Questions and Answers

True Buddhism

True BuddhismIn this Buddhist Questions and Answers section, you will find a space dedicated to learning and understanding the teachings of true Buddhism of the Nichiren Shoshu school. Here we answer common questions about the practice from a clear and accessible perspective, with the aim of bringing Buddhism closer to everyday life.

Nichiren Shoshu Prayer Liturgy.

Are there several types of Buddhism specific to each era?

NICHIREN SHOSHU BUDDHISM. Are there several types of Buddhism specific to each era? Which type of Buddhism is appropriate for the current era (Mappo, or Latter Day of the Law)?

Shakyamuni, the historical founder of Buddhism who lived in India three thousand years ago, predicted in the Great Collection Sutra (Daijuku Sutra) that the world would enter an age of strife and discord two thousand years after his death, an age when philosophy and religion would be disordered and confused. At that time the Buddhism taught by Shakyamuni would lose its effectiveness to save the people. He called this age Mappo, or the Latter Day of the Law, when, as the Great Collection Sutra stated, “the Pure Law would become obscured and lost.”

However, Shakyamuni made an additional prediction in the Lotus Sutra. He predicted the appearance of True Buddhism for the age of Mappo that would replace the Buddhism of Shakyamuni, and that the Original (True) Buddha, the fundamental master of all Buddhas, would appear in the world to teach this True Buddhism.

Why should Shakyamuni’s Buddhism lose its effectiveness? Why would the appearance of a new Buddhism be necessary? The reason is that although Mappo is an age when the material aspects of civilization are much more highly advanced than when Shakyamuni lived, it is also an age when the hearts of the people have become corrupt. Shakyamuni’s Buddhism has no power to help them. Regarding this, the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin, stated:

Medicine differs according to the illness. Ordinary medicine will help a slight ailment, but for grave illness, elixir should be used.

(MW, Vol. 3, p. 55; Gosho, p. 690)

This is a metaphor for the principle that in the age of Mappo, when the world is filled with evil and Shakyamuni’s Buddhism has lost its validity, a Buddhism that teaches the ultimate truth will appear for the sake of this time period.

The validity of Shakyamuni’s prediction was proven by the appearance of Nichiren Daishonin, the Original Buddha, and by His establishment of the Buddhism of the Three Great Secret Laws (Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo), the teaching to save all humanity in Mappo. The Daishonin states:

Now in the Latter Day of the Law, neither the Lotus Sutra nor the other sutras lead to enlightenment; only Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo can do so. And this is not merely my own opinion. Shakyamuni, Taho, and all the other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the ten directions as well as the innumerable Bodhisattvas of the Earth have so determined . . . . A lamp will be useless after the sun rises. How can dewdrops be beneficial once the rain falls?

(MW, Vol. 3, p. 266; Gosho, p. 1219)

The True Buddhism of the Original Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin, the teaching of the ultimate truth, was established on April 28, 1253. Today, other forms of Buddhism and other teachings are of no more use than the light of the moon or candles in the middle of the day. They have no validity for this time period.

This means that Nichiren Daishonin is the only person that we, the people in the age of Mappo, revere as the Buddha. For us, the Daishonin’s Buddhism truly corresponds to the sun. It is the only teaching with the power to illuminate the darkness of Mappo.

The Dai-Gohonzon of the True High Sanctuary, inscribed on October 12, 1279, is the foundation and source of Nichiren Dai-shonin’s Buddhism. With this essential Gohonzon as the object of faith, it is possible for all people of Mappo to attain enlightenment.

The Buddhism established by Nichiren Daishonin was inherited in its entirety by the Second High Priest, Nikko Shonin, and then passed on by Nikko Shonin to the Third High Priest, Nichimoku Shonin. It was correctly transmitted without a single deviation, like a perfect transfer of water from one vessel into another. No matter how superior a teaching may be, it will inevitably die out if there is no successor in the world to inherit and transmit it. The immeasurably profound Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin has been transmitted without interruption, passing from the Daishonin to Nikko Shon-in, and then to Nichimoku Shonin and each successive High Priest, generation after generation, down to the present High Priest.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

What does the achievement of Buddhahood mean?

ACHIEVEMENT OF BUDDHAHOOD. What does the achievement of Buddhahood mean? Is there a state of indestructible happiness in which one feels unlimited joy at being alive? Is that enlightenment or the achievement of Buddhahood in this lifetime?

“Attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime” does not mean changing your human form. Nor does it mean becoming a Buddha when you die, a mistaken view commonly held in other Buddhist denominations. Rather, it means achieving, in this lifetime and in our present form, the greatest potential life condition contained within the depths of our lives through sincere faith in and practice to the Gohonzon.

This highest life condition is called “The Buddha,” “Buddhahood,” or “the Buddha nature.” Another name for it is “Myoho-Renge-Kyo.”

Buddhahood is a mighty force that manifests a solution to every kind of suffering. It is a source of energy which manifests in our daily lives and propels each of us into a brilliant, truly joyful and fulfilled existence in the present moment. Striving in faith, we aim to establish an absolutely indestructible life condition of spiritual strength, wisdom and peace grounded in the world of Buddhahood.

Of course, situations in which an ill person becomes healthy, an unhappy family finds harmony, or poverty changes to financial security are necessary conditions for a happy life. However, if these conditions are examined closely, they can all be seen to be relative, partial forms of happiness in comparison to an inner condition based on Buddhahood. In many cases, relative happiness is manifested only temporarily or partially.

However, within the reality of our daily lives, we are often embroiled in so many kinds of hardships that we cannot keep track of them all. Though we are able to make money, we may suffer with family discord, or even if we are healthy we may have unhappy children.

Uncovering and revealing the world of Buddhahood is the fundamental source for attacking the root cause of suffering in human life, and for resolving every possible form of distress. This is the absolute happiness each and every person in the world is longing for in the depths of his or her heart.

Just as a single drop of water is included within a great ocean, a person who has established an absolutely happy life condition through embracing True Buddhism will definitely be able to resolve flaws in his or her character, and overcome sickness, poverty, or family problems.

Thus, it is important for us to have unshakable faith and tenaciously seek the attainment of Buddhahood in this lifetime, without being swayed by external circumstances. With strong faith, we need not be joyful one moment and depressed the next because of the ups and downs of life. Even small prayers will be answered without fail.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Can a peaceful society be achieved with individuals who are happy and ‘enlightened’ to the truth of life?

KOSEN-RUFU. A society free from suffering based on the practice of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism and its worldwide propagation. Can a peaceful society be achieved with individuals who are happy and ‘enlightened’ to the truth of life?

From the very start, Buddhism has taught its followers to be merciful and to pursue their own happiness together with concern and compassion for others.

Nichiren Daishonin risked His life for peace in society and the happiness of humanity, and offered Himself wholly for the sake of Kosen-rufu. His successors, the Second High Priest Nikko Shonin, the Third High Priest Nichimoku Shonin, and each of the successive High Priests, have all fervently exerted themselves for the realization of Kosen-rufu.

Those who make this admirable spirit a deep part of themselves and thereby dedicate themselves for the sake of Kosen-rufu are embracing the true spirit of Nichiren Shoshu believers.

Thus, the purpose of faith in Nichiren Shoshu is to gain true happiness by attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime and to widely teach and propagate Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism throughout the whole world in order to lead others to happiness.

FAITH, PRACTICE, AND STUDY

In order to gain the great benefits of True Buddhism, faith must always be accompanied by practice. Usually, when a person wants to express thanks to another it is a common social practice to make some gesture (saying, “Thank you,” giving a gift, etc.) to express that sentiment. If a person feels grateful but makes no expression of gratitude, that gratitude is not conveyed to the other person. It could be argued that the person feels no true appreciation.

Faith is like this. If a person believes in Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism, this resolution in faith should reveal itself physically, in the form of action.

Practice inevitably accompanies faith. This means that the will to believe in and have respect for the Gohonzon is expressed as practice. Practice is chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo (Daimoku), and reciting a portion of the Lotus Sutra (Gongyo). The deep desire to seek the truth of Buddhism is expressed as the study of doctrine. Nichiren Daishonin states:

Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study. Without practice and study, there can be no Buddhism …. Both practice and study arise from faith.

(MW, Vol. 1, p. 95, Gosho, p. 668)

The Daishonin teaches that we must work diligently in our Buddhist practice and our study of doctrine. Our practice is something that emerges from the determination of our faith. Our faith and practice are kept on track by study. Nothing valuable results in our daily lives unless we act. The truth is that if we don’t translate something into practice, we won’t reap the rewards from it, and our understanding won’t progress. Not only that, when putting something into practice, it is often the case that when we don’t do it according to the correct method, our efforts are wasted, and we gain nothing.

As believers of Nichiren Shoshu, it is important for us to correctly practice Buddhism together under the leadership of a correct teacher and with encouragement from experienced believers. It is important that we walk the path of Buddhist practice together. As we gain actual proof of the great fortune of the Gohonzon and an understanding of the doctrine, our faith will deepen without fail.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

What must be done to protect a great treasure?

THE THREE TREASURES OF BUDDHISM. What must be done to protect a great treasure?

Without the tremendous benefit of True Buddhism, it would be impossible to achieve Buddhahood in this lifetime or to achieve Kosen-rufu. Therefore, we steadfastly protect the True Law. This also results in great benefit for ourselves, since resolutely protecting True Buddhism means that in actuality we are protecting the Buddhahood within our own lives.

“Protecting True Buddhism”—that is, protecting the True Law— has two aspects: protecting the True Law from within and protecting the True Law from without. “Protecting from within” means that the True Law is being protected from within the priesthood. The High Priest possesses the True Teachings which are handed down from one High Priest to the next. Under the direct leadership of the High Priest, the priests study and teach the profound doctrines of the True Law. “Protecting from without” means to protect the True Law externally. This is the role of lay believers. In all aspects of our daily lives we maintain faith in the True Law and spread the influence of the True Law far and wide through our shakubuku (propagation) efforts. At the same time, we work for the prosperity of the True Law by making sincere offerings to the Gohonzon and by influencing society in various ways.

The protection of the True Law into the distant future begins with this protection from within and without. Shakyamuni defined the relationship between these two in the Nirvana Sutra, by stating:

Within, there are disciples who understand the immeasurably deep doctrine. Without, there are pure minded lay believers. Thus is Buddhism perpetuated into eternity.

(Gosho, p.790)

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

It is also true that if there were a priesthood but no lay believers, there would be no one to protect the temples and spread the True Teaching throughout society.

It is intrinsically impossible for Buddhism to take a form in which there are only lay believers or only priests. Thus the importance of the priesthood and laity being firmly united together to protect the True Law from within and without, each with its own mission and role, cannot be overemphasized.

Accordingly, the fundamental spirit of the believers of Nichiren Shoshu is to protect the direct flow of the Daishonin’s orthodox Buddhism under the direction of the priesthood.

There is great virtue in revering the High Priest, who possesses the Heritage of the Law, and in respecting the priests under the High Priest, who learn the profound heart of the True Law from him. Merit also accrues from protecting the Head Temple and the local Nichiren Shoshu temples in harmonious unity between the priesthood and the laity. We should embed this realization within our hearts and never lose sight of it. No matter how much the times have changed, this has been the basis for the conduct of Nichiren Shoshu lay believers for over 750 years.

Can it be said that ‘Gongyo’ is like having an audience with the Original Buddha?

GONGYO. Can it be said that ‘Gongyo’ is like having an audience with the Original Buddha?

The first thing a new believer learns from his or her sponsor is how to do Gongyo. This is because Gongyo and Shodai (chanting Daimoku) to the Gohonzon are the most basic, important practices in faith. In Nichiren Shoshu, faith and the practice of Gongyo are inseparable.

Even though the new believer is always told that Gongyo is a powerful, important practice, many people find that they soon lose the self-motivation to do Gongyo. This may happen for a variety of reasons. Some people find it troublesome to do Gongyo every day, and others feel embarrassed when people see them doing Gongyo.

On the other hand, people who have been doing Gongyo for many years may slip into doing it automatically, out of force of habit. They may forget to take Gongyo seriously, and have a half-hearted attitude when sitting in front of the Gohonzon.

However, when Gongyo is done earnestly every day, it is a powerful engine for building a happy life. When we do this practice thoroughly and earnestly, we receive actual proof of the fortune of embracing the Gohonzon. Our hearts are filled with boundless joy, and we realize that having faith in the Gohonzon is a wonderful, unsurpassed treasure. Therefore, we should continuously renew our determination to practice Gongyo thoroughly and sincerely every day.

RECOGNITION THAT THE GOHONZON IS THE LIFE OF THE DAISHONIN

Gongyo is a magnificent, solemn ceremony and is the source of profound merit. In a famous passage from the Gosho, the Daishonin declares:

I, Nichiren, inscribed the Gohonzon by infusing my life into it with sumi ink.

(Gosho, p. 685; for reference, see also MW, Vol. 1, p. 120)

As these words of the Daishonin show, the Gohonzon is the actual entity of the life of the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin. Faith in the Gohonzon means to believe that the Gohonzon is the life of the Daishonin. Therefore, we should prepare ourselves for each and every Gongyo with the understanding that it is a direct audience with the True Buddha. This fundamental attitude towards the ceremony of Gongyo should be reflected in one’s appearance, posture, voice, and concentration.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Is kyochi myogo (the fusion of reality and wisdom) or becoming one with the Gohonzon by chanting Daimoku the goal of our practice?

SOKUSHIN JOBUTSU and KYOCHI MYOGO. Is kyochi myogo (the fusion of reality and wisdom) or becoming one with the Gohonzon by chanting Daimoku the goal of our practice?

People who persevere in a solid practice of Gongyo find that their lives become fuller and that their work or studies proceed successfully and smoothly. This process is similar to practicing music or a martial art, through which the art gradually becomes part of the self through the accumulation of many years of practice.

Thus, the Daishonin teaches the importance of a continuous, steady practice:

To accept is easy; to continue is difficult. But Buddhahood lies in continuing faith.

(MW, Vol. 1, p. 127; Gosho, p. 775)

It is important to fight the lazy nature which can interfere with our consistent practice of Gongyo. This will enable us to acquire the life condition of sokushin jobutsu (attaining Buddhahood in one’s present form).

In order to continue the practice of Gongyo throughout our lives, we make Gongyo part of our regular daily schedules. However, this does not mean to do Gongyo merely from force of habit. We should never forget to make earnestness the basis of our practice, as expressed in a passage from the Juryo (Sixteenth) chapter of the Lotus Sutra, which we recite during every prayer of Gongyo:

Isshin yokken butsu. Fuji shaku shinmyo. (Single-mindedly yearning to see the Buddha, they do not hesitate to give even their lives.)

(Kaiketsu, p. 439)

Finally, the guidance of Sixty-seventh High Priest Nikken Shonin states:

I would like you to recognize the great importance of Gongyo. Morning and Evening Gongyo are the foundation for your faith and study for the day. And in the midst of chanting Daimoku with your eyes firmly fixed on the Gohonzon, without quite realizing how it happens, the actual reality of the Gohonzon and yourself truly become one. That is reaching what is called kyochi myogo (fusion of reality and wisdom).

(Dai-Nichiren, No. 427)

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

How must one do Gongyo?

GONGYO. How must one do Gongyo? Is morning Gongyo different from evening Gongyo?

Gongyo consists of a series of prayers. Recite all five prayers in the morning. In the evening, recite the second, third and fifth prayers only. For convenience, the sutra book is divided into four sections:

Excerpt from the Hoben chapter, p. 1–4 in the “Liturgy of Nichiren Shoshu.”
Chogyo or prose section of the Juryo chapter, p. 5–22.
Jigage or verse section of the Juryo chapter, p. 22–31.
Silent Prayers, p. 32–37.

THE ORDER OF RECITATION First Prayer

Face the Gohonzon, chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo three times (Daimoku Sansho), bowing in reverence to the Three Treasures of True Buddhism (the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin; the True Law, Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo; and the Priest, i.e., Nikko Shonin, Nichimoku Shonin, and each of the successive High Priests). Face east, chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo three times, bow, and recite part A. The portion of part A from “Sho-i sho-ho” to “nyo ze honmak-ku-kyo to” is always repeated three times. Bow after the third recitation.

