I began this project on Jan. 1, 2022, with a quote from the opening verses of Śāntideva’s “A Guide to the Buddhist Path to Awakening,” The Bodhicaryāvatāra. I have decided to end the project today, Dec. 31, 2022, with a quote from the late Ryusho Jeffus Shonin.
The quote comes from Ryusho’s Important Matters: Lotus Sutra—Faith and Practice, his discussion of the Shutei Nichiren Shu Hoyo Shiki. The Hoyo Shiki is the formal book of standards for Nichiren Shu priests.
It cannot be said often enough that chanting the sutra yields immeasurable benefits. I think we all know that or at least we all say we know that. How deeply aware of that are we in the depths of our lives? Perhaps some say this is true and yet find a space in their lives that is unsure. I don’t think there is anything broken in you if you harbor those doubts. Nope, nothing wrong with you at all. In fact, it is perhaps more normal than not.
Too often in matters of faith it is supposed that true faith is a faith without the slightest doubt or questioning. Because of this people often fear revealing the truth of their lives. As a result everyone wanders around thinking they must be the only one who doubts. It is as if we don’t want to reveal the chink in our armor, fearing that the next person will use that to accuse us of not having a “pure, undoubting faith,” whatever that might look like.
I like to think of those moments of doubt and questions as exciting places. They are places of discovery and invite curiosity. When we can relish our doubts, we can humanize our beliefs and our practice. …
My doubts center around whether I am qualified to teach others about the Dharma. Who am I to think I have any claim to wisdom or knowledge beyond what everyone else has long ago sorted out? I also have doubts about whether I am offering anything of value with regard to understanding and practicing the Lotus Sutra. I’m not fishing for compliments or assurances. I’m instead letting you peek inside my mind.
Since I’ve been writing I’ve had numerous people say complimentary things about how what they read helped them understand and have a deeper relation to their practice of the Lotus Sutra. I am left speechless, often fearing that if I say anything it will ruin the illusion, Yet I am also aware that what they say is true, and they are being sincere. I am thankful that I can have such an ability, though I am doubtful that I can claim it as my own. I know that it only comes from my faith in and practice of the Lotus Sutra. Even if unskilled, it is still my wish to somehow share with and encourage others to find the joy I have found, not exactly like mine but their own version.”
This yearlong trip has been a journey of discovery. Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō.