Whether or not we manifest the function of being bodhisattvas from beneath the ground depends solely on our practice, and not on a hollow claim. We can’t just say we are and not actually be acting in that capacity. The emerged from the ground bodhisattvas say they wish to obtain the dharma; in this case the dharma is attained through understanding by faith, by carrying out the practices, and by teaching others. The list is a joined list meaning it isn’t complete unless everything in the list is present. We cannot study in isolation, nor can we practice in isolation, nor can we just go around telling others about Buddhism and not do the practice.
Lecture on the Lotus SutraMonthly Archives: April 2021
Spreading Myō, Hō, Ren, Ge, and Kyō in the Latter Age of Degeneration
Śākyamuni Buddha did not feel safe to entrust great bodhisattvas such as Samantabhadra and Mañjuśrī to spread the five Chinese characters of myō, hō, ren, ge, and kyō in the Latter Age of Degeneration. The Buddha, therefore, entrusted the job to the four leaders including Bodhisattva Superior Practice among the numerous bodhisattvas that emerged from the soil. As I contemplate the religious meaning of this, I wonder if Bodhisattva Superior Practice entered your body in order to help me to spread the Lotus Sūtra? Or was it the Buddha’s discretion?
Shijō Kingo-dono Gohenji, Response to Lord Shijō Kingo, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Followers I, Volume 6, Page 142
Daily Dharma – April 11, 2021
Ajita! Any good man or woman who keeps, reads, or recites this sūtra after my extinction, also will be able to obtain these merits. Know this! He or she should be considered to have already reached the place of enlightenment, approached Anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi, and sat under the tree of enlightenment. Ajita! Erect a stūpa in the place where he or she sat, stood or walked! All gods and men should make offerings to that stūpa just as they do to the stūpa of a Buddha.
The Buddha gives this explanation to Maitreya (whom he calls Ajita – Invincible) in Chapter Seventeen of the Lotus Sūtra. In this mysterious description, the Buddha seems to say that anyone who practices this Lotus Sūtra as it instructs is his equal, that this person deserves as much respect as the Buddha himself. In this world of conflict it is rare to even find this teaching, and even more rare to practice it. The Buddha encourages Bodhisattvas such as Maitreya and other protective deities to serve and care for those who bring the Buddha’s greatest wisdom to life. When we practice the Wonderful Dharma, it is as if the Buddha himself appears among us.
The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com
Day 14
Day 14 covers all of Chapter 9, The Assurance of Future Buddhahood of the Śrāvakas Who Have Something More to Learn and the Śrāvakas Who Have Nothing More to Learn, and opens Chapter 10, The Teacher of the Dharma.
Anyone who keeps this sūtra in the future
Should be considered
To have been dispatched by me
To the world of men in order to do my work.Whoever for as long as a kalpa,
With evil intent and flushed face,
Speaks ill of me,
Will incur immeasurable retributions.
Whoever for even a moment
Reproaches those who read, recite and keep
The Sūtra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma
Will incur even more retributions.Whoever for as long as a kalpa
Joins his hands together towards me
And praises me with innumerable gāthās
In order to attain the enlightenment of the Buddha,
Will obtain innumerable merits
Because he praises me.
Whoever praises the keeper of this sūtra
Will obtain even more merits.For eight thousand million kalpas
Offer to the keeper of this sūtra
The most wonderful things to see,
Hear, smell, taste and touch!If you make these offerings,
And hear [this sūtra] even for a moment,
You will rejoice and say,
“Now I have obtained great benefits.”Medicine-King! I will tell you.
The Sūtra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma
Is the most excellent sūtra
That I have ever expounded.
The Daily Dharma from Oct. 25, 2020, offers this:
Medicine-King! I will tell you.
The Sūtra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma
Is the most excellent sūtra
That I have ever expounded.
The Buddha sings these verses to Medicine-King Bodhisattva in Chapter Ten of the Lotus Sūtra. Our founder Nichiren explained that the superiority of the Lotus Sūtra lay not in its being more powerful than other Sūtras, but that it leads all beings, without exception, to the Buddha’s own enlightenment. Other teachings distinguish between those who can follow the Buddha Dharma and those who cannot. But this teaching assures everyone who hears it that they will become enlightened.
The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com
Hōbempon
Chapter Il: Expedients
After carefully considering how he can expound clearly the substance of his enlightenment, Śākyamuni Buddha calmly opened His eyes and began talking to Sharihotsu (Śāriputra), who was known to be the Buddha’s wisest disciple.
“The wisdom of the Buddhas, not to mention my own wisdom, is so deep and wide that it is far beyond your imagination.
“Since you won’t understand Buddha’s enlightenment if it is expounded as it is, I first tried to reveal my mind by using Hōben or expedient wisdom, following your heart. However, since you could not even understand the purpose behind Hōben, you are far from being able to enter the world of the truth.