Recite the title of the Juryo chapter (first two lines of part B), omit the remainder of part B and recite part C, bowing at the end of part C. Chant three prolonged Daimoku (Hiki-Daimoku, which is pronounced: Namu-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, i.e., chant Namu, breathe, chant Myoho-Renge-Kyo, Namu, breathe, chant Myoho-Renge-Kyo, Namu, breathe, chant Myoho-Renge-Kyo). Bow, chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo three times and while bowing, offer the first Silent Prayer. (The bell is not rung during the first prayer.)

Second Prayer

Face the Gohonzon, ring the bell seven times. Recite part A, sound the bell three times. Recite parts B, C, chant three prolonged Daimoku and bow. Sound the bell five times, chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo three times, bow and offer the second Silent Prayer. This is the only time that the whole sutra is recited straight through. (The places indicated for bowing in the first prayer are the same for all five prayers. The number of times the bell should be struck is always the same as indicated above, except as indicated in the fifth prayer.)

Third Prayer

Sound bell, recite part A. Sound bell, recite the first two lines of part B, omit the remainder of B and recite part C. Chant three prolonged Daimoku, sound the bell, chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo three times, and offer the third Silent Prayer.

Fourth Prayer

Fifth Prayer

Sound bell, recite part A. Sound bell, recite the first two lines of part B, omit the remainder of B and recite part C. Then, strike the bell seven times while beginning the chanting of Daimoku (Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo). To end the recitation of Daimoku, strike the bell with each syllable of the last Myoho-Renge-Kyo and bow. Chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo three more times, and while bowed, offer the fifth Silent Prayer. Strike the bell continuously during the first part of the fifth Silent Prayer. Then, after observing the last part of the fifth Silent Prayer, sound the bell and conclude Gongyo by chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo three times and bowing.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

How must one chant Daimoku? Should I think about anything while chanting Daimoku?

DAIMOKU. How must one chant Daimoku? Should I think about anything while chanting Daimoku?

There may be times during the day when you want to chant extra Daimoku apart from Morning or Evening Gongyo. In this case the following is recommended:

Chant Daimoku Sansho, ring the bell seven times and recite part A. Then, ring the bell three times and recite the title of theJuryo-hon and part C. At the end of part C, ring the bell seven times and start chanting Daimoku. Chant as much as you wish, then ring the bell five times as you finish.
Observe the Second, Third, last part of the Fourth and last part of the Fifth Silent prayers, one after the other, chanting Daimoku Sansho at the appropriate intervals as shown in your sutra book. Then, ring the bell three times and recite a final Daimoku Sansho.

Fifty-ninth High Priest, Nichiko Shonin, stated the following on the practice of Shodai:

The Daimoku that we chant must be performed attentively and diligently. When chanting, we should not have trivial thoughts in our minds. The speed should not be too fast and our pronunciation should not be slurred. We must maintain a medium pitch and chant calmly, resolutely and steadily. There is no established number of Daimoku that we must chant. The amount depends on individual circumstances . . . . When we chant, the entire body should feel a tremendous surge of joy. We must persevere until we become totally one with the Gohonzon.”

(Nichiren Shoshu Koyo, p.134)

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Why do we perform Gongyo?

GONGYO. Why do we perform Gongyo? Can I chant Daimoku and not perform Gongyo, or vice versa? Are the two practices equally valid?

Reciting the Hoben and Juryo chapters of the Lotus Sutra reveals and supports the great merit of offering the Daimoku

During Morning and Evening Gongyo, we recite the Hoben (Second) and the Juryo (Sixteenth) chapters of the Lotus Sutra and chant the Daimoku (Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo). Offering the Daimoku is called the primary practice, while recitation of the Hoben and Juryo chapters is called the supplementary practice.

The merit we gain from strongly and consistently performing the primary practice of chanting the Daimoku is immeasurable and infinite. The fortune we accumulate is so great that its magnitude is beyond the capacity of common mortals to fathom.

WHY WE RECITE THE HOBEN AND JURYO CHAPTERS

Why, out of all the chapters of the Lotus Sutra, do we recite these particular chapters? The Daishonin tells us the reason in His Gosho, Recitation of the Hoben and Juryo Chapters:

Even though none of the chapters of the Lotus Sutra is negligible, out of all the twenty-eight chapters, the Hoben and Juryo chapters are particularly superior and praise-worthy. The remaining chapters are all like the branches and leaves [of these two chapters]. Therefore, for your regular practice, you should learn and recite the prose sections of the Hoben and Juryo chapters.

(MW, Vol. 6, p.10, Gosho, p. 303)

The Hoben chapter is the core of the Shakumon (Theoretical) Teaching of the Lotus Sutra, and the Juryo chapter is the core of the Honmon (Essential) Teaching. Nichiren Daishonin Himself recited these chapters daily. Using metaphors from everyday life, Twenty-sixth High Priest Nichikan Shonin explained how the recitation of these two chapters functions as a supplementary practice:

The supplementary practice is the recitation of both the Hoben and Juryo chapters. This practice manifests the exceedingly deep merit of the primary practice, as lye aids clear water or salt and vinegar augment the flavor of rice or noodles. This is why it is called the supplementary practice.

(Toryu Gyoji Sho, “On The Ceremonies of This Sect,” Seiten, p. 922)

Thus, the recitation of the sutra functions to augment the merit of chanting the Daimoku, which is the primary practice.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Are the Buddhist guardian deities (shoten zenjin) to whom we direct our first prayer transitory manifestations or functions of the Original Buddha?

SHOTEN ZENJIN. Are the Buddhist guardian deities (shoten zenjin) to whom we direct our first prayer transitory manifestations or functions of the Original Buddha?

The innate protective functions and powers of the universe are called the Shoten Zenjin. The Shoten Zenjin are nourished by Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and function through the power of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. In the first prayer, facing the east, we offer our Daimoku to the Shoten Zenjin, with central focus on Dainittenno (the powers and functions exhibited by the sun), and pray that their protective functions may thereby increase.

The Shoten Zenjin Protect Those Who Correctly Practice and Uphold The Lotus Sutra

The Anrakugyo (14th) chapter of the Lotus Sutra states that the Shoten Zenjin will protect those who teach the Lotus Sutra to others, and in the Dharani (26th) chapter, the Shoten Zenjin vow to Shakyamuni that they will always protect votaries of the Lotus Sutra. In the Kito-sho Gosho (“On Prayer”), the Daishonin explains that they must keep this vow because they themselves are able to attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra. In a famous passage from that Gosho, the Daishonin promises that the Shoten Zenjin will always uphold this vow:

. . . even if the ebbing and flowing of the tides were to halt, or even if the sun were to rise in the west, the prayer of a votary of the Lotus Sutra would never fail to be answered . . . . Even if a votary of the Lotus Sutra is insincere, even if his wisdom is on the level of a fool, even if his body is impure and even if he does not possess virtue from keeping the precepts, if he chants Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, [the Shoten Zenjin] will never fail to protect him.

(Gosho, p. 630)

The Doctrine of the Ascent of the Shoten Zenjin to the Heavens

The Daishonin teaches that when the country is filled with slander against the Lotus Sutra, the Shoten Zenjin will be starved for the flavor of Myoho and will return to the heavens. The country will then be invaded by demons and various disasters will occur. The Gosho, On Securing the Peace of The Land Through The Propagation of True Buddhism (Rissho Ankoku Ron) states:

The people of today all turn their backs upon what is right; to a man, they give their allegiance to evil. That is the reason why the benevolent deities have abandoned the nation, why sages leave and do not return; and in their stead come devils and demons, disasters and calamities that arise one after the other.

(MW, Vol. 2, p. 5–6; Gosho, p. 234)

Still, even if slander of the Law throughout the entire country causes the Shoten Zenjin to abandon the nation, they will still protect a votary of the Lotus Sutra. The Daishonin explains this in the Nüke Gosho:

However, now that I am spreading the Lotus Sutra as the Buddha’s envoy, everyone from ruler to the lowliest subject has become a slanderer. So far, Hachiman has done everything possible to prevent hostility to the Lotus Sutra from developing among our people … but now in fear of breaking the pledge he made at Eagle Peak, he has razed his shrines and ascended to heaven. Even so, should there be a votary of the Lotus Sutra who would give his life for it, Hachiman will watch over him.

(MW, Vol. 1, p. 258; Gosho, pp. 1459–1460)

Wherever they may be, the believers who protect the True Law and propagate the Daishonin’s teachings correctly will definitely be protected by the Shoten Zenjin.

The Shoten Zenjin are Part of the Functions of the Power of the True Buddha

In His Exegesis on the Ho’on Sho, Twenty-sixth High Priest Nichikan Shonin explains:

The Buddhas of the ten directions and the three existences, as well as the gods of heaven and earth, Bonten, Taishaku, Nitten, and Gatten, all return to their original enlightened state, and become part of the life of the One Buddha of Intrinsically Perfect Wisdom.

(Mondan, p. 395)

In other words, the Shoten Zenjin are transient manifestations of the True Buddha of Intrinsically Perfect Wisdom. Thus, one of the doctrines of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism is that the Shoten Zenjin are actually part of the functions of the power of the True Buddha. The Daishonin indicates this in the “Letter to Ko-no-ama Gozen,” where He gives the tender guidance:

Whenever you yearn for me, Nichiren, look toward the sun which rises in the morning and the moon which appears in the evening. I will invariably be reflected in the sun and the moon.

(MW, Vol. 4, p. 143; Gosho, p. 740)

Nichiu Shonin explained that part of the meaning of the first prayer of Morning Gongyo is that we face the sun as it rises in the east each morning to express reverence for the forms in which the Buddha of Intrinsically Perfect Wisdom, who appeared in Mappo as Nichiren Daishonin, unceasingly bestows benefit throughout the three existences.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

What are the Three Treasures of Kuon Ganjo to whom we offer the second and third prayers of Gongyo?

GONGYO. SECOND AND THIRD PRAYERS. What are the Three Treasures of Kuon Ganjo to whom we offer the second and third prayers of Gongyo?

The second and third prayers are the heart of Gongyo. In the second and third prayers, we offer our appreciation to the Three Treasures of True Buddhism, the Buddha, the Law, and the Priesthood.

In the second prayer we praise the tremendous, limitless beneficial powers of the Dai-Gohonzon, pray that Its benefits may ever more widely prevail, and offer our deepest gratitude. At the same time, we promise to dedicate our entire lives to the Dai-Gohonzon (as expressed by the word Namu).

In the third prayer, we offer gratitude in repayment of the debt we owe to the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin; to His successor, the Second High Priest, Nikko Shonin, to whom the Daishonin transferred the entirety of His Buddhism; to the Third High Priest, Nichimoku Shonin; and to all the successive high priests, who have correctly transmitted the Daishonin’s Buddhism without the slightest change through the present day.

The Three Treasures

The Buddha, the Law, and the Priesthood are said to be the three elements that constitute Buddhism. This is because Buddhism can only exist with a Buddha who teaches the Law to the people, the Law (teachings) taught by the Buddha, and the priests who believe and practice the teachings of the Buddha, and who propagate and transmit them. To revere and make offerings to the Three Treasures of Buddhism is fundamental to faith as a Buddhist. The Daishonin says in the Letter to Niike:

If one truly understands Buddhism, he should show this in his respect for the Priesthood, reverence for the Law and offerings to the Buddha.

(MW, Vol. 1, p. 260; Gosho, p. 1461)

The Three Treasures in Nichiren Shoshu

Buddhism, in general, defines the Three Treasures differently in accordance with the time. For example, there are the “Three Treasures while The Buddha is present in the world” and the “Three Treasures as perpetuated in the world after the Buddha’s passing.” Also, each of the various sects of Buddhism has its own definition of the Three Treasures.

What are the Three Treasures in Nichiren Shoshu; that is, the Three Treasures for today, the time of Mappo? Nichikan Shonin, the Twenty-sixth High Priest, gave a clear answer to this question in His work On the Ceremonies of This Sect:

In Mappo, one should believe in the Three Treasures of the Sowing of the Essential (Honmon) Teachings concealed within the depths of the Juryo chapter.

(Seiten, p. 949)

The Three Treasures of the Sowing concealed within the depths of the Juryo chapter are the Buddha, the Law, and the Priesthood of Kuon Ganjo. That is, the Treasure of the Buddha of Kuon Ganjo is the Buddha of Intrinsically Perfect Wisdom, who appeared in Mappo as Nichiren Daishonin. The Treasure of the Law of Kuon Ganjo is Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, the Inner Realization of the Buddha of Intrinsically Perfect Wisdom, embodied as the Dai-Gohonzon of the High Sanctuary of the Honmon (Essential) Teaching. The Treasure of the Priesthood of Kuon Ganjo is the Great Master of Propagation of the Honmon (Essential) Teaching, Byakuren Ajari Nikko Shonin.

Furthermore, the successive high priests from Nichimoku Shon-in onward have transmitted the Heritage of the Law of the Daishonin’s Buddhism. Thus, the Treasure of the Priesthood extends to the successive High Priests, and we offer our appreciation to them.

The Three Treasures as One Entity

The Three Treasures are of course explained as being three separate entities: the Buddha, the Law, and the Priesthood. However, within the teachings of True Buddhism, the Three Treasures are revealed as ultimately being one entity. To explain, Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, the Treasure of the Law of Kuon Ganjo, is the eternal, immutable Original Law of the simultaneity of cause and effect that spans the three existences. This Law is revealed due to the existence of the True Buddha, who is eternally enlightened to that Law. The True Buddha is interrelated with the Original Law. It is not possible to separate the Law and the Buddha.

If there were no Priesthood, it would not be possible for the Law to be transmitted to future ages and propagated in the world. The Priesthood can only have the mission to protect and pass on Buddhism because of the existence of the Buddha and the Law. The Daishonin makes all of this abundantly clear in the Four Debts of Gratitude (Shi’on Sho):

Concerning the debt owed to the Law, the Law is the teacher of all Buddhas. It is because of the Law that the Buddhas are worthy of respect. Therefore, one who wishes to repay his debt to the Buddha must first repay the debt he owes to the Law. As for the debt owed to the Priesthood, both the Treasure of the Buddha and the Treasure of the Law are invariably perpetuated by priests. To illustrate, without firewood, there can be no fire, and if there is no earth, plants cannot grow. Likewise, even though Buddhism existed, without the priests who studied it and passed it on, it would never have been transmitted throughout the two thousand years of the Former and Middle Days into the Latter Day of the Law. Therefore the Daijuku Sutra states, “Suppose that, in the fifth five-hundred-year period, there should be someone who harasses unlearned monks without precepts by accusing them of some offense. You should know that this person is extinguishing the great torch of Buddhism.” Difficult to recompense indeed is the debt we owe to the Priesthood! Thus it is imperative that one repay one’s debt of gratitude to the Three Treasures.

(MW, Vol. 5, p. 10–11; Gosho, p. 268)

That the Three Treasures are one entity is also indicated by this passage in the Shingon Kenmon Gosho:

In fact, slander of the Law means slander of the Buddha and slander of the Priesthood. This is because the Three Treasures are one entity.

(Gosho, p. 608)

The Three Treasures exist in this world, and because of this, our prayers to eradicate our bad karma can be realized. We should perform the second and third silent prayers with an awareness of how difficult it is to fully repay the debt of gratitude we owe to the Three Treasures of True Buddhism.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Should the prayer for Kosen-rufu be our main request in the fourth prayer of Gongyo?

KOSEN-RUFU AND PERSONAL PRAYERS. Should the prayer for Kosen-rufu be our main request in the fourth prayer of Gongyo? Through our practice, we repay our debt of gratitude to the Three Treasures. Is this attitude the reason our prayers are answered?

In the fourth prayer, we first pray for the attainment of the Daishonin’s great aspiration, the propagation of the True Law throughout the entire world (Kosen-rufu), and for the true world peace that would arise from it. Next, we acknowledge our slanders against the True Law in our past and present lives, and pray to eradicate those slanders, that is, to eradicate the inherent cause that hinders our aspiration for enlightenment and our Buddhist practice. Then we offer prayers to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime, as well as prayers for other personal considerations.

The way to realize both the prayer for Kosen-rufu and one’s personal prayers is by accepting and carrying out the will and heart of the True Buddha of the Three Treasures of Sowing. In other words, the key is to bring forth a great desire for Kosen-rufu and to diligently strive in practice for oneself and in teaching others about the Daishonin’s Buddhism. This is the only practice that will enable us to repay our debt of gratitude to the Buddha, the Law and the Priesthood. When we fulfill this practice, our prayers can be fulfilled.

Personal Prayers and Eradication of Hindrances Due to Past and Present Slanders

Even though we all share the same faith, as individuals we pray to the Gohonzon about different things because of differences in our current circumstances and backgrounds and differences in the paths we walk as human beings. The fundamental source of these differences is our individual karma from past lifetimes. The negative karma we have accumulated through slandering the Law in past lives is particularly significant because it is the dominant cause of unhappiness and suffering in the present. As Nichiren Daishonin says in the Kaimoku Sho (“Opening of the Eyes”):

Likewise, the Shinjikan Sutra states: “If you want to understand the causes that existed in the past, look at the results as they are manifested in the present. And if you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present.”

(MW, Vol. 2, pp. 197-198; Gosho, p. 571)

Through honest self-reflection, we begin to understand that in order to fulfill our desires we must eradicate the negative karma accumulated in past lives due to slander of the Law.

How can we eradicate past slander of the Law? The answer is to strive seriously in our faith in the True Law, which we have had the great fortune to meet in this lifetime. We must also teach True Buddhism to others. This, of course, is the practice of shakubuku and is directly related to the prayer for Kosen-rufu.

We who believe in the Daishonin’s Buddhism should not have the short-sighted attitude that faith means only praying about our immediate problems and having our own desires fulfilled. We can eradicate our past slanders and fulfill our desires by correctly carrying out faith based on our gratitude for having encountered True Buddhism, which is so hard to meet. This brings forth a great desire to introduce, encourage, and lead many people to Buddhism. The fundamental spirit of the fourth prayer lies in the second and third prayers, in which we pray to repay our debt of gratitude to the Three Treasures of Buddhism.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Can the deceased attain enlightenment through the merit of our practice?

THE DECEASED. Can the deceased attain enlightenment through the merit of our practice?

In the Fifth prayer, we pray that our ancestors and deceased relatives, all deceased Nichiren Shoshu believers, and all others who have died may receive the merit of our offering of Daimoku and attain Buddhahood. Finally, to conclude Gongyo, we pray that the benefits of the Dai-Gohonzon extend to the farthest reaches of the universe, so that we and all existence may together attain Buddhahood.

Why Do Memorial Prayers Benefit the Deceased?

In Morning and Evening Gongyo, we offer memorial prayers for the deceased. Of course, the practice of praying for the deceased is not limited to Buddhists; as human beings, it is only natural to pray for deceased ancestors, relatives, and others with whom we have close connections. Prayers for the deceased should be performed according to the formalities of Nichiren Shoshu; that is, according to the teachings of the Daishonin’s Buddhism. When prayers for the deceased are performed according to the teachings of incorrect religions, even though the intention is to help the deceased, those prayers actually result in suffering for both the deceased and the people who per-form them. Let’s take a look at the deeper religious and philosophical bases of our prayers for the deceased.

Transfer of Merit

The Buddhist term for benefiting the deceased is eko. This is a translation of the Sanskrit word parinama. The original meaning of parinama was “conversion.” In relation to prayers for the deceased, eko refers to the act of “transferring the merit one gains from performing virtuous acts and giving it to others.” A rough English equivalent of eko in this sense is “transfer of merit.”

The deceased cannot practice Buddhism. This is why those who are living must accumulate merit through their Buddhist practice on behalf of the deceased and transfer that merit to them.

In its fundamental meaning, however, “transfer of merit” is not limited to prayers performed for the deceased. We should transfer merit to living parents, friends, and acquaintances, all other people and all living beings. That merit will then return to us. This is the fundamental significance of eko.

The Maka Shikan explains this through the following metaphor. If someone blows a bugle, the sound he or she makes, though small, will resound far away. In the same way, if one transfers merit to all living beings (through the correct object of worship), that limited merit will expand outward, turn around, and return. The resulting benefit will be very significant.

Nichiren Daishonin teaches:

There are three ways of discharging one’s filial piety. Giving one’s parents clothing and food is the lowest level of filial devotion. Not deviating from the intent of one’s father and mother is the intermediate level of filial devotion. Transferring merit to one’s parents is the supreme level of filial devotion. Since it is the supreme filial devotion to direct one’s merit to parents who are living, how much more praiseworthy it is to do so for parents who are deceased!

(Shintei Gosho, Vol. 1, p. 69)

In the same Gosho, the Daishonin teaches that the deceased person receives one-seventh of the benefit of the transfer of merit; the remainder returns to the person transferring the merit.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Do we offer our gratitude and benefit to all living beings with the merits of our practice?

WE BENEFIT ALL LIVING BEINGS. Do we offer our gratitude and benefit to all living beings with the merits of our practice?

We end Gongyo with the prayer that the merit we have just cultivated through Gongyo will be shared by all existence throughout the universe so that we, as well as others, can return to the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light (the life-condition of Buddhahood).

The practice of offering prayers for the enlightenment of all existence has its foundation in a passage in the Seventh (Kejoyu) chapter of the Lotus Sutra which states, “Our aspiration is to spread this merit universally to all, so that we, together with all living beings, may attain the Buddha Way.”

Enlightenment for oneself alone is not the aim of the Lotus Sutra. According to the principle of the oneness of self and others, the reason each individual is able to exist at the present moment is due to the many influences of others. We are able to exist only because of connections to others: to parents and ancestors, teachers, friends, neighbors, society, the nation and the environment. In fact, we owe our existence to everything, both the tangible and the intangible. One who is awakened to this feels gratitude for all living beings, and to all existence.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

What is the Gohonzon?

GOHONZON. What is the Gohonzon? Why is it important to believe in and base our lives on an object of worship that embodies the most supreme teachings?

Honzon is a shortened form of the term “Konpon Songyo” (Konpon: the basis; Songyo: honorable respect). It signifies the object of worship in which one takes faith and reveres as the basis of one’s life.

Generally speaking, each religion has an object of worship in which its teachings, guidelines, and doctrines are embodied. Religions differ because their objects of worship are based on different concepts.

In Buddhism, faith is based on the mystic principle of a mutual interaction between the living beings (believers) and the object of worship. Faith is an act of worshipping the honzon as the basis of one’s belief and object of respect. This then causes the believer to directly receive the teachings presented in that object of worship.

Taking faith in an object of worship is not just based upon emotion, logic, or empirical thinking. Accepting faith gives rise to the effort to unify oneself with the object of worship. Regardless of the degree of superiority or inferiority of the teachings, an object of worship becomes necessary to unite those teachings deeply and directly with the believer’s own life.

One’s happiness or unhappiness is decided conclusively by the object of worship in which one believes. If one worships an incorrect object, one’s life condition declines, causing suffering and eventual stagnation. The most important thing is to choose the correct object of worship. Many people think all religions are good, saying “Faith moves mountains.” But the crucial point is what to base that faith upon. There is a great difference, for example, between worshipping a so-called transcendental being and the teachings of a worldly philosopher. If we make a mistake in the choice of our object of worship, it will result in undesirable effects. Therefore, in the Gosho, the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin tells us to “choose the most superior object of worship.” (Gosho, p.1275).

The correct religion that will truly benefit the people is the one that holds the supreme, true object of worship.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Are the life of the Buddha and the Law the same?

THE PERSON AND THE LAW. Are the life of the Buddha and the Law the same?

The Dai-Gohonzon that Nichiren Daishonin inscribed in the form of a mandala is the life of the True Buddha Himself, possessing the Three Virtues of Sovereign, Teacher and Parent.

The Sovereign, with absolute power, works to protect all the people.
The Teacher instructs and guides all people so they may attain enlightenment, the state of absolute happiness.
The Parent manifests the compassion and mercy to nurture and support all living beings.

The Gosho states:

The Buddha is the lord of those in the worlds of

Humanity (Nin) and Heaven (Ten), the parent of all the people, and the teacher who enlightens them. A parent with lowly virtues lacks the virtues of a Lord. Lords are to be feared unless they possess the compassion of parents. Even if some are both parent and lord they are not necessarily teachers. All Buddhas who are respected are lords but since they did not appear in this world, they are not teachers.

(Gosho, p. 628).

The Gohonzon possesses all Three Virtues, and is the only True Object of Worship that can save all people from the sufferings of birth and death. It is important for us to be attentive to our attitude and posture in front of the Gohonzon. We must recite the Sutra and chant Daimoku with sincere devotion. Then, enlightenment is possible, bringing the Buddha nature embodied in the Gohonzon and one’s own nature into oneness.

The Gohonzon is the manifestation of the oneness of the Person and the Law. Even though the most superior Law exists in the universe, it is impossible to prove its existence without the Person (Buddha) who is enlightened to it. On the other hand, if a Buddha did not possess the enlightened wisdom to realize the Mystic Law he would be only a common mortal. Nichiren Daishonin is the only one who is eternally enlightened to the True Law which can lead everyone to Buddhahood. He inscribed His enlightened life in the form of the Great Mandala, the Dai-Gohonzon. The Dai-Gohonzon embodies Nam-Myoho-Renge Kyo of actual ichinen sanzen (the Law) and the eternally enlightened life of the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin (the Person) which are, together, the entity of the oneness of the Person and the Law (ninpo ikka).

Nichiren Daishonin states in the Gosho:

This Law embodies ichinen sanzen, the life of the Buddha; even the most intelligent scholar in the world cannot comprehend the Law.

(Gosho, p. 523).

Even if we don’t understand the whole concept of the Law, it is, in fact, the life of the Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin. We must face the Gohonzon as if we were facing the living Nichiren Daishonin. Through various experiences and study of the True Teaching, we will become convinced that the Gohonzon is the living Buddha.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

When can one receive the Gohonzon?

GOHONZON. When can one receive the Gohonzon?

Our basic spirit toward the Gohonzon should be one of great respect. If we have the fundamental attitude that the Gohonzon is the living Buddha, endowed with the Three Virtues of Sovereign, Teacher and Parent, then we will always treat the Gohonzon with the greatest respect.

The Gosho, “On Attaining Buddhahood” states:

Whether you chant the Buddha’s name, recite the sutra, or merely offer flowers and incense, all your virtuous acts will implant benefits and good fortune in your life. With this conviction you should put your faith into practice.

(MW, Vol. 1, p. 4; Gosho, p. 46)

To recite Gongyo and to chant Daimoku to the Gohonzon are the basic practices of this Buddhism. You do Gongyo to perfect your life. It should not be done out of a sense of formality. An attitude of appreciation and gratitude is most appropriate.

It is important to understand that the Gohonzon is loaned to you by the Head Temple. When you receive the Gohonzon at the Nichiren Shoshu Temple, open a brand new sutra book and hold it above eye level. The Priest will place the Gohonzon on it. The Gohonzon is rolled up in a special envelope. When you return to your seat, carefully cover the envelope with the Gohonzon inside with a fukusa (scarf).

The Gohonzon embodies the very life of Nichiren Daishonin; hence it should be treated with the utmost respect and sincerity. Until the Gohonzon is enshrined, pay close attention not to harm or damage it. It should not be unwrapped until it is enshrined in your home by an experienced member (preferably two). The enshrinement ceremony should take place as soon as possible.

For newer members, when changing residence, do not handle the Gohonzon alone. Always have an experienced member assist you until you have learned the proper procedure for the enshrinement ceremony.

When deciding where to place your altar, the most important thing is to consider the most suitable place for the Gohonzon. The Gohonzon is endowed with the Three Virtues of Parent, Teacher, and Sovereign which will lead you to absolute happiness; therefore, it should be treated with the utmost respect and sincerity. Even in a one-room apartment, it should be placed in the best possible area.

You should use a proper altar made specifically for that purpose, called a Butsudan. It should be sturdy, clean, and secure. If the Butsudan has no doors, a cloth can be draped across the front, which then can be opened and closed.

The Gohonzon should not be placed too high or too low. When you sit or kneel in front of your Butsudan, the bottom of the Gohonzon should be slightly above eye level. Never place things on top of the Butsudan, have shelves surrounding it, or pictures and other articles on the wall with the Butsudan.

There is no substitute for the Gohonzon. Therefore, doing these things should be based on your sincere faith and not out of formality. The Gohonzon is supreme and your actions in the handling and care of the Gohonzon should reflect that understanding and your sincere faith.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

What offerings are placed on a Buddhist altar?

OFFERINGS. What offerings are placed on a Buddhist altar?

At the front of the Butsudan should be a space to place the offerings. The offering closest to the front of the Butsudan is water in a water cup. Place fresh water in a cup in front of the Gohonzon first thing in the morning before anyone uses water in the house. First run the faucet to flush out the still water so that you can offer the Gohonzon clean, cool water. Leave the water for the remainder of the day and then remove the cup and empty out the water before Evening Gongyo. You have a choice of putting the empty cup away until the morning when you offer water for that day, or you can place the empty cup at the front of the Butsudan. If you have a water cup with a lid, the lid should always be removed when the cup is offered to the Gohonzon with water in it. If, after emptying the cup before Evening Gongyo, you replace the empty cup in front of the Butsudan, it should be covered with the lid.

As you face the Butsudan, on the right, place a candle holder with a white candle; on the left, place evergreens in a vase; and in the middle, place the incense burner. These three items together are called mitsugusoku (three accessories). This is an extremely important formality (Kegi) in the practice of this Buddhism. Sometimes gogusoku (five accessories) are used: incense burner in the center, a pair of candles, one on either side, and two vases with evergreens placed to the outside of each candlestick.

Incense, candles and evergreens, each have a significant meaning in Buddhism.

Incense represents the Property of the Law or the essential property of the Buddha’s life. This is the truth to which the Buddha is enlightened.

Candles represent the Property of Wisdom or the spiritual property of the Buddha’s life. This enables the Buddha to see the truth.

Evergreens represent the physical property of the Buddha’s life, the Property of Compassionate Action.

The incense, candles and evergreens should be placed in a straight line. There is special significance to this. In Nichiren Shoshu, we revere the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin as the True Buddha who possesses the Three Enlightened Properties and whose Three Enlightened Properties comprise His single being. This profound concept teaches, in very simple terms, that the Property of the Law (signified by the incense), the Property of Wisdom (signified by the candles), and the Property of Action (signified by the evergreens) are inseparable and totally integrated as the life of the True Buddha. Incense is made from fragrant wood like shikimi, an evergreen. Therefore, the flame from the candles and the shikimi (evergreen) come together and as a result you get smoke from the incense. The Property of Wisdom (candles) and the Property of Action (shikimi) combined are the Property of the Buddha (incense). The candles, evergreens, and incense are in a straight line, to demonstrate that significance in front of the Gohonzon.

In society, we often use cut flowers to express love or respect, or for decoration. They are beautiful to look at, but flowers die in a few days. From the standpoint of Buddhism, cut flowers are improper offerings to the Buddha because of their ephemeral nature. Evergreens, on the other hand, will last a long time if you change the water in the vase(s) every day.

We usually burn three sticks of incense, but if too much smoke is produced we may use fewer. The three sticks of incense represent the Three Treasures—the Treasure of the Buddha, Treasure of the Law, and the Treasure of the Priesthood. The Treasure of the Buddha is Nichiren Daishonin. The Treasure of the Law is the Dai-Gohonzon. The Treasure of the Priesthood is Nikko Shonin and the successive High Priests.

When we use incense sticks for secular purposes, we usually burn them in an upright position. In Nichiren Shoshu they are laid down. The significance behind this is that when the incense is standing upright, the ashes fall and scatter. The scattered ashes signify a scattered mind. When the incense is laid down, the ashes do not scatter. It also purifies the area in front of the altar and is an offering to the Gohonzon.

The Gohonzon embodies the life of Nichiren Daishonin and the altar is the Buddha’s home. The area where the Gohonzon is enshrined is always kept clean. When cleaning the Butsudan area, or Butsudan accessories, an evergreen leaf or a piece of white paper should be kept between your lips as a gesture of respect. Take care to use a clean cloth or duster.

