Chanting Growers Group (2013-∞)

[PassTheDoobie]

If our determination is vague,
there won’t be anything to show for it!
Aiming towards victory in the new year,
let’s be sure to set our goals
with concrete and precise targets in mind.

Daisaku Ikeda

 

[PassTheDoobie]

“Nelson Mandela (1918–2013), the former South African president and human rights champion who passed away on December 5, once wrote: 'I am convinced that floods of personal disaster can never drown a determined revolutionary nor can the cumulus of misery that accompany tragedy suffocate him.'[1]

“…A women’s division leader in Africa said: 'The realities are very challenging, but we will not give up. Why? Because we have the power within us to overcome difficulties. The Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin has taught us this.... If we shine brightly in society, a Century of Africa will shine.’

“This invincible spirit is the Gakkai spirit.

“Everything begins with the courageous and noble dance of human revolution, in which each person strives to make their life shine its brightest in the place where they are right now.”

SGI Newsletter No. 8888, 2nd Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting, Setting Sail into a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu, from 10th Dec., 2013, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, translated 11th Dec. 2013

[1] Nelson Mandela, Conversations with Myself (New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2010), p. 184.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Those who remain unwavering and supportive of others
are blessed with good friends.
Let’s cherish our old friends and at the same time
let’s take every possible opportunity to make new ones.
Friendships are indeed lifelong treasures.

Daisaku Ikeda

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"It must be ties of karma from the distant past that have destined you to become my disciple at a time like this. Shakyamuni and Many Treasures certainly realised this truth. The sutra's statement, 'Those persons who had heard the Law dwelled here and there in various Buddha lands, constantly reborn in company with their teachers,' cannot be false in any way."

(The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 217) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, Decmeber 14th, 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

The Record of the Orally Transmited Teachings

The Record of the Orally Transmited Teachings

Editors’ Note

Here are some guidelines that the editors think will be helpful for readers of this book. In the Japanese text of the Ongi kuden, or The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, the Lotus Sutra passages on which Nichiren lectured are indicated in abbreviated form, but in this translation the passages are cited in full and in boldface. Then, in some cases, the sutra passages are followed by T’ien-t’ai’s explanation of them from his Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra and by Miao-lo’s commentary on those explanations. Nichiren’s lectures follow, beginning with the set phrase “The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings says . . .”

All the Lotus Sutra quotations in this work are from The Lotus Sutra, translated by Burton Watson and published by Columbia University in 1993. The sources of the quotations are indicated by their chapter number and a shortened form of the chapter title, as in “chapter sixteen, Life Span,” which is enclosed in parentheses. However, when quotations are from the same chapter as is being discussed in Orally Transmitted Teachings, only the chapter number is shown, as in “chapter twelve.”

In the commentaries on the Lotus Sutra by T’ien-t’ai and others, reference is made to the related section in the Chinese text with the number of lines composing it. Usually one line consists of one verse, which consists of four phrases. Nichiren also makes similar references. In this translation, however, such references are made based on Dr. Watson’s Lotus Sutra, indicating the number of lines in the English text. Thus, in chapter twelve, point seven, you will find the expression “The verses of praise in fourteen lines express the doctrine of three thousand realms in a single moment of life,” which is the translation of “the verses of praise in three and a half lines . . .” in the Japanese text.

In the Japanese text, some passages of commentary have been cited without their source titles. When these passages have been found in collections of Buddhist texts such as Taishō daizōkyō, or Taishō Tripitaka, we have identified their source titles in the translation in brackets. All book titles are given in English.

Additionally, most of the names of the Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and deities mentioned in the text have been translated as in The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin (The Soka Gakkai, Tokyo, 1999). The names of actual historical figures, such as Shakyamuni and Shāriputra, naturally remain unchanged. And all personal names are given according to the usage of their land of origin.

Most diacritical marks are omitted from Sanskrit words, of which there are few in the text. But with the exception of the formula Nam-myoho-renge-kyo or Myoho-renge-kyo, all Japanese words are shown, where appropriate, with macrons to indicate the long vowels.