“Shōmon (Śrāvaka), who understands impermanency just by listening to the Buddha’s teachings, and Engaku (Pratyekabuddha), who seeks enlightenment just by sensing impermanency through experiences, are the people who are practicing individually to reach the state of enlightenment. Hence, they cannot understand the interrelations between expedients and the truth.
“This is because the Buddha, unlike you, has trained himself under countless Buddhas, carried out countless practices taught by them, and accomplished the goals of severe practice in order to attain enlightenment. His reputation is widespread.
“The Buddha’s enlightenment is unprecedentedly deep, and has been preached and expounded skillfully. However, it seems to be too difficult for you to understand the true meaning.
“Sharihotsu (Śāriputra)! Ever since I became a Buddha, I have been expounding my teachings broadly, using examples and parables. I used every kind of Hōben, or expedient wisdom, in order to lead people and save them from attachments.
“The reason that was possible is because the Buddha is perfectly equipped with an understanding of both Hōben and the truth.
“Sharihotsu (Śāriputra)! The Buddha’s wisdom is wide and deep.
“That is to say, the Buddha holds four immeasurable minds, known as ji-hi-ki-sha (love, compassion, happiness and disinterestedness), and when he expounds his teachings, he is versatile and flexible, equipped with ten kinds of supreme wisdom and teaches as He believes without reserve. At that time, His mind is unshakable, wiping off hesitation completely, distancing from any suffering and focusing on goodness so that he can ascertain the truth. In other words, the Buddha has all the wisdom to teach and lead all people.
“Sharihotsu (Śāriputra)! The Buddha adapts His teachings in accordance with time and place, conjuring a teaching method fit for each person He teaches.
“His way of teaching is very flexible, bringing those whom He teaches to certainty and joy.
“Sharihotsu (Śāriputra)! All told, the Buddha has attained the Dharma, immeasurably excellent, which none has achieved up to now.
“This true state of all things must be viewed from the following 10 kinds of perspectives: “sō” is the outside appearance; “shō” is the nature hidden inside; “tai” is the combination of the two. These three factors are the fundamentals of existence. “Riki” is the inner power; “sa” is the outside effect; “in” is the direct cause; “en” is the indirect cause; “ka” is the result; “hō” is a new interrelationship with the surroundings suitable to its effect. The factors of “hon”, which encompasses “sō” , “shō” and “tai”, and “matsu”, which encompasses the rest, are the factors existing in all things and always complement one another. This is “tō” or equality.”
Easy Readings of the Lotus Sutra
The Spinning Top of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo
One way to illustrate the Nichiren practice is through the analogy of a top. Just as a top spins on a single point, when we take faith in Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, it becomes the central point upon which our lives turn. If the point of the top remains steady, then the top will not wobble and can continue spinning. Similarly, if we consistently practice Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, our lives will manifest the Six Perfections – generosity, discipline, patience, energy, meditation, and wisdom – which describe a way of life that is strong and centered.
Lotus SeedsThose Who Believe in the Lotus Sūtra Become Naturally Virtuous
The Lotus Sūtra is called “Zui-jii,” namely it expounds the true mind of the Buddha. Since the Buddha’s mind is so great, even if one does not understand the profound meaning of the sūtra, one can gain innumerable merits by just reading it. Just as a mugwort among hemp plants grows straight and a snake in a tube straightens itself, if one becomes friendly with good people, one’s mind, behavior, and words become naturally gentle. Likewise, the Buddha thinks that those who believe in the Lotus Sūtra become naturally virtuous.
Zui-jii Gosho, The Sūtra Preached in Accordance to [the Buddha’s] Own Mind, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Faith and Practice, Volume 4, Page 155
Daily Dharma – April 10, 2021
Have faith in the Great Mandala Gohonzon, the Most Venerable One in the entire world. Earnestly endeavor to strengthen your faith, so that you may be blessed with the protective powers of Śākyamuni Buddha, the Buddha of many treasures, and Buddhas in manifestation throughout the Universe. Strive to carry out the two ways of practice and learning. Without practice and learning Buddhism will cease to exist. Endeavor yourself and cause others to take up these two ways of practice and learning, which stem from faith. If possible, please spread even a word or phrase of the sutra to others.
Nichiren wrote this as part of his letter to monk Sairen-bō about the nature of reality (Shohō-Jissō Shō). One way of reading this passage is that as we develop our faith in the Great Mandala Gohonzon, the Buddhas will provide more protection for us. Another way to read it is that as our faith develops, so does the power we have to protect others, free them from suffering and help them to awaken their Buddha nature. Either way, Nichiren shows us the practical results of our faith.
The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com
Day 13
Day 13 covers all of Chapter 8, The Assurance of Future Buddhahood of the Five Hundred Disciples.
