HOKKE SHOSHIN JOBUTSU SHO

A singing bird in a cage attracts uncaged birds, and the sight of these uncaged birds will make the caged bird want to be free. Likewise, the chanting of Odaimoku will bring out the Buddha-nature within ourselves.

The Buddha-nature of Bonten and Taishaku will be called by the chanting and will protect the chanter. The Buddha-nature of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas will be pleased to be called. For attaining Buddhahood quickly, one must lay down the banner of arrogance, cast away the club of prejudice, and chant “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.”

(Background : 1277, 55 years old, at Minobu, Showa Teihon, p.1433)

Explanatory note

It is not easy for an ordinary person to attain Buddhahood, that is, the perfect enlightenment of the Buddha. Even the Buddha Sakyamuni could not attain this perfect enlightenment easily. It is generally believed that He had practiced various ways and finally attained Buddhahood under the Bodhi-tree. In the 16th chapter of the Lotus Sutra, however, the Buddha Sakyamuni says, “I have obtained My eternal life by training Myself for innumerable aeons,” revealing His attainment of great enlightenment in the eternal past.

Nichiren Daishonin taught that the Buddha’s world has no boundary, and that all living beings are embraced in His world by the Buddha’s great compassion. It was Nichiren’s purpose to propagate this teaching of the Lotus Sutra and to show it to this world with himself as an example.

For that reason, Nichiren Daishonin taught so simply that even the illiterate could understand. It is to chant Odaimoku, “Namu Myoho Renge Ryo.” By chanting it, we are able to bring out the Buddha-nature within ourselves and to be protected by deities of the Lotus Sutra. Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are pleased by hearing Odaimoku. In other words, we are always connected with Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and guardian gods through the Buddhanature.

So we should have faith in the Lotus Sutra and should be grateful to the Buddha and to His teachings.

Rev. Akahoshi

KANJIN HONZON SHO

All the good deeds and virtues of the Buddha Sakyamuni are manifested in the title of the Lotus Sutra, that is, in the five letters: “Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo.” However sinful we may be, we shall be naturally endowed with all the deeds and virtues of the Buddha if we adhere to these five letters.

(Background : April 25, 1273, 51 years old, at Sado, Showa Teihcn, p.711)

Explanatory note

Upon a meritorious accomplishment, we often fail to appreciate other people’s helping hands and are apt to think that it was due solely to our own abilities and efforts. We may say, “I accomplished this because I chanted Odaimoku so many times,” or “My job is successful because I have chanted Buddhist scriptures with a sincere mind.” If these words represent your beliefs, you have yet to attain the stage of awareness.

Let us think on the word “given.” Our bodies and minds are given to us. Even our wills to accomplish something are inherited from our ancestors.

Our achievements do not come to us by our own abilities and efforts alone. We must be aware of important environmental influences in our daily lives. This awareness will affect many changes in our lives.

After studying the teaching of the Buddha for many years, Nichiren Daishonin reached the conclusion that salvation in the Latter Age of the Declining Law was only possible through upholding Odaimoku with firm conviction. Because of his methodical and careful study of Buddhism, he realized a profound comprehension and conviction of Buddhism. Nevertheless, he taught us not to be overly concerned with theory alone, but to have faith and to practice the chanting of Odaimoku.

Nichiren revealed that the five characters of Odaimoku, “Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo,” embody the following : All virtues of the Buddha Sakyamuni’s practices, of His enlightenment, and of His salvation.

The Buddha Sakyamuni attained enlightenment in the remote past, but before His Enlightenment, He had practiced the Bodhisattva austerities for countless times in His previous lives. His experiences of these practices are detailed in the Jataka Tales.

His practices and enlightenment are all embodied within Odaimoku. However, salvation by Odaimoku is promised in the Lotus Sutra which declares that it will be performed by Bodhisattva Jogyo in the Latter Age of the Declining Law. As a matter of fact, Nichiren Daishonin appeared in the Latter Age to prove this promise and taught us the importance of the chanting of Odaimoku.

When we uphold Odaimoku, we will be given all the virtues of the Buddha Sakyamuni and will be embraced in his realm of enlightenment. This is Buddha’s salvation.

Rev. Matsuda