Day 3 covers the first half of Chapter 2, Expedients.

Each morning I read the corresponding section of the Lotus Sutra in Shindoku using the Nichiren Buddhist Sangha of Greater New England’s Myoho Renge Kyo Romanized. Ryuoh Faulconer explains, “Shindoku reading is sometimes referred to as a faith reading. The practice of reading in Shindoku allows the reader to touch their innate Buddha Nature that we each posses.”

While “faith reading” this morning, I was taken aback by my inability to recall more than the first part of this day’s reading, the portion used in the daily practice that includes the 10 suchnesses.

So this afternoon I remind myself of the need for faith, Śāriputra and the others’ confusion upon hearing this and the One Great Purpose of the Buddhas:

“Śāriputra! What is the one great purpose for which the Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones, appear in the worlds? The Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones, appear in the worlds in order to cause all living beings to open [the gate to] the insight of the Buddha, and to cause them to purify themselves. They appear in the worlds in order to show the insight of the Buddha to all living beings. They appear in the worlds in order to cause all living beings to obtain the insight of the Buddha. They appear in the worlds in order to cause all living beings to enter the Way to the insight of the Buddha. Śāriputra! This is the one great purpose for which the Buddhas appear in the worlds.”