If you eat rice, you may offer it to the Gohonzon. Do not place uncooked rice on the altar. This, unlike water, should not be left all day. After the rice is cooked, the first portion should be offered to the Gohonzon. Ring the bell three times and, observe this silent prayer:

“I offer deepest gratitude to the Three Treasures of the Buddhism of Sowing. Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.” (Namu geshu sampo goho on shatoku Gokuyo no tame. Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.)

Chant Daimoku three times, then remove the rice. Ringing the bell three times signifies appreciation for the Three Treasures.

You may also offer other kinds of food to the Gohonzon. Food offerings, if possible, should be placed in front of the Gohonzon in the space between the water cup and the lined up incense, candles and evergreens. All food offerings must be vegetarian, and traditionally we avoid offering odoriferous foods such as onions, or garlic. When making offerings to the Gohonzon, ring the bell three times and chant Daimoku three times.

These are the basic offerings to the Gohonzon. The most important thing to understand is that the Gohonzon is the living Buddha.

The doors of the Butsudan should be opened when chanting. Otherwise they should be kept closed in order to protect the Gohonzon. In the event of a fire or natural disaster, protect the Gohonzon first.

Lastly, when entering or leaving a home where there is a Gohonzon, always do Daimoku Sansho (chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo three times), offering a greeting to the Gohonzon.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

What precautions should I take to protect the Gohonzon in my home?

GOHONZON. What precautions should I take to protect the Gohonzon in my home?

The Gohonzon should be enshrined in the most respectable room of the house. If you have a multi-story or split level home, you can enshrine it on any level as long as the location is respectful. The important thing, however, is to consider the most suitable place for the Gohonzon. Places with heavy foot traffic that stirs up dust or those too near distracting noises should be avoided. It is a good idea to discuss this with your sponsor.

Before the Gohonzon enshrinement ceremony, again with your sponsor’s advice, you must prepare a Buddhist altar (butsudan) and various Buddhist accessories (butsugu) such as an incense burner, vase(s) for evergreens, candle holder(s), a water cup, a bell and bell striker. Buddhist accessories should include either the three-piece set of one incense burner, one vase and one candle holder (mitsugusoku); or the five-piece set of one incense burner, two vases and two candle holders (gogusoku). The room should be cleaned beforehand.

Ideally, a Buddhist altar is positioned so that the Gohonzon is facing south. This, however, is only a suggestion; if the floor plan or the arrangement of the room does not allow you to place the altar in this fashion, you can be flexible. In some cases the altar may be on the west wall, and you would have to turn your back to the Gohonzon when reciting the first prayer in Morning Gongyo. To avoid turning your back completely to the Gohonzon in such instances, you should turn slightly off line from the Gohonzon during the first prayer. If the altar is on the east wall and you cannot do the first prayer without directly facing the Gohonzon, again you should seat yourself slightly off line.

Ceremony

After all the necessary preparations are made, you can proceed with the enshrinement ceremony itself. The leader should wash his or her hands in advance. First everyone should start chanting Daimoku. The leader then places an evergreen leaf or a piece of white paper between his or her lips. Next, the leader should take away any accessories that may interfere with enshrinement and put them on a separate table.

While those in attendance chant Daimoku, the leader unwraps the cloth and very carefully removes the Gohonzon from the envelope.

If the Gohonzon is hanging too high in the butsudan, then the attached long string can be used to tie a loop from which to hang it. Then, while holding the bottom wood dowel, the leader unrolls the Gohonzon very slowly, letting the weight of the wood help it unroll naturally.

The Gohonzon should be handled very gently with the utmost care and with the lightest touch. Even the rolled Gohonzon can be wrinkled if it is handled too roughly. Even though it may take more time to do the enshrinement, please handle the Gohonzon carefully. You can touch the brown frame part of the Gohonzon if necessary, but please never touch the white part of the Gohonzon with the inscription of the Chinese characters. Also, never breathe on the Gohonzon. After it is enshrined, you may notice that the bottom of the Gohonzon curls upward. In most cases this is nothing to be concerned about. In time, it will straighten out on its own from the weight of the wood. However, if the curl is too high, you may very gently roll the bottom wooden dowel up the back of the bottom of the Gohonzon and roll it back down to reduce the curl. Be very careful not to roll it up to the white part with the inscription of the Chinese characters.

Generally speaking, the Gohonzon should be higher than eye level. If the Gohonzon hangs too high, you can adjust the level by using the string. You can also adjust the height of the altar. If you wish to adjust the height of the altar, however, you are encouraged to do so in advance. Please do not move the altar once the Gohonzon is enshrined. Also, please avoid enshrining the Gohonzon so low that you would be looking down at it while chanting.

After the enshrinement is completed, the leader bows deeply to the Gohonzon with palms together in reverence, then places the Buddhist accessories in their proper positions. Sufficient distance should be maintained between the Gohonzon and the Buddhist accessories to avoid any damage to the Gohonzon in the event of an accident.

Next, the leader and all participants begin the recitation of the sutra. The Hoben and Juryo chapters (Parts A, B, and C) are recited once, followed by Daimoku. After concluding the chanting of Daimoku, the following silent prayers are read: the second, the third, and the second portions of both the fourth and fifth prayers. In the second part of the fourth prayer, it is recommended that you pray to deepen your faith, to expiate negative karma created by the slander of the Law, that each successive generation of your family will be able to carry on the practice of faith in the Mystic Law eternally, for the peace and prosperity of your family, and for the achievement of world peace through the propagation of True Buddhism. After reading the silent prayers, the ceremony will be concluded by chanting Daimoku three times. In order to avoid splattering wax, please use a candle snuffer to extinguish the candles instead of blowing them out or fanning them with the hand. In most cases it is best not to conduct either Morning or Evening Gongyo during the enshrinement. This is a separate, solemn ceremony.

Since the Gohonzon is made of wood and paper, after many years it may become discolored or otherwise marred. We must, however, try to prevent this as best we can. We must make every effort to keep the Gohonzon in good condition for as long as possible. For example, we should be careful not to splash wax or water on the Gohonzon. We should never handle the Gohonzon unnecessarily. We should also exercise precautions to prevent any accidents caused by children or pets. The Gohonzon should not be exposed to direct sunlight. As mentioned earlier, unless you are conducting Gongyo or chanting Daimoku, the doors of the altar should be closed to protect the Gohonzon.

The Gohonzon is the very life of the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin. Please treat it with the deepest reverence and respect. Never photograph the Gohonzon or allow it to be videotaped. If you have any question about the care of the Gohonzon, please do not hesitate to call your local Nichiren Shoshu Temple. If your Gohonzon is accidentally damaged, or if you would like to have the dust cleaned off the Gohonzon, please contact the Chief Priest of your local Temple.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Why do we use juzu, or Buddhist prayer beads, for practice?

JUZU. Why do we use juzu, or Buddhist prayer beads, for practice?

Nichikan Shonin (1655–1726), the Twenty-sixth High Priest of Nichiren Shoshu wrote in his treatise, “The Three Robes of This School” (Toke Sanne Sho):

The prayer beads are the Buddhist implement which helps common mortals advance in their Buddhist practice.

(Seiten, p. 970)

The Mokugenji Sutra states:

A king named Haruri once spoke these words in sorrow to the Buddha: “In recent years, famine and pestilence have plagued my small country. All the people are distressed. I am always worrying about this. We are in a painful position. The storehouse of the Law is too profound and extensive to practice. Please teach me the main point of the Law.” The Buddha replied: “King, if you want to eliminate earthly desires, make a circular string of 108 wooden beads. Hold them always to yourself. Recite ‘Nam Buddha-Nam Dharma-Nam Sangha’; Count one bead with each recitation.”

(Ibid.)

This is the origin of the prayer beads. As this sutra indicates, the Buddha advised the king to hold a string of beads. We follow this tradition when worshipping the Three Treasures, or when counting the number of recitations of the Daimoku.

Nichikan Shonin further stated:

A circle of beads manifests the mystic principle. Miao-lo stated in his writing The Annotations on the Great Concentration and Insight: “There is no lack in the mystic principle.” Therefore, we use a circle of beads that compares to the mystic principle. The basic number of beads is 108, which is said to represent the number of earthly desires possessed by common mortals.

(Seiten, p. 971)

In Nichiren Shoshu, “Nam Buddha” is Nichiren Daishonin, “Nam Dharma” is the Dai-Gohonzon, and “Nam Sangha” is Nikko Shonin and the successive High Priests. These are the Three Treasures.

Our prayer beads consist of two long strands joined at either end with two large beads. Hanging from the outside of these large beads are two shorter strands on one side, and three on the other. They are strung with white braided cords with white pompom tassels at the end. These sets of two and three strands are equidistant and opposite from each other. The two large beads are called the father and mother beads. Both of them represent the Buddha.

When we use the beads, we twist them over once, forming a figure eight. The end of the figure eight with the three strands is placed over the middle finger of the right hand, and the end with the two strands, over the middle finger of the left. The short strands lie on the outside of the hands which are placed together with palms and fingers touching.

Between the father and mother beads are 108 of a smaller size. As mentioned, these represent earthly desires. You will also find four still smaller beads. They are opposite each other, two being seven beads away from the end with two strands, and the other two are fourteen beads beyond the first two.

These four small beads represent the four leaders of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth—Jogyo, Muhengyo, Jyogyo, and Anryugyo— and also indicate the four virtues of the Buddha’s life. These are eternity, happiness, true self, and purity. Directly under the father bead, which is at the end with two tassels, is a smaller bead. This represents the essential nature of the Law, the eternal, absolute truth.

The strands which hang from the outside of the middle fingers represent ichinen sanzen. The two strands of ten beads each which hang from the left signify the ten worlds and their mutual possession. Of the three strands which hang on the right side, the two strands with five beads each together signify the ten factors.

Because of their profound significance, you should treat your prayer beads with respect, just as you would the Buddha. To understand the meaning of the beads is to begin to understand the profundity of Buddhism, the correct practice, and the reason for expressing gratitude to the Three Great Secret Laws and the Three Treasures.

Nichiren Shoshu prayer beads (juzu) can be obtained from the accessories stores at the Head Temple, at your local Temple, or at various independent stores that sell Nichiren Shoshu accessories. Before they are sold, juzu are purified in front of the Temple Gohonzon by a Nichiren Shoshu priest. This is called the eye-opening ceremony. If you purchase your beads from a store outside a Nichiren Shoshu Temple, ask if the eye-opening ceremony was performed on the beads. If not, then take them to the Temple for the ceremony before using them. Also keep in mind that many heretical Buddhist sects also use some form of prayer beads. Only Nichiren Shoshu prayer beads, as described above, can be used in our practice to the Gohonzon.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

What is the significance of joining our hands in prayer?

JOINING HANDS. What is the significance of joining our hands in prayer?

The Lotus Sutra contains various descriptions of people in the life condition of Learning and those in the state of Bodhisattva. Bodhisattva Fukyo, for example, joined his hands in reverent worship as he prayed to the inherent Buddha nature of everyone he encountered. Some phrases from the Lotus Sutra include the following: “In facing the Buddha, we must join our hands in prayer.” “It is imperative to join our hands in prayer of whole-hearted determination.” “We must show our reverence through our hands joined in prayer as we hear about the path with which we are endowed.” “We must extend greetings by respectfully joining our hands in prayer.” This practice is frequently mentioned in the Lotus Sutra.

A passage from Nichiren Daishonin’s “Oral Teachings” states:

Joining our hands in prayer is an alternative expression for the Lotus Sutra . . . . The two characters for joining the hands in prayer are contained in all phenomena. The entities of hell and hunger, respectively, and all the laws of the three-thousand worlds in their present condition join their hands in prayer and face the Buddha.

(Gosho, p. 1734)

When we, the common mortals of the nine worlds, join our hands in prayer with sincere determination in faith and face the Gohonzon, we become entities that manifest the principles of the “mutual possession of the ten worlds,” (jikkai goku) the “actual three-thousand realms contained in a single life-moment,” (ichinen sanzen) and the “attainment of Buddhahood in our present form” (sokushin jobutsu); thus, joining our hands in prayer arouses a feeling of faith.

Joining our hands in prayer is immediately synonymous with understanding our life. (Ibid.)

When we pray and devote ourselves to the Gohonzon with humility, we demonstrate the principle: “Buddhahood is inherent within the nine worlds.” Our existence, as we join our hands in prayer, facing the Buddha and chanting Daimoku, is the very manifestation of enlightenment.

THE SYMBOLISM OF JOINING THE HANDS IN PRAYER

Based on the principles discussed above, Nichiren Shoshu describes the meaning of joining our hands in prayer in the following way: Our whole-hearted faith is represented by the eight petals of the lotus flower. This is also called the “lotus of the heart” or the “white lotus” and it depicts our Buddha nature. In joining our hands in prayer, the eight petals are represented by our eight fingers, and the remaining two thumbs symbolize the father and the mother or the principles of “reality and wisdom” and “practicing for spiritual stability and wisdom.” It has been said that the ten digits portray the concept of three-thousand realms inherent in the ten worlds, and joining the fingers and palms signifies the mutual possession of the ten worlds. Bringing the joined hands in front of the chest represents the white lotus of our hearts (our faith).

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

USA

¿Porque es importante unir las manos al hacer la práctica?

HANDS. HAND POSITION IN BUDDHIST PRACTICE. Why is it important to place your hands in the correct position when practising?

Most important, however, is whether or not we position them correctly when we perform our Morning and Evening Gongyo and chant Daimoku. Many people begin with the correct posture but gradually lose their form. When the tension wanes, their fingertips start to bend and the hands separate. Others increase the tension in their hands too much and push their arms outward. Still others let their hands gradually fall below the chest. The correct form is sitting up straight and chanting from the diaphragm.

Our eyes should be set on the character Myo on the Gohonzon. This enables us to achieve the actual three-thousand realms in a single life moment and become the Buddha of the entity of the Mystic Law. Thus, we must be conscientious on a daily basis to maintain a correct posture in our practice.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Is studying Buddhist teachings essential to maintaining correct faith throughout one’s life?

STUDY. Is studying Buddhist teachings essential to maintaining correct faith throughout one’s life?

The reason we joined Nichiren Shoshu was to establish unshakable happiness in our lives. However, as Nichiren Daishonin stated, “To accept is easy; to continue is difficult.” (MW, Vol. 1, p. 127, Gosho, p. 775)

It is nearly impossible for us to continue faith throughout life when we know little about the doctrines of True Buddhism.

It is essential for us to study the teachings of Nichiren Dai-shonin’s Buddhism, enabling us to understand the reasons to continue practicing. We can resolve doubts, overcome laziness, and strengthen our practice through study, so that when we face obstacles and want to stop, we will be able to bolster our faith.

Also, we will steadily learn correct faith without dogmatism or an egotistical point of view and gain the knowledge necessary for shakubuku and propagation of the True Teachings. We can gradually deepen our conviction in True Buddhism and carry out faith throughout our life. Therefore, study is a necessary support and supplement to faith.

Faith without study results in a shallow, blind faith, an incorrect attitude, and the failure to continue practicing when one is met by some difficulty. Nichiren Daishonin stated:

Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study. Without practice and study, there can be no Buddhism.

(MW, Vol. 1, p. 95, Gosho, p.668).

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Is it sufficient to read the Gosho as intellectual knowledge, or should we humbly understand it based on the lineage of the Master-Disciple relationship?

GOSHO. Is it sufficient to read the Gosho as intellectual knowledge, or should we humbly understand it based on the lineage of the Master-Disciple relationship?

Study means learning the doctrines of Nichiren Shoshu. Teachings of other sects do not have the transmission of the True Law and do not convey the Daishonin’s true intention. The basis for the study of Nichiren Shoshu is Nichiren Daishonin’s Gosho.

The Gosho, the writings of the Daishonin, reveal the truth of the Daishonin’s Buddhism, the superiority and inferiority or the shallowness and depth of all religions, and the correct attitude in faith. By using the Gosho as the source, we are able to directly study the teachings of the Daishonin.

While reading the Gosho, it is important to remember that profound meanings are hidden in them. There are great distinctions between the contents of the Daishonin’s teaching before and after the Sado Exile. In His teachings before Sado, for example, there is not the slightest mention of the Three Great Secret Laws. Learning important background information such as this will further help us in our study of True Buddhism.

