer, the important thing for you is to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo single-mindedly and to provide support for the priests. And if we go by the words of the Lotus Sutra, you should also teach the sutra to the best of your ability. When the world makes you feel downcast, you should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, remembering that, although the sufferings of this life are painful, those in the next life could be much worse. And when you are happy, you should remember that your happiness in this life is nothing but a dream within a dream, and that the only true happiness is that found in the pure land of Eagle Peak, and with that thought in mind, chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Continue your practice without backsliding until the final moment of your life, and when that time comes, behold! When you climb the mountain of perfect enlightenment and gaze around you in all directions, then to your amazement you will see that the entire realm of phenomena is the Land of Tranquil Light. The ground will be of lapis lazuli, (19) and the eight paths will be set apart by (20) golden ropes. Four kinds of flowers will fall from the heavens, and music will resound in the air. All Buddhas and bodhisattvas will be present in complete joy, caressed by the breezes of eternity, happiness, true self, and purity. The time is fast approaching when we too will count ourselves among their number. But if we are weak in faith, we will never reach that wonderful place. If you still have questions, I am waiting to hear them.

Respectfully,

Nichiren

The ninth day of the twelfth month in the second year of Kenji (1276), cyclical sign hinoe-ne

Reply to Matsuno

Background

Written near the end of 1276, this letter was a reply to the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon. Four in his family received letters from Nichiren Daishonin - he, his wife, son, and daughter-in-law. One of his daughters married Nanjo Hyoe Shichiro and gave birth to Nanjo Tokimitsu, a staunch supporter of the Daishonin and his disciple Nikko Shonin. It is thought that Matsuno was converted to the Daishonin's teachings through this connection with the Nanjo family.

This letter explains the fourteen slanders, citing Miao-lo's Annotations on "The Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra." These slanders are referred to originally in the "Simile and Parable" chapter of the Lotus Sutra. Asked if there is a difference in benefits derived when a sage chants the daimoku and when an ordinary person chants it, the Daishonin answers in the negative. "However, there is a difference," he continues, "if one chants the daimoku while acting against the intent of this sutra." He explains "the intent" of the sutra by referring to the fourteen slanders.

The first ten of the fourteen slanders concern one's attitude and action toward the Law, that is, the Buddha's teachings; the last four concern those toward people who believe in and practice that Law.

Emphasizing the importance of unity among believers, the Daishonin says, "Always remember that believers in the Lotus Sutra should absolutely be the last to abuse one another." The reason he gives is that "all those who keep faith in the Lotus Sutra are most certainly Buddhas, and one who slanders a Buddha commits a grave offense." In other words, he warns against the last four of the fourteen slanders: "despising, hating, envying, and bearing grudges against" fellow believers.

The Daishonin next recounts in detail the story of the boy Snow Mountains, who offers his body to a fierce demon in order to learn a Buddhist teaching. He encourages Matsuno to make this bodhisattva's spirit a model for his own faith and practice. He further clarifies that a priest who lacks the spirit to study and practice Buddhism diligently, and to strive to refute its slanderers, is "no better than an animal dressed in priestly robes," a thief who has stolen the title of priest.

The Daishonin concludes by instructing Matsuno how to practice his teaching as a lay believer. He encourages the lay priest to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, provide support for the priests, and, in accord with the Lotus Sutra, put effort into spreading the Law. Clearly, in light of the preceding paragraphs, "priests" here indicates not any priest, but the Daishonin's disciples - those who are practicing in accord with the spirit elucidated in this letter.

