https://blog.chocchildrens.org/the-link-between-covid-19-and-suicide-what-parents-should-know/
And, of course, chant Namu Myoho renge kyo in the morning and the evening.
Sunday, October 25, 2020
Insulting us even jokingly
However, it is said that if one neither at heart thinks ill of the votary of the Lotus Sutra in the latter age nor in one’s bearing shows envy toward him, but merely reviles him in a joking manner, then the consequences will be even worse than those brought about by Devadatta when, by committing the three types of deeds, he cursed and reviled the Buddha for an entire medium kalpa. How much worse, then, would the consequences be if the people of the present age were to set about conducting themselves like Devadatta, carrying out these three types of deeds with truly evil hearts over a period of many years—cursing and reviling the votary of the Lotus Sutra, subjecting him to defamation and insult, envying and feeling jealous of him, beating and striking him, putting him to death under false charges and murdering him." - Letter to Horen
King Chieh, King Chou and President Trump
"King Chieh of the Hsia dynasty and King Chou of the Yin dynasty were lords of an army of ten thousand chariots and commanded the allegiance of the entire populace of their kingdoms. But because they governed despotically and brought about the downfall of their dynasties, people speak of Chieh and Chou as the epitome of evil men. Even a person of low station or a leper, if he is likened to Chieh and Chou, will be enraged at the insult.
Insulting Nichiren
"Question: You are an extremely arrogant priest—even more arrogant than Mahādeva or Sunakshatra. Is this not so?
Answer: Insulting Nichiren is an offense even graver than those of Devadatta or Vimalamitra. My words may sound arrogant, but my sole purpose is to fulfill the Buddha’s predictions and reveal the truth of his words. In all Japan, who but Nichiren can be called the votary of the Lotus Sutra? By denouncing Nichiren, you would make lies of the Buddha’s prophecies. Are you not then an extremely evil man?" - On the Buddha's Prophecy
What is the true Kempon Hokke sect by Graham Lamont
"KEMPON HOKKE" means "revealing the Original Buddha of the Lotus Sutra." It is the orthodox Hokke (Lotus Sutra) sect, as established by Nichiren Daishonin in Japan.
The Kempon Hokke-USA is the overseas lay organization of the Kempon Hokke of Japan. Kempon Hokke of Japan derives its teachings directly from Nichiren, and was officially founded by Nichi-ju, (originally named Gemmyo), a Tendai priest who had converted to the exclusive teachings of the Lotus Sutra and Nichirenwhen he was sixty-six years old after reading two writings of Nichiren, The Opening of the Eyes and Practicing According to the Preachings. He founded the head temple, Myomanji, in Kyoto and various other temples. Kempon Hokke is known for it's orthodox approach to Nichiren's teachings and for it's emphasis on scholastic study of the Lotus Sutra and the works of Nichiren. It discourages viewpoints that depart from the true intentions of Nichiren and those that minimize the study of the Lotus Sutra. Even as early as Nichi-juu's time, there were many distortions of Nichiren's basic doctrines. There were many forgeries attributed to Nichiren and there were other traditions based on "secret transmissions" that had no basis in historical or doctrinal reality.
Kempon Hokke means, "revealing the Original Buddha of the Lotus Sutra" and this teaching derives from the "Hokkekyo" (Lotus Sutra), the works of T'ien-t'ai(538-597 AD) of China, Dengyo (767-822 AD) of Japan, and especially by Nichiren Daishonin (1222-1282) of Japan. Nichiren Daishonin distilled the teaching into the formula "Namu myo ho renge kyo" (the title of the Lotus Sutra), established the supreme mandala called the "Gohonzon", and wrote many treatises on the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, especially as it relates to the present age.
There are many sects and organizations that invoke Nichiren's name and adopt aspects of his teachings, but few keep his doctrines intact and actually try to practice them, just as Nichiren mandated.
For example, the Taisekiji (Fuji Ha) sect and the modern day Soka Gakkai utilize the "daimoku" in a truncated form (they have abbreviated the chant by changing "Namu" to "Nam") and they have replaced the Original Buddha Shakyamuni, as described in the 16th Chapter of the Lotus Sutra, with Nichiren himself, something that Nichiren never advocated. This idea did not appear until the 17th century, hundreds of years after Nichiren's death. Likewise, they have created an "ita Mandala" (board or plank mandala) to replace all authenticated Nichiren Gohonzons (written in Nichiren's own hand).
The so-called "dai-Gohonzon" did not appear until 1488, more than two centuries after Nichiren's death. The handwriting and composition of the "dai-Gohonzon" is highly suspect. Taisekiji bases it's teachings on "secret oral transmissions" and many forged documents. During and after Nichiren's death, many Buddhist teachers used the principle of "secret oral transmissions" to justify their teachings. It has led to many twisted interpretations of Nichiren's doctrine.
In the Kempon Hokke, there are no such secret transmissions. The true transmission or succession lies in the scrolls of the Lotus Sutra and is transmitted directly from the Original Buddha, found in the Lotus Sutra, to the believer. This principle is called "kyokan sojo".
There is no special secret doctrine handed to one disciple alone. There is no intermediary between the believer and the Lotus Sutra. When one takes faith in the Lotus Sutra, as elucidated by Nichiren himself (and we must base this on his authentic writings, rejecting all forgeries) then we have the true succession from the eternal Original Buddha Shakyamuni of the 16th Chapter of the the Lotus Sutra, to the believer directly. Those who place their faith in "secret transmissions" outside of the words of Nichiren and the Lotus Sutra are likely to be fooled by spiritual tyrants. Any faith in an external hierarchy or "succession" (Taisekiji and Soka Gakkai are the best examples) places the teaching and the benefits outside of the individual practitioner. Nichiren admonished his followers to "never seek this teaching outside of yourself". He often quoted the Nirvana Sutra ("Daihatsu-nehan-gyo") which says "Rely on the Dharma: do not rely on human beings. Rely on (innate Buddha) wisdom: do not rely on consciousness alone." Likewise, Dengyo Daishi (founder of the Tendai school in Japan and Nichiren's predecessor in transmitting the teachings of the Lotus Sutra) said, " Place reliance on the Buddhas's preaching: do not believe in oral transmissions" (Hokke Shuku, DDZ, V. 3, 245.)
Nichiren's teachings are especially relevant for this time period ("Mappo" or "Age of Degeneration") in which secular and religious struggles are rampant and Buddhist teachings, apart from the ultimate teachings of the Lotus Sutra, lose their efficacy to lead to Buddhahood. This degeneration was predicted in the "Daijikkyo Sutra" (the Great Collection Sutra) where the decline was laid out in the five "five-hundred-year" periods.
"Mappo" will exist until the coming of the next historical Buddha, Maitreya (also called "Ajita"). In these subsequent "five-hundred- year" periods, all buddhist sutras preached before the Hokkekyo (Lotus Sutra) will degenerate and whatever is left of these pre- Hokkekyo teachings and their accompanying practices will be just an empty shell. If these"provisional" sutras are followed and the Lotus Sutra is discarded or disparaged, then the provisional teachings will lead to "hell" in future lifetimes. In such simplistic terms this kind of karmic retribution seems too apocalyptic, but the predictions are rooted in the deepest realms of Buddhist introspections, far beyond the meditative capacity of people in a degenerate age. Truly, the ultimate reality can only be shared between Buddhas because common mortals are swayed by the illusions that create the matrix of mundane life.
The Lotus Sutra is the only vehicle to cross the sea of suffering and end the cycle of birth-and-death. By faith in this ultimate teaching of the Original Buddha, one is assured of Buddhahood, even though understanding is not yet developed. Buddhahood is "ceded" by the Original Buddha to the believer in the Lotus Sutra, one who practices the chanting of the "daimoku" (great title) of "Namu myo ho renge kyo". Since the illusions of the age is great and the shallowness of the beings is inherent, the "medicine" of the Lotus Sutra is profound yet simple.
The Lotus Sutra and, more particularly, the essence of the Lotus Sutra or the "daimoku" ("Namu myo ho renge kyo") will spread at the time of struggle and destruction, precisely when other Buddhist teachings have lost their curative powers. The text of the Lotus Sutra clearly indicates that even when the other buddhist teachings disappear, the Great Pure ("White") Dharma of the Lotus Sutra will be propagated over the world, according to the principle of "correct time" (i.e. our present age). It is the "medicine" to cure the ills of this time period.
In this Degenerate age, Buddhahood is only assured through faith in the Lotus Sutra. Faith in the pre-Lotus Sutra teachings can only lead to the hell realm and less frequently to the realm of hunger and animality (the Three Lower Worlds). The One Vehicle of the Lotus Sutra is the path to rapidly lessen our karmic hindrances accumulated from countless lifetimes of ignorance, anger and stupidity.
In all other sutras, the historical Shakyamuni is shown to have first attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in India three thousand years ago and is the one who preaches the provisional teachings and who answers questions according to the capacities of the audience.
In the Lotus Sutra, the historical Shakyamuni reveals his true identity as the Original Buddha, enlightened since before time without beginning. This transcendent Original Buddha declares that his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree was a "skillful means" to lead people to universal enlightenment. Likewise, the Buddha's death ("Nirvana") too, is a "skillful means" to bring people to the ultimate teaching found only in the depths of the Lotus Sutra. In reality, the Buddha has always been enlightened and he never dies but exists even now and forever. The cycle of life-and-death is an illusion that imprisons sentient beings in the "Saha" (triple) world, our world of, endurance and suffering.
The ultimate reality (which is depicted in Nichiren's mandala, the "Gohonzon") is a transcendent, timeless and deathless enlightenment that is the legacy of all sentient beings. Faith in the Lotus Sutra immediately gives us the "cause and effect" accumulation of the Buddha's merits and practice. Since it is the teaching of the Original Buddha, it is "difficult to believe and difficult to accept", unlike the provisional sutras, which where preached according to the capacities of the listeners. However, it is the direct path to Buddhahood.
Taisekiji (the Fuji Sect) has spawned Nichiren Shoshu and Soka Gakkai. The latter is a lay organization that has separated itself from Nichiren Shoshu (the official sect name of Taisekiji). The "theology" of Taisekiji and Soka Gakkai is far removed from the original teachings of Nichiren. In truth, they derive their doctrines from later teachers. These later abbots of Taisekiji adopted the popular trends of the Muromachi Period. These were the trends of "chuko Tendai" (medieval Tendai). These schools, therefore, possess a particular vocabulary and doctrine that set it apart from the Kempon Hokke, the Buddha founded sect. Heavily influenced by the Muromachi ideas of "original enlightenment" and "you are the Buddha just as you are", they developed several peculiar teachings, like the unenlightened worldling is the Original Buddha, the teacher of Shakyamuni Buddha. Although, the idea of "original enlightenment" was used by Dengyo and Nichiren, it was used in an extemelly cautious manner. By the time of the late Muromachi, these terms had come to mean someting quite different and to set itself apart from the traditional Nichiren sects, Taisekaji readily adopted them.
In short, these ideas that form the basis of Taisekiji and Soka Gakkai "theology" were developed long after Nichiren and his immediate successors died. These cunning abbots of Taisekiji not only came up with viewpoints that reflected their own opinions, rather than Nichiren's, but when those opinions conflicted with Nichiren's words, Taisekiji would either re-interpret or alter Nichiren Daishonin's words. The 9th abbot, Nichi-u who died of white leprosy first revealed the "dai-Gohonzon" to the world, in 1488. The 26th abbot, Nichikan wrote many works stating, in effect, "Nichiren said this, but he really meant something else". He re-interpreted Nichiren's words to conform to his viewpoint.