There are many points of profound significance underlying the Daishonin’s Gosho. Each Gosho may reveal different depths of the teaching that is being imparted according to the relative strength of each recipient’s faith. For example, the Twenty-sixth High Priest, Nichikan Shonin, taught that although there is only one name for Shakyamuni, there is actually a distinction among six “kinds” of Shakyamuni in the Daishonin’s Gosho. Thus, we study the Gosho based on the interpretations and explanations of the successive High Priests in order to learn the true meanings of the passages.

The importance of this point can be shown through the famous parable in which two blind men touched the body of an elephant for the first time. The one who grabbed the elephant’s nose had thought that it was a tube-like animal, whereas the one who touched its belly believed it to be like a wall.

The Daishonin stated, “It is impossible to understand the intention of the Lotus Sutra without the face-to-face transmission of this Buddhism” (Gosho, p. 92). Only through the explanations given by the successive High Priests, who have handed down the heart of the Daishonin’s profound and deep Buddhism, can we understand the true intention of the Daishonin as shown in the Gosho. We must embrace this lineage deeply in our hearts and study correctly, basing our reading of the Gosho on faith in the Master and Disciple relationship.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

What does ‘Buddhism is reason’ and ‘nothing is more certain than actual proof’ mean?

THE THREE KINDS OF PROOF. What does ‘Buddhism is reason’ and ‘nothing is more certain than actual proof’ mean?

Given our busy daily lives, we would be unlikely to pursue our Buddhist studies without an enthusiastic and determined attitude. We can make use of every available opportunity to open the Gosho and read it.

Understanding deepens when a person studies based on faith. This makes Buddhist study different from any other learning. A person who studies Buddhism without faith cannot easily grasp the great depth of the Buddha’s teachings. However, the faith mentioned here has nothing in common with blind or fanatic faith where one is expected to never have doubts. It is extremely important to thoroughly inquire about any of our doubts. In this way, we follow the teachings that are reasonable, have supporting proof, and overcome our doubts at the same time. Such an attitude is the meaning of “correct faith.”

This teaching is based on the idea that “Buddhism is reason” (MW, Vol. 3, p. 238; Gosho, p. 1179) and it regards actual proof very highly. As the Gosho states: “Nothing is more certain than actual proof” (MW, Vol. 4, p. 121; Gosho, p. 1106). If we study with faith, we can clear away any doubts and be able to master the profound teachings. We study with enthusiasm and with the spirit of yearning to grasp the truth, with constant questions like “Why?” or “How can I understand this?”

Finally, in our study of the Gosho, we do not concentrate only on the theoretical meanings of various Buddhist concepts. Underlying these concepts is the great, powerful conviction of the founder, the Daishonin. The truth of Buddhism is unfathomable by the wisdom of a common mortal. If we ignore these aspects, we are merely engaging in an intellectual exercise. Correct study is the compass and backbone of our faith.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

What are the consequences of following partial teachings or an erroneous religion?

ERRONEOUS RELIGIONS. What are the consequences of following partial teachings or an erroneous religion?

Before we encountered True Buddhism, we may never have considered the importance of choosing the correct religion, and we probably had never believed that this choice would have a crucial influence on our happiness or unhappiness in life. Fortunately, however, through Nichiren Daishonin’s great teachings we are learning about truth and falsehood in religion, and realize that the root cause of all unhappiness in the world lies in provisional religions. For example, when you lose your way, you can find out where you are by consulting an accurate map. Likewise, you can only determine the truth or falsehood of all religious teachings through the one True Teaching. As explained earlier, faith is the mystic principle of a mutual interaction between living beings (the believers) and the enlightened life of the Buddha (the object of worship), and so it forms the basis of the believer’s life. We must therefore distinguish between superior and inferior, true and false, and shallow and deep teachings in order to avoid following a futile path.

People often maintain that since the objectives of all religions are the same, it does not matter which one you believe in, since “however you choose to climb Mt. Fuji, you will still reach the same summit.” However, even if you begin with the intention of ascending to the summit, if you use an inaccurate map and set off from the wrong point or use the wrong climbing techniques, then far from reaching the summit, you will surely meet with disaster. In addition, all the people who trust you as their guide and follow you will meet with disaster in the same way. Similarly, no matter how much you intend to exert yourself in your faith to become happy, if you believe in a provisional religion, or continue blindly believing the words of a religious teacher who expounds mistaken teachings, you will certainly reach a dead-end in your life and become immersed in confusion and suffering.

Although all religions claim that their own teachings are the highest, it is impossible for there to be so many “supreme teachings.” Shakyamuni Buddha explained in the Lotus Sutra:

There is only one vehicle of the Law, not two or three.

(Kaiketsu, p. 110).

Religions which do not explain this truth are only partial teachings. In reality, only a religion which judges strictly and fairly between superior and inferior, true and false, and shallow and deep, and is established on this basis, can be called the one supreme and correct teaching.

From His limitless wisdom as the Original Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin expounded the doctrine of the Fivefold Comparison and made it the basis for judging all teachings. The Buddhism of the Three Great Secret Laws, based on these strict criteria, is the supreme teaching.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Why should we base ourselves on a religion that judges strictly and fairly between superior and inferior, true, and false, and shallow and deep?

COMPARING RELIGIOUS TEACHINGS. Why should we base ourselves on a religion that judges strictly and fairly between superior and inferior, true, and false, and shallow and deep?

Some people maintain that other sects are not false because they have had their prayers answered by believing in such-and-such a religion, or that their illness was cured through a particular practice. Such arguments may seem reasonable. No matter how crude a teaching, some benefit may be gained from it. People may think their situation has improved or that they have had their prayers answered, but the Daishonin teaches that this is only temporary, and in the long run they invite great misfortune, because they are going against the True Law. Their subsequent thoughts and activities continue to arise out of a false world view.

Nichiren Daishonin wrote:

Although they may think they have been given a sign for a moment, this will not answer a prayer to know heaven and earth. Although there seems to be a sign that the devils and demons will give them their protection, the master and the believers will certainly enjoy no peace.

(Gosho, p. 1531)

Through practicing inferior teachings people lose the ability to recognize unhappiness because their senses are clouded by delusion. We often look at the world around us and are shocked by the acute suffering caused by unforeseen disasters, illnesses, suicide, and physical handicaps. People think, “It has nothing to do with me. I don’t suffer any negative influence from provisional teachings.” Nevertheless, if you are born into a family which follows a provisional religion, you will be adversely influenced by it. People are often not aware of the power of religion, so they think that calling other religions false is exclusivist and intolerant, but this is not always so.

If we are to eliminate the root of all unhappiness, we should be wary of the negative influence of provisional teachings and adhere strictly to Nichiren Daishonin’s orthodox teachings.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

What is the greatest benefit of correct Buddhist practice?

BENEFIT. What is the greatest benefit of correct Buddhist practice?

When we practice to the Gohonzon with faith, the great life condition of Buddhahood will manifest in the depths of our lives. We can expiate our negative karma from the past and experience it as a lesser effect. We are, at once, able to lessen the heavy suffering, both material and spiritual, that would have manifested in our present life as a result of negative past causes.

What is more, for the practitioner of Nichiren Shoshu, the lesser negative effects can be changed into great benefit. This is called hendoku iyaku, the Buddhist term for “changing poison into medicine.” No matter how many problems and sufferings may arise, if we muster strong faith and never give up this practice, these situations will be resolved. Moreover, our life condition will open up to a life of greater happiness. This is the Gohonzon’s great benefit, changing misfortune into happiness. To state a few examples: poor health can change into good health, poverty can become financial stability, a selfish person can become a person of noble character, and family discord can be transformed into true family happiness.

Thus, by overcoming our sufferings and problems, we are filled with a strong life force and enjoy true fulfillment. The force that impels us to accomplish this is Buddhahood welling up within our hearts as a result of our faith in the Gohonzon. The greatest benefit is the attainment of Buddhahood in one’s present form.

Nichiren Daishonin stated:

Great achievement means happiness. To subdue evil is the great achievement. To accumulate goodness is called virtue. In Buddhism, great achievement and virtue (benefit) mean attaining Buddhahood in one’s present form.

(Gosho, p. 1775)

Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life and continue chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, no matter what happens. Then you will experience boundless joy from the Law. Strengthen your faith more than ever.

(MW, Vol. 1, p. 161; Gosho, p. 991)

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

What are the four characteristics that symbolise the attainment of Buddhahood in our present form?

FOUR VIRTUES. What are the four characteristics that symbolise the attainment of Buddhahood in our present form?

The attainment of Buddhahood in one’s present form does not mean that we will become detached from people in the world or be without troubles or sufferings. Rather, it is the ability to live a life filled with joy, challenging problems and resolving them.

The attainment of Buddhahood in one’s present form is the life condition symbolized by the four virtues of Jo, Raku, Ga, and Jo. Jo (eternity) is an indestructible eternal life. Raku (happiness) is a feeling of absolute (as opposed to “relative”) happiness from enjoyment of living itself. Ga (true self) is a strong and harmonious will, undisturbed by any outside influence. Jo (purity) is a pure life, unaffected by outside influences.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Are the conspicuous benefits we obtain from Buddhist practice proof of the attainment of Buddhahood?

CONSPICUOUS BENEFITS. Are the conspicuous benefits we obtain from Buddhist practice proof of the attainment of Buddhahood?

By having strong faith in Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism, all people can attain the life condition of absolute happiness, or Buddhahood. As proof, benefit is revealed by the effect of Buddhahood welling up inside the life of the believer. The emergence of the great power of benefit from the Gohonzon will provide absolute proof, leaving no room for doubt.

In Nichiren Daishonin’s words:

Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle? It is written that those who embrace the Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra will be protected by Kishimojin and her ten daughters. They will enjoy the happiness of Aizen and the good fortune of Bishamon. Wherever your daughter may frolic or play, no harm will come to her; she will be free from fear like the lion king.

(MW, Vol. 1, p. 119; Gosho, p. 685)

There are two kinds of benefit: conspicuous and inconspicuous. In the Latter Day of the Law, inconspicuous benefit is most important. Conspicuous benefit is an obvious realization of our prayers. But the greater benefit is inconspicuous benefit, which appears gradually over time.

The Daishonin states:

Those who obtained benefit during the Former and Middle Days of the Law received “conspicuous” benefit, because the relationship they formed with the Lotus Sutra during the lifetime of the Buddha had finally matured. On the other hand, those born today in the Latter Day of the Law receive the seed of Buddhahood for the first time, and their benefit is therefore inconspicuous.

(MW, Vol. 4, p.113; Gosho, p. 1104)

The one thousand year period following Shakyamuni’s death is called the Former Day of the Law (Shobo), and the subsequent one thousand year period is called the Middle Day of the Law (Zobo). Those born during these two periods were able to attain enlightenment through the Buddhism of Shakyamuni. These people had, in the past, laid the foundation to become Buddhas, and had in past lives accumulated great good deeds through their Buddhist practice. This is why the benefit they received was mainly conspicuous benefit, revealed immediately and clearly.

On the contrary, those born in the period of the Latter Day of the Law (Mappo) have not accumulated any good deeds from Buddhist practice in the past because they have no connection with Shakyamuni’s Buddhism. Only after meeting Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism have we begun to build the foundation to become Buddhas. Therefore, the benefit we receive is inconspicuous, like the seed that has just been sown, which grows into a seedling, and gradually develops to become a mature tree. It is impossible for the seed sown yesterday morning to grow into a mature tree by today. For the seed to germinate, sink its roots, and then grow into a great tree, it will take care and a number of years. In the beginning, it is hard to discern any growth, but as time passes, one can see that great growth has been achieved. Inconspicuous benefit is comparable to this process.

As one accepts and embraces the Gohonzon, and strives in faith, various conspicuous benefits will often be experienced in accordance with the time and the situation, such as the benefit for the beginner in faith, the protection of the Shoten Zenjin when one is facing a problem that needs to be solved, or when one’s life or livelihood is on the edge. These conspicuous benefits are but a small part of the benefit from the Gohonzon in comparison to inconspicuous benefits.

Some who take faith for only one or two months, not understanding this point, might complain saying that they still haven’t received any benefit. They misunderstand the essence of great inconspicuous benefit. If we continue to practice for three years, five years, and so on without impatience, we will all be able to look back on our lives and, without exception, realize that our whole life has elevated, and that we have accomplished immense development. Whether we realize it or not, the actual proof of inconspicuous benefit will become undeniably evident.

There are also believers who start practicing consistently, yet obstacles still arise in their lives. This is due to negative karma from past lifetimes coming to the surface. As we continue a persistent practice to the Gohonzon we will certainly be able to change our negative karma and enjoy happy lives. Eradicating the karma of unhappiness and establishing a happy, elevated life condition is a manifestation of inconspicuous benefit.

Nichiren Daishonin stated:

Because of actual proof, which we accumulate from our daily practice, we must take strong faith in this profound Buddhism.

(Gosho, p. 814)

By experiencing the benefit of the Gohonzon, one can be firmly convinced of achieving the life condition of “attaining Buddhahood in one’s present form,” which is the greatest of all inconspicuous benefits, and is the purpose of our faith.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Why do negative effects occur when practising Buddhism correctly?

NEGATIVE EFFECTS or ‘BACHI’. Why do negative effects occur when practising Buddhism correctly?

Bachi is a Buddhist term. Simply stated, it is the phenomenon in our lives whereby we have a loss instead of a gain, or when we have negative effects instead of positive experiences.

In general, when we think about negative effect, we tend to view this as something enforced on us by an outside power, such as a punishment meted out by Buddha or by God. Negative effects in Buddhism are not like this. They are based on the strict law of cause and effect.

For example, traffic regulations are one set of rules we live by in our present society. Whether we know about traffic regulations or not, when we ignore the traffic lights, some form of negative effect results, such as a car accident or a traffic ticket. Even though we do not know the rules, the penalty is still the same. When we suffer a loss, no other person has caused it to happen, nor given us punishment. It is a direct result of our own actions.

Bachi (negative effect) in Buddhism works in essentially the same manner. It is not something that is imposed. It is born out of one’s own actions. The person engaging in negative behavior will experience the effect.

This Buddhism of the Three Great Secret Laws was established by Nichiren Daishonin, the True Buddha of Kuon Ganjo (the infinite past), with His compassion and great mercy, for the sake of all humanity. The Three Great Secret Laws were established in the form of the Dai-Gohonzon. By taking faith we are able to make the highest possible cause to acquire absolute happiness, the life condition of Buddhahood. Therefore, the root cause of unhappiness is going against the teachings of True Buddhism.

Nichiren Daishonin has shown us the principle that:

To begin with, the Lotus Sutra was taught to lead all people to enlightenment. However, only those who have faith in it attain enlightenment. Those who slander it fall into the hell of incessant suffering.

(MW, Vol. 1, p.157; Gosho, p.905)

FOUR KINDS OF BACHI

Negative effects are classified into four types. They are conspicuous, inconspicuous, individual, and general. The difference between conspicuous and inconspicuous negative effects (bachi) is seen in how they manifest. Conspicuous effects are clearly revealed. Inconspicuous negative effects do not appear immediately, but accumulate over time as the person falls into more severe unhappiness. The individual and the general are different in scope. Individual negative effects are experienced by the individual, and general negative effects are experienced at large, as by a group or a particular country. Inconspicuous is more serious than conspicuous. Likewise, general negative effects are greater in scope than individual effects.

For example, Ota Chikamasa, Nagasaki Tokitsuna, and Daishinbo, who persecuted believers during the Atsuhara Persecution, suffered the conspicuous negative effect of an untimely death when they fell from their horses. Hojo Nagatoki and his father, Hojo Shigetoki, sentenced Nichiren Daishonin to the Izu Exile. They experienced inconspicuous, individual, negative effects. Nagatokoi died from an illness and Shigetoki went insane. Hei no Saemon had the Three Martyrs, led by Jinshiro, beheaded during the Atsuhara Persecution. His whole family was exiled, and he and his son were executed fourteen years after the persecution. These are examples of inconspicuous negative effects because they appeared a long time after the causes were made. They can involve more severe results than conspicuous negative effects might.