Notes

1. Nichigen (d. 1315) was a priest of Jisso-ji temple, which belonged to the Tendai school. He became a disciple of Nichiren Daishonin after the Daishonin's move to Mount Minobu. Later, he returned to Jisso-ji and converted other priests. He also built temples in Musashi and Suruga provinces.
2. Lotus Sutra, chap. 13.
3. The source of this statement is not known, but "monks and nuns with the hearts of dogs" is described in the Accumulated Treasures Sutra.
4. Presumably this indicates the first section of the "Expedient Means" chapter, which ends with "The true aspect of all phenomena can only be understood and shared between Buddhas. This reality consists of the appearance . . . and their consistency from beginning to end."
5. Chapter 3 of the Lotus Sutra says that one should not expound this sutra among the foolish in order to protect them from committing the evil of slandering the sutra.
6. This "one scholar" has been identified as the Dharma Characteristics scholar, Tz'u-en, by Ts'ung-i in his Supplement to T'ien-t'ai's Three Major Works. The attribution, however, is dubious. Tz'u-en in his Praising the Profundity of the Lotus Sutra mentions slanders, but does not enumerate or enlarge upon them.
7. Paraphrase of a passage in chapter 10 of the Lotus Sutra.
8. Lotus Sutra, chap. 28.
9. The Diamond Scalpel.
10. This is mentioned in chapter 2 of the Lotus Sutra.
11. Paraphrase of a passage in chapter 10 of the Lotus Sutra.
12. Lotus Sutra, chap. 28.
13. In the "Treasure Tower" chapter of the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha assembles all the Buddhas from throughout the universe and then opens the treasure tower. Many Treasures Buddha invites him to share his seat, and the Ceremony in the Air begins.
14. Nirvana Sutra.
15. Mandarin ducks: A symbol of conjugal happiness. The male and female are said to remain faithful to each other throughout their lives.
16. Lotus Sutra, chap. 13.
17. Ibid., chap. 16.
18. The Annotations on the Nirvana Sutra.
19. The eight paths lead in eight directions, that is, toward the eight points of the compass.
20. Mandarava, great mandarava, manjushaka, and great manjushaka flowers. Fragrant red and white flowers that, according to Indian tradition, bloom in heaven.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished, it is sure to become like a clear mirror, reflecting the essential nature of phenomena and the true aspect of reality. Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

[ On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime, WND Page 4 ]

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"One thing is certain: That is that the power of belief, the power of thought, will move reality in the direction of what we believe and conceive of it. If you really believe you can do something, you can. That is a fact."

Daisaku Ikeda

 

[PassTheDoobie]

A woman who makes offerings to such a Gohonzon invites happiness in this life; and in the next, the Gohonzon will be with her and protect her always. Like a lantern in the dark, like a strong guide and porter on a treacherous mountain path, the Gohonzon will guard and protect you, Lady Nichinyo, wherever you go.

[ The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon, WND Page 832 ]

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Words are what give expression to the distinctions that are thought of in the mind."

(The Unanimous Declaration by the Buddhas of the Three Existences regarding the Classification of the Teachings and Which Are to Be Abandoned and Which Upheld - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Volume 2, page 843) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, February 28th 2007

 

[Babbabud]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

One Chant at a time
Moment to moment
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[Babbabud]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

SGI President Ikeda's Daily Encouragement for March 4


Shakyamuni proclaims, "People who are vigilant do not die; people who are negligent are as if dead." This is definitely true. Unremitting diligence in our Buddhist practice-brave and vigorous exertion-infuses our lives with the great life force of the eternal Buddha. In contrast, people who try to get by in life through cunning and deception enact a living death.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"This passage is saying that, 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, March 1st, 2007

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Howdy Eagles! Don't be a stranger!

Howdy Eagles! Don't be a stranger!

The more gold is heated in the flames, the brighter will be its color; the more a sword is whetted, the sharper it will become. And the more one praises the blessings of the Lotus Sutra, the more one's own blessings will increase. Bear in mind that the twenty-eight chapters of the Lotus Sutra contain only a few passages elucidating the truth, but a great many words of praise.

[ The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra, WND Page 673 ]

 

[southwind]

serenity positivity

serenity positivity

Hello all:

Wearing my heart on my sleeve, worried about things beyond my control.

chanting and being more courageous

Babba said to come here.

I have found something here that is so great.


We are alive today.

We have any choice we want to make today, today is the first day , everyday, that we can choose to be the people we would like to be, to treat others with kindness and love and understanding , to break down the walls around us, to try to be more patient, to make a difference, to help world peace happen even if its a smile to someone on the street instead of looking away..

we have all those choices, and if we are blessed with good health we can do whatever we want to do.

if we are broke and dont have the money to do what we want to do, then we have the ability to try to make more.

but think of what money cannot get you.

money can give you more choices, but does it really make you happy?


it cant buy you a deep feeling of peace, or love or a sunset or the stars and
a big beautiful harvest moon coming up over the land.

it cant buy the smell of spring or freshly turned earth, or the birds sitting at the feeder in your backyard.


every moment we can stop for a moment even in the midst of turmoil and breath and remember that there are many more people under the ground than above it, who cant breath any longer.


if only the world leaders and giant conglomerate corporations could see it and not impose their bullshit on us and just let us breath

sigh.

sw

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Bear in mind that the twenty-eight chapters of the Lotus Sutra contain only a few passages elucidating the truth, but a great many words of praise."

 

[EasyMyohoDisco]

It is an honor to declare utter VICTORY!

