SHOHO JISSO SHO

Have faith in the Great Mandala Gohonzon, the most superlative in the world. Endeavor! Endeavor to strengthen your faith, so that you may be blessed with the protective powers of all Buddhas. Learn and practice to strengthen your faith. Without learning and practicing there is no Buddhism. To learn and to practice are a part of faith. Follow these yourself and influence others to do the same. Even if only a word or a phrase, spread it to others.

(Background : 1273, 51 years old, at Sado, Showa Teihon, p.728)

Explanatory note

It is most important for us who follow the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin to believe obediently in the Great Mandala Gohonzon. It is an object of faith and worship. It symbolizes the salvation revealed in the Lotus Sutra.

When the Buddha Sakyamuni preached the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha Taho proved its truth, and Sakyamuni’s funjin (manifestations), who had been preaching in all other worlds, praised Him. Furthermore, all deities who had been deeply impressed by listening to the teachings of the Lotus Sutra promised to protect the people who would believe in the sutra.

When we wish to receive this protection, we must do two things – to learn and to practice.

We often distinguish learning from practicing. But we must learn while we devote ourselves putting the teachings of the sutra into practice. Nichiren Daishonin teaches us that it is impossible to be a true and faithful follower without learning and practicing.

Rev. Ogawa

MYOICHI AMA GOZEN GOHENJI

Faith is nothing special. A wife loves her husband, the husband devotes his life to her, parents do not give away their children, and children do not desert their mother. Likewise, believe in the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha Sakyamuni, the Buddha Taho, all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and deities. Then chant “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.” This is faith.

(Background : May 18, 1280, 58 years old, at Minobu, Showa Teihon, p.] 749)

Explanatory note

This letter is impressive. Nichiren Daishonin always explained religious practice in daily life. Myoichi Ama must have imprinted on her subconcious to remember her master’s words in these simple daily matters. We do not know about her for certain, but it is said that she lived near Kamakura and lost her husband in her early married life. It is very hard for a wife to accept her husband’s death, because she still loves him even after he is gone. Nichiren Daishonin advised her to turn her love to faith in the Lotus Sutra.

It is easy to talk about faith but hard to understand it. An ordinary person is able to grasp the real meaning of faith through love.

In order to receive salvation, Buddhists must have a strong aspiration to Buddhas and deities in the Lotus Sutra with the same love found among husband, wife, and their children. When one is drowning, he must wish someone’s help very strongly. To have faith in the Lotus Sutra is just like that : having a strong aspiration.

Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and deities surely protect those who have faith in the Lotus Sutra and who chant “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.” That is Nichiren Daishonin’s teaching.

Rev. Kanai

HO-ON JO

I, Nichiren, believe my compassion is boundless because I am devoting myself to salvation of all mankind, overcoming many persecutions. Therefore, “Namu Myoho Renge Ryo,” the teaching for the people in the Latter Age of the Declining Law, will spread forever beyond the ten-thousand-year period. It has the merit of curing the (religious) blindness of all people and blocks the way to hell. This merit is superior to those of Dengyo of Japan, T’ien-t’ai of China, Nagarjuna of India, and Kasyapa, who was the Buddha’s disciple.

Therefore, the practice for a hundred years in the peaceful Pure Land is not worth the merit of chanting Odaimoku for one day in this defiled world. Propagation of the Lotus Sutra in the two-thousand-year period following the death of the Buddha does not give benefit as much as spreading Odaimoku for a while in the Latter Age of the Declining Law. This is not due to my wisdom; it is solely due to the time of the Latter Age in which I live.

(Background ; July 21, 1276, 54 years old, at Minobu, Showa Teihon, p.1248)

Explanatory note

What is the truth of humankind? This has been a long quest in human history. The development of human society was only possible through this quest, and our ancestors had sought the fundamental truth by physical and spiritual training. In other words, the history of humankind is the history of seeking happiness. Civilization has proved that happiness could be attained not by satisfaction of one’s own self but by faith in truth.

However, the quick development of the modern science made us forget this fundamental spirit of humankind, and the civilization that our ancestors have built up is in danger of being corrupted because modern people became more selfish and forgot to work together with others in harmony.

Buddhism also has tried to find true nature of humankind which Buddha taught us. In this modern age, we, Buddhists, should not neglect to find the true spirit of Buddhism and the true mind of the Buddha Sakyamuni.

It is easy to chant “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.” But it is difficult to understand and believe it, unless we find the true teaching and salvation of the Lotus Sutra, which the Buddha Sakyamuni revealed to us. “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo” was what the Buddha had kept deep in the sutra, and Nichiren Daishonin has revealed it for the first time in the thirteenth century. Nichiren believed that Odaimoku was the most important virtue he could leave behind for us in Buddhist history and proudly announced it to people. He said that it is most important for us to have faith in the teaching and practice in this real world, rather than to practice it in the Pure Land.

Although we read this “Ho-on Jo” quite often without thinking deeply, we must think of the true meaning of the words which Nichiren showed us.

We receive Odaimoku and preserve it in our bodies. At the same time we attain Buddhahood as a natural result of accepting and maintaining the “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. “

Rev. Akahoshi

Zui-Ji-I GOSHO

The Lotus Sutra is the true teaching because the Buddha Sakyamuni preached it from the bottom of his heart exactly as he was enlightened. Other sutras were taught according to listeners’ level of understanding. The Buddha teaches righteousness. The chanting of the sutra will lead us to righteousness unconsciously. For example, the creeping mugwort grass among the hemp will grow straight, or the body of a snake will become straight if it goes into a straight pipe, or if one has good friends, his attitudes will become good. Likewise, one who believes in the Lotus Sutra will attain Buddhahood.