A modern example of something like this, in the Western context, is Emanuel Swedenborg who claimed to have experienced supernaturalvisions, and, according to the "instructions" that he received, he wrote sweeping allegorical interpretations of the scriptures. Joseph Smith and the Mormon Church is another example of such "latter day" re-interpretation of earlier scripture.
Taisekaji's departure from Nichiren's true teachings is as follows:
They replaced the Original Buddha Shakyamuni of the Lotus Sutra, with Nichiren or in the case of the Soka Gakkai who confuses the Buddha and the Law, with Namu Myoho renge kyo. In the authentic Gosho ("writings" ), Nichiren identifies the True Original Eternal Buddha as Shakyamuni Buddha. Nichiren carried a statue of Shakyamuni with him until the day he died. Taisekiji attempts to overcome the teaching of Nichiren on the identity the "Eternal Buddha" by stating that he really meant himself but was too humble to come out and say it. There is not even a hint of this in the Lotus Sutra or the writings of Nichiren.
Neither can they be found in the writings of his immediate disciples, even Nikko who founded Taisekiji and only spent 18 months there. He spent the next 36 years of his life at Kitayama Hommonji, where most of his authentic works are kept. He died there in 1333, the same year his disciple, Nichimoku, died. Nikko never returned to Taisekiji once he departed.
If the so-called "dai-Gohonzon" existed at that time, then Nikko never mentioned it nor did he return to Taisekiji to view it again. Nikko is buried at Kitayama Hommonji and his grave faces Minobu, the resting place of Nichiren Daishonin.
In the "Rissho Ankoku Ron" and the other major writings, Nichiren stated repeatedly that the troubles of Japan stemmed from having abandoned the Original Buddha Shakyamuni and having replaced him with other Buddhas, such as Dainichi, Yakushi, and Amida Buddha. It is inconceivable that Nichiren would warn against abandoning the Eternal Shakyamuni, only to later have Taisekiji abbots replace this Eternal Shakyamuni with Nichiren himself! One only has to read the words of Nichiren to realize how inconsistent this idea is with Nichiren's most basic beliefs.
The first mention of the idea of "Nichiren as True Buddha" surfaces in the 17th Century, by Nissho. A great many forgeries have been created within Taisekiji to bolster their claims which go against the words of Nichiren. Even in the "Major Works of Nichiren", translated by Soka Gakkai, the constant references that Nichiren makes to the "Eternal Shakyamuni" are heavily footnoted or altered to claim Nichiren was really referring to himself.
"Casting off" the Eternal Shakyamuni Buddha pollutes the Nichiren faith. It stems the flow of benefit and cuts off the rewards of the Lotus Sutra. What is left is a imitation of what Nichiren actually believedand practiced. When the Eternal Shakyamuni is re-introduced into the practice of the believer, the real benefits and "profound joy" of chanting is brought back to life. Altering this this key component developed by Nichiren, the faith and practice of Taisekiji and Soka Gakkai becomes a counterfeit ritual that merely gives the illusion of benefit.
Likewise, the tendency to "deify" either the current High Priest, or Daisaku Ikeda is a crutch to keep people attached to Taisekiji and the Soka Gakkai. It has nothing to do with the faith and practice of the Lotus Sutra as Nichiren intended it.
The glorification of the "fake mandala", the "dai-Gohonzon", which, according to the Taisekaji priests, "renders all authentic Nichiren Gohonzons worthless" (the exact words of Nichi-u, the 9th High Priest who first introduced it, two hundred years after Nichiren's death), is doubly pernicious because it cuts off the connection between the believer, the real Nichiren and his authentic representation of the Gohonzon.
If you wish to experience authentic Nichiren Buddhism based firmly on the Lotus Sutra and the writings of Nichiren Daishonin and rapidly attain Buddhahood, I encourage you to try the practice for ninety days. I will assist you any way I can. I will send you sutra books, and the Tradition of Nichiren Doctrine for free, and will help you to receive a Gohonzon.
(An essay based on the writings of Graham Lamont and edited by Bruce Maltz).
I don't always agree with Rev. Tsuchiya, in fact he excommunicated me...
...but I hear, he himself left the the Kempon Hokke for their principles and practices. Either way, He wrote:
Let's do Shakubuku to SGI and NS to save their believers.
Nichiren Shosu insists that the teachings of the Buddha Shakyamuni are useless and that other schools which don't adore Nichiren shonin as the true Buddha are heretic religions. This doctrine which has been used by SGI to brainwash many people is very evil and nonsense. Not only SGI's believer but also Nichiren Shosu's believers repeat these lies constantly and disregard facts, then revile you even if you correct the mistakes of them with many sources for evidence.
Prof. Koichi Miyata who is a Buddhist scholar of Soka university announced at the 74th scientific congress of religion which was held in Soka university in 2015, "We should abandon Nichiren Honbutsu-ron which has been established by forged letters and non-authentic works of Nichiren", "Nichiren shonin clearly worshiped the Buddha Shakyamuni". However, he was scolded by the upper echelons of SGI and canceled his announcement after that, saying "I'm sorry, it was my personal opinion".That is to say, the doctrine of SGI is collapsing. If believers of SGI say "We are right, and you are wrong", let's say to them "You should argue with Prof. Koich Miyata of SGI".
The Bible of Shakubuku (1951), 折伏教典, supervised by Daisaku Ikeda had been published to train believers for decades. SGI was one of believer's organizations of Nichiren Shoshu.