These examples are called “individual” because each person received the effect in a different manner. But in a country filled with people who go against the Three Great Secret Laws, general negative effects such as inflation or war will occur, and, as a result, the whole population will fall into great suffering. The Daishonin stated:

Just as an arrow never misses the target of the earth, all people in Japan who slander this True Law will definitely fall into the hell of incessant suffering.

(Gosho, p. 750)

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

What does the act of ‘slandering the Law’ mean in Buddhism?

SLANDER. What does the act of ‘slandering the Law’ mean in Buddhism?

Hobo, (literally, “slander of the Law”) is the act of going against the teachings of TrueBuddhism. The correct Buddhism in the Latter Day of the Law is the Three Great Secret Laws as expounded by Nichiren Daishonin, who stated:

If you doubt or slander even in the slightest, you will fall into the hell of incessant suffering.

(MW, Vol. 1, p. 159, Gosho, p. 906)

Slander of the Law is the cause that invites all misfortunes. When we commit an act of slander, our life condition diminishes causing us to suffer as a result. That is why slander is the root of all unhappiness.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Are there fourteen ways of going against the correct Law?

FOURTEEN SLANDERS. Are there fourteen ways of going against the correct Law?

The “Fourteen Slanders” are fourteen slanderous attitudes. They are:

Arrogance: when one makes light of Buddhism, placing excessive confidence in oneself.
Negligence: when one neglects to do the Buddhist practice out of laziness.
Egotistical judgment: when one interprets Buddhism through one’s egotistical viewpoint; to interpret or judge the deep and profound teaching with distortion.
Shallow understanding: when one makes judgments about Buddhism with a shallow understanding of Buddhist reasoning.
Attachment to earthly desires: when one takes advantage of Buddhism or has no yearning for Buddhism due to being caught up in one’s earthly desires.
Lack of seeking spirit: when one does not seek to under-stand the deep Buddhist doctrines.
Disbelief: when one does not believe in the correct Buddhism or does not wish to take faith in it.
Aversion: when one feels repugnance towards Buddhism or when one insults those who take faith in it.
Doubt: when one has doubts and delusions about Buddhism.
Defamation: when one criticizes Buddhism and reviles those who take faith in it.
Contempt: when one has contempt for Buddhism or those who take faith in it.
Hatred: when one detests and opposes Buddhism or has hatred for those who take faith in it.
Jealousy: when one is jealous of the prosperity achieved through correct Buddhism or is jealous of those who take faith in it.
Resentment: when one resents Buddhism or bears grudges against those who take faith in it.

We listed fourteen kinds of slander here, but every religion, idea, action (or inaction) that goes against the correct practice of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism is, in fact, slander. This is especially true for those who follow distorted teachings. Whether they recognize it or not, they are going against the teachings of the True Law. Even if these people do not speak ill of Nichiren Shoshu, they cannot escape committing slanders.

Nichiren Daishonin stated the following about the last days of slanderers:

In the Latter Day of the Law of both Shakyamuni and the Buddhas before him, the rulers and people who despised the votaries of the Lotus Sutra seemed to be free from punishment at first, but eventually they were all doomed to fall.

(MW, Vol. 1, p. 241, Gosho, p. 1397)

The ruler and other high-ranking officials will be carried off to a foreign country, and these people who conducted the prayer ritual will die insane, flee to other provinces, or hide themselves in the mountains and forests. The messenger of the Lord Buddha Shakyamuni [Nichiren Daishonin] has twice been paraded through the street, and his disciples have been thrown into prison, killed, injured, or driven from the provinces where they were living. Therefore, the guilt of those offenses will surely extend to each inhabitant of those provinces. For example, many will be afflicted with white leprosy or all kinds of other terribly grave illnesses. My disciples should understand this matter thoroughly.

(MW, Vol. 6, p. 242, Gosho, p. 1271)

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Are the consequences of slander due to ‘punishment’ or because our life condition declines and that causes us to suffer?

SLANDERS. TYPES. Are the consequences of slander due to ‘punishment’ or because our life condition declines and that causes us to suffer?

Even though we have had the great fortune to encounter Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism, and have already become believers, we may commit any of the Fourteen Slanders through lack of awareness.

As the Daishonin stated:

I realize that although they profess faith in the Lotus Sutra and clasp its scrolls, they act against the spirit of the sutra and thereby readily fall into the evil paths. To illustrate, a person has five major internal organs, but should even one of them become diseased, it will infect all the others and eventually he will die.

(MW, Vol. 1, p. 253, Gosho, p. 1456)

Although we protect the Gohonzon and practice True Buddhism we will erase our own benefit if we commit any of the Fourteen Slanders. Some examples might include not doing Gongyo out of laziness or saying bad things about other believers. There are several kinds of particularly serious slanders that believers of Nichiren Shoshu might commit. One of these is the offense of slandering the Three Treasures. The Daishonin stated:

The slander of the Buddha or of the Priest is the slander of the Law, for the Three Treasures are of one body …. Therefore, the Lotus Sutra stated, “it will eliminate the seed of Buddhahood in any world.”

(Gosho, p. 608)

The True Buddha, the True Law, and the Priest are the treasures that will save every country and lead all living beings to attain Buddhahood. The Buddha is Nichiren Daishonin, the True Law is the Gohonzon as revealed by the Daishonin, and the Priest signifies the successive High Priests beginning with the second High Priest, Nikko Shonin. To speak ill of, or to slight, the Three Treasures of the Buddha, Law, and Priest, is like scorching the seed of Buddhahood for all living beings. This is an extremely grave slander.

Those who have put their hands on the Gohonzon in anger, or displayed contempt for the Daishonin or the High Priest, have experienced serious negative effects for slandering the Three Treasures.

By extension, the priests of Nichiren Shoshu, who are the direct disciples of the High Priest and protect this deep and profound Buddhism, are also included as a part of the Treasure of the Priest. It is important to keep this in mind and to interact with both senior and junior priests in a respectful manner.

Another slander that believers must be on guard against is ignoring the instruction against accepting a single verse from any of the other teachings. One is committing a slander when one accepts and venerates religious objects other than those of Nichiren Shoshu (such as a statue of Buddha, crucifix, etc.), or visits or donates to the temples, churches, or shrines of heretical religions. On this point, Nichiren Daishonin stated:

To revere another teaching as its equal . . . can only be the cause for disaster . . . . To mix other practices with this Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is a grave error.

(MW, Vol. 3, p. 266, Gosho, p. 1219)

To consider Nichiren Shoshu and heretical religions equivalent is the same as mixing poison with medicine. It is also important not to accept religious objects even if you intend to discard them later.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Is it slander to believe those who do not practice correctly will not become Buddhas in the future?

SLANDER OF DISBELIEF. Is it slander to believe those who do not practice correctly will not become Buddhas in the future?

A third slander the believers must avoid is that of onshitsu among the believers of our faith, that is, to be jealous of and denounce other believers. Regarding this the Daishonin stated:

The fourth Volume of the Lotus Sutra states, “The offense of uttering even a single derogatory word against the priests or laity who believe in and preach the Lotus Sutra is even graver than that of abusing Shakyamuni Buddha to his face for an entire kalpa.” The Lotus Sutra also states, “[If anyone shall see a person who embraces this sutra and try to expose the faults or evils of that person, he will in the present age be afflicted with white leprosy,] whether what he speaks is the truth or not.” Take these teachings to heart, and always remember that believers in the Lotus Sutra should absolutely be the last to abuse each other. All those who keep faith in the Lotus Sutra are most certainly Buddhas, and one who slanders a Buddha commits a grave offense.

(MW, Vol. 3, p. 208, Gosho, p. 1047)

Indeed, those who correctly believe in this Gohonzon have the life of the Buddha emerging in their hearts already. Even if some believers are still poor, sick, or committing evil deeds, there is no doubt that they will eventually change their lives for the better. The benefit of faith and practice in the present will become the cause, and then the effect, of admirable changes in their circumstances and character which will certainly be revealed in the future.

The Daishonin regarded a positive cause made for the sake of the attainment of Buddhahood more highly than its effect, the attainment of Buddhahood. Since each person who correctly believes in this Gohonzon is becoming a Buddha, the Daishonin taught that to be jealous of, or to speak ill about such a person is an offense of slander which will certainly invite negative effects. Moreover, whether such criticism is true or not, the act of slandering believers constitutes slander of the Law.

The fourth slander is the offense of impeding faith in the True Law. The Daishonin stated:

Slander is to cause others to abandon the True Law.

(Gosho, p. 279)

This is considered an extremely heavy offense because not only do we commit slander but we cause others to lose faith. This particular slander arises from not keeping our own slander to ourselves but expressing these slanders to others. For example, to say things like, “There is no power in the Gohonzon,” regardless of our own disbelief, or saying, “that person chants, yet still has such a negative character,” constitutes slander of the Law. Whether we recognize it or not, this will destroy the developing faith of other believers and will repel non-believers away from the True Law. Therefore, it is extremely important to avoid these sorts of actions and not to agree with others when they do commit slander.

In order to build truly happy and peaceful lives, it is important to firmly admonish ourselves about our own slander. Although we may take faith in Nichiren Shoshu, if we commit slander, we will not experience the actual proof of benefit.

In summary, with absolutely no doubt in the great power of the Dai-Gohonzon and following the guidance of the High Priest, we can always confront and overcome our own slanderous nature. This will help us achieve happy lives.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Is it easy to exercise Buddhist compassion towards others?

SHAKUBUKU. Is it easy to exercise Buddhist compassion towards others?

Shakubuku is the ultimate act of compassion for people who have not yet taken faith in Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. They suffer misfortune derived from the effects of continuing adherence to false teachings. This results in their inability to eradicate the negative karma which causes them unhappiness. Thus, we must teach and lead people to help them break through their misfortune.

When we look at people living around us, they may look happy on the surface and even seem to have no problems. But, when we look deeper into their lives, what we actually see is a whirl of difficulties such as sickness, family discord, financial problems, and so on. Unless one accepts and believes in the True Law, one cannot overcome material and spiritual sufferings in the deepest sense.

As Nichiren Shoshu believers, the greatest act of compassion we can perform is to teach others about Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism whenever possible and lead them to true happiness. This is the practice of Shakubuku.

Sometimes people don’t understand the importance of exerting themselves to care for others. The Daishonin stated:

If you are to be compassionate towards those who are inferior to you in virtue, you must think of them as a parent thinks about his child, and you should always lead them with compassion.

(Gosho, p. 922)

When we understand that True Buddhism is the path to true happiness, it is natural to want to share the joy we feel with others so we can become happy together. It is stated in the Lotus Sutra:

Even the Buddha himself will fall into the state of Hunger as a result of the offense of greed, if he first perceived the Mahayana teaching that teaches the supreme path (where all living beings equally attain enlightenment), then afterwards, expounded the inferior teaching of Hinayana.

(Kaiketsu, p. 110)

This passage admonishes us that even though we have taken faith in True Buddhism, if we begrudge teaching others about it, we will not gain true satisfaction from our practice.

It is our mission to shakubuku the people around us, never forgetting the joy of accepting this wonderful Gohonzon.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Why does the practice of ‘shakubuku’ bring benefits to us?

SHAKUBUKU. Why does the practice of ‘shakubuku’ bring benefits to us?

Nichiren Daishonin stated:

Thus it would seem extremely difficult for you to avoid the offense of complicity in slander. Nevertheless, you have communicated this teaching to your lord and urged him to take faith in it. How admirable! Even though he may not accept it now, you have been able to avoid the offense of complicity.

(MW, Vol. 6, p. 91, Gosho, p. 744)

He teaches us that we can avoid complicity with slander if we do shakubuku. The offense of complicity manifests itself if we do not remonstrate with a person while seeing him committing slander, thus being accomplices to the same offense. Just as water drips out of a container through a crack, the benefit accumulated through our practice of Gongyo and Daimoku will diminish if we don’t make efforts to do shakubuku. The great benefit of doing shakubuku will implant fortune deep within our lives and will lessen the effects of heavy negative karma from past causes.

The difficulties we encounter while doing shakubuku are evidence that our own negative karma is being expiated. In this way we steadily change our karma from past lives. We gradually transform our lives into a state of happiness.

The benefit of doing shakubuku is not limited to helping others realize the joys inherent in True Buddhism. It is also the straight path to a greater, more open life condition for ourselves. With firm belief in the Gohonzon, we have profound incentive to do shakubuku with a smile and a warm heart, no matter how difficult the path may become.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

What should our attitude be when doing shakubuku?

SHAKUBUKU WITH COMMON SENSE AND DIGNITY. What should our attitude be when doing shakubuku?

In order to do shakubuku successfully (i.e., with profound compassion and mercy), the most important thing is to have firm faith in the Gohonzon, because, as the Sixty-sixth High Priest Nittatsu Shonin stated, “If you forget to practice for yourself, you cannot teach others about this Buddhism.”

We must practice our own faith continuously. This is the root of all benefit. Then when we do shakubuku, it will truly be a great benefit. When we live and practice correctly, we are so filled with joy and conviction about the Gohonzon that we cannot stop ourselves from teaching others about it. This is real shakubuku.

We shouldn’t worry about whether or not we can speak eloquently about Buddhist doctrine or whether we have a prestigious lifestyle. If we truly live our faith and feel in our hearts the great power of the Buddha and the Law from the Gohonzon, we can do shakubuku. Firmly stand on your own faith, and do shakubuku with an open, straightforward demeanor. When we do shakubuku, we must behave with good manners and common sense; treating people with true compassion and patience.

Indeed, many people in our surroundings are completely unfamiliar with Buddhism, and in some cases, they have mistaken or biased points of view towards the religion itself. Thus, it is important that we explain Buddhism to them patiently and politely without compromising or hesitating. Explain with conviction about the great benefits you have received and which they, too, can experience with faith in and practice to the Gohonzon, because of the undeniable power of the Law.

We are the followers of the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin. We should compassionately do shakubuku with common sense and dignity.

Why is the master-disciple relationship crucial in Buddhism?

THE MASTER-DISCIPLE RELATIONSHIP. Why is the master-disciple relationship crucial in Buddhism?

Since childhood, we have learned languages, studied academic subjects, and trained for occupations. We could not possibly have done these things alone. Instead, we have been able to gain knowledge through instruction by our parents, friends, teachers, seniors or superiors. Since this is true in the case of daily life, how much more true it is within the profound world of Buddhism! It’s impossible to gain a correct understanding of faith by relying on our own limited knowledge and experience.

In Buddhism, we follow the path of the Master-Disciple relationship. In order to learn and embrace Buddhism correctly, one follows a master in faith. We practice faith and obtain true benefit by learning the teaching as a disciple.

The relationship between master and disciple is not meant to be construed as passing orders down from a superior to a subordinate. We enter into the Master-Disciple relationship when, from our hearts, we have respect for, and wish to learn from and follow, one who has grasped the Buddhist Law correctly and can show us the way to the life condition of Buddhahood.

When we stay on the path of master and disciple, we can directly embrace the Buddhist Law which the master has already grasped, and together with the master, embark on the path which leads to the life condition of Buddhahood.

The basis for this Master-Disciple relationship in Nichiren Shoshu is found in the Gosho, Nichiren Ichigo Guho Fuzokusho (“The Document Entrusting the Law that Nichiren Propagated Through-out His Life”), which says:

The order of the Heritage: from Nichiren to Nikko.

(Gosho, p. 1675)

In the Master-Disciple relationship between the founder Nichiren Daishonin and the Second High Priest Nikko Shonin, the Daishonin transferred the entirety of His Buddhism to Nikko Shonin, without the slightest deviation, and this transmission has been repeated with each successive generation. It follows that the Master-Disciple relationship of faith, the path which the master and disciple walk together, is a direct relationship in which the master teaches and the disciple learns. This has been the tradition of Nichiren Shoshu for over 750 years.

