en-lighten-ment
Member
ops....
Chanting Growers Group
- Thread starter PassTheDoobie
- Start date
- Status
"How noble are those who base their lives on the unparalleled philosophy of the Mystic Law. All without exception who practise as the Buddha teaches will attain Buddhahood in this lifetime. Nichiren Daishonin writes:
"'In the case of rice plants, there are three types--those that ripen early in autumn, those that ripen in a middling time, and those that ripen late--and yet all are ready to be harvested within a single year. In the same way, although persons [who follow the Buddha way] fall into three different categories of superior, middling, and inferior [capacity], all alike, within the space of a single lifetime, can come to the realization that they themselves are identical and in no way at variance with all the Buddhas, the Thus Come Ones. (WND-2, 79-80)'
"Buddhism also teaches that there are five types of vision, or five types of eyes--the physical eye, the heavenly eye, the wisdom eye, the Dharma eye, and the Buddha eye. The Daishonin writes: 'These five types of vision are naturally acquired by one who upholds the Lotus Sutra' (WND-1, 683).
"He also declares: 'The votaries of the Lotus Sutra, men and women alike, are all Thus Come Ones' (OTT, 83). This is an affirmation that all of you who are working selflessly for kosen-rufu are Buddhas.
"And elsewhere he says: 'All those who keep faith in the Lotus Sutra are most certainly Buddhas, and one who slanders a Buddha commits a grave offence (WND-1, 756). You are people worthy of the greatest respect. Anyone who ridicules or harasses you will reap stern karmic effects. From everything that I have witnessed in the course of my long practise, I can attest to this with utmost conviction."
SGI Newsletter No. 7662, 23RD SOKA GAKKAI HEADQUARTERS LEADERS MEETING--PART 3 [OF 4] Confronting Obstacles with the Determination to Win, Oct. 28th, 2008, from the Nov. 3rd, 2008, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, translated Nov. 13th, 2008.
"'In the case of rice plants, there are three types--those that ripen early in autumn, those that ripen in a middling time, and those that ripen late--and yet all are ready to be harvested within a single year. In the same way, although persons [who follow the Buddha way] fall into three different categories of superior, middling, and inferior [capacity], all alike, within the space of a single lifetime, can come to the realization that they themselves are identical and in no way at variance with all the Buddhas, the Thus Come Ones. (WND-2, 79-80)'
"Buddhism also teaches that there are five types of vision, or five types of eyes--the physical eye, the heavenly eye, the wisdom eye, the Dharma eye, and the Buddha eye. The Daishonin writes: 'These five types of vision are naturally acquired by one who upholds the Lotus Sutra' (WND-1, 683).
"He also declares: 'The votaries of the Lotus Sutra, men and women alike, are all Thus Come Ones' (OTT, 83). This is an affirmation that all of you who are working selflessly for kosen-rufu are Buddhas.
"And elsewhere he says: 'All those who keep faith in the Lotus Sutra are most certainly Buddhas, and one who slanders a Buddha commits a grave offence (WND-1, 756). You are people worthy of the greatest respect. Anyone who ridicules or harasses you will reap stern karmic effects. From everything that I have witnessed in the course of my long practise, I can attest to this with utmost conviction."
SGI Newsletter No. 7662, 23RD SOKA GAKKAI HEADQUARTERS LEADERS MEETING--PART 3 [OF 4] Confronting Obstacles with the Determination to Win, Oct. 28th, 2008, from the Nov. 3rd, 2008, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, translated Nov. 13th, 2008.
Last edited:
"At such a time, the three obstacles and four devils will invariably appear, and the wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat."
(The Three Obstacles and Four Devils - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 637) Selection source: Basics of Buddhism, Seikyo Shimbun, November 20th, 2008
(The Three Obstacles and Four Devils - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 637) Selection source: Basics of Buddhism, Seikyo Shimbun, November 20th, 2008
en-lighten-ment
Member
Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo
Nice cough cough. Thx PassTheDoobie.five types of vision
[五眼] (Jpn go-gen )
Also, five types of eyes. Five kinds of perceptive faculty. They are (1) the eye of ordinary people, also called the physical eye, which distinguishes color and form; (2) the heavenly eye, also called the divine eye, which perceives things in the darkness, at a distance, or beyond the physical limits of obstruction; (3) the wisdom eye, or the ability of those in the two vehicles to perceive that nothing has independent existence of its own and all phenomena are non-substantial; (4) the Dharma eye, with which bodhisattvas perceive the nature of all teachings in order to save the people; and (5) the Buddha eye, which perceives the true nature of life spanning past, present, and future. The Buddha eye includes all the other four eyes, or perceptive faculties. In other words, Buddhas possess all five types of vision.