SGI (Soka Gakkai) taught that;
"Shakyamuni's dharma is the dharma of the past and no longer beneficial". (折伏教典,The Bible of Shakubuku, supervised by Daisaku Ikeda)
But,
Nichiren taught;
The Lotus Sutra is identical to Shakyamuni Buddha,who would enter Nirvana and never appear in front of those who do not believe in the Lotus Sutra but would always appear in front of those who believe in the Lotus Sutra as if he were alive in this world even after death.(Shugo Kokka-ron)
Nichiren taught;
Buddhists rebel against Lord Buddha Shakyamuni while reciting His Lotus Sutra. The unfilial country referred to is this country of Japan.(Soya Nyudo-dono-gari Gosho)
Buddhism is the teachings of mind, the teachings of the Buddha Shakyamuni who existed in the society 2500 years ago. He made efforts to remove sufferings from all people. There is no difference between people of 2500 years ago and present people, on the mind. Except for the teachings of the Buddha Shakyamuni is not Buddhism. If you study Buddhism rightly, the Buddha Shakyamuni exists in your mind and preaches the wisdom and the dharma. The Lotus Sutra is what proves the real existence of the Buddha Shakyamuni. Why don't you think about it?
SGI (Soka Gakkai) taught that;
"It is necessary to realize that we no longer have a connection to Shakyamuni's Buddhism." (折伏教典, The Bible of Shakubuku supervised by Daisaku Ikeda)
But,
Nichiren taught;
We, sentient being in this Saha World, have all been beloved children of the Lord Buddha Shakamuni since "500 dust-particle kalpa" ago. (Hokke Shuyo sho)
Nichiren taught;
The nation of Japan today has turned its back on the Lotus Sutra and cast aside Shakyamuni Buddha. For that reason, its people are not only bound to fall into the great citadel of the Avici Hell in the next existence, but they will surely encounter great troubles in their present existence as well. (Letter to Ichinosawa Nyudo)
The Buddha Shakyamuni expounded the teachings to save all human beings. The Buddha Shakamuni is eternal. The eternal Buddha Shakyamuni is the only father for all human beings. If you seek His teachings and practice it, you become a disciple of the Buddha Shakyamuni. Nichiren shonin and all priests of other sects, also all Buddhists are disciples of the Buddha Shakyamuni. Needless to say, those who have no connection to the Buddha Shakyamuni are not Buddhist. Nichiren shonin risked a life and appealed, "You must not forget the compassionate teachings of the Buddha Shakyamuni." Why don't think about it?
SGI (Soka Gakkai) taught that;
"You should know that Nichiren Daishonin is the only true Buddha in Mappo-era." (折伏教典, The Bible of Shakubuku supervised by Daisaku Ikeda)
"Buddha Shakamuni is inferior to the true Buddha Nichiren." (折伏教典, The Bible of Shakubuku supervised by Daisaku Ikeda)
But,
Nichiren taught;
There are three reasons why Shakyamuni Buddha has a relationship with all the people of this Saha world. First of all he is the World-Honored One, the sovereign of the people of this Saha world. The second reason is that Shakyamuni Buddha is the father and mother of all persons in this Saha world. The third reason is that Shakyamuni is the original teacher of all persons in this Saha world. (Zenmui Sanzou Sho)
Nichiren taught;
Although I myself may be insignificant, I propagate the Lotus Sutra and therefore am the envoy of Shakyamuni Buddha. (Shujyu Onfurumai Gosho)
The Lotus Sutra is what reveals that the Buddha Shakyamni is the original eternal Buddha.
Nichiren shonin says in Kaimoku-sho, Open Your Eyes,
"I will never break my vow to become the pillar of Japan, to become the eyes of Japan, and to become a great vessel for Japan."
It is a vow to fulfil the Buddha Shakyamuni's mission as a Bodhisattva. But SGI distorts this sentence, and insists on that it is a declaration of Nichiren as the original Buddha. It is an inverted doctrine to slander the founder of Buddhism that rebels against Nichiren's vow. Why don't think about it?
SGI (Soka Gakkai) taught that;
"The Lotus Sutra which is the long-cherished wish of Buddha Shakyamuni is no longer valid in this era, not in the least." (折伏教典, The Bible of Shakubuku, supervised by Daisaku Ikeda)
But,
Nichiren taught;
The Lotus Sutra alone among them represents the true words of our Lord Shakyamuni Buddha. It is also the true words of various Buddhas residing in the world throughout the universe in the past, present, and future. (Kaimoku-sho, Open Your Eyes)
Nichiren taught;
No matter what happens, abandoning the Lotus Sutra will cause us to be plunged into hell. (Kaimoku-sho, Open Your Eyes)
In Senji-sho, Nichiren shonin points out that Zen Master San-Chiai who said "The Lotus Sutra of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha does not fit the intelligence and faith of people in the Latter Age of Degeneration" lost his voice and transformed himself into a large snake, which swallowed a number of disciples, followers, girls and virgin women. And Nichiren shonin says that, the fallacy of Shan-tao and Honen of the Pure Land School, who say that not even one out of one thousand will attain Buddhahood by putting his faith in the Lotus Sutra in the Latter Age of Degeneration, is not different from San-Chiai's evil doctrine. Namu Myoho Rengekyo is the vow to devote yourself to the Lotus Sutra of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha. But SGI says that the Lotus Sutra of the Lord Buddha Shakyamuni is useless in the Latter Age of Degeneration. Why don't you think about it?
SGI (Soka Gakkai) taught that;
"If you don't worship the Gohonzon of Nichiren Shoshu / SGI, you will get no well-being in the age of Mappo." (折伏教典, The Bible of Shakubuku, supervised by Daisaku Ikeda)
But,
Nichiren shonin taught;
The features of the Honzon; The Buddha Shakyamuni and the Buddha of Many Treasures sit to the left and right of the Lotus Sutra (Myoho renge kyo) in the stupa of treasure suspended in the sky above the Lord Shakyamuni's Saha World. The attendants for the Buddha Shakyamuni are four Bodhisattvas such as Superior Practice. (Kanjin Honzon-sho)
Nichiren shonin taught;
The first is Most Venerable One (Honzon). All the people in Japan as well as the rest of the whole world should revere the Lord Buddha Shaykamuni of the essential section as the Most Venerable one. That is to say, the Most Venerable One should be the Buddha Shakyamuni, the Buddha of Many Treasures in the Stupa of Treasures, and the other Buddhas standing outside the stupa. And four Bodhisattvas such as Superior Practice Bodhisattva should be their attendants. (Hoon-jo, Essay on Gratitude)
Gohonzon is the object of worship. Nichiren Shoshu uses Mandala written by Nichiren shonin, but it has already turned out to be a forgery. Nikko stayed in Kitayama Honmonji for 36 years. Therefore, there is Nikko's grave in Kitayama Honmonji. Nichi-jyo of Kitayama Honmonji who was the same generation of Nichi-u of Taisekiji said that Nichi-u carved a wooden Gohonzon which he had never seen nor heard. Taiseki-ji was a small branch temple. SGI excommunicated by Nichiren Shoshu is now distributing Gohonzon written by Nichiren Shoshu's priest Nichikan who established the doctrine of Shu-Datsu Sotai.
The doctrine of Shu-Datsu Sotai which says that the Lotus Sutra of the Buddha Shakamuni is useless and only the Daimoku of the true Buddha Nichiren is effective, is based on the following complete fake story made by them;
Shakyamuni, the historical founder of Buddhism who lived in India three thousand years ago, predicted in the Great Collection Sutra (Daijuku Sutra) that the world would enter an age of strife and discord two thousand years after his death, an age when philosophy and religion would be disordered and confused. At that time the Buddhism taught by Shakyamuni would lose its effectiveness to save the people. He called this age Mappo, or the Latter Day of the Law, when, as the Great Collection Sutra stated, “the Pure Law would become obscured and lost.” However, Shakyamuni made an additional prediction in the Lotus Sutra. He predicted the appearance of True Buddhism for the age of Mappo that would replace the Buddhism of Shakyamuni, and that the Original (True) Buddha, the fundamental master of all Buddhas, would appear in the world to teach this True Buddhism. Why should Shakyamuni’s Buddhism lose its effectiveness? Why would the appearance of a new Buddhism be necessary? The reason is that although Mappo is an age when the material aspects of civilization are much more highly advanced than when Shakyamuni lived, it is also an age when the hearts of the people have become corrupt. Shakyamuni’s Buddhism has no power to help them. Regarding this, the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin, stated;“Medicine differs according to the illness. Ordinary medicine will help a slight ailment, but for grave illness, elixir should be used.”
Their doctrine of "Shu-Datsu Sotai" is still being placed in SGI's and Nichiren shoshu’s official sites of Japan. Why don't you chant Daimoku toward the authentic Gohonzon written by Nichiren shonin, not the Gohonzon written by Nichikan?
SGI (Soka Gakkai) taught that;
"All other schools except Nichiren Shoshu are evil religions and exert a pernicious influence on society. (折伏教典, The Bible of Shakubuku, supervised by Daisaku Ikeda)
"The teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni are as useless as last year's calendar. If you use it, your life will surely fail as a logical result." (折伏教典, The Bible of Shakubuku, supervised by Daisaku Ikeda)
"The family which believes in the so-called Nichiren-shu will have children who have deformities, mental retardation or madness." (折伏教典, The Bible of Shakubuku, supervised by Daisaku Ikeda)
Please consider it calmly. Why is Nichiren Shoshu / SGI which slanders the teachings of the Buddha Shakyamuni the only right sect of Buddhism? They needed to abuse other sects exhaustively to increase believers.
It is one of the simple and skillful tricks of SGI that they say together "Your desire has not been realized, because your faith to Daimoku is weak and your effort to do Shakubuku is not enough." Then, they say "Look! Your desire has been realized, because your faith to Daimoku was strong and your effort to do Shakubuku was enough." By this trick, most of people will believe completely that the practice of SGI is right. They devote themselves to SGI and the president Ikeda Daisaku. They are not able to hear other's opinion anymore.
SGI quotes the following Gosho;
We are presently living in the Latter Age of Degeneration. The Lotus Sutra and other sutras are no longer efficacious in bringing about enlightenment. Only the Odaimoku can accomplish this. (Ueno-dono Gohennji, A Reply to Lord Ueno)
In this Gosho, Nichiren shonin said that Daimoku is the most important thing of the Lotus Sutra taught by the Buddha Shakyamuni. Therefore, those who are not able to understand the deep thought of the Lotus Sutra can become a Buddha by keeping Daimoku, too. Nichiren shonin never denied the Lotus Sutra of the Buddha Shakamuni itself. Although this Gosho is not authentic, SGI use this Gosho to insist on that even the Lotus Sutra of the Buddha Shakamuni is useless. But you should refer to the following authentic Gosho.
My disciples who believe the Lotus Sutra are in the favorable condition, but many others in Japan are not. For those people who protest against the Buddha Shakamuni and his doctrine, only the five characters of Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo will be effective for them. (Hokke Shuyo-sho)
That is to say, Nichiren shonin said that it is not effective to explain about the doctrine of the Lotus Sutra or other sutras to those who were brainwashed by other wrong schools. And he said that only Daimoku is effective for those blind people, as reverse opportunity.