The Fifty-ninth High Priest of Nichiren Shoshu, Nichiko Shonin, taught the following about the path of the master and disciple:

It is a rule of the three existences and of the ten directions that the disciple respect and follow the master: as Shakyamuni followed Kasho Buddha, the same relationship existed between the Daishonin and Shakyamuni, between Nikko Shonin and the Daishonin, between Nichikan Shonin and Nichiei Shonin, and between Nichiden Shonin and Nissei Shonin. The master is like a needle and the disciple is like the thread. The transfer of the True Law and the transmission of the Heritage of the Law are always conducted in this way from master to disciple. The path of the master and disciple must be kept sacred. It must be kept separate from interests of society at large. Depending on the depth of one’s faith, the mystic truth that master and disciple are indivisible will become apparent, and the mystic doctrine that the leader and follower are, in truth, as one mind, will be proven.

(Yoshu, Vol. 1, p. 124)

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Without a master, is it easier to fall into self-satisfied and arrogant behaviour, thus making it impossible to attain Buddhahood?

SELF-SATISFACTION AND ARROGANCE. Without a master, is it easier to fall into self-satisfied and arrogant behaviour, thus making it impossible to attain Buddhahood?

The Daishonin states:

In the Maka Shikan, T’ien-t’ai says, “Without encountering a master, evil thoughts will increase daily, and the sufferings of birth and death will become deeper by the month. Just like trying to escape from a dense jungle while dragging a gnarled branch, escape would be impossible. Even in the general affairs of this world, one asks for advice. How much more important is it that we not rely upon our own self-centered wisdom when it comes to the profound truths of Buddhism?”

(Gosho, p. 29)

Even though we worship the Gohonzon and study the Daishonin’s Gosho, if we do not respect our master, our Buddhist practice will center on our own limited wisdom. We will be in danger of committing the slanders of self-satisfied understanding and egocentric judgment, and will eventually drift more and more deeply into confusion.

The Thirty-third High Priest, Nichigen Shonin, instructed:

The water of the True Law has no place to gather on the tall mountain of arrogance. How shall we enter the true path?

(Yoshu, Vol. 1, p. 388)

He is saying that because the water (benefit) of the Law (True Buddhism) cannot gather in the heart of an arrogant person who does not respect the master, such a person cannot attain enlightenment.

We all know of people who might prefer to practice alone and who think that it’s sufficient to just stay at home and chant to the Gohonzon. In reality, this type of practice can turn into a kind of arrogance which manifests in a lack of respect for the master and, in this way, true benefit from the Gohonzon escapes such a person. It is important to always have an attitude of faith that constantly seeks and respects the master.

CORRECT FAITH IS FOSTERED BY THE MASTER AND DISCIPLE RELATIONSHIP

It is extremely important to choose the correct master.

A person may be a brilliant scholar, or may be of great renown; however, these things have nothing to do with whether or not a person has a correct grasp of Buddhism. Furthermore, if we choose as our master a priest or leader of a misguided religious sect, we will be led away from the True Law and into a life condition of suffering. Whom, therefore, do we respect as the true master?

It was exactly for this purpose that Nichiren Daishonin appeared as the True Buddha, to teach the true Buddhist Law in the evil age of the Latter Day of the Law (Mappo). On this most fundamental level, Nichiren Daishonin is the true master. However, after the Daishonin’s passing, the entirety of His Buddhist teaching was passed down in the transmission of the Heritage of the Law to the Second High Priest, Nikko Shonin, and from Nikko Shonin to the Third High Priest, Nichimoku Shonin, and on down through the generations of successive High Priests. In each generation, as successor of and in proxy for the Daishonin, each High Priest is revered as the true master.

The Daishonin Himself clearly admonished us about this reverence for each successive High Priest when He said in the Gosho:

Each and every successive High Priest possesses the mind and heart of Nichiren.

(Seiten, p. 379)

There are often people who say that their faith is directly connected to the Daishonin, or their only master is the Daishonin. Even though it is their intention to revere the Daishonin as their master, in reality, without reverence for the living master, the current High Priest, their faith will deteriorate into self-satisfaction and arrogance, and these individuals will be unwittingly committing slander of the True Law.

It is interesting to note that from among His priest disciples, with His discerning eye, the Daishonin chose six priests as His senior disciples. Nikko Shonin explained the reason for this in his letter, “Reply to the Hokkeko members in Sado:”

We can attain Buddhahood on the basis of the master and disciple relationship. Although we embrace the Lotus Sutra, if we neglect this relationship, it will be the cause of our falling into hell. During the Daishonin’s lifetime there were people who declared, “I am the direct disciple of Nichiren Daishonin.” Therefore, before He passed away, Nichiren Daishonin decided that all believers should refer to the six elder priests as their master. To each of the six elder priests was handed down Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. As He had anticipated, after the Daishonin’s passing, many believers declared, “I am the direct disciple of Nichiren Daishonin.” This attitude signifies slander. All Hokkeko members should understand the Master–Disciple path.

(Rekidai, Vol. 1, p. 183)

During His lifetime, as the number of the believers increased, inevitably they would not be able to receive guidance directly from Nichiren Daishonin. For this reason, the Daishonin selected six executive disciples, and He instructed that the believers who were shakubukued and introduced to True Buddhism by each of these six priests would be the disciples of that particular priest.

There are believers who ignore this lineage of Master and Disciple, going beyond the senior disciple selected by the Daishonin and claiming that they are the direct disciples of Nichiren Daishonin. But ultimately, they display great arrogance in thinking that they can practice faith in their own way. For this reason, Nikko Shonin admonished: “These people are slandering True Buddhism.”

The flow of the teachings of True Buddhism from the True Master to direct master, direct master to believers, as initiated by Nichiren Daishonin, has continued for over 750 years until today.

Although the true master whom we must respect is the High Priest, the proxy of Nichiren Daishonin, it is impossible for numerous believers living all over the world to receive direct guidance from the High Priest regularly. For this reason, priests who have earned the High Priest’s trust are dispatched as the guiding priests (chief priests) of local temples. They are the proxies of the High Priest, and thus, in charge of guiding the believers.

This position of the chief priest is equivalent in quality to the relationship between the Daishonin and His six executive disciples, or to the relationship between the True Master and the direct master. True to the tenets of the Master–Disciple relationship, each Nichiren Shoshu believer, in order to practice with correct faith, must belong to a local Nichiren Shoshu Temple. We must recognize the High Priest at the Head Temple as the True Master and respect the chief priest of the local Temple as the direct master, the High Priest’s proxy.

From the Buddhist point of view, the Master and Disciple relationship is established between one who teaches and one who accepts the teaching. It can then be said that when you were first able to awaken to the true faith, the master and disciple relationship was formed between you and the person who introduced you. The person who introduced you has in turn received instruction in True Buddhism and the encouragement to do Shakubuku from the chief priest of the local Temple to which he or she belongs.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

How can I learn Buddhism properly if I am not close to the guiding priest?

FAITH, PRACTICE AND STUDY. How can I learn Buddhism properly if I am not close to the guiding priest?

Among the believers in the Daishonin’s lifetime, there were people called Homon-furegashira (meaning “representative communicators of the teachings”) appointed to learn from the Daishonin through the priest’s guidance, and then communicate to and guide the other believers.

In order to guide great numbers of believers and to develop strong and correct faith, those believers who have experience in the practice of True Buddhism and who want to offer their sincere support to the Chief Priest of the local Temple may assist him if the Chief Priest requests it. Therefore, we have people who are experienced in faith, practice, and study to administer and develop the lay organization. It is the responsibility of these experienced members to show the basics of faith to believers who are as yet inexperienced. For example, they can give basic guidelines on how to support the priests, how to advance in faith, the spirit of Gokuyo, and so forth. The experienced members of the Hokkeko have the responsibility to be models in faith for the other believers. They must be foremost in accomplishing Shakubuku, guiding the members’ growth and development, and showing themselves as examples of how to advance in faith.

Nichiren Daishonin instructed the wife of Shijo Kingo, one of the staunch believers of His time, in this way:

Make Saemon (Shijo Kingo) your teacher and be guided in the faith of the Lotus Sutra. (MW, Vol. 5, p. 158; Gosho, p. 757).

This is the spirit with which we practice together.

Finally, depth of faith does not simply depend on how long one has been practicing, or one’s occupation or social status. It is most crucial in practicing True Buddhism to follow the three ways of faith, practice, and study.

Faith corresponds to believing in the Gohonzon profoundly and with a pure mind, honestly discarding provisional religions and teachings, and avoiding slander of the True Law.

Practice corresponds to dedicating oneself to chanting Daimoku, doing Gongyo consistently despite the obstacles which may arise, and doing Shakubuku.

Study corresponds to studying the profound doctrines of True Buddhism.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

What does ‘Tozan’ mean?

TOZAN. What does ‘Tozan’ mean?

Tozan, (translated as “to climb the mountain”), is the pilgrimage to Taisekiji, the Head Temple of Nichiren Shoshu at Mt. Fuji in Japan. It is part of the essential practice in Buddhism, and is the basis of daily Gongyo, shakubuku, visits to your local Temple, and other aspects of practice.

During the lifetime of the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin, tozan was the pilgrimage to visit Him. Its original meaning encompassed directly serving the Daishonin and receiving His guidance. During His lifetime, Nichiren Daishonin Himself was the center of worship, the True Master who would lead all living beings to enlightenment. What should those who were not alive during the Daishonin’s lifetime, and who became disciples and believers after His passing do? Making a pilgrimage to Taiseki-ji, the dwelling place of both the Dai-Gohonzon of the High Sanctuary and the High Priest is the answer. It has exactly the same significance as making a pilgrimage to see the Daishonin during His lifetime.

On October 12, 1279, the Daishonin inscribed the Dai-Gohonzon of the High Sanctuary, the very entity of His enlightened life, as the object of worship for all living beings in the Latter Day of the Law. The Dai-Gohonzon has been solemnly protected at Taisekiji for over 750 years. The Daishonin transferred the entirety of His own enlightenment as the True Buddha to Nikko Shonin alone and appointed him as His successor after His passing. In this succession, Nichimoku Shonin followed Nikko Shonin, and Nichido Shonin followed Nichimoku Shonin. This has continued in an unbroken line of succession down to the present High Priest. Therefore, because we didn’t live during the Daishonin’s lifetime, we make the pilgrimage to Taisekiji, single-mindedly yearning to see the Dai-Gohonzon of the High Sanctuary and the current High Priest, who is the legitimate successor to Nichiren Daishonin. Herein lies the true significance of tozan in our time.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

For what purpose did Nichiren Daishonin inscribe the Dai-Gohonzon?

DAI-GOHONZON, THE SOURCE. For what purpose did Nichiren Daishonin inscribe the Dai-Gohonzon?

If we think of the Dai-Gohonzon of the High Sanctuary, treasured at the Head Temple, as the fundamental root, then all other Gohonzons are branches and leaves. The Gohonzons enshrined in each temple and the Gohonzons that we received and to which we do Gongyo every morning and evening were transcribed by the High Priest from the Dai-Gohonzon of the High Sanctuary. The great benefits arising from them arise from the power emanating from the Dai-Gohonzon, the source.

If we think that all Gohonzons are the same, and do not seek the Dai-Gohonzon, we will not be able to receive benefits and attain Buddhahood. It is like a branch that has been cut off, losing all access to nutrients, and thereby withering away. The Dai-Gohonzon of the High Sanctuary is the source of all Gohonzons. The Twenty-sixth High Priest Nichikan Shonin said this about its immeasurable benefits:

This Gohonzon bestows limitless, infinite benefit, and Its unfathomable workings are vastly profound. Therefore, if you chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo with faith in this Gohonzon for even a short while, there is no prayer that will not be answered, no evil that will not be eradicated, no blessing that will not be bestowed, and no reason that will not become clear.

(Yoshu, Vol. 4, p. 213)

It is said that even our lives can be prolonged if we pray earnestly, always keeping in our hearts the yearning to see the Dai-Gohonzon. Therefore, at any possible opportunity we should make a pilgrimage to the Head Temple, where the Dai-Gohonzon is enshrined.

Nikko Shonin, Nichimoku Shonin and each successive High Priest possess the entirety of the Daishonin’s most profound Buddhism within himself. They each are one of the great Doshi (masters) who lead the living beings of the whole world in the Latter Day of the Law to attain Buddhahood. We recognize each successive High Priest as the single person who possesses the Lifeblood Heritage of the Law of True Buddhism and follow him as the True Master. We are able to manifest the immeasurable benefits of the Gohonzon by embracing the original principle of the relationship between Master and Disciple. This can be achieved by going on tozan, deeply desiring to see the High Priest, and by praying to the Dai-Gohonzon together with him. The great Chinese teacher, Miao-lo, stated, “When one accepts the Buddhist teaching, one must examine the source. If one is mistaken about the source, one will be likely to become arrogant, and therefore will not be able to attain enlightenment.”

In Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism, the “source” of faith and benefit is to be found at the Head Temple, Taisekiji, and this is the reason tozan to the Head Temple is a fundamental practice in True Buddhism.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Do we maintain the spirit of serving the master when we do Tozan as the believers who visited Nichiren Daishonin did?

TOZAN. SERVING THE TEACHER. Do we maintain the spirit of serving the master when we do Tozan as the believers who visited Nichiren Daishonin did?

When a believer named Nichimyo Shonin heard about the Daishonin’s exile to Sado Island, she departed from Kamakura with her daughter Oto-goze to visit Him. In those days, rebels, bandits, and pirates roamed freely, and one made this journey at the risk of one’s life. Nichimyo Shonin made this journey without any male protection, accompanied only by her daughter.

Later, when Nichiren Daishonin moved to the mountains of Minobu, Nichimyo Shonin again immediately made the pilgrimage to Mt. Minobu, thereby demonstrating the depth of her faith. This strong, persevering faith is what made her pilgrimages to Sado and Mt. Minobu possible. The Daishonin praised Nichimyo Shonin’s faith and determination to follow Him on her own, even at great danger to herself. That is why the Daishonin gave the Buddhist title of Sage (Shonin) to this woman.

Abutsubo and his wife, Sen’nichiama, were converted by the Daishonin on Sado. Later, Abutsubo went on tozan from Sado to visit the Daishonin at Mt. Minobu three times, even at the age of ninety years. On his last tozan in 1278, he carried his articles of Gokuyo on his shoulders, and traveled alone for twenty-two days in order to visit the Daishonin. His pure and strong faith is deeply moving. The kind of faith exhibited by Nichimyo Shonin and Abutsubo is the true spirit of tozan.

A major persecution of Nichiren Shoshu believers took place during the Edo era (1600–1867). It was called the Kanazawa Persecution. More than anything else, during this difficult period, it was the greatest wish of the Hokkeko members in the Kanazawa region of Japan to be able to go on tozan to the Head Temple.

There were Kanazawa believers among those who took part in the procession of sankin kotai. This was the procession of the lords and their retainers from their hometown provinces to the Capital City of Edo. The Central government had ordered the lords in each clan to pay a visit to the Shogun in Edo (present day Tokyo) at certain intervals. On the night that the procession stayed in the town of Yoshiwara in the Fuji area, the believers waited for the people of their camp to fall asleep and then slipped out of the camp in twos and threes. Outside the camp, they met up again as a group and ran towards Taisekiji, which was about ten miles away. It is said that when they arrived at Taisekiji, they instantly knelt on the stone path in front of the Treasure Storehouse. Focusing their faith on the Dai-Gohonzon of the High Sanctuary enshrined there, they chanted intently, ignoring the bitter cold of the winter. Then they ran back to the camp at Yoshiwara, before the lords and their people woke up.

These members of the Hokkeko mirrored the faith of Nichimyo Shonin and Abutsubo. At all times, they considered tozan a great joy and held on to their faith even at the risk of their lives. In the present day, with modern transportation, going on tozan is both safe and easy. It is important, therefore, to remember that the spirit of tozan is to be rigorous in faith.

In a letter to Senichiama, the Daishonin wrote:

How wonderful your husband was! He came here to Mt. Minobu from Sado Island last year, and again this year as well. He picked the greens, fetched water and chopped wood, and served me for more than a month, just as King Dan sincerely served the Immortal Ashi. I feel a mystic connection existing between myself and him. I cannot express my deep admiration for him. (Gosho, p. 1220)

Since tozan included enduring many hardships, and took many days of travel, we believe that after their arrival, the Hokkeko believers stayed for a time. As they sojourned there, an expression of their sincere faith was to serve the Daishonin in various ways. The Gosho states:

Truly, the best path for attaining Buddhahood is by serving the master.

