Buddhism is fundamentally about making changes in one’s own life. At the core, it is about self, and self in service to others. It really isn’t possible for anyone to do someone else’s self-work.
Physician's Good MedicineQuotes
The Unity of the Universal Foundation and the Particular Manifestation
The Trinity of Buddha’s person, however, is not limited to him alone, but in each of us is inherent the corresponding Trinity, or, as we may conveniently express it, the unity of the universal foundation and the particular manifestation. A concrete human being is a reality, but his full meaning is based on humanity in general. There is a man, and he is the man who would embody in his person the essential nature of humanity, not in the abstract, but concretely. The universal “humanity” is the “Truth-body” of every human being, and his life under particular conditions is his “Condescension-body,” while his own self-consciousness, and the influence that he means to exert upon his fellow-beings constitute his “Bliss-body.” In short, the unity of the universal man and the particular man is the reality of man.
Nichiren, The Buddhist ProphetThe Title
The Odaimoku, which literally means “the title,” is used in Japanese Buddhism to refer to the repeated recitation of a mantra. Other traditions also recite mantras, such as the Pure Land School or Shingon. The Odaimoku of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo is derived from the Lotus Sutra, the essential mantra of Nichiren Shu, but is also adopted by the Japanese Tendai School, all Nichiren-derived schools, groups and the so-called Nichiren-derived or inspired “new religions.”
Odaimoku: The Significance Of Chanting Namu Myoho Renge KyoOur Vow to Teach Others
The final of the four things we are required to do in order to obtain the Dharma is fulfill our vow to teach others and to share with others the truth and joy of the Lotus Sutra. Please do not confuse propagation with conversion. If we believe, as the sutra teaches us, that all beings are Buddhas, that all life already possesses Buddha potential, then conversion is not possible since there is nothing to convert. When we propagate Buddhism, we are trying to shine a light on the other person’s Buddha nature so they can awaken to what is already in them. We are planting the seeds to their great personal awakening. The awakening may not occur in this lifetime or the next, but it is inevitable to eventually manifest in their lives. We need only carry out the practice of telling others and living by example the Lotus Sutra. When we do this we will also manifest the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Flower Sutra we have obtained.
Lecture on the Lotus SutraUncovering Hidden Treasure
Buried in a farm field near Frome in Somerset, Britain, the largest collection of ancient Roman coins was discovered by an amateur treasure hunter, Dave Crisp. … We may each wish that we could find such a buried treasure as Mr. Crisp found, however in Buddhism we are directed not to seek the treasures of the storehouse or material wealth, but to focus on treasures of the heart. Through the teachings of the Lotus Sutra we are able to uncover the hidden treasure of Buddhahood that is buried deep within our lives.
Lotus Path: Practicing the Lotus Sutra Volume 1Firmness of Faith
One of the four things required in order to obtain the Lotus Sutra is firmness of faith. Firmness of faith here is referring to the kind of faith and practice that is steady and always growing. This is a faith that is a manifestation of the confidence in the truth of the Lotus Sutra. This steadiness of faith is not stagnant but is constantly expanding. You might think of it as entering a positive feedback loop, where faith begins to actually be a motivating force in practice. Initially as we begin to practice we might not have absolute faith in the Lotus Sutra and what we are doing or even if it works. So our practice at first is about building faith based upon changing theory into actual lived experiences. The more we practice the stronger our faith becomes. As our faith grows it becomes the motivation for practice and is no longer the aim of practice.
Lecture on the Lotus SutraConnecting to the Stories of the Lotus Sutra
Stories are a fascinating and interesting entry point into and from a person’s life. The Lotus Sutra on one level is a collection of stories that can seem baffling, even intimidating. Sometimes it may be helpful to simply relish the splendor of the story and allow it to connect with your life, your heart, your soul, rather than simply your brain.
Physician's Good MedicineA Life of Indestructible Happiness
Our practice includes the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, the Twelve-Link Chain of Causation, the Six Paramitas, and it is all contained in the Lotus Sutra and the Odaimoku of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. When we strive to live according to the fundamental truths of Buddhism and follow the teachings in the Lotus Sutra by chanting the sutra and the Odaimoku, we create a life that manifests our inherent Buddha potential and allows us to live a life of indestructible happiness.
Lecture on the Lotus SutraListening to Our Buddha-Voice
Of the Six Paramitas – Giving – Dana; Discipline – Five Precepts; Patience; Effort; Meditation; and Wisdom – Wisdom is the manifestation of the supreme wisdom of the Buddha that already lies deep in ourself, which through our practice we bring to the surface.
When I give basic instruction on meditation I talk about wisdom having a soft underdeveloped voice. Because we are so busy and distracted with our thoughts that voice of wisdom is hard to hear and frequently is shouted down or drowned out. Yet, deep down in the core of our being we have great potential for wisdom, our Buddha-voice.
Lecture on the Lotus SutraThe Buddhological Trinity
The universal Buddhahood is called Dharma-kaya, or “Truth-body,” while the personal Buddha is Nirmana-kaya, or “Condescension-body”; and these two, together with another, the Sambhoga-kaya, or “Bliss-body,” the spiritual manifestation of Buddhahood, make up the Buddhological Trinity.
Nichiren, The Buddhist Prophet