"Moreover, Mind Aspiring for Enlightenment [on which Kōbō bases his argument] is not even a sutra. To base one’s arguments on a treatise is to commit the error of turning one’s back on what is superior and following what is inferior. It also violates the Buddha’s teaching that one should 'rely on the Law and not upon persons.'”
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Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Nichiren on how to correctly evaluate Daisaku Ikeda [or anyone], their awards, honors, and teachings
"...But whether they are correct or incorrect in their views is to be judged solely on the basis of the doctrines they expound. It is not to be decided on the basis of whether or not they have keen capacity or can display supernatural powers."
Who is the world's greatest Christian?
"I was with the members of the youth division in Japan recently, along with Dean Lawrence Carter, of the Martin Luther King Intl. [Baptist] Chapel at Morehouse college in Atlanta. Before his trip, Dean Carter had been very excited about seeing SGI president Ikeda. He told us that 30 years ago, when a reporter asked Dr. MLK Jr who is the greatest Christian in the 20th century, Dr. King replied, "Mahatma Ghandi." Dr Carter said that if he were asked that same question today, he would reply without hesitation that the world's greatest Christian is "A Buddhist-- Daisaku Ikeda." He explained that he could say this because he feels that President Ikeda, through his actions, is doing the most to put the humane ideals of Christianity into practice" -- Danny Nagashima's speech to the SGI Central Executive Committee SGI World Tribune, Oct 6, 2000 page 10
When the Mystic Law alone flourishes and all the people chant in one voice, Namu Myoho renge kyo, there will be a paradise here on earth.
Imagine a paradise on earth. What would it look like, sound like, smell like, taste like, feel like? Mine would be peace, happiness, harmony, liberty, joy, long, and pain free existences for every man, woman, child, gentle, loving, affectionate creature. Clean pure lakes, rivers, oceans, forests, and air. Freedom of speech, movement, and belief. Freedom from abrasive speech, crude speech, abusive speech, violent and hateful speech. A land of comforting souls, loving souls, kind souls, laughter and smiles. Gentle rains, cool breezes, warm sunny days. Families, states, nations, regions and a world without conflict. Relationships lasting an entire lifetime without a cross word bespoken. Honesty. Equality. Sharing. Encouragement. Creativity. The smell of lilacs, roses, lilies. The taste of sweet dew. Death in sleep in a loved one's arms after a full, rich, and rewarding day. Now compare it to the reality in which we live. Is there a way to bridge the chasm? Is there a way to create a paradise here on earth? When? How? The Buddha and Nichiren teach that when the Mystic Law alone flourishes and all the people chant in one voice, Namu Myoho renge kyo, there will be a paradise here on earth.
Through the Lotus Sutra and a mind fixed on the attainment of perfect and true enlightenment [not fixed on a mentor], one can never be dragged back into the nine realms of unenlightened existence.
"Persons who do not fully understand this sutra, the Lotus, look at passages in the sutra that say that, if one reads the sutra, one will be reborn in the human or heavenly realms; they look at passages that speak of going to the Tushita heaven or the heaven of the thirty-three gods; or they look at passages that speak of rebirth in [Amida’s] land of Peace and Sustenance; and they suppose that though one may practice the teachings of the Lotus Sutra in this impure land of ours, and though its principles may be very admirable, one cannot hope thereby to reach the stage where there is no more regression in one’s progress to enlightenment. So they assert that one must continue to be reborn again and again for long ages in this impure land, hoping for the dawn of [Maitreya’s] appearance some 5,670 million years in the future; or they claim that, when one is reborn in the realm of animals or that of human beings, the process of rebirth blots out all memory of previous existences and hence one can never put an end to one’s sufferings. Still others object that the Lotus Sutra represents a type of self-empowered religious practice and hence is very difficult to carry out.
Errors of this kind in all likelihood come from a failure to distinguish between the two roads to salvation, that put forward in the sutras prior to the Lotus and that of the Lotus. Persons who propound such views not only lead themselves astray into the darkness of delusion, but they blind the Buddha eye of all living beings.
The idea that one should seek rebirth in the Tushita heaven is found frequently in the Hinayana sutras, and in a few cases in the Mahayana sutras as well. The idea that one should strive for rebirth in the Western Paradise is found in many Mahayana sutras. All these passages are examples of that which should be opened up and merged [with the Lotus Sutra].
But according to the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, the Tushita heaven is to be counted among the lands of the Buddhas of the ten directions, the Western Paradise too is none other than one of the lands of the Buddhas of the ten directions, and the realms of human and heavenly beings are none other than such lands. When the Lotus Sutra addresses evil persons, it speaks of the evil that is a part of the Ten Worlds, and assures them that, since evil persons too are endowed with the five types of vision, even the most evil of all persons are capable of being saved. When it addresses women, it assures them that women are endowed with the Ten Worlds and that women in any of the Ten Worlds can attain Buddhahood. So long as one, through the Lotus Sutra, sets one’s mind on the attainment of perfect and true enlightenment, one can never be dragged back into the nine realms of unenlightened existence by the power of karma."
Do Renzi, Modi, Obama, Putin, Merkel, Jinping, Cameron, Hollande, Abe, or Netanyahu believe in the great mandala of the five characters? No! Then we can not be freed from calamities.
"Then the Buddha said: Listen carefully. You must not propagate it in the first millennium of the Former Day of the Law or in the second millennium of the Middle Day following my death. In the beginning of the Latter Day of the Law, slanderous monks will fill the land of Jambudvīpa, so that all the heavenly gods will demonstrate their rage, comets will appear in the sky, and the earth will quake like the movement of huge waves. Innumerable disasters and calamities, such as drought, fires, floods, gales, epidemics, famine, and war, will all occur at once. The people of Jambudvīpa will don armor and take up bows and staves, but since none of the Buddhas, bodhisattvas, or benevolent deities will be able to help them, they will all die and fall like rain into the hell of incessant suffering. At this very time, rulers can save their countries and the people be freed from calamities and in their next life escape the great fires of hell if they embrace and believe in this great mandala of the five characters.'”
How can you guys be so stupid?
Why do you think SGI headquarters is so overjoyed at being recognized by the Italian state? That's right, tax-free status.
Something to really think about
"If we consider these examples carefully, we will realize that, among those who read the Lotus Sutra and sing its praises, there are many who are destined for the hell of incessant suffering..."
Nichiren and I will correct Patrarch Bartholomew since SGI won't
SGI Quarterly staff: How can religion come to be seen as a "savior of humanity," not a threat to humanity?
Patriarch Bartholomew: On the sixth day of creation, God created man and woman in His divine image and likeness. Yet, what most people overlook is that the sixth day is not dedicated to the formation of Adam alone. That sixth day was shared, according to the Book of Genesis, with "living creatures of every kind; cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the Earth.î This close connection between humanity and the rest of creation is a powerful reminder of our intimate relationship with the environment. While there is undoubtedly something unique about our creation in God's image, there is more that unites us than separates us, not only as human beings but also with creation. It is a lesson we have learned the hard way in recent decades. The connection is not merely emotional; it is profoundly spiritual, providing a sense of continuity and community as well as an expression of identity and compassion with all of creation. In the seventh century, Abba Isaac the Syrian said: "A merciful heart burns with love for all creation: for human beings, birds and beasts--for all God's creatures." When we recognize this connection, then we shall be instruments of peace and life, not tools of violence and death. Then everything will assume its divine purpose, as God originally intended for the world."
Nichiren Daishonin: "I expounded this principle a long time ago, so it should not be new to you. One of the six stages of practice in the perfect teaching is the stage of perception and action. At this stage “one acts as one speaks and speaks as one acts.” Those at the stage of being a Buddha in theory only and at the stage of hearing the name and words of the truth believe in the perfect teaching; but even though they praise it, their actions fail to reflect their words. For example, countless people study the non-Buddhist works known as the Three Records and the Five Canons, but not even one case in ten million is found where a person governs society and behaves as the texts teach. Thus it is very difficult to establish peace in society. One may be letter-perfect in reciting the Lotus Sutra, but it is far more difficult to act as it teaches. The “Simile and Parable” chapter states, “If this person... on seeing those who read, recite, copy, and uphold this sutra, should despise, hate, envy, or bear grudges against them...” The “Teacher of the Law” chapter reads, “Since hatred and jealousy toward this sutra abound even when the Thus Come One is in the world, how much more will this be so after his passing?” The“Encouraging Devotion” chapter reads, “Many ignorant people will attack us with swords and staves... again and again we will be banished.” The “Peaceful Practices” chapter states, “It [the Lotus Sutra] will face much hostility in the world and be difficult to believe.” Although these quotations from the sutra are the Buddha’s prophecies, there is no reference to when these persecutions will occur. In the past, Bodhisattva Never Disparaging and the monk Realization of Virtue read and lived these passages. But setting aside the two thousand years of the Former and Middle Days of the Law, now, in the Latter Day, in all Japan only Nichiren seems to be doing so. From the present situation, I can well imagine how followers, relatives, disciples, and lay supporters must have grieved in the past when during the reigns of evil kings so many of their sage monks met persecution.
Nichiren has now read [and lived] the entirety of the Lotus sutra. Even a single phrase or verse assures one's enlightenment; since I have read the entire sutra, how much more certain is my enlightenment. I am more confident than ever. Though I may sound presumptuous, my most fervent wish is to realize the the security and peace of the entire land. In an age when none will heed me, however, it is beyond my power. I will close now to keep this brief."
Commentary: How much more difficult to create peace and harmony with the Bible and Q'uran as your guide?
SGI pigeons are pecking at filth
SGI: "Joining the Ramadan forum gave us a clear understanding about the culture and philosophy of our Muslim brothers and sisters," commented Pogi Figuracion, an SGI-Philippines young men's group member. "Although we have different beliefs, we share a common goal to help achieve peace and deeper understanding in Mindanao, the Land of Promise."
Nichiren: "[In ancient China] the royal consorts Mo Hsi, Ta Chi, and Pao Ssu were charming in manner and excelled all others in beauty. But because the rulers in their foolishness became infatuated with them, these women brought about the downfall of the nation. And now Zen priests, Precepts priests, and Nembutsu advocates of our own time such as Shōichi, Dōryū, Ryōkan, Dōami, Nen’ami, and other teachers of their kind are like domestic pigeons that peck at filth, or like the beautiful Hsi-shih who deceived the king of Wu. They adhere to their Hinayana precepts, which are like stinking waste or donkey’s milk,..."
Japan will be invaded
"The priests of Japan today [especially the business suited priests of the Soka Gakkai] are all men of great evil, surpassing even Devadatta or the Venerable Kokālika. And because lay people revere them and make them offerings, this country is being transformed before our very eyes into the hell of incessent suffering where countless people in their present existence, in addition to undergoing starvation, pestilence, and horrible agonies unknown in previous ages, will be attacked by a foreign power. This is due solely to the workings of deities like Brahmā, Shakra, and the gods of the sun and moon."
SGI leader Jamie Lee Silver, an expert on Nichiren's teachings, answers a readers question
Question: 2. Do I Have to Change Religions to Chant?
Answer: No. You can keep practicing whatever religion brings you joy. Just remember that when you chant to the Gohonzon that it is NOT a GOD. The Gohonzon is your own life, so don't beg when you chant. When you chant to the Gohonzon you are declaring what you want.
Response: Follow Jamie or those like her and you will fall into the lower worlds of existence as sure as an arrow aimed at the earth could never miss the target.
Phillip Brett SGI, I support you 100% in your denunciation of the United States and our war on terror and hope you get your wish
Response to SGI member Phillip Brett.
How could anyone side with the United States in the worldwide Islamic conflict? We are a deluded war mongering nation led by the devil Obama. They are a peace loving nation led by the good hearted Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Mullah Omar. Bad, bad Obama! Kind, caring, and compassionate al-Baghdadi. Obama would send his Nazi storm troopers into our houses in the middle of the night, tazer the dog, rape the wife, and take us away to Leavenworth Kansas before beheading us. Al-Baghdadi would send his messengers with flowers and a bottle of non-alcoholic champagne to brighten our day. 911 was a Cheney conspiracy and the eighteen hijackers weren't Saudi and Egyptian nationals, as reported on Fox News but homegrown Iowa wheat farmers recruited by the NSA and CIA. The Islamists who blew up the USS Cole, the trade center, and the nearly two millenium old Buddha statues in Bamiyan are emanations of Kuan Yin Bodhisattva while those angry Jews and Christians in the White House who condemned such acts are devils and Asura demons.
The Taliban and ISIS would laud us were we to go to the border regions of Pakistan and Syria to convert them to the Lotus Sutra but should we go to Bethesda Maryland or Passaic New Jersey, we would be strung up behind an FBI SUV and dragged all the way to Washington. What a terrible country we live in! Led by those barbaric Jews and Christians who want to burn down our Buddhist halls and temples and forcibly come into our homes to convert us, makes me afraid to venture out of the house. Hopefully the Taliban and ISIS will liberate us the way they did the Iraqis and Afghanis. My wife loves the burqa and prays every day for me to be more forceful with her, refusing to let her speak her mind or put on lipstick.
The Q'uran is the most peaceful book on earth. It is most tolerant and most merciful promoting the absolute dignity of human life. Forget those one or two [hundred] passages that support and sustain those who advocate the killing of infidels, heck, the modern Christians are killing heathens all over Europe and the Far East, thanks to their viscious interpretation of the Bible.
How could anyone side with the United States in the worldwide Islamic conflict? We are a deluded war mongering nation led by the devil Obama. They are a peace loving nation led by the good hearted Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Mullah Omar. Bad, bad Obama! Kind, caring, and compassionate al-Baghdadi. Obama would send his Nazi storm troopers into our houses in the middle of the night, tazer the dog, rape the wife, and take us away to Leavenworth Kansas before beheading us. Al-Baghdadi would send his messengers with flowers and a bottle of non-alcoholic champagne to brighten our day. 911 was a Cheney conspiracy and the eighteen hijackers weren't Saudi and Egyptian nationals, as reported on Fox News but homegrown Iowa wheat farmers recruited by the NSA and CIA. The Islamists who blew up the USS Cole, the trade center, and the nearly two millenium old Buddha statues in Bamiyan are emanations of Kuan Yin Bodhisattva while those angry Jews and Christians in the White House who condemned such acts are devils and Asura demons.
The Taliban and ISIS would laud us were we to go to the border regions of Pakistan and Syria to convert them to the Lotus Sutra but should we go to Bethesda Maryland or Passaic New Jersey, we would be strung up behind an FBI SUV and dragged all the way to Washington. What a terrible country we live in! Led by those barbaric Jews and Christians who want to burn down our Buddhist halls and temples and forcibly come into our homes to convert us, makes me afraid to venture out of the house. Hopefully the Taliban and ISIS will liberate us the way they did the Iraqis and Afghanis. My wife loves the burqa and prays every day for me to be more forceful with her, refusing to let her speak her mind or put on lipstick.
