[When speaking of 3,000 realms, w]hat does this number three thousand represent? It represents everything not only of the earth, but also of the universe and includes everything in the past, present, and future. Everything of the universe from animals, plants, other beings, visible or invisible, and their activities, workings, and movements are included in the three thousand realms. Everything of the universe exists within each one of us. Everything influences us, works together as primary cause and environmental cause and brings effects, rewards and retributions. All of us exist in relationship with everything in the universe.
Buddha Seed: Understanding the OdaimokuSearch Results for: 3,000
Day 59 of 100
The śrāvaka disciples such as Ānanda, and Rāhula, who were guaranteed to be future Buddhas in the theoretical section of the Lotus Sūtra through the three cycles of the Buddha’s preaching (dharma, parable, and past relationships) had learned the Lotus Sūtra far in the past, 3,000 dust-particle kalpa (aeons) ago, from a bodhisattva who was … Continue reading Day 59 of 100
Day 55 of 100
There will be a person who hates the Buddha physically, verbally, and mentally for as long as a kalpa like Devadatta. The Buddha was the crown prince of King Śuddhodana while Devadatta was a prince of Doroṇodana, and therefore the Buddha and Devadatta were first cousins. In the past as well as today, among sages … Continue reading Day 55 of 100
Day 29 of 100
Tenth Dialogue: The manners of practicing the Lotus Sūtra QUESTION 10: What should a believer of the Lotus Sūtra regard as the Honzon (the Most Venerable One)? How should one perform the Buddhist rites and practice daily training? ANSWER 10: First of all, the Honzon could be eight fascicles, one fascicle, one chapter or the … Continue reading Day 29 of 100
Day 22 of 100
Below is a compilation of quotes from a letter to Nanjō Hyōe Shichirō, who had been converted by Nichiren but was under pressure from family members who believed in the nembutsu. Therefore, it is preached in the Lotus Sūtra, fascicle 2 (chapter 3 on “A Parable”): “This triple world is My domain. Living beings therein … Continue reading Day 22 of 100
Day 14 of 100
There are two ways of meditating on the doctrine of “3,000 existences contained in one thought.” One is the “theoretical” way, and the other is the “actual” way. Grand Masters T’ien-t’ai and Dengyō practiced the former. I, Nichiren, now practice the latter. As my method of practicing meditation is superior, difficulties befalling me are harder … Continue reading Day 14 of 100
Day 9 of 100
For those who are incapable of understanding the truth of the “3,000 existences contained in one thought,” Lord Śākyamuni Buddha, with His great compassion, wraps this jewel with the five characters of myō, hō, ren, ge, and kyō and hangs it around the neck of the ignorant in the Latter Age of Degeneration. The four … Continue reading Day 9 of 100
Day 6 of 100
Note: Nichiren writes: “[W]e do not see how our mind contains ten realms, 100 realms, 1,000 aspects, and 3,000 modes of existence, unless we see our reflection in the clear mirror of the Lotus Sūtra and writings of Grand Master T’ien-t’ai such as Great Concentration and Insight.” Nichiren then specifies where in the Sūtra we … Continue reading Day 6 of 100
Buddha Seed: Understanding the Odaimoku
From Nichiren Buddhist International Center Since April 28, 1253, when our founder, Nichiren Shonin, first recited the Odaimoku, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, followers have been chanting the Odaimoku with faith in the Eternal Buddha Sakyamuni and chanting the Lotus Sutra. Chanting the Odaimoku is the core practice of Nichiren Buddhism, and many have wondered how … Continue reading Buddha Seed: Understanding the Odaimoku
You and me and everyone else
Attended the Kaji Kito service at the Sacramento Nichiren Buddhist Church on Aug. 27. The sermon from Ven. Kenjo Igarashi covered a range of Buddhist concepts but the one item that stuck with me was the inclusive nature of the Buddhist practice. Today’s quote from Lotus Seeds summarizes this well: The bodhisattvas are as concerned … Continue reading You and me and everyone else