SGI (Soka Gakkai) taught that;
There was an ignorant criticism in the world that SGI was a cult religion having an ambition of independence by exploiting Nichiren shoshu. (折伏教典, The Bible of Shakubuku, supervised by Daisaku Ikeda)
We have already formed a political party, the Komei, and are now realizing the fusion of politics and Buddhism. Also, we are establishing the third civilized society step by step…in all realms such as the economy, the education and the culture. (折伏教典, The Bible of Shakubuku, supervised by Daisaku Ikeda)
Ikeda's SGI tried to control Nichiren Shoshu, but they become aware of Ikeda's ambition and excommunicated him and his SGI in 1991. Many believers of SGI decided to remain Nichiren Shoshu, but most of believers who were brainwashed to worship Ikeda's personality started to slander the priesthood of Nchiren Shoshu. It is the history of the war between SGI and Nichiren Shoshu.
Nichiren shounin claimed that the Buddha Shakyamuni is the original eternal Buddha who has three merits of the sovereign, the teacher, and the parent, saying in Kaimoku-sho (Open Your Eyes) that "All the people should respect these three persons. They are the sovereign, the teacher, and the parent." and "The Buddha Sakyamuni is the supreme teacher for all beings. He is the excellent eyes for all the people. He is the great bridge that enables them to cross the river. He is the superior skipper who guides them. He is the fertile field in which they plant the seed of merits." Then, Nichiren shounin declared to make efforts as a true disciple of the Buddha Shakyamuni, saying that "I will never break my vow to become the pillar of Japan, to become the eyes of Japan, and to become a great vessel for Japan." However, SGI distorts and says that this is the declaration of Nichiren Daishonin who has the merits of the sovereign, the teacher, and the parent, as the true Buddha in the latter days.
Please see the followings which were propagated by Dai-Byaku-renge, the magazine of SGI;
The virtue of the sovereign; Only Ikeda sensei who protects Japan and the whole world has the virtue of the sovereign in the present.
The virtue of the teacher; Only Ikeda sensei who is our teacher has also the virtue of the teacher.
The virtue of the parent; Only Ikeda sensei who prays for the happiness of SGI members has also the virtue of the parent.
You will be able to understand their intention easily. SGI expanded their power by using the doctrine of Nichiren Shoshu, and pushed forward with the personality cult of Ikeda Daisaku. It is said that all of books of Ikeda Daisaku has been written by ghostwriters. And the Komei party of SGI has become the ruling coalition with the Liberal Democratic Party which was tempted with huge votes of SGI believers. So, SGI has a strong influence with the politics, the economy, the education and the mass media. The crisis appealed in Rissho Ankoku-ron of Nichiren shonin has become realistic, now.
Namu Myoho renge kyo was given to Nichiren shonin by the Buddha Shakyamuni, to propagate the Lotus Sutra, Myoho renge kyo, which teaches the eternal Buddha Shakyamuni always guides you. Namu Myoho renge kyo written in the center of Gohonzon was given to Nichiren shonin and us, by the Buddha Shakyamuni. Myoho Renge Kyo means that this world is always guided by the Buddha Shakyamuni who is eternal. It is the Dharma. If you chant Namu Myoho renge kyo and ask the Buddha Shakyamuni in your mind, you can always hear correct teachings from Him. Our Buddha natures are revived by the mind which believes the Lotus Sutra of the Buddha Shakyamuni. That is Namu Myoho renge kyo. The Buddha Shakyamuni ordered His true disciples to spread this Namu Myoho renge kyo. Therefore, if you believe the Lotus Sutra and spread Namu Myoho renge kyo, you can become the true disciple of the Buddha Shakyamuni and realize the true existence of the Buddha Shakyamuni in your mind. I hope SGI believers open their eyes to the truth and spend a wonderful life without committing a sin.
Why does Soka Gakkai hate the Lotus Sutra and Lord Shakyamuni Buddha
"The Lotus Sutra which is the long-cherished wish of Buddha Shakyamuni is no longer valid in this era, not in the least." (折伏教典, The Bible of Shakubuku, supervised by Daisaku Ikeda)
But, Nichiren taught;
"The Lotus Sutra alone among them represents the true words of our Lord Shakyamuni Buddha. It is also the true words of various Buddhas residing in the world throughout the universe in the past, present, and future. (Kaimoku-sho, Open Your Eyes)"
The Soka Gakkai hates the Lotus Sutra and Lord Shakyamuni Buddha because all their top Japanese senior leaders earning mid six figure salaries would be out of a job.
Professor Kyoshi Miyata of Soka University Japan
"Prof. Koichi Miyata who is a Buddhist scholar of Soka university announced at the 74th scientific congress of religion which was held in Soka university in 2015, "We should abandon Nichiren Honbutsu-ron (Nichiren as True Buddha) which has been established by forged letters and non-authentic works of Nichiren",
How do you think that went with the Soka Gakkai powers that be? Hehe. I'll give you one guess...
Saturday, October 24, 2020
It is you, not I who needs to reflect
Why do I not accept criticism and insults from others, even fellow Buddhists, especially if they insult my wife, and I? We perform the forceful practices of the Lotus Sutra, at the cost of our life, in PUBLIC and in private, and with threats and curses from the many. Is this situation, our (mine, yours, and Greg's), not much different than Nichiren's, save for degree but we are trying. Nichiren also teaches that one reason the Lotus Sutra is so incredibly hard to believe is:
"The sutra reads, “Before the multitude they seem possessed of the three poisons or manifest the signs of distorted views. My disciples in this manner use expedient means to save living beings.” - Lotus Sutra Chapter 8 cited by Nichiren in many essays including the Opening of the Eyes.
"A good believer is one who does not depend upon persons of eminence or despise those of humble station; who does not rely on the backing of superiors or look down on inferiors; who, not relying upon the opinions of others, upholds the Lotus Sutra among all the sutras. Such a person the Buddha has called the best of all people." - How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra
We are the best of all people and should be, according to Nichiren, the last to criticize each other. Unless:
"...But if, as the sutras tell us, one observes deviations from the Buddha’s teachings and yet fails to censure them or to appeal to the ruler to take measures against them, then one is being untrue to the teachings and is not worthy to be looked on as a disciple of the Buddha." - Conversations Between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man
Whether one believes in the policies of Biden, or Trump, that hunting is good or that hunting is bad, in owning guns, or not owning guns, that abortion is good or that abortion is bad, or even though a warrior has killed hundreds, so long as he or she embraces the true teachings, without deviation, they are worthy of respect. As an example. Nichiren in his boundless compassion for his believer whose warrior son just died:
"No one born human, whether high or low, is free from sorrow and distress. Yet troubles vary according to the time and differ according to the person. In this respect, sorrow is like illness: no matter what malady one may suffer from, as it worsens, one will think that no illness could be more dreadful. There is the sorrow of parting from one’s lord, of parting from one’s parent, and of parting from one’s spouse, none of which can be lightly dismissed. However, one may serve another lord or find comfort in remarrying. But the sorrow of having lost one’s parent or child seems only to deepen as the days and months pass. Yet although death is sorrowful in any case, for parents to die and their children to live on is the natural course of things. It is pitiful indeed for an aged mother to be preceded by her child in death! You may well feel resentment toward both the gods and Buddhas. Why did they not take you instead of your son? Why did they let you survive only to be tormented by such grief? It must be truly hard to bear.
Even animals of little intelligence cannot endure parting from their young. The golden pheasant at Bamboo Grove Monastery plunged into flames and died to save her eggs. The stag at Deer Park offered himself to the king to save a female deer’s unborn fawn. How much greater, then, must be the love of human beings toward their children! Thus, Wang Ling’s mother smashed her own skull [and died to prevent her son from becoming a traitor], and the consort of Emperor Shen Yao had her abdomen cut open for the sake of an unborn prince. When you consider these examples, I am certain you must feel that you would not hesitate to plunge into fire yourself, or to smash your own skull if, by so doing, you could see your son again. In imagining your grief, my tears do not cease.
You say in your letter, “Because my son killed others, I would like you to tell me into what kind of place he may be reborn.” A needle sinks in water, and rain will not remain in the sky. Those who kill even an ant are destined for hell, and those who merely cut up dead bodies cannot avoid the evil paths. All the more must those who kill human beings suffer. However, even a large rock can float on the sea when carried aboard a boat. Does not water extinguish even a great fire? Even a small error will destine one to the evil paths if one does not repent of it. Yet even a grave offense can be p.663eradicated if one repents of it sincerely.
The monk who stole millet was reborn as an ox for five hundred consecutive lifetimes. The person who plucked water oats fell into the three evil paths. The more than eighty thousand kings, including Rāma, Bhadrika, Viruchin, Nahusha, Kārttika, Vishākha, Moonlight, Light Bright, Sunlight, Craving, and Holder of Many People, all ascended the throne by killing their fathers. As they did not encounter good teachers, their offenses could not be eradicated, and in the end they fell into the Avīchi hell.
There was a wicked man named Ajita in the city of Vārānasī. Falling in love with his own mother, he killed his father and made her his wife. When the arhat who had been his father’s teacher admonished him, he killed that arhat, and when his mother took another man for a husband, he killed her as well. Thus he committed three of the five cardinal sins. Shunned by his neighbors, he had no place to turn. He went to Jetavana Monastery and sought admittance to the Buddhist Order, but the monks refused. The evil in his heart grew more rampant than ever, and he burned down many of the monks’ quarters. Finally, however, he met Shakyamuni Buddha and was permitted to become a monk.
There was a kingdom called Small Stones in northern India that was ruled by a king named Dragon Seal. Dragon Seal killed his father, but later, horrified by his own act, he abandoned his country, presented himself before the Buddha, and repented of his wrongdoing; thereupon the Buddha forgave him.
King Ajātashatru was by nature given to the three poisons of greed, anger, and foolishness, and was forever committing one or another of the ten evil acts. Moreover, he killed his father, attempted to take his mother’s life, and, accepting Devadatta as his teacher, massacred countless disciples of the Buddha. Due to his accumulated misdeeds, on the fifteenth day of the second month, the very day on which the Buddha was to pass away, virulent boils broke out in seven areas of his royal body, a sign that he would fall into the hell of incessant suffering. The king writhed in agony; he felt as if he were being burned by a great fire or doused with boiling water. His six ministers presented themselves before him and insisted that he should summon the six non-Buddhist teachers in order to have them cure his foul sores. This was just like the people of Japan today relying on leaders of the Zen and Precepts schools or priests of the Nembutsu and True Word schools as good teachers in the belief that the prayers of these men can subdue the Mongols and help them in their next life. Moreover, Devadatta, whom Ajātashatru regarded as his primary teacher, had memorized the sixty thousand non-Buddhist and eighty thousand Buddhist teachings. His understanding of both secular and religious matters was as clear as the sun, the moon, or a burnished mirror. He was like the learned priests of the Tendai school in the world today who are well versed in both the exoteric and esoteric teachings and know all the Buddhist scriptures by heart. Because Ajātashatru was guided by such teachers and ministers, he had refused to become the Buddha’s follower. And for this reason, his country, Magadha, had suffered repeated disturbances in the heavens and frequent strange occurrences on earth, being ravaged incessantly by violent winds, severe droughts, famines, and epidemics. Moreover, it had been attacked by another country. Now, in addition to all this, he was suffering from virulent boils, and his kingdom appeared to be on the verge of ruin. It was at this time that he suddenly presented himself before the Buddha and repented of his p.664evildoings, and his offenses were eradicated.