The Q'uran is the most peaceful book on earth. It is most tolerant and most merciful promoting the absolute dignity of human life. Forget those one or two [hundred] passages that support and sustain those who advocate the killing of infidels, heck, the modern Christians are killing heathens all over Europe and the Far East, thanks to their viscious interpretation of the Bible.
I welcome not having free speech because I want to even the playing field with the Soka Gakkai and my forceful practice of the Lotus Sutra is getting old. We need Sharia so, the next time we overlook a source of income, we can have our hands cut off by the IRS rather than some late fees and penalties. I had always wanted to stone my daughter to death for dating an SGI member. Better she date a good fellow from the Nation of Islam. Soon I may finally be able to kill her and get away with it.
In conclusion Phillip SGI, I support you 100% in your denunciation of the United States and our war on terror and hope you get your wish.
SGI's complicity in slander evident on SGI Malaysia's website
"Imam Dr Wang based his talk on 'Islamic Perspectives on World Peace', and spoke about the role of Islam in promoting peace. Imam Wang used the teaching of Koran to point out that religious freedom, equality and respect for all human beings are important values for Muslim. He said that Islam promotes mercy and tolerance towards others. Besides this, Imam Wang also pointed out that 'jihad' means human struggle and self-revolution, but people still harbor misunderstanding on this concept, resulting in politicians using it to achieve their own political ends. He believes that if the family and friends can promote the concept of mercy and the spirit of helping each other among us, world peace and societal stability can be realized.
The next speaker, Imam Ma talked on 'The moral perspective of Islam'. According to him, moral is the yard stick of measurement for human life. "Differences of ideologies among humans, which cause conflicts are unavoidable," said Imam Ma, "without the guidance of religion, the ugly nature of humans will emerge making society a 'heaven' for the strong and 'hell' for the weak." Imam Ma continued to point out that the absence of religious moral is equivalent to living without a water source; faith should be the water source for moral. "Law, moral and faith are the three pillars for establishing peace in society."
The next speaker, Imam Ma talked on 'The moral perspective of Islam'. According to him, moral is the yard stick of measurement for human life. "Differences of ideologies among humans, which cause conflicts are unavoidable," said Imam Ma, "without the guidance of religion, the ugly nature of humans will emerge making society a 'heaven' for the strong and 'hell' for the weak." Imam Ma continued to point out that the absence of religious moral is equivalent to living without a water source; faith should be the water source for moral. "Law, moral and faith are the three pillars for establishing peace in society."
Question for Soka Gakkai readers of my blog
How could something as corrupt, controlling, and deceitful as the Soka Gakkai be the only way to correctly practice Nichiren Daishonin's Lotus Sutra Buddhism?
Worlds foremost authority on Buddhism?
"President Ikeda is the world's foremost authority on Buddhism." -- SGI leader
"A sad but true fact we must solemnly recognize is that the corruption of priests began soon after Shakyamuni's death. Religion is always in danger of growing apart from the people when its leaders forget to reflect carefully on their own behavior and come to look upon themselves as authorities" -- Daisaku Ikeda
Call for debate with SGI
I have been calling for a formal debate with the SGI for more than 16 years. I have contacted SGI-Japan, SGI-USA, and made my debate proposals well known. I have received letters from both Al Albergate and Greg Martin and they have refused to take me up on my proposals. The following are the topics I proposed for the debate:
1). The identity and significance of the Original Eternal Buddha
2.) The nature of the Master/Disciple relationship in Nichiren Buddhism
3.) The significance of the Gohonzon
1). The identity and significance of the Original Eternal Buddha
2.) The nature of the Master/Disciple relationship in Nichiren Buddhism
3.) The significance of the Gohonzon
"The Lotus Sutra states, “Medicine King, now I say to you, I have preached various sutras, and among those sutras the Lotus is the foremost!” Here the Buddha is referring to all the teachings that he has expounded and stating that among these the Lotus ranks in first place. The Buddha’s preaching and the writings of the Great Teacher Kobo are as much at variance with each other as are fire and water. We should investigate and clarify this matter."
The SGI's teachings are as much at variance with the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Daishonin as Kobo's. Their delusion is denying the importance of a correct faith and correct doctrine.
Monday, June 29, 2015
"Now is the time to break free from the bonds of this realm of birth and death and to obtain the fruit of Buddhahood!"
"All of you should prepare yourselves mentally for what may come. Do not let concern for wife and children or other family members deter you. Do not fear those in authority. Now is the time to break free from the bonds of this realm of birth and death and to obtain the fruit of Buddhahood!"
Nichiren on praying for those with wavering faith
"Those people [the lay priest of Kawanobe and the others] are very important supporters of mine. But although I have prayed on their behalf so hard that my head was about to split, so far there has been no indication of my prayers being answered. It would seem that someone among them is wavering in faith. If one prays for a person who is not properly responsive in mind, it is like trying to light a fire on top of water, or to build a house in the empty air. Please convey these thoughts of mine to the four men. They should keep in mind that my prediction regarding the actions of the Mongol kingdom has come true. It will be no fault of Nichiren [if the prayer is not answered]."
Let us take photographs of SGI leaders on their deathbeds and widely circulate them
"If among my disciples there are those whose faith is weak and paltry, then when they are on their deathbed, they will manifest signs that they are destined for the Avīchi hell. And at that time, they must not hold me to blame!"
"It is a cause for weeping, for sorrow, for fear, and for loathing!"
"It would almost seem as though the heavenly devil had taken possession of our country, making it drunk or mad. It is a cause for weeping, for sorrow, for fear, and for loathing!"-- Nichiren
"You must raise your voice all the more and admonish those who slander." -- Nichiren
"People have regarded the two of you as surely having already yielded, but you have acted in an admirable manner. You probably think this is solely due to the power of Shakyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sutra. I believe this also. No words can express the promise of your next existence. From now on too, no matter what may happen, you must not slacken in the least. You must raise your voice all the more and admonish [those who slander]. Even if your life should be threatened, you must not falter in the least."
My latest prayers for rain challenge on Dharma Wheel
Assemble one hundred Buddhist priests, monks, and HBS reverends to meet me at the base of mount Shasta and you will see what the prayers of a devotee of the Lotus Sutra can accomplish. If these Great Masters of Buddhism are to begin the prayer for rain challenge, I will afford them fourteen days. Were they to insist that I begin, they need afford me only five days. [June 12, 2015]
Renzi meets with elder brother of Soka Gakkai
Editorial SGI-UK Express June 1993 by Dick Causton:
"It's probably on the way to twenty years ago that I first heard about a conversation between President Ikeda and the Vatican ambassador to Japan of that time, concerning inter-faith relationships. It has remained vividly in my memory and since then I have often recalled his words when answering members' questions on this subject.
Just recently, this same historic meeting has become a focal point for reflection once again, for Sensei has expressed his view that the time has come in the movement for kosen-rufu for dialogue with other religions to be initiated.'We look upon you as our elder brother, Sensei said at the time. 'As younger brothers, you may find us more energetic, but it would be absurd for us in the future to argue over converts."
The incredible confession of Renzi: "our voters have voted for the New World Order"
The architects of this New World Order are the members of the Club of Rome, one of whom is Daisaku Ikeda.