Thereupon Pūrṇa, the son of Maitrāyanī having heard from the Buddha the Dharma expounded with expedients by the wisdom [of the Buddha] according to the capacities of all living beings, and having heard that [the Buddha] had assured the great disciples of their future attainment of Anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi, and also having heard of the previous life of the Buddha, and also having heard of the great, unhindered, supernatural powers of the Buddhas, had the greatest joy that he had ever had, became pure in heart, and felt like dancing [with joy]. He rose from his seat, came to the Buddha, and worshipped him at his feet with his head. Then he retired to one side of the place, looked up at the honorable face with unblenching eyes, and thought:
‘The World-Honored One is extraordinary. What he does is exceptional. He expounds the Dharma with expedients by his insight according to the various natures of all living beings of the world, and saves them from various attachments. The merits of the Buddha are beyond the expression of our words. Only the Buddha, only the World-Honored One, knows the wishes we have deep in our minds.’
Juryōhon
Chapter 16: The Duration of the Life of the Tathāgata
“I, Śākyamuni, am originally a Hotoke (Buddha).
“I am always expounding the teachings of the Buddha to lead you into the Way of the Buddha.
“Many hundreds of thousands of years have passed since I began expounding my teachings.
“In order to help save you, I have even hidden myself tentatively from this world, but I am always present in this Sahā world. I always live here expounding the Dharma.
“To tell the truth, I am always here, but for those who don’t realize that, I am intentionally hiding myself from your sight.
“When you notice my absence, you appreciate the Buddha for the first time, hold services for his remains and then soon, every one of you begins to seek the Buddha seriously from the heart.
“Once you have trusted the Buddha in all seriousness, you will honestly begin to want to meet Him and seek the Way of the Buddha at the cost of your lives.
“When you enter that state of mind, you realize the Buddha is present in this world along with His disciples.
“You will then begin to understand the reason why the Buddha is saying, ‘I am always here. Only I choose to hide and appear on purpose in order to save you all.’
“In fact, if there is anyone who seeks me, not just on earth but anywhere in space, there I am able to expound my teachings.
“You might think there is no Buddha simply because you do not care to lend an ear to the Buddha’s teachings.
“When I look at your way of life, I can tell very well how hard you are struggling with various sufferings, unable to find the way to escape from them.
“I hide myself from you both to help you realize you can never escape from the sufferings of this world by yourself, and become convinced that you should seek the Buddha and His teachings. When these feelings arise, you will understand that the Buddha is actually expounding His teachings at all times.
“This is known as the Buddha’s supernatural powers. In other words, the Buddha is anywhere at any time.
“Even when you suspect that the world has come to its end and that it will burn to destruction in a great fire, my mental state always remains peaceful, and my surroundings are full of people with the same mental state. It is like, for example, a beautiful flower garden and bushes. There stands a building like a castle. Around it, grow trees full of beautiful flowers and fruits and people are living happily. It is as if heavenly beings are playing music and petals of the mandārava-flowers are gracefully falling around us.
“My world of enlightenment, my world of wisdom, will never be destroyed. But all of you who are at a loss believe this world is moving towards destruction and that while you exist in this world, all kinds of frightful and painful events will arise.
“The reason why you are suffering as you are right now is because you have totally failed to reflect upon your half-hearted ways of life filled with worldly desires, without paying any attention to the right religion and the right faith, and not being mindful of making any efforts.
“Those who continue to conduct good deeds for the world, for its people – with the right faith at heart – are released from the binding of self-attachments and neither fool themselves nor others. People of these kinds will understand that I am expounding my teachings here all the time.
“To those who seek the Way of the Buddha in such states of mind, I teach them that the Buddha’s life is eternal. To those who do not seek the faith, I teach them to have faith in him.
“Thus my wisdom works at my own will. Since I have limitless wisdom and have gained an eternal life, I am capable of saving all people. And these incomparable powers can be obtained thanks to my own endeavor practiced day by day without rest.
“Those who make efforts to try to comprehend the significance of life! You must not question the true eternal existence of the Buddha. You must fundamentally take yourself from your current hypocritical ways of life. That way, you will understand that the teachings of the Buddha are fruitful.
“When the renowned physician saved his children, who themselves were suffering from deadly poison but would not accept any medicine given by their father, by telling them, ‘Your father is dead,’ when in fact he was alive, nobody blamed him. Likewise, I am actually the father of this world, capa ble of saving all people from various pains and sufferings.
“However, you cannot tell what is right and what is wrong. In order to open your eyes, I say that the Buddha is not here while in actuality, I am here. But if you become aware that I am really here, you will gradually lose the sense of appreciation and begin to develop arrogance. Then eventually, you will return to the life full of worldly desires and ultimately fall into the three evil realms of hell, hungry spirits and animals.
“I can see clearly whether or not you people are following the right way. That is why I expound the teachings in many ways in order to lead you appropriately.
“I have only one wish. My wish is to know how I can quickly lead you to the right way of faith and make you become a Buddha as soon as possible.”
Easy Readings of the Lotus Sutra