(Background : 1278, 56 years old, at Minobu, Showa Teihon, p.1611)

Explanatory note

The Lotus Sutra reveals the true spirit of the Buddha Sakyamuni and teaches us to follow the sutra. Because the Buddha’s spirit is sacred and noble, even those who do not fully understand the meaning of the sutra will have infinite merits by just reading the sutra.

The creeping mugwort grass among the hemp will grow straight. The snake inside a pipe will straighten its coil. A man who associates with a wise person will find his attitude, actions, and words changing for the better. It is the same with the Lotus Sutra.

Nichiren Daishonin expounded the simplest way which is to chant Odaimoku, “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,” throughout his life. For if the teachings of the Buddha were taught in a complicated manner, a normal person would never be able to understand them, and they would be in a maze. To chant Odaimoku, is very simple and easy. If we, with faith, follow this simple method revealed by Daishonin, we shall be able to understand the teachings of the Buddha unconsciously and to accept the salvation of the Lotus Sutra.

Rev. Igarashi

MATSUNO DONO GOHENJI

There are thousands of fish eggs, but few become fish. Hundreds of mango blossoms bloom, but few become fruit. It is the same with human beings, because most people are turned aside by evil distractions. There is an army of warriors wearing armor, but few are able to fight bravely. Many people search for truth, but few attain Buddhahood

(Background : December 9th, 1276, 54 years old, at Minobu, Showa Teihon, p.1269)

Explanatory note

Before the above quotation, Nichiren Daishonin said to Lord Matsuno that there was no difference between Odaimoku, “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,” chanted by Daishonin himself and by his followers. Therefore, he encouraged us to believe that if one chanted Odaimoku, he or she was surely able to reach the same stage as Daishonin.

People are volatile, quick to warm up and to cool down, but Nichiren Daishonin advised Lord Matsuno to have a constant faith like water, not short, enthusiastic faith like fire. It must be difficult to keep faith constantly. Nichiren is advising us that it is important to realize our own Buddha-nature within ourselves and to endeavor constantly at perfecting ourselves.

Rev. Kanai

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

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 Buddha nature.

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

Rev. Akahoshi

MYOMITSU SHONIN GO-SHOSOKU

I, Nichiren, sincerely keep the most profound Lotus Sutra among other sutras which have been preached, are being preached, and will be preached. I also chant Odaimoku, gist of the sutra, by myself and teach others to chant it. Mugwort grass grows straight amidst the hemp field. Trees do not grow straight, but by cutting it straight, it becomes useful. If you chant the sutra as it states, your mind will be straightened. Be aware that it is hard for us to chant Odaimoku unless the spirit of the Eternal Buddha enters into our bodies.

(Background : March 5, 1276, 54 years old, at Minobu, Showa Teihon, p. 1166)

Explanatory note

“To live honestly” is fundamental in Nichiren Daishonin’s life and in his religion. Honest means for him not only to be honest in a moral sense but also to be faithful to the spirit of the Buddha Sakyamuni. In other words, it is to be honest to the essential spirit of the Buddha.

Chapter ten of the Lotus Sutra states that the sutra is the most profound among others, so that it is hard to understand and difficult to practice. Accepting this truth, Nichiren Daishonin simplified the difficulty by chanting Odaimoku from the depth of his heart and persuaded others to do the same.

The merits of Odaimoku are like the creeping mugwort grass growing straight in hemp field, or a crooked tree can be cut straight into useful objects. If we earnestly recite Odaimoku, our wavering hearts will unknowingly become right, because we cannot recite it without the spirit of the Eternal Buddha entering our bodies and influencing our life.

When we recite Odaimoku with our whole heart, we are overwhelmed with a mysterious force dwelling within us. It is a refreshing power that only those who have experienced it could understand.

Religion is not necessarily in the realm of reason, but it is in the realm of experience. We can not tell the exact taste of a banana to a person who has never tasted it, even though we may explain its shape, color, and texture. Similarly, Odaimoku is not a theory of life but a way of life. Happiness and sorrow are like the front and back of a single sheet of paper. Many people in the depth of sorrow have found comfort in the recitation of Odaimoku. Others in the depth of suffering, not knowing where to turn, have found their spirits refreshed with the teaching of the Lotus Sutra.

We can never go astray with the sincere recitation of Odaimoku because through this practice we are accepting the teaching of the Buddha with our hearts and bodies.

Rev. Igarashi

NYOSETSU SHUGYO SHO

When all the people under the heaven and various schools of Buddhism are all converted to the one and true vehicle, and when only the Lotus Sutra flourishes and all the people recite “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo” in unison, the howling wind will not blow on the branches, falling rain will not erode the soil, and the world will become as good as during the reigns of the Chinese Emperors Fu-hsi and Shen-nung. You will see that such times will come when the calamities cease to exist, people live long, and men and their faith become eternal, there should be no doubt about the proof of tranquility in life.

(Background : May 1273, 51 years old, at Sado, Showa Teihon, p.733)

Explanatory note

Nichiren Daishonin said that people read the Lotus Sutra with their eyes and voice, but no one read it with his body except him. People generally do not try to apply the teachings of the Lotus Sutra in daily life.

Nichiren clearly mentioned that each individual’s faith and real society are closely related. It is a foolish idea if one thinks that religion is only for comfort in his or her life. Once we are born, we are a part of a society whether we like it or not. We try to keep peace and happiness under the set rules in the society.

The aim of our faith in Nichiren Buddhism is to realize the Buddha Land where we live. It is our vow to be Nichiren’s followers. The Buddha Land will not be created in a few years nor in ten years but it surely will be realized with our firm faith in the Lotus Sutra.

Rev. Kanai