Shortened forms of the longer book titles cited in the text are used in this translation. The short forms are as follows:

Words and Phrases for The Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra by T’ien-t’ai

On “The Words and Phrases” for The Annotations on “The Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra” by Miao-lo

Profound Meaning for The Profound Meaning of the Lotus Sutra by T’ien-t’ai

On “The Profound Meaning” for The Annotations on “The Profound Meaning of the Lotus Sutra” by Miao-lo

On “Great Concentration and Insight” for The Annotations on “Great Concentration and Insight” by Miao-lo

Outstanding Principles for The Outstanding Principles of the Lotus Sutra by Dengyō

Supplement to “The Words and Phrases” for The Supplement to “The Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra” by Tao-hsien

For more information regarding the Buddhist terms, personal names, book titles, and Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and deities that appear in the text, readers may find helpful The Soka Gakkai Dictionary of Buddhism (The Soka Gakkai, Tokyo, 2002). Footnotes to the translation explain any terms not found in this dictionary. http://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/dic/toc/

http://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/ott/EditorsNotes/4

 

[BushyOldGrower]

Begin a great new year with our joined consciousness with a chant...

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo...

We will all come together.

*bows to all of us*. Bog

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings (Ongi kuden) says: Namu or nam is a Sanskrit word. Here it means to dedicate one’s life, that is, to the Person and to the Law. In terms of the Person, one dedicates one’s life to Shakyamuni Buddha; in terms of the Law, one dedicates one’s life to the Lotus Sutra. “Dedication” means dedication to the principle of eternal and unchanging truth of the theoretical teaching, and “life” means that one’s life dedicated to that principle bases itself on the wisdom of the truth of the essential teaching that functions in accordance with changing circumstances. In essence, one dedicates one’s life to Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

A commentary [by Dengyō] says, “That which accords with changing circumstances, that which is unchanging, these are tranquil and shining in a single moment of life.”

Again, “dedication” refers to the element of physical form as it pertains to us, while “life” refers to the element of mind as it pertains to us. But the ultimate teaching tells us that form and mind are not two things. As a commentary [The Annotations on “The Profound Meaning of the Lotus Sutra,” volume one] says, “Because [the Lotus Sutra] leads us to the ultimate truth, it is called the Buddha vehicle.”

We may also note that the nam of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is a Sanskrit word, while myōhō, renge, and kyō are Chinese words.(1) Sanskrit and Chinese join in a single moment to form Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. If we express the title in Sanskrit, it will be Saddharma-pundarīka-sūtram. This is Myoho-renge-kyo in Sanskrit. Sad (the phonetic change of sat) means myō, or wonderful. Dharma means hō, Law or phenomena. Pundarīka means renge, or lotus blossom. Sūtram means kyō, or sutra. The nine characters [that represent the Sanskrit title] are the Buddha bodies of the nine honored ones. This expresses the idea that the nine worlds are inseparable from the Buddha world.

Myō stands for the Dharma nature or enlightenment, while hō represents darkness or ignorance. Together myōhō expresses the idea that ignorance and the Dharma nature are a single entity. Renge stands for the two elements of cause and effect. Cause and effect are also a single entity.

Kyō represents the words and voices of all living beings. A commentary [On “The Profound Meaning,” volume one] says, “The voice carries out the work of the Buddha, and this is called kyō, or sutra.” Kyō may also be defined as that which is constant and unchanging in the three existences of past, present, and future. The Dharma-realm is myōhō, the Wonderful Law; the Dharma-realm is renge, the lotus blossom; the Dharma-realm is kyō, the sutra.

Renge, the lotus blossom, is the Buddha bodies of the nine honored ones seated on the eight-petaled lotus. Think all this over very carefully.


The Record says:


In the “Introduction” chapter, seven important points

In the “Expedient Means” chapter, eight important points

In the “Simile and Parable” chapter, nine important points

In the “Belief and Understanding” chapter, six important points

In “The Parable of the Medicinal Herbs” chapter, five important points

In the “Bestowal of Prophecy” chapter, four important points

p.5In “The Parable of the Phantom City” chapter, seven important points

In the “Prophecy of Enlightenment for Five Hundred Disciples” chapter, three important points

In the “Prophecies Conferred on Learners and Adepts” chapter, two important points

In “The Teacher of the Law” chapter, sixteen important points

In “The Emergence of the Treasure Tower” chapter, twenty important points

In the “Devadatta” chapter, eight important points

In the “Encouraging Devotion” chapter, thirteen important points

In the “Peaceful Practices” chapter, five important points

In the “Emerging from the Earth” chapter, one important point

In “The Life Span of the Thus Come One” chapter, twenty-seven important points

In the “Distinctions in Benefits” chapter, three important points

In “The Benefits of Responding with Joy” chapter, two important points

In the “Benefits of the Teacher of the Law” chapter, four important points

In “The Bodhisattva Never Disparaging” chapter, thirty important points

In the “Supernatural Powers of the Thus Come One” chapter, eight important points

In the “Entrustment” chapter, three important points

In the “Former Affairs of the Bodhisattva Medicine King” chapter, six important points

In “The Bodhisattva Wonderful Sound” chapter, three important points

In “The Universal Gateway of the Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World’s Sounds” chapter, five important points

In the “Dhāranī” chapter, six important points

In the “Former Affairs of King Wonderful Adornment” chapter, three important points

In the “Encouragements of the Bodhisattva Universal Worthy” chapter, six important points

In the Immeasurable Meanings Sutra, six important points

In the Universal Worthy Sutra, five important points


This comes to a total of 231 items. In addition, there is the separate transmission. All these have been recorded in full.


Notes

1. Namu or its phonetic change nam derives from the Sanskrit namas. Myoho-renge-kyo is the Japanese transliteration of the Chinese Miao-fa-lien-hua-ching.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"But now you must build your reputation on the Lotus Sutra and give yourself up to it."

(The True Aspect of All Phenomena - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 385) Selection Source: Kyo no Hosshin, Seikyo Shinbun, December 18th, 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"My mentor, second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda, declared: 'We will never run out of people to share this Buddhism with, because each of us has been born in this world together with a great retinue of karmic companions—people bound to us by ties from the distant past. Let’s sow the seeds of Buddhahood. Even though not everyone may listen to us at first, the time is sure to come when the seeds we have planted in their lives will blossom.’

SGI Newsletter No. 8894, Engaging in Dialogue to Foster Friendship and Trust, from the January 2014 issue of the Daibyakurenge, translated 16th Dec. 2013.

 

[easyDaimoku]

Happy New and Wonderful Year!

Happy New and Wonderful Year!

Just caught up on the last weeks worth of reading and thank you so much to all! Especially to T for posting some great gems, I've neglected to read in their entirety.

My mother is still alive and living free after the onset of her cancer, now 7 years ago! Tonight I will finish writing my first book! That's why I haven't been posting much lately, the other reason is because I got a 4.0 average (perfect) in graduate school! I already have a plan to write my first novel, now in 2014. In addition, late last year I started my first business and I'm proud to report that I haven't had one legitimate sale yet! HAAHAHAHA, in 2014 that will surely change. I withstood persecutions at my place of employment and earned more money than ever before in my career. I made a few paintings, designed clothes that I wear and love for myself and helped two new good friends obtain their Gohonzon and begin their practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!

VICTORY! 2014 is already a huge and powerful victory! We are of the same heart as Nichiren and working with Daisaku Ikeda and PTD to enable all humanity to realize they too have always been children of the Buddha and can attain Buddhahood in their present forms! MUCH LOVE TO ALL HUMANITY! MUCH LOVE TO ALL THE VERY SPECIAL CHANTING GROWERS!!!

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Strengthen your resolve more than ever. Ice is made of water, but it is colder than water. Blue dye comes from indigo, but when something is repeatedly dyed in it, the colour is better than that of the indigo plant. The Lotus Sutra remains the same, but if you repeatedly strengthen your resolve, your colour will be better than that of others, and you will receive more blessings than they do."

(The Supremacy of the Law - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 615) Selection Source: Gosho for December, Daibyakurenge, December, 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"What does Bodhisattva Never Disparaging's profound respect for people signify? The purpose of the appearance in this world of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, lies in his behaviour as a human being."