Greg Martin lectures on the writing, Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki circa 07/2014
Doe eyes all around him, uncritical and unknowing, nodding in awe as he gives another shallow self-serving SGI "Gosho" lecture in which no more than a line or two of the Gosho, Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki, was actually discussed. There was such a disconnect between the Gosho and the lecture as to make the Gosho unrecognizable. Dozens and dozens of lines of Ikeda was lectured upon but the main, points of the Gosho were not touched upon. How could they have been? Interfaith is clearly and matter of fact rebuked by the Daishonin and the great benefit of the exclusive faith and practice of the Lotus Sutra and the forceful practices are heralded [by Nichiren] in this Gosho. A warning too, for those who would persecute the true votaries:
"...Therefore, all these Buddhas and gods will punish those who persecute the votary of the Lotus Sutra, even more severely than one would chastise an enemy of one’s parents, or than the ruler punishes rebels..."
This is actual proof that those who chant Namu Myoho renge kyo and who ceaselessly admonish the Soka Gakkai are true votaries of the Lotus Sutra. Were SGI members votaries, it would be we, rather than they, who are being punished.
More importantly, Greg Martin, invoked the fake Taisekaji plank, the DaiGohonzon. This Gosho was written in November of 1279, one month after the transubstantiated plank was supposed to have been inscribed. Not a sentence not a word, but instead we read:
"...How much greater still will be the blessings of those human beings who rejoice at this tablet, touch it with their hands, or gaze upon it with their eyes! I believe that because of the benefit derived from your erecting this wooden tablet, your deceased parents must be illuminating the path to the pure land as brilliantly as would the sun and moon in the heavens. Furthermore, you yourselves, their filial son and his wife, as well as your children, will live to be 120 in this existence, and after death you will be with your parents in the pure land of Eagle Peak. You should consider this to be as certain as the fact that the moon is reflected in clear water, or that a drum produces a sound when struck. Should you erect any wooden tablets in the future, be sure to have the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra inscribed on them as well."
"If one lacks faith [in the Lotus Sutra], one will object that it pertains to the lofty realm of the sages."
Nichiren says:
"Great Concentration and Insight says: 'If one lacks faith [in the Lotus Sutra], one will object that it pertains to the lofty realm of the sages, something far beyond the capacity of one’s own wisdom to comprehend. If one lacks wisdom, one will become puffed up with arrogance and will claim to be the equal of the Buddha.'”
Ryuei says:
I am Rev. Ryuei McCormick (Ryuei is my Dharma name, Michael is my secular given name). I also have had a lot of experience with Soto Zen and with Korean Buddhism in addition to being a Nichiren Shu minister (since 2001). So I'd like to offer some advice.
First of all - the Lotus Sutra assumes you know a LOT. It is very hard to read unless you already know the basics of Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism. Having a study guide (a kind of Cliff's Notes) helps. I would recommend "Introduction to the Lotus Sutra" by Shinjo Suguro. As for the Lotus Sutra itself, before long the Nichiren Shu will be publishing a new edition of the translation by Senchu Murano, which is the one we use for our study and liturgies. However, I would also recommend the Lotus Sutra translation by Gene Reeves as being very accessible and also including translations of the opening and closing sutras of the so-called Threefold Lotus Sutra.
You can get the Intro book here from the Nichiren Buddhist International Center:
http://www.nichiren-shu.org/books/introduction2.html
As for Nichiren's writings the Nichiren Shu is publishing a seven volume set in English of his writings. Six of those have already come out. They are also available through the Nichiren Buddhistm International Center bookstore.
But even more than the Lotus Sutra, Nichiren's writings are difficult to understand without a LOT of background and context - esp. in T'ien-t'ai Buddhist terminology and the context of 13th century Japanese Buddhist politics and sectarianism. To help with that I have been writing commentaries on my blog on Nichiren's major writings. The links to them can be found on this page:
Oh and on that page you can also find a link to Dharma Flower, my online book about Nichiren Buddhist teachings. You might even want to read that first.
Now as far as practice goes I also have a page with articles about practice:
Those articles should help you learn what you need to learn about how to actually practice Nichiren Buddhism. I think you might find Shodaigyo Meditation (article 7 on the practice page) to be particularly suitable for you as it is both minimalist, good for kids in that regard, and incorporates silent sitting practice.
Please read those through and feel free to ask any questions here about any particulars.
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,
Ryuei
Extra Extra Nichiren Shu priests seek advice of Christian minister to council Bodhisattvas of the the Earth
"In my own experience I have had friendly conversation with SGI leaders (even paid staff – though these were strictly unofficial off the record informal talks), I have been lent the use of a Nipponzan Myohoji Temple, Nichiren Shu ministers often have meetings with and dialogues with their counterparts in the other schools, Theravadin monks often visit Nichiren Shu temples and facilities and vice versa for the sake of learning and Buddhist solidarity, and in fact at the meeting I just attended in Tokyo at Nichiren Shu’s home office, a Christian minister (Swedenbourgian) gave an all day seminar on pastoral counseling for the Nichiren Shu ministers interested in pursuing that.”
What kind of kings of the Law are the "Nichiren" Shu priests who consult a Christian minister to find out how to “minister” to the Bodhisattvas of the Earth? They are frauds.
No other choice but Soka Gakkai for salvation?
George Orwell (1903-1950) once said, 'Saints should always be judged guilty until they are proven innocent."
http://www.culthelp.info/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=867
The Japanese Pope, Borgias, and Medicics
The Wadas, Hojos, Nakajimas, and Kanedas are the Japanese Borgias and Medicis and Ikeda is the Japanese Pope. Ironically [or not so ironically], SGI's center in Florence Italy is the most beautiful Villa of Medici ever built. Ikeda and his dukes act contrary to the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha and Nichiren Daishonin who never advocated acquisitions, just as the Popes', Borgias' and Medicis' practices ran counter to the teachings of Jesus and St. Francis. Certainly, the Borgias, Medicis, and Sokaisti have in common the practice of corruption and SGI brings 70,000 votes into the pocket of Renzi whose party recently won only a close victory in local elections.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
If Japan gives us a small house with several acres of land in Fukushima and a small stipend, I will move there and doctor the brave souls who have returned
I would relish passing on in the land of the Master Nichiren.
Despite what your SGI leaders tell you, you should know what you you are chanting
Essential Services of the Lotus Sutra
Note... Must chant Parts A and C or Parts A, B, and C twice a day. May also chant any or all parts as many times as one wishes. I chant mostly in the Japanese but either English or Japanese is acceptable. To be chanted outloud.
Essential Services Auxilliary Practice [Part A Hoben-pon]
Part A
Myo-ho Ren-ge Kyo
Sublime Dharma of the Lotus Flower Sutra
Ho-ben-pon Dai-ni
Chapter Two, Expedient Means
Ni-ji Se-son
At the time the World Honored One peacefully and
Ju san-mai an-jo no ki
quietly arose from Samadhi and annonced to
Go Shari-hotsu Sho-but-chi-e
Shariputra, "The Wisdom of the Buddhas is Most Profound
jin jin mu-ryo Go chi-e mon
and immeasurable. The Gate of Their Wisdom is difficult to
nan-ge nan-nyo is-sai sho-mon
understand and difficult to enter. It is something that none
byaku-shi-butsu sho fu no chi
of the Shravakas and Pratyekabuddhas can understand
Sho I sha ga
What is the reason?
Butsu zo shin-gon hyaku
The Buddha formerly approached hundreds of thousands
sen man-noku mu-shu sho-butsu
of myriads of tens of millions of numberless Buddhas
Jingyo sho-butsu
exhaustively practiced
mu-ryo do-ho
the immeasurable Dharma Paths of the Buddhas,
Yu-myo sho-jin
being bold and effortful,
Myo-sho fu mon
and His Renown was Universally Heard.
