We have these images of the Buddha sitting under a tree, and we think that’s all we need to do. But that’s only part of the story. Yes, the Buddha attained enlightenment or awakening, but only after defeating Mara. I believe that one of the toughest battles the Buddha waged against Mara was doubt.

The Buddha doubted he could teach people. Mara tempted him by playing to those doubts, first creating them and expanding them, and then by offering alternatives. Had the Buddha not gotten up from beneath the tree and gone to teach the Four Noble Truths, whatever awakening that was achieved would have meant nothing. The awakening would have died right there, and Mara would have won. The image for us to hold on to is not of the Buddha sitting under the tree. The image of the Buddha we should hold on to is a man who got up and walked. He walked wherever he could, and he taught whomever he could. He did not rest. Sitting under the tree is a misrepresentation of the Buddha and Buddhism. Buddhism requires you to participate, and to participate with your entire life. The more of your life that participates the more Myoho Renge Kyo will manifest because of your Namu.

When one fixes [the mind] on the Dharma-realm [as it is], then there is not a single sight nor smell that is not the Middle Way. The same goes for the realm of self, the realm of Buddha, and the realm of living beings ” Grand Master Miao-lé

Shutei Hoyo Shiki, page 399

As our Namu more fully awakens our Myoho Renge Kyo and our lives manifest the fullness and truth of the Dharma, there is no distinction or separation of self and Myoho Renge Kyo. Every bit of our lives and our experiences of life more and more take on all the truth and beauty of the Lotus Sutra.

The cool thing is that as you, the subject, and Myoho Renge Kyo, the object, become more unified, you begin to experience your world differently. You begin to smell the flavor and scent of Myoho Renge Kyo. It’s everywhere, and it’s very pleasing, sort of like Christmas cookies. The tastes, the sights, the sensations, everything and everywhere is Myoho Renge Kyo. What’s even cooler is that it was always there, you just couldn’t see it, feel it, smell it, or sense it. You aren’t transported anywhere. You stay where you are, but your eyes are opened. You become awakened.