In any event, even though the parents may be evildoers, if the child is good, the parents’ offenses will be forgiven. On the other hand, although the child may be an evildoer, if the parents are good persons, their child’s faults will be pardoned. Hence, even though your late son, Yashirō, committed evil, if you, the mother who gave birth to him, grieve for him and offer prayers for him day and night in the presence of Shakyamuni Buddha, how could he not be saved? Moreover, because he believed in the Lotus Sutra, he may have become the one who will lead his parents to Buddhahood.
Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra should beware of and guard themselves against the sutra’s enemies. You should know that the Nembutsu priests, the observers of the precepts, and the teachers of the True Word school—in fact, all those who refuse to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo—are the enemies of the Lotus Sutra, no matter how earnestly they may read it. If you do not know your enemies, you will be deceived by them. How I wish I could see you personally and talk to you about these matters in detail! Whenever you see Sammi-bō or Sado-kō, who will visit your area from Minobu, have them read this letter to you. Place it in the custody of Myōe-bō. Those lacking in wisdom would no doubt mock me or criticize this letter as mere clever words on my part. Or they would compare me with others, saying, “This priest could never match the Great Teacher Kōbō, or surpass the Great Teacher Jikaku!” Consider those who say such things ignorant."
As long as we chant Namu Myoho renge kyo, without deviating from the Eternal Buddha's and The Supreme Votary Nichiren's teachings, are we not worthy of the greatest respect?
So too, some so-called Buddhists criticize me "that this is not 13th Century Japan." In light of the teachings on the Five Guidelines for Propagation of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren's teachings regarding them (that Time is most important), even the guide that the teaching must conform to the norms of the culture and customs takes a back seat to, "now is the time for the forceful (shakubuku practices)
Another reason the Time supersedes the other guides of propagation, is that precisely, because we are not so wise as to determine exactly the proper way to spread the teachings, it is better to instruct people to follow Nichiren and the Lotus Sutra, as written (a bodily reading as written). As we, his disciples, advance on the Way with ever stronger faith, I believe, we will naturally come to understand the best way to propagate his teachings, when and whom to criticize, and when and whom to praise. In this Latter Age, even at the expense of being incorrect as to the teachings suitability for a particular country, we must teach that the Succession is Through the Scrolls of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren and nowhere else, to follow the Law and not persons (even us)
I would like also, to speak about the degree of killing and being non-judgemental were the person (like King Ajatashatru and King Ashoka who killed 150,000 people in one battle alone) to repent and accept the Buddha's teachings. They are to be forgiven. How much more so, one who is loathe to kill, even an ant or a spider as was Ajatashatru and Ashoka after their conversion and those who point every one to the Lotus Sutra (Myoho renge kyo) and Nichiren, and not to themselves.
I may add or subtract to my musings here as I continue to chant Namu Myoho renge kyo and study the Lotus Sutra and the writings of Nichiren. In conclusion, I was not going to accept your insults and it is you, not I who need reflect.
Prediction Trump the Asura (Anger) King will win.
If he chants Namu Myoho renge kyo, he will become a Wheel Turning King! The Clintons are not much better with their Kosovo debacle but, unlike Trump, they didn't shit where they ate. Close to a civil war and both sides with modern weapons. Can't yet make the prediction when and if. Will chant about it. Maybe that's why he admired Lincoln? May tweet him this tomorrow. Thanks for listening.
Still trying to Shakubuku Trump or one of his close associates
If I survive my shakubuku attempts, as a disciple of Nichiren which I should.... I will report to my friends and fellow readers here from time to time how it is going. One comment I wrote to the Japanese priests in their chanting video (they had responded to my stupid questionm What Chapter of the Lotus Sutra are you chanting and he replied 1, 2, 12, 16, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28
I commented: "Did not Nichiren say 1 daimoku is equal to reciting the entire Lotus Sutra? What is the purpose? You could better pass the time trying to shakubuku Suger (Suga). Nichiren teaches that sometimes, only a Wheel Turning King can accomplish Kosen Rufu, at least for a time like Ashoka."
Waiting for a rebuttal but this is what Nichiren would tell them. Anyway, then I commented to the priests"
"I mean Fukushima, Storms rarely before been seen. Next this plague, it is not over. Vaccine will be no good. Look who commissioned it.
and added in my tweet to the President
"Namu Myoho renge kyo one time assures us of Buddhahood in the future. I'm pretty good at medical predictions and karma."
Earlier I twittered President Trump:
"Look up King Ashoka and his kingdom, really. He killed 150,00 men women and children. Then had existential crisis. He took faith in the Buddha's Teaching and a most glorious empire. You can beat the virus. Namu Myoho renge kyo."
and
"Wouldn't you rather be loved by all the people than half who love you and half who hate you. Good meditation is Namu Myoho renge kyo, 10 minutes in the morning and ten in the evening. Ok, in a big closet, maybe where Obama had prayer rug, Hehe
and several other tweets...See Mark Rogow @Nichiju (easier to find my tweets on my homepage than President Trump's page, I imagine..
Your Home Timelost glorious empire. You canrengeWouldn't you rather be loved by all the people than half who love you and half who hate you. Good meditation is Namu Myoho renge kyo, 10 minutes in the morning and ten in the evening. Ok in a big closet, maybe where Obama had prayer rug, Hehe
50/50 he will ever see some of my tweets. His cronies probably don't want him to get too irrational and fly off and kill another 125,000 or more people. From the start he could have used the army to control things. Don't those "scifi" flicks use it and his buddies the Chinese. He has the power, USE IT. May twitter him this tomorrow.
Answering Andre Leite da Silva's questions about Daimoku
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Andre Leite da Silva2 hours ago
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