Jo-ju jin jin mi zo u ho
It is difficult to understand the import of what He, having
Zui gi sho setsu
achieved the Most Profound, Unprecedented Dharma,
I-shu nan-ge
has preached following what is appropriate.
Shari-hotsu. Go ju jo butsu i rai
Shariputra. Since I attained Buddhahood, I have by
Shu-ju in-nen shu-ju hi-yu
various sorts of causes and conditions and various sorts of
Ko-en Gon-kyo
parables widely expounded the teaching expressed in
Mu-shu ho-ben
words, and by numberless expedients
In-do shu-jo
I have guided the masses of beings,
Ryo-re sho-jaku
causing them to leave attatchments.
shi i sha ga Nyo-rai
What is the reason? The Tathagata
ho-ben chi-ken hara-mitsu
is fully possesses of all the
Kai i gu-soku
Paramitas of Knowledge and Vision and of expedience
Shari-hotsu. Nyo-rai chi-ken
Shariputra. The Knowledge and Vision of the Tathagata
Ko dai jin-mon
is vast and great, profound and far-reaching.
Mu-ryo mu-ge riki
Having the Immeasurable, the Unhindered, the Powers,
Mu sho i zen-jo ge-das-sam-mai
Fearlessness, Trance, Liberation, and Samadhi,
jin nyu musai
He has profoundly entered the Unbounded.
He has profoundly entered the Unbounded.
Jo-ju is-sai mi zo u ho
He has achieved all the Unprecedented Dharmas.
Shari-hotsu. Nyo-rai
Shariputra. The Tathagata
no shu-ju fum-betsu
can variously assign
gyo setsu sho-ho
and skillfully preach the various dharmas,
Gon-ji nyu-nan
with words that are gentle and soft,
Ek-ka shu shin
causing the mass of minds to rejoice.
Shari-hotsu. shu yo gon shi
Shariputra. If we speak of it in essence, it is all
Mu-ryo mu-hen mi zo u ho
of the immeasurable, unlimited, unprecedented dharmas
Bus-shitsu jo-ju Shi. Sharihotsu.
that the Buddha has achieved. I will stop. Shariputra.
Fu shu bu setsu Shi i sha ga.
I should not preach any further. What is the reason?
Bus-sho jo-ju
That which the Buddha has achieved
Dai-ichi ke u nan-ge shi-ho
Is the rarest, difficult to understand Dharma.
Yui Butsu yo Butsu
Only a Buddha with a Buddha
Nan no ku-jin
can exhaustively penetrate
sho-ho jis-so
the Reality of the Dharmas.
[Sho i sho-ho
That is to say, the various Dharmas
Nyo ze so. Nyo ze sho. Nyo ze tai.
are Thus the Appearance, Thus the Nature, Thus the Essence,
Nyo ze riki. Nyo ze sa. Nyo ze in
Thus the Power, Thus the Action, Thus the Cause,
Nyo ze en. Nyo ze ka. Nyo ze ho.
Thus the Condition. Thus the the Effect. Thus the Retribution
Nyo ze hom-matsu ku kyo to.]
and Thus the Ultimate Equality of the Original and the last."
[From Sho i sho-ho, to hom-matsu ku kyo to, it is repeated three times.]
[From Sho i sho-ho, to hom-matsu ku kyo to, it is repeated three times.]
Essential Services Auxilliary Practice [Part B Ju-ryo hon] -- optional
Myo-ho Ren-ge Kyo
Sublime Dharma of the Lotus Flower Sutra
Nyo-rai ju-ryo hon Dai ju-roku
Chapter Sixteen, the Measure of Life of the Tathagata
Ni-ji Butsu go
At that time the Buddha announced to the various
sho bo-satsu gyu is-sai dai shu
bodhisattvas as well as all the great assemblies
Sho zen nan-shi nyo-to to
"Good sons. You should believe and understand
shin-ge Nyo-rai jo-tai shi go
the Tathagata's words of sincerity and truth."
Bu go dai-shu
Again he announced to the great assemblies,
Nyo-to to shin-ge
"You should believe and understand
Nyo-rai jo-tai shi go
the Tathagata's words of sincerity and truth."
U bu go sho dai-shu
And again He announced to the various great assemblies,
Nyo-to to shin-ge
"You should believe and understand
Nyo-rai jo-tai shi go
The Tathagata's words of sincerity and truth,"
Ze-gi bo-satsu dai-shu
At this time the great assembly of the bodhisattvas
Mi-roku i shu
with Maitreya at their head
gas-sho byaku butsu gon
pressed their palms together and addressed the Buddha,
Se-son Yui gan ses-shi
"World Honored One. We only pray that You would preach
Ga-to to shin-ju Butsu go
them. We will receive with faith the words of the Buddha."
Nyo-ze sam-byaku i
Having thus addressed Him thrice, they
Bu gon Yui gan ses-shi
again said, "We only pray that You would preach them.
Ga-to to shin-juButsu go
We will receive with faith the words of the Buddha."
Ni-ji Se-son
At that time the World Honored One
Chi sho bo-satsu
knowing that the various bodhisattvas
San sho fu shi
had thrice invited him without ceasing,
ni go shi gon Nyo-tai cho
announced to them, "You hear clearly about
Nyo-rai hi-mitsu jin-zu shi riki
the Tathagata's Hidden Secret Divine Pervasive Powers.
Is-sai se-ken ten-nin
The humans and devas
gyu a-shu-raa kai i
as well as asuras of all the worlds say,
Kon Shaka-muni Butsu
"The present Shakyamuni Buddha,
Shus-shaku-shi gu
having once gone forth from the palace of the Shakya Clan,
ko Ga-ya jo fu on
not far from the town of Gaya,
za o do-jo toku a-noku-ta-ra
seated at the palace of Enlghtenment
sam-myaku sam-bo-dai
has obtained Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi."
Nen zen nan-shi
However good sons.
Ga jitsu jo-butsu i-rai
since I truly attained Buddhahood
Mu-ryo mu-hen
it has been immeasurable, limitless
hyaku sen man-noku
hundreds of thousands of myriads of tens of millions
na-yu-ta ko
of nayutas of kalpas.
Hi nyo go-hyaku
For example, it is like five hundreds
sen man-noku
of thousands of myriads of tens of millions
na-yu-ta a-so-gi
of nayutas of asamkheyas
san-zen dai-sen se-kai
of great trichiliocosms
ke-shi i nin
and supposing there is a person
mat-chi mi-jin
who pulverizes them into dust atoms,
ka o to-bo
and having passed in the eastern direction
go-hyaku sen man-noku
five hunreds of thousands of myriads of tens of millions
na-yu-ta a-so-gi koku
of nayutas of asamkheyas of countries,
nai ge ichi jin
he then drops one atom
nyo-se to gyo
and thus proceding to the east
jin ze mi-jin
he would exhaust these dust atoms;
sho zen nan-shi o i un gas
you good sons, what is in your minds?
ze sho se-kai
Could one,
ka toku, shi-yui kyo-ke
reflecting on and calculating these worlds,
chi go shu fu
know thier number or not?"
Mi-roku Bo-satsu to
The Bodhisattva Maitreya and the others
ku byaku butsu gon
together addressed the Buddha,
Se-son. Ze sho se-kai
"World Honored One. These various worlds
Mu-ryo mu-hen
are immeasureable and limitless; they are not something
Hi san-ju sho chi
which numerical reckoning understands; likewise they
Yaku hi shin riki sho gyu
are not something which the power of the mind can reach.
Is-sai Sho-mon Byaku -shi Butsu
All Shravakas and Pratyekabuddhas
I mu-ro chi
reflecting with their Wisdom-Without-Outflow
fu no shi-yui chi go gen shu
cannot know their numerical limit.
Ga-to ju
Though we abide
A you ot-chi ji
in the stage of Avivartika(Non-backsliding),
o ze ji chu
in this matter
yaku sho fu datsu se-som.
It is something we cannot attain to. World Honored One
Nyo-ze sho se-kai
Worlds such as these
mu-ryo mu-hen
are immeasurable and limitless."
Niji Butsu go
At that time the Buddha announced
dai bo-satsu shu
to the assembly of great bodhisattvas,
Sho zen nan-shi
You good sons,
Kon to fu-myo
Now I am going to proclaim
sen-go nyo-to ze sho se-kai
to you with clarity: Of these various worlds,
nyaku jaku mi-jin
if one took the ones to which atoms adhered
gyu fu jaku sha
as well as those to which they did not adhere
jin-ni i jin
and completely made atoms of them
ichi jin ik-ko
with one atom as one kalpa,
ga jo-butsu i-rai
the time since I attained Buddhahood
bu ka o shi
surpasses these
hyaku sen man-noku
by hundreds of thousands of myriads of tens of millions
na-yu-ta a-so-gi ko
of nayutas of asemkheyas of kalpas.
ji ju ze rai ga jo zai shi
since then I have been ever in this
Sha-ba se-kai sep-po kyo-ke
Saha World preaching the Dharma and convertiing.
yaku o yo sho
Likewise elsewhere
hyaku sen man-noku
in hundreds of thousands of myriads of tens of millions
na-yu-ta a-so-gi koku
of nayutas of asemkheyas of countries
do-ri shu-jo
I have guided and benefitted the mass of beings. You good
Sho zen nan-shi O ze Chu-ken
sons. During this intermediate time I have preached
Ga setsu Nen-to But-to
as the Buddha Nento(Dipamkara) and others. And,
U bu gon go nyu o ne-han
furthermore, I have also said they have entered Nirvana.
nyo-ze kai i ho-ben fum-betsu
All such as these I have distributed by expedients
Sho zen nan-shi nyaku u shu-jo
You good sons. If there are beings
rai shi ga sho
who come to where I am,
ga i Butsu gen
I contemplate by means of the Buddha Eye
kan go shim to
the sharpness or dullness
sho kon ri don
of their various faculties of faith and so on
zui sho o do
and, in accordance with how they should be saved,
sho-sho ji setsu myo-ji fu do
everywhere I preach my name to be different
nen-ki dai sho
and my age to be great or little,
yaku bu gen gon
and, furthermore, I also manifest myself and say
to nyu ne-han
'I am going to enter Nirvana',
u i shu-jo ho-ben
and, furthermore by various types of expedients
setsu mi-myo ho
preaching the Subtle Dharma
no ryo shu-jo
I have been able to cause the mass of beings
kok-kan-gi shin Sho zen nan-shi
to give rise to joyful minds. You good sons.
Nyo-rai ken sho shu-jo
When the Tathagata sees that the masses of beings
gyo o sho-bo
are those who rejoice in the Lesser Dharma,
toku hatsu ku ju sha
poor in virtues, heavy with defilement,
i ze nin setsu
for these people I preach
ga sho shuk-ke toku a-noku-ta-ra
that when I was young I went forth from the household life
sam-myaku sam-bo-dai
and obtained Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.
Nen ga jitsu jo-butsu i-rai
But the time since I really attained Buddhahood
Ku on nyaku shi
is as long ago and distant as that.
tan-ni ho-ben kyo-ke shu jo
It is just in converting the mass of beings by expedients
ryo nyu Butsu-do
and causing them to enter the Buddha Way
sa nyo ze setsu Sho zen nan-shi
that I create such a preaching as this. You good sons.
Nyo-rai sho en kyo-den
The Sutra Canons which the Tathagata expounds
kai i do datsu shu-jo
are all for saving and liberating the mass of beings.
waku setsu ko shin
I either preach my own body
waku set-ta shin waku ji ko shin
or preach the body of another or show my own body
waka ji ta shin waku ji ko ji
or show the body of another or show my own matter
waku ji ta ji sho sho gon-setsu
or show the matter of another. The various words I preach
kai jip-pu ko sho i sha ga
are all true and not empty. What is the reason?
Nyo-rai nyo jit-chi ken
The Tathagata knows and sees the appearance
san-gai shi so
of the Three Worlds in accordance with reality:
mu u sho-ji
there is no Birth-and-Death,
nyaku tai nyaku shutsu
whether backsliding or emerging;
yaku mu zai se
likewise there is neither existence in the world
gyu metsu-do sha hi jitsu hi ko
nor extinction; they are not real; they are not void,
hi nyo hi i
they are not thus; they are not different.
fu nyo san-gai
It is not as the Three Worlds
ken-no san-gai nyo shi shi ji
see the Three Worlds. In such a matter as this
Nyo-rai myo ken
the Tathagata sees clearly
mu u shaku-myo i sho shu-jo
and is without error. Because the various beings
u shu-ju sho
have distinctions of various types of natures
shu-ju oku-so fun-betsu ko
and various types of recollections, I, desiring
yoku ryo sho sho zen-gon
to cause various good karmic roots to be produced
i nyak-kan in-nen
by means of considerable causalities,
hi-yu gon-ji shu-ju sep-po
parables, and words, preach various kinds of dharmas:
sho-sa butsu-ji
The work of the Buddha which I perform
mi zo zam-pai
I have never once abandoned even for a brief time.
nyo-ze ga jo-butsu i-rai
Thus the time since I attained buddhahood
jin dai ku on ju-myo mu-ryo
is very great, long and distant. My life is immeasurable
a-so-gi ko
asemkheyas of kalpas
jo-ju fu metsu
and I abide forever and am not extinguished.
sho zen nan-shi
You good sons. The life which I
ga hon gyo bo-satsu do
achieved by originally practicing the bodhisattva way
sho jo ju-myo kon yu mi jin
is not yet extinguished
bu bai jo shu
and it is twice the above number.
nen gon hi jitsu metsu-do
However, though it is not now real extinction,
ni ben sho gon to shu metsu-do
yet I thereupon proclaim, I am going to take extinction.'
Nyo-rai i ze ho-ben
the Tathagata thus converts
kyo-ke shu-jo sho i sha ga
the masses of beings by expedients. What is the reason?
nyaku butsu ku ju o se
If the Buddha were to abide for a long time in the world,
haku toku shi nin fu shu zen-gon
people of poor virtue would not plant good karmic roots
Bin gu ge sen
Being poor and lowly
ton jaku go yaku
and greedily attatched to the five desires
nyo o oku-so
they would fall into the midst of the net of thought
mo ken mo-chu nyak-ken Nyo-rai
and wrong views. If they saw the Tathagata
jo zai fu metsu
ever present and not extinguished
ben ki kyo shin
they would then give rise to arrogant licentiousness
ni e en dai fu no sho o
and nourish a disdainful idleness and could not produce
nan-zo shi so
the thought that I am difficult to encounter
ku-gyo shi shin ze ko nyo-rai
nor the mind of reverence. For this reason the Tathagata
I ho-ben zetsu bi-ku to chi
preaches by expedience. The Bhikshus should know:
sho-butsu shu-se
it is difficult to encounter
nan ka chi-gu
the Buddhas' coming forth in the world."
sho i sha ga sho haku toku nin
What is the reason? Of the various people poor in virtue,
ka mu-ryo
having passed through immeasurable hundreds of
hyaku sen man-nok-ko
thousands of tens of thousands of tens of millions of
waku u ken butsu
kalpasthere are those who see the Buddha
waku fu ken sha i shi ji ko
and those who do not see. Because of this fact
ga sa ze gon sho bi-ku
I say these words: Bhikshus!.