It is an honor to declare utter VICTORY!

I bow in obeisance to everyone of you!

This yesterday I served as Soka Group and Gajokai support for kosen-rufu world peace gongyo and began to really take more responsibility in my life and my practice. President Makiguchi, Sensei Toda, and Sensei Ikeda must be very proud of my efforts to shakubuku because many people are asking me for shakubuku guidance after President Ikeda's video and I have just been reiterating this thread to them! "Don't be afraid. Don't be defeated. Faith! Victory of Gold!" My greatest honor is to spread every ounce of Buddha wisdom derived from my Mentor Thomas' efforts, trails and tribulations, victories, obstacles and guidance mainly derived from the Daishonin's Golden Words! I must haved thanked over 200 people yesterday for their encouragement and support and we really did alot for world peace yesterday because today I am feeling the aftermath and it is, I will work harder and smile more at my job, and strive to do what I did yesterday and introduce someone new to the practice, then chant with others in the evening. This week my home will be prepared for the study and prayer meetings, very very exciting!

This is my pride, happiness and joy. I am really gaining a better understanding of myself through chanting, I am eradicating self-doubt/internal weakness to a slew of my harmful "earthly desires"/depression/anxiety/physical pain, I am helping others like never before in this life, I am being a responsible and trying to maintain firm justice and focus in my life, I am succumbing less and less to my usual/karmic tendancies (laziness, loathing, spiting, hating, slandering, lack of understanding, envying and most noticeably arrogance!), I am doing my best to support this thread and my district including the SGI, I am doing my best to live within my means and prepare for more advancement and victory in all avenues of my life, I am happy to chant and help other chant.


Okay so the biggest benefit this weekend was on friday night, I introduced my uncle alex to the practice, he lives 1500 miles away. I spoke to his "life" not his "head", after I promised to call the nearest center and help him get connected and attend meetings he told me "dude, I love you." I felt compelled to say the same "I love you too man!". He is open to chant has chanted before with me (6 months ago before he moved) and was still seeking to chant again and experience some of what I have been living! In his own words, "I see that your happier than ever and really doing well, I see how this chanting has worked for you!" That is a huge benefit! This practice is about actual proof! I called the center nearest to him and spoke to a very encouraging member named al whom invited me to his home next time I'm nearby!

This is Buddhism. Thank you to all and Thank you Thomas!

8 more hours to go.......

P.S. My friend whom was my latest shakubuku chase, also helped setup in his district in the capacity of Soka Group (by his own accord) because he is another whom is supporting members, chanting diligently, showing actual proof, and smiling more each day congratulating obstacles to and fro! He is also very grateful for this Thread and Thomas (including us too, two but not two!).

 

[EasyMyohoDisco]

Do I think all people have the power to be great? Absolutely! It might be argued that not all people have the karmic disposition to be great, but I think since life is a moment by moment event, we can never determine who is predisposed to greatness.

All people have the Buddha nature. Thereby, all people have the power to become great. Therefore, the truth of life is that greatness may come from the most humble of origin, and strength, courage, compassion and wisdom are innate ingredients that anyone can manifest at anytime.

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the source for unleashing great personal power.

"Teach this doctrine to others clearly as I have taught you these many years. Those who call themselves my disciples and practice the Lotus Sutra should all practice as I do. If they do so, Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, Shakyamuni's emanations throughout the ten directions, and the ten demon daughters will protect them."
Reference:

WND Page 978
On Establishing the Four Bodhisattvas as the Object of Devotion
Written to Toki Jonin on 17 May 1279 from Minobu

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Congratulations Eagles! "...it seems i was destin to make it this way..." YOU are the one that made that the case. I admire you for that. I know a teaching that says to disregard all others is difficult to swallow if one has in fact already expended much seeking. Not many people start from your point. Like Babbabud, you must have a significant mission to help others. I humbly bow in obeisance to you sir. You are truly respectworthy!

MyohoDisco! You keep it up and there is nothing you cannot do. My fortune to know you is beyond calculation!

Bonz, you can do it. You are a very significant person. Your faith is an inspiration. Keep chanting lots of Daimoku!

SoCal thanks for all of those great posts! I hope you know how much I love you!

Bud, what started out as all for you, and MrsB, and MsG is now almost 400 pages! Thank you! I agree with Easy, the Lotus Sutra lives in this thread. It is such a treasure to know all of you Buddhas, brought together by virtue of DG and Gypsy's hospitality!

Much love and deep respect,

Thomas