(The Three Kinds of Treasure - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 852) Selection Source: Thoughts on Buddhist Study, Seikyo Shimbun, Jan 1st, 2014

 

[PassTheDoobie]

“’The voice does the Buddha’s work' (cf. OTT, 4). [see post 1187]

"Nichiren Daishonin also urges us to tirelessly speak to others about the Mystic Law (cf. WND-1, 394). The sincerity, concern, and truth conveyed through our voice are certain to reach the person we’re talking with.

"Our voice can change others’ hearts. A few bright, positive words such as “Let’s have fun!” “Be yourself!” “Cheer up!” can energise everyone.

"Our voice can benefit others. Simple words such as ‘Be safe!' ‘Take care!' can prevent accidents from happening.

"Don’t be shy. Speak up clearly and say what needs to be said.”

No. 8891, On Our Shared Journey for Kosen-rufu—I, (33) Meeting and Encouraging Others, from 30th Sep., 2012, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, translated 13th Dec. 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"It is important that we sincerely encourage those who are struggling hard in the midst of today’s fiercely competitive society. This is where the true worth of Buddhism shines. Faith manifests itself in daily life. The Soka Gakkai has grown to the extent it has because our members have always wholeheartedly devoted themselves to encouraging others.

"Please become leaders who can truly appreciate people’s struggles and hard work. Always respond by acknowledging members’ efforts, however modest. A quick response is crucial. The Soka Gakkai has achieved its dynamic development by always responding quickly.

"My mentor, second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda, was very strict with those who had a slack attitude and were late for crucial activities. ‘Being late defeats the whole purpose!' he would declare.

"Do everything promptly. Be proactive. That is the hallmark of truly outstanding individuals.”

SGI Newsletter No. 8897, On Our Shared Journey for Kosen-rufu—I, (35) Winning with Speed and Momentum, from 13th Oct. 13, 2012, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun translated 19th Dec. 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

It is said,
“Take the initiative, and you will win."
It's our speedy response and momentum
that decides victory and success.
By chanting daimoku with the vow to achieve kosen-rufu,
let’s put our fresh new thoughts and ideas into action!

Daisaku Ikeda

 

[CrazyDog]

When the air is dry like it is at this time of the year,
we need to carefully double check all possible fire sources
and avoid, as much as we can, causing any form of fire.
By reminding each other of this point,
let's not allow any kind of carelessness or neglect
to be an obstacle in our daily lives.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Friendship is life’s treasure. Nothing is more beautiful than friendship. The spirit of friendship and Buddhist humanism are one.

"Let’s open our hearts, greet others brightly, and be sincere in our interactions with others. Through our own thoughtful conduct, we can deepen our friendships and spread trust.

"Sincerity is the only way to truly reach and win people’s hearts. Always be courteous, speak clearly, and keep your promises. Such seemingly small things lead to success.

"Let’s treasure our ties with good friends. My mentor, second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda, stressed the importance of extending a hand of friendship to people when they experience hard or challenging times. Let’s always take pride in being true and loyal friends.”

SGI Newsletter No. 8899, Humanistic Teachings for Victory, (16) Perseverance Is Strength, Sincerity Is Power, from 19th Sep., 2012, issue of the Soka Shimpo, the Soka Gakkai youth division’s fortnightly newspaper translated 20th Dec. 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"The neighing of the white horses is the sound of our voices chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo."

(King Rinda* - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 989) Selection Source: "Myoji no Gen", Seikyo Shimbun, Jan 5th, 2014

* http://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/wnd-1/Content/136

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Many hear about and accept this sutra, but when great obstacles arise, just as they were told would happen, few remember it and bear it firmly in mind. To accept is easy; to continue is difficult. But Buddhahood lies in continuing faith."

(On Rebuking Slander of the Law and Eradicating Sins - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 444) Selection source: Kyo no Hosshin, Seikyo Shimbun, January 6th, 2014

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Our victories for this whole year
are determined by the gongyo and daimoku we do today!
Like the neighing of the white horses*
let’s chant strong and focussed daimoku
and set the momentum for our victorious advancement!

Daisaku Ikeda

* Gosho: "The neighing of the white horses is the sound of our voices chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo." (King Rinda - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 989)