Nyo-rai nan ko tok-ken
It is difficult to be able to see the Tathagata."
shi shu-jo to mon nyo ze go
These beings having heard such words
hit-to sho o
will necessarily produce
nan-zo shi zo
the thought that I am difficult to encounter
shin-ne rem-bo katsu-go
and nourish affectionate longing in their hearts
o butsu ben shu sen-gon
and adoring the Buddha, will then plant good karmic roots.
ze ko Nyo-rai sui fu jitsu metsu
For this reason although the Tathagata is not extinct
ni gon metsu-do u zen nan-shi
yet He says that He is extinct. Furthermore, good sons,
sho-butsu nyo-rai
with the various Buddhas, the Tathagatas,
ho kai nyo ze
the Dharmas all are thus.
i do shu-jo
Because they are for saving the masses of beings
kai jip-pu ko
they are all true and not empty.
Hi nyo ro i chi-e so datsu
It is like an excellent Physician, wise and perspicacious.
myo ren ho-yaku
evidently practiced in prescriptions
zen ji shu byo go nin
and skillful in curing the multitude of illnesses.
ta sho shi-soku nyaku ju ni ju
that person has many sons whether ten, twenty,
nai-shi hyaku shu
and even as much as a hundred or more
i u ji en
Because there are conditions in his affairs,
on shi yo koku sho shi o go
he goes far off to another country. The children later
on ta doku-yaku
drink another's poison drugs, the poison
yaku hotsu mon-ran
becomes evident and they are in agony and confusion,
en-den u ji ze-ji go bu
rolling over on the ground. At this time the father
ken rai ki ke
comes back and returns to his house.
sho shi on doku
Among the children, having drunk the poison,
waku ship-pon shin
there are some who have lost their original minds
waku fu shis-sha
and some who have not lost them
yo ken go bu kai dai kan-gi
Seeing their father from afar, they all rejoice greatly
hai ki mon jin
and, bowing and kneeling, made inquiry:
zen-nan-non ki
'Well have you returned in safety.
ga to gu chi
We are foolish and stupid
go buku doku yaku
and by mistake have swallowed poison drugs.
gan ken ku-ryo kyo shi ju-myo
We request that you cure us and give us further life.'
bu ken shi to ku no nyo ze
The father seeing the children in agony like this,
e sho kyo-bo
seeks according to various prescriptions
gu ko-yaku so shiki ko mi mi
good medicinal plants which all are fully endowed
kai shitsu gu soku
with color, fragrance, and beautiful taste,
to shi wa go
and pounding and sifting, he combines them
yo shi ryo buku
and gives it to his children and has them swallow it,
ni sa ze gon shi dai ro yaku
pronouncing these words: This great excellent medicine
shiki ko mi mi
is all fully endowed
kai shitsu gu soku
with color, fragrance, and beautiful taste.
nyo-to ka buku
You should swallow it.
soku jo ku no
It will rapidly eliminate your agonizing sufferings
mu bu shu gen
and you will have no sorrows." Those
go sho sho chu fu shis-shin ja
among the various children who have not lost their minds
ken shi ro yaku shiki ko gu ko
see that this excellent medicine is good in both color and
soku ben buku shi
fragrance and at once swallow this,
byo jin jo yu
their illness is completely eliminated and they are cured.
yo shis-shin ja
As to the remainder who have lost their minds,
ken go bu rai
although on seeing their father coming
sui yaku kan-gi mon jin
they also rejoice and make inquiries
gu shaku ji byo
and request him to heal their illness,
nen yo go yaku
yet when he gives them the medicine,
ni fu ko buku
they are unwilling to swallow it.
shi i sha ga
What is the reason? It was
dok-ke jin nyu
because, since the influence of poison has penetrated
ship-pon shin ko
deeply and has made them lose their original minds, they
o shi ko shiki ko yaku
said to themselves about this medicine with good color
ni i fu mi bu sa ze nen
and fragrancethat it is not beautiful. The father forms this
shi shi ka min i doku sho chu
thought: 'These children should be pitied, ruined by the
shin kai ten-do
poison, their minds are all wrong-headed.
sui ken ga ki
Although they saw me and rejoiced
gu shaku ku ryo
and sought to be saved and cured,
nyo ze ko yaku
a good medicine such as this
ni fu ko buku
they were not willing to swallow.
ga kon to setsu ho-ben
I now am going to set up an expedient
ryo buku shi yaku
to cause them to swallow this medicine.'
soku sa ze gon
Thereupon, he speaks these words:
nyo to to chi ga kon sui ro
'You should know i am now decrepit and old
shi ji i ji
and the time of my death has already arrived.
ze ko ro yaku kon ru zai shi
This good, excellent medicine now I leave here. You should take and swallow it.
mot-tsu fu sai
Do not worry that you will not be cured.'
sa ze kyo i
Having given these instructions,
bu shi ta koku
he again goes to another country.
ken shi gen go
He sends a messenger to return and announce:
nyo bu i shi ze ji sho shi
Your father is already dead.' At that time the children
mon bu hai so
having heard that their father has departed in death,
shin dai u no ni sa ze nen
are greatly troubled in mind and form this recollection:
nyaku bu zai sha ji min ga-to
'If our father were here, he would take pity upon us
no ken ku go kon ja sha ga
and save and protect us. Now he has left us
on sa ta koku
and died in another country far away.'
ji yui ko ro
They think themselves to be orphaned and exposed
mu bi ji ko
and to have no further refuge.
jo e hi kan shin zui sho go
Ever nourishing sad feelings, their minds at last awaken
nai chi shi yaku
and they recognize this medicine
shiki ko mi mi
was beautiful in color and fragrance, and taste
soku shu buku shi
and at once take and swallow it.
doku byo kai yu
The illnesses from the poison are all cured.
go bu mon shi
When the father hears that the children
chi toku sai jin ben rai ki
were already able to be cured, he then comes back shortly
gen shi ken shi sho zen nan-shi
all lets all of them see him. Good sons!.
o i un ga ha u nin no
How is it in your opinions: could there be a person who
ses-shi ro i
could declare this excellent physician
ko mo zai fu hot-cha se-son
guilty of vain falsehood or not?' 'No World Honored One.'
Butsu gon ga yaku nyo ze
The Buddha said, 'I am also like this:
jo-butsu i rai
since I attained Buddhahood,
mu-ryo mu-hen
it has been immeasurable, boundless
hyaku sen man-noku
hundreds of thousands of myriads of tens of millions
na-yu-ta a-so-gi ko
of nayutas of asamkheyas of kalpas.
i shu-jo ko i ho-ben riki
For the sake of beings, by the power of expedience
Gon to metsu-do
I say, 'I am about to become extinct.'
yaku mu u no
Yet again there are none who can
nyo ho setsu ga
declare according to the Dharma
ko mo ka sha
that I am guilty of vain falsehood."
ni-ji se-son
At that time the World Honored One,
yoku ju sen shigi
desiring to expound again this doctrine,
ni setsu ge gon
preached verses saying:
Essential Services Auxilliary Practice [Part C Jiga-ge]
Myo-ho Ren-ge Kyo
Sublime Dharma of the Lotus Flower Sutra
Nyo-rai ju-ryo hon Dai ju-roku
Chapter Sixteen, the Measure of Life of the Tathagata
ji ga toku butsu rai
Since I obtained Buddhahood the number
sho kyo sho kos-shu
of kalpas that have passed is immeasurable
mu-ryo hyaku sen man
hundreds of thousands of myriads of tens of
oku sai a-so-gi
millions of quintillians of asemkheyas. I have
jo sep-po kyo-ke
ever been preaching the Dharma, teaching and
mu-shu oku shu-jo
converting numberless tens of millions of beings,
ryo nyu o butsu-do
Causing them to enter the Buddha Way;
ni-rai mu-ryo ko
Since then it has been immeasurable kalpas.
I do sho-jo ko
For the sake of the masses of beings
ho-ben ge ne-han
By expedience manifest Nirvana,
ni jitsu fu metsu-do
Yet in reality I do not become extinct;
jo ju shi sep-po
I ever abide here preaching the dharma,
ga jo ju o shi
Although I ever abide here,
I sho jin-zu riki
By various Divine Pervasive Powers
ryo ten-do shu-jo
I cause the wrong-headed masses of beings,
sui gon ni fu ken
Though close by, not to see me.
shu ken ga metsu-do
The masses see My Extinction,
ko kuyo sha-ri
And widely make offering to my relics,
gen kai e rem-bo
And all of them, nourishing affectionate longing,
ni sho katsu-go shin
Produce the mind of adoration. When the masses
shu-jo ki shim-buku
of beings have already submitted and believed,
shichi jiki i nyu nan
Are simple and upright with minds gentle and pliant
is-shin yoku kem-butsu
and with single mind desire to see the Buddha,
fu ji shaku shim-myo
Not sparing their bodily lives, At that time I as
ji ga gyu shu so
well as the assemblies of monks together come
ku shutsu Ryo-ju-sen
forth at the Spiritual Eagle Mountain(Ryojusen)
ga ji go shu-jo
I at that time say to the masses of beings,
jo zai shi fu metsu
'I am ever here, not extinguished.'
I ho-ben riki ko
Yet by the power of expedience
gen u metsu fu metsu
I manifest extinction and non-extinction.
yo koku u shu-jo
When in other countries there are masses of
ku-gyo shin-gyo sha
beings, those who reverence and believe
ga bu o hi chu
with joy. I likewise among them
i setsu mu-jo ho
preach the Supreme Dharma for their sake.
nyo-to fu mon shi
You, not hearing this,
tan-ni ga metsu-do
Merely say to yourselves that I am extinguished,
ga ken sho shu-jo
When I see the masses of beings,
motsu zai o ku kai
They are drowning in the sea of suffering.
ko fu i gen-shin
Therefore I do not manifest My Body,
ryo go sho katsu-go
To cause them to produce adoration.
in go shin rem-bo
Because of their hearts' affectionate longing
nai shutsu i sep-po
Then I come forth and preach the Dharma for
jin-zu riki nyo ze
them. My Divine Pervasive Powers are like this
O a-so-gi ko
For Asemkheya[countless number] of kalpas
jo zai Ryo-ju-sen
I have ever been at the Spiritual Eagle Mountain(Ryojusen).
gyu yo sho ju-sho
As well as at various other abodes,
shu-jo ken ko jin
The masses of beings see the kalpas exhausted,
dai ka sho sho ji
When they are burned by the great fires;
ga shi do an-non
This land of mine is peaceful and secure;
ten nin jo ju-man
Gods and humans ever fill it. Gardens
on rin sho do kaku
and forests and various halls and pavilions,
shu-ju ho sho-gon
With various types of jewels adorned; On the
ho ju ta ke ka
jewelled trees many flowers and fruit, Wherein
shu-jo sho yu raku
the masses of beings take their pleasure
sho ten kyaku ten ku
and rejoice. The gods strike the celestial drums,
jo sa shu gi-gaku
Ever making instrumental music.
u man-da-ra ke
Raining mandara flowers. Scattering them
sam-butsu gyu dai-shu
Over the Buddha and the great assemblies.
ga jo-do fu ki
Though My Pure Land is not destroyed,
ni shu ken sho-jin
Yet the masses see it burned up,
u-fu sho ku-no
Worrisome fears and agonizing sufferings
nyo ze shitsu ju-man
And such things all filling it up. These
ze sho zai shu-jo
beings of various sins, Because of the causes
i aku go in-nen
and conditions of their evil karma, Though
ka a-so-gi ko
they pass through asemkheyas of kalpas,
fu mon sam-bo myo
Do not hear the name of the Three Jewels.
sho u shu ku-doku
Those who have performed merit,
nyu-wa shichi jiki sha
Who are gentle and pliant, simple and upright,
sok-kai ken ga shin
Then all see my body.
zai shi ni sep-po
Staying here, preaching the Dharma.
waku ji i shi shu
Sometimes for these masses I preach the
setsu butsu ju mu-ryo
Buddha's Life is immeasurable. To those who
ku nai ken bus-sha
see the Buddha only after a long time, I preach
I setsu butsu nan chi
for them the Buddha is difficult to encounter.
ga chi riki nyo ze
The power of My Wisdom is like this;
e-ko sho mu-ryo
The illumination of the Light of My Wisdom is
ju-myo mu-shu ko
immeasurable; My Lifespan is immeasurable
ku shu go sho toku
kalpas; It is what I obtained by performing the
nyo-to u chi sha
karmas for a long time. You those who have
mot-to shi sho gi
wisdom, Do not produce doubts about this. You
To dan ryo yo jin
should cut them off and cause them to end forever:
Butsu go jip-pu ko
The Buddha's Words are true and not empty.
nyo i zen ho-ben
It is like the physician by skilled expedience
i ji o shi ko
for the sake of curing his children gone mad,
jitsu zai ni gon shi
Though in reality he exists, yet he says he dies,
mu no sek-ko mo
and there are none who can declare it is a vain
ga yaku i se bu
lie: I likewise am the Father of the World. The
ku sho ku gen sha
One who saves from the various sufferings and
I bom-bu ten-do
travails. Because the unenlightened worldlings are
jitsu zai ni gon metsu
wrong-headed, though in reality I exist, I say I am
I jo ken ga ko
extinguished; because by seeing my constantly,
ni sho kyo-shi shin
They would produce an arrogant and licentious
ho-itsu jaku go yaku
mind, Self-abandoned, attatched to the five
da o aku-do chu
desires, And would fall among the Evil Ways of
ga do chi shu-jo
Rebirth. I ever know the masses of beings
gyo do fu gyo do
Proceeding on the Way or not proceeding on the
zui o sho ka do
Way; according to what will save them,
i ses-shu-ju ho
I preach for them all sorts of Dharmas.
mai ji sa ze nen
I Myself ever form this thought:
i ga ryo shu-jo
'By what shall I cause the masses of beings
toku nyu mu-jo do
To be able to enter the Supreme Way
soku jo-ju bus-shin
And rapidly achieve the Buddha Body?'
The Essential Services of the Lotus Sutra [The Principle Practice]
The Principle Practice
Namu Myoho renge kyo
Namu Myoho renge kyo
Namu Myoho renge kyo
(Chanting the Daimoku With Utmost Devotion)
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