[五眼] (Jpn go-gen )
Also, five types of eyes. Five kinds of perceptive faculty. They are (1) the eye of ordinary people, also called the physical eye, which distinguishes color and form; (2) the heavenly eye, also called the divine eye, which perceives things in the darkness, at a distance, or beyond the physical limits of obstruction; (3) the wisdom eye, or the ability of those in the two vehicles to perceive that nothing has independent existence of its own and all phenomena are non-substantial; (4) the Dharma eye, with which bodhisattvas perceive the nature of all teachings in order to save the people; and (5) the Buddha eye, which perceives the true nature of life spanning past, present, and future. The Buddha eye includes all the other four eyes, or perceptive faculties. In other words, Buddhas possess all five types of vision.
"We should take a long-term view with regards to the appearance of genuine benefit. If we remain steadfast in faith, no matter what happens along the way, we will definitely win in the end. Of this there is no doubt."
SGI Newsletter No. 7663, 23RD SOKA GAKKAI HEADQUARTERS LEADERS MEETING—PART 4 [OF 4] Expanding Our Ties of Friendship, from the Nov. 3rd, 2008, issue of
the Seikyo Shimbun, translated Nov. 14th, 2008
SGI Newsletter No. 7663, 23RD SOKA GAKKAI HEADQUARTERS LEADERS MEETING—PART 4 [OF 4] Expanding Our Ties of Friendship, from the Nov. 3rd, 2008, issue of
the Seikyo Shimbun, translated Nov. 14th, 2008
"This means that the protection of the gods depends on the strength of one's faith. The Lotus Sutra is a fine sword, but its might depends on the one who wields it."
(General Stone Tiger - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 953) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, November 19th, 2008
(General Stone Tiger - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 953) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, November 19th, 2008
There is definitely something extraordinary in the ebb and flow of the
tide, the rising and setting of the moon, and the way in which summer,
autumn, winter and spring give way to each other. Something uncommon
also occurs when an ordinary person attains Buddhahood. At such a time,
the three obstacles and four devils will invariably appear, and the
wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat.
(WND, 637)
The Three Obstacles and Four Devils
Written to Ikegami Hyoe no Sakan Munenaga on November 20, 1277
tide, the rising and setting of the moon, and the way in which summer,
autumn, winter and spring give way to each other. Something uncommon
also occurs when an ordinary person attains Buddhahood. At such a time,
the three obstacles and four devils will invariably appear, and the
wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat.
(WND, 637)
The Three Obstacles and Four Devils
Written to Ikegami Hyoe no Sakan Munenaga on November 20, 1277
If you practice faith while doubting its effects, you will get results
that are at best unsatisfactory. This is the reflection of your own
weak faith on the mirror of the cosmos. On the other hand, when you
stand up with strong confidence, you will accrue limitless blessings.
Daisaku Ikeda
from SGI-USA
"For Today & Tomorrow"
that are at best unsatisfactory. This is the reflection of your own
weak faith on the mirror of the cosmos. On the other hand, when you
stand up with strong confidence, you will accrue limitless blessings.
Daisaku Ikeda
from SGI-USA
"For Today & Tomorrow"
E
EasyMyohoDisco
"You absolutely must not lament over my exile. It says in the "Encouraging Devotion" chapter and in the "Never Disparaging" chapter [that the votary of the Lotus Sutra will meet with persecution]. Life is limited; we must not begrudge it. What we should ultimately aspire to is the Buddha land."
Aspiration for the Buddha Land (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 214)
Aspiration for the Buddha Land (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 214)
Nam myoho renge kyo
Nam myoho renge kyo
From "Dialogue: The Power for Change", in World Tribune, November 21, 2008, page 4.
Helping a suffering friend become happpy is the first step to making society a better place. Without earnest prayer, compassionate encouragement and courageous action, it is impossible to stir up a groundswell for change. Speech has power, and dialogue is our foremost means.
Nam myoho renge kyo
From "Dialogue: The Power for Change", in World Tribune, November 21, 2008, page 4.
Helping a suffering friend become happpy is the first step to making society a better place. Without earnest prayer, compassionate encouragement and courageous action, it is impossible to stir up a groundswell for change. Speech has power, and dialogue is our foremost means.
en-lighten-ment
Member
Nam Myoho Renge kyo!
"Everything starts with dialogue; it is the first step towards fresh value-creation.
"The 'Expedient Means' (2nd) chapter of the Lotus Sutra--part of which we recite morning and evening in gongyo--is a paean to life that begins with the Buddha embarking on a dialogue with his disciples: 'At that time the World-Honoured One calmly arose from his samadhi and addressed Shariputra' (LS2, 23). The Lotus Sutra describes an assembly that takes place on the ultimate level of life and embraces the entire universe, starting on Eagle Peak and moving to the Ceremony in the Air expounded in the 'Life Span' (16th) chapter [a portion of which we also recite in gongyo]. When we sit in front of the Gohonzon, we ourselves become part of that assembly. Gongyo is a ceremony of dialogue between teacher and disciples, between the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law and us. It is a ceremony watched over by all Buddhas and heavenly deities of the ten directions and three existences.
"In a letter to the lay nun Myoho, the Daishonin writes:
"When with our mouths we chant the Mystic Law [Nam-myoho-renge-kyo], our Buddha nature, being summoned, will invariably emerge. The Buddha nature of [the heavenly deities] Brahma and Shakra, being called, will protect us, and the Buddha nature of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas [throughout the universe], being summoned, will rejoice. (WND-1, 887)
"There is no more powerful sound than the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. No force can obstruct the advance of our movement as we chant and spread the Mystic Law, cheerfully reaching out to others in dialogue based on the shared commitment of mentor and disciple."
SGI Newsletter No. 7660, THE LIGHT OF THE CENTURY OF HUMANITY, Courageously Reaching Out to Others in Dialogue--Part 1 [of 2], from the Oct. 24th, 2008, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, translated Nov. 11th, 2008
"The 'Expedient Means' (2nd) chapter of the Lotus Sutra--part of which we recite morning and evening in gongyo--is a paean to life that begins with the Buddha embarking on a dialogue with his disciples: 'At that time the World-Honoured One calmly arose from his samadhi and addressed Shariputra' (LS2, 23). The Lotus Sutra describes an assembly that takes place on the ultimate level of life and embraces the entire universe, starting on Eagle Peak and moving to the Ceremony in the Air expounded in the 'Life Span' (16th) chapter [a portion of which we also recite in gongyo]. When we sit in front of the Gohonzon, we ourselves become part of that assembly. Gongyo is a ceremony of dialogue between teacher and disciples, between the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law and us. It is a ceremony watched over by all Buddhas and heavenly deities of the ten directions and three existences.
"In a letter to the lay nun Myoho, the Daishonin writes:
"When with our mouths we chant the Mystic Law [Nam-myoho-renge-kyo], our Buddha nature, being summoned, will invariably emerge. The Buddha nature of [the heavenly deities] Brahma and Shakra, being called, will protect us, and the Buddha nature of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas [throughout the universe], being summoned, will rejoice. (WND-1, 887)
"There is no more powerful sound than the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. No force can obstruct the advance of our movement as we chant and spread the Mystic Law, cheerfully reaching out to others in dialogue based on the shared commitment of mentor and disciple."
SGI Newsletter No. 7660, THE LIGHT OF THE CENTURY OF HUMANITY, Courageously Reaching Out to Others in Dialogue--Part 1 [of 2], from the Oct. 24th, 2008, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, translated Nov. 11th, 2008
Last edited:
"Therefore, I want people with seeking minds to meet and read this letter together for encouragement."
(Letter from Sado - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 306) Selection source: SGI President Ikeda's speech, Seikyo Shimbun, November 23rd, 2008
(Letter from Sado - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 306) Selection source: SGI President Ikeda's speech, Seikyo Shimbun, November 23rd, 2008
But now you, born a woman in the evil world of the latter age, while
being reviled, struck, and persecuted by the barbaric inhabitants of
this island country who are unaware of these things, have endured and
are propagating the Lotus Sutra. The Buddha at Eagle Peak surely
perceives that you surpass the nun [Mahaprajapati] as greatly as clouds
do mud. The name of the nun, the Buddha Gladly Seen by All Living
Beings, is no unrelated matter; it is now the name of the lay nun
Myoho.
(WND, 1106)
Reply to the Lay Nun Myoho
Written to the lay nun Myoho in 1281
being reviled, struck, and persecuted by the barbaric inhabitants of
this island country who are unaware of these things, have endured and
are propagating the Lotus Sutra. The Buddha at Eagle Peak surely
perceives that you surpass the nun [Mahaprajapati] as greatly as clouds
do mud. The name of the nun, the Buddha Gladly Seen by All Living
Beings, is no unrelated matter; it is now the name of the lay nun
Myoho.
(WND, 1106)
Reply to the Lay Nun Myoho
Written to the lay nun Myoho in 1281
There is a Russian proverb that says: "It is no use to blame the
looking glass if your face is awry." Likewise, one's happiness or
unhappiness is entirely the reflection of the balance of good and bad
causes accumulated in one's life. No one can blame others for his
misfortunes. In the world of faith, it is necessary to realize this all
the more clearly.
Daisaku Ikeda
from SGI-USA
"For Today & Tomorrow"
looking glass if your face is awry." Likewise, one's happiness or
unhappiness is entirely the reflection of the balance of good and bad
causes accumulated in one's life. No one can blame others for his
misfortunes. In the world of faith, it is necessary to realize this all
the more clearly.
Daisaku Ikeda
from SGI-USA
"For Today & Tomorrow"
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I am heading out on a 7day road trip and will not be around for awhile.
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
en-lighten-ment
Member
Happy Thanksgiving and have a safe and happy trip.
Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo
Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo
E
EasyMyohoDisco
I FEEL GREAT! I'm leading the way for kosen-rufu in my area. Working hard at work and school is paying off. I lost a friend named John this weekend, and he looked great at the funeral. He enjoyed the "sound of our chanting". I never saw someone so happy in a lifeless state. Chanting releases an amazing vibration!
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!
- Status