(Shintei Gosho, Vol. 3, p. 2308)

Serving the Buddha or the master is the true spirit of the disciple. This is an element which must never be lacking in our Buddhist practice. Today, we have few opportunities to serve at the Head Temple and to devote ourselves to the master. We do our tozans amidst all the organized arrangements of transportation, accommodation, and meals. But in spite of this, we must engrave in our hearts the spirit of tozan from ancient times.

Everything we do while at Taisekiji including Gongyo at the Head Temple, Gokuyo, meals, the cleaning of the lodging temples, going to sleep, and so on, becomes part of our training in Buddhist practice.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

How is gratitude expressed and shown in Buddhism?

GOKUYO. How is gratitude expressed and shown in Buddhism?

Gokuyo is the offering of donations of various kinds (such as financial offerings or food offerings) to the Three Treasures of the Buddha, the Law, and the Priesthood. These offerings come from our sincerity and reverence. It has been stated in the Gosho that: As a layman, the most important thing for you is to chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo single-mindedly and to provide support for the priests. And if we go by the words of the Lotus Sutra, you should also teach Buddhism to the best of your ability. (MW, Vol. 3, p. 216; Gosho, p. 1051) Thus, for a believer, Gokuyo is an important part of Buddhist practice along with Gongyo and shakubuku. Basics of Practice, Chapter 15. © 2003 NST (revised) Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

To whom can offerings be made in Buddhism?

GOKUYO. To whom can offerings be made in Buddhism?

Primarily, Gokuyo is offered to the Buddha as a manifestation of a believer’s reverent faith. The Buddha, on the other hand, accepts the Gokuyo as acknowledgment of the sincerity of that believer. Therefore, in Nichiren Shoshu, we do not accept Gokuyo from those who have not yet taken faith in this Buddhism, nor from those who do not have correct faith in the True Law. In other words, Gokuyo must be offered from a pure spirit based on faith.

In order to give us the opportunity to attain enlightenment, the Buddha made His appearance in this world and preached the Law. Also, the priesthood, which has correctly learned, protected and handed down this Law, exists in order to teach us this very Law. Only with the existence of the Buddha, the Law and the Priesthood are we able to take faith in the True Law, practice correctly, and attain enlightenment. Therefore, we should protect and support the existence of the Buddha, the Law, and the Priesthood with our offerings of Gokuyo. This is our duty as believers, and the correct attitude towards repaying our debt of gratitude to the Three Treasures. There can be no greater misfortune than, out of lack of awareness of the merit we have received, to forget to offer Gokuyo and allow this Buddhism to decline.

It cannot be emphasized enough that we must possess faith that devoutly reveres the Three Treasures, and must not neglect our obligation to offer Gokuyo with the full realization of our mission as lay believers.

THE BENEFIT AND THE SPIRIT OF GOKUYO

Nichiren Daishonin stated:

Whether you chant the Buddha’s name, recite the sutra or merely offer flowers and incense, all your virtuous acts will implant benefits and good fortune in your life. With this conviction you should put your faith into practice.

(MW, Vol. 1, p.4; Gosho, p. 46)

He teaches us that the offerings placed on the altar are Gokuyo to the Buddha. Everything pertaining to Gokuyo should be based upon our own self-motivation. It is part of our Buddhist practice and enables us to accumulate benefit.

He also stated about the benefit of Gokuyo:

Whether one has wealth or not, life is still the most precious treasure. This is why the sages of ancient times offered their lives to the Buddha, and were themselves able to attain Buddhahood . . . . Yet even common mortals can attain Buddhahood if they cherish one thing: earnest faith. In the deepest sense, earnest faith is the will to understand and live up to the spirit, not the words, of the sutras. What does this mean? In one sense, it means that offering one’s only robe to the Lotus Sutra is equivalent to tearing off one’s own skin, and in a time of famine, offering the Buddha the single bowl of rice on which one’s life depends is to dedicate one’s life to the Buddha.

(MW, Vol. 1, p. 267; Gosho, p. 1544)

Life is the most important treasure in the universe. To offer this greatest of treasures as Gokuyo for the sake of Buddhism will bring forth the great benefit which can eradicate any kind of heavy, negative karma and cause the attainment of Buddhahood in our lifetime.

The Daishonin further stated:

Therefore, sages consecrated themselves by offering their own bodies, whereas common mortals may consecrate themselves by the sincerity with which they give.

(MW, Vol. 1 p. 268)

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

What kinds of offerings are made?

GOKUYO. What kinds of offerings are made?

In terms of our own daily practice of Buddhism, we sincerely make financial and food offerings in place of our own lives. People offer whatever Gokuyo they can to the best of their ability and according to their economic circumstances. In short, such offerings of the precious treasures that keep us alive, presented with pure faith for the sake of Buddhism, will bring forth great benefit that equals the benefit of actually offering one’s life for this Buddhism.

If we offer Gokuyo of a great sum without the sincere desire to do so then not only will the benefit of Gokuyo disappear, but we will become arrogant and lose faith itself.

Nichiren Daishonin stated:

The Buddha, being truly worthy of respect, never judges by the size of one’s offerings. In the past, Tokusho Doji offered a mud pie to the Buddha, and was reborn as King Ashoka and ruled over all of Jambudvipa.

(MW, Vol. 7, p. 259)

and

The amount of one’s offerings is not what determines the roots of good fortune. The merit differs depending upon the country, the person and the time.

(Gosho, p. 1581)

Great benefit is brought forth when Gokuyo is offered to the best of one’s ability according to one’s circumstances, and arises from pure faith.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Why are memorial tablets called “tobas” offered at temples?

TOBA. Why are memorial tablets called “tobas” offered at temples?

When visiting your local Nichiren Shoshu Temple you will probably notice that in the sanctuary, next to the main altar there is a second, smaller altar usually on the right hand side. It has the offerings of a candlestick, incense burner, evergreens, and water. Above these offerings are slots or spaces to place memorial tablets. At the front is a large powdered incense burner. The purpose of this Memorial Altar is for the offering of Toba Memorial Tablets for the benefit of the deceased. This is a very significant aspect of the practice of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism.

The word Toba is Japanese for the word Stupa in Sanskrit. The original form of a Stupa in ancient India was that of a burial mound. Many different forms of stupas developed over the years in both India and China. The five-story pagoda is one of the most commonly known forms of a stupa.

In Nichiren Shoshu, the Toba memorial tablet also takes the form of five levels. The five levels signify the five elements of earth, water, fire, wind, and ku (non-substantiality). The bottom level of the Toba is shaped like a square. This represents earth. The second level is in the shape of a circle, representing water. The third level, denoting fire, is a triangle. The fourth level, in the shape of a semicircle, represents wind. At the top of the Toba is the level representing ku. It is shaped like a jewel signifying the “treasure of fulfillment.” The Daishonin taught that all phenomena in the universe are composed of these five elements. This, of course, includes the human body. Therefore, the Toba signifies the body of the deceased.

These five levels of the Toba, and the five elements, also correspond to the five characters of Myo-Ho-Ren-Ge-Kyo. The Daishonin teaches in the “Record of Orally Transmitted Teachings” (Ongi Kuden):

The head represents Myo, the throat is Ho, the chest is Ren, the womb is Ge, and the legs are Kyo. This five-foot body of ours is, indeed, the manifestation of the five characters of the Mystic Law, Myoho-Renge-Kyo.

(Gosho, p.1728)

The Daishonin also states in the Gosho, “On the Ultimate Teaching Affirmed by All Buddhas:”

The five elements are earth, water, fire, wind, and ku …. These are, in other words, the five characters of Myoho-Renge-Kyo.

(Gosho, pp. 1418-1419)

From this it is clear that the five levels of the Toba also signify the body of the Buddha.

It is an extremely important part of our practice to offer prayers to the deceased. We offer such prayers to the Gohonzon during the final silent prayer during Morning and Evening Gongyo every day. Moreover, Nichiren Shoshu Temples conduct special ceremonies specifically for the purpose of offering prayers for the enlightenment of the deceased. These include the annual Urabon Ceremony, the semi-annual Higan-e Ceremony, and the regularly scheduled Monthly Memorial Ceremonies.

When we chant sincere Daimoku to the Gohonzon for the enlightenment of the deceased, we, ourselves can attain enlightenment. In addition, the deceased, who cannot chant Daimoku for themselves, gain tremendous benefit from the Daimoku we chant for them. This is the principle behind the Toba Memorial Service. The True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin stated:

The deceased rely on the benefits of offerings from their relatives. So you should offer your benefit to them to relieve their suffering.

(Shintei Gosho, Vol. 1, p. 72)

Down the center of the Toba is inscribed Myoho-Renge-Kyo. There is also an inscription in Chinese characters stating, “Here exists the body of the Buddha.” Under the Daimoku is the name of the deceased. On the reverse side of the Toba is inscribed the name of the person who requested it for the benefit of the deceased.

The Toba is requested by a believer and is inscribed by a Nichiren Shoshu priest. The ceremony to offer the Toba is performed at the Temple by the priest. The Toba can be requested for a deceased individual person, a deceased pet animal, or for a family, such as “The Smith Family.” This would indicate the deceased ancestors of Mr. or Ms. “Smith.”

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Can the deceased attain enlightenment through the merit of our offerings to the Gohonzon?

TOBA. Can the deceased attain enlightenment through the merit of our offerings to the Gohonzon?

When a Toba is offered to the Gohonzon, the priest prepares the Memorial Altar for the ceremony. The candle and an incense charcoal are lit and placed in the powdered incense burner at the front of the altar. An open container of incense powder is placed next to the burner.

The recitation of the Sutra begins. When the chief priest begins the recitation of the Chogyo section of the Juryo chapter of Gongyo (Part B of the sutra book), the assistant Priest goes to the Memorial Altar, takes the powdered incense burner, and places it on the table in front of the Chief Priest. The Chief Priest then offers powdered incense in the burner. The assistant Priest then places the burner back on the Memorial Altar, offers powdered incense himself, faces the believers, and bows. At this time, all those offering powdered incense should approach the Memorial Altar in an orderly fashion.

If there is only one priest in attendance, he usually offers the powdered incense before he takes his seat at the main altar to start the recitation of the Sutra. In this case, when he begins reciting the Chogyo section of the Juryo chapter of Gongyo (Part B), the believers may approach the Memorial Altar to offer powdered incense. It is not correct to wait until the sutra recitation is finished and offer powdered incense during the chanting of Daimoku. If, however, there are so many people offering powdered incense that it is not possible to finish before Daimoku starts, an exception is made.

When approaching the Memorial Altar, one should chant silently. With palms together, face the Gohonzon, offer three Daimoku silently, and bow. Then face the Memorial Altar, offer three Daimoku silently, and bow. Take a small pinch of incense powder between two fingers, gently raise the hand holding the incense slightly above eye level as a gesture of respect, and place the incense powder on the charcoal in the burner. This is done three times. Then, with palms together, face the Memorial Altar, offer three Daimoku silently, and bow. Then, face the Gohonzon, offer three Daimoku silently, and bow, and return to your seat. When you are seated you may resume the sutra recitation aloud.

There is tremendous benefit in offering a Toba Memorial Tablet. Through the power of the Mystic Law we are able to reach and affect the life of the deceased. The Daishonin states:

You erected a sixteen-foot sotoba with the seven characters of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo inscribed on it . . . . Your deceased parents must be illuminating the pure land as brilliantly as would the sun and moon in the heavens. Furthermore, you yourselves, their filial son and his wife, as well as your children, will live to be one hundred and twenty.

(MW, Vol. 5, p. 299, Gosho, p. 1434)

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Is the purpose of the lay believers’ organisation to help seeking the Law?

HOKKEKO. Is the purpose of the lay believers’ organisation to help seeking the Law?

The Hokkeko organization of believers was established with the primary purpose of enabling each of us to fulfill our potential and to receive the boundless benefit of the Gohonzon. This organization was not founded for the purpose of profit. Rather, the foundation is pure faith. This means that the spirit of faith is of first importance at all places and times.

It is important when people join that they not be concerned with social status, age, or gender. Rather, the new member should think of himself or herself as a Freshman at school, and with a pure and humble mind, be receptive to guidance from the priests and warm encouragement from experienced members. When various problems or incomprehensible matters crop up in one’s practice, the member should seek out and be frank with the priest and receive guidance. If one’s judgment concerning this Buddhism is based on one’s own egotism, sometimes great mistakes may be made which invite unhappiness.

This organization exists expressly for the sake of further advancing our own correct faith, practice and study. The Hokkeko is a united body of believers of the Nichiren Shoshu Temple. This basic spirit has not changed in the slightest in more than 750 years. The Sixty-sixth High Priest, Nittatsu Shonin stated, “I would hope that the Hokkeko will always stay on its course, and strictly maintain the kind of faith which will share its destiny with that of the Head Temple and local Temples.”

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Did Nichiren Daishonin give the name ‘People of the Hokkeko-shu’ to those who receive, protect, propagate, and transmit the Law imparted by the Buddha, and inscribe the Dai-Gohonzon in response to their fervent desire to seek the Law?

PEOPLE OF THE HOKKEKO-SHU. Did Nichiren Daishonin give the name ‘People of the Hokkeko-shu’ to those who receive, protect, propagate, and transmit the Law imparted by the Buddha, and inscribe the Dai-Gohonzon in response to their fervent desire to seek the Law?

The origins of the Hokkeko go back more than seven hundred years, to the Daishonin’s time. The Daishonin called the believers during this age the “people of the Hokkeko-shu” (Lotus Group). Among those believers were the highly active Hokkeko members in the Fuji-Atsuhara region. Under the guidance of Nikko Shonin (who later became the second High Priest), the Fuji-Atsuhara Hokkeko achieved remarkable progress in its movement to propagate Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism through shakubuku. These efforts met with great repression in what is called the “Atsuhara Persecution.” In the end, three believers were executed, most notably a leading believer named Jinshiro. Regarding the fortitude of the Atsuhara Hokkeko, the Daishonin states in the Gosho, Shonin-to Gohenji:

You (Nikko Shonin) reported to me that when they (the Atsuhara believers) were faced with oppression, they chanted Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo with pure, humble minds. I realized the situation was extremely grave.

(Gosho, p. 1405)

As this shows, amidst storms of repression that threatened their very lives, the Atsuhara Hokkeko believers steadfastly maintained their faith. Not a single person among them gave up.

This Atsuhara Persecution was the incident that ultimately resulted in the Daishonin inscribing the Dai-Gohonzon of the True High Sanctuary on October 12, 1279, for the purpose of saving the people of the entire world in the future throughout the long era of Mappo.

When a Buddha is going to expound the Law, there must first be people worthy of receiving that Law. In other words, there must be disciples and believers who will protect, propagate and transmit the Law taught by the Buddha, even at the risk of their own lives.

When the Daishonin saw that the faith of the people of the Hokkeko at that time was so pure that they had no regrets even when giving their own lives for the sake of the Law, He felt that the time had arrived at last to inscribe the Dai-Gohonzon, the basis of His Buddhism, which up until then, He had kept hidden in His heart

There is a supplementary inscription on the Dai-Gohonzon which reads: “. . . with great respect for the petitioner of the High Sanctuary of the Essential Teachings, Yashiro Kunishige and the people of the Hokkeko-shu.” This indicates that the Dai-Gohonzon, the fundamental purpose of the Daishonin’s advent into this world, was established for the Hokkeko believers in response to their earnest desire to seek the Law. The Sixty-fifth High Priest of Nichiren Shoshu, Nichijun Shonin, stated, “The correct way for believers in this religion to revere the Daishonin is to be the successors to this Hokkeko.”

We are the successors to the honorable name “Hokkeko,” the name the Daishonin Himself bestowed, the name that is engraved on the Dai-Gohonzon of the True High Sanctuary. We believers in the Hokkeko make it our starting point to pledge our devotion to the Head Temple and look to our great seniors, the people of the Atsuhara Hokkeko, as models in faith. We exert ourselves in faith activities in the Hokkeko organization of our local Temples. The Daishonin teaches:

The correct master, good believers, and the True Law; when these three are assembled together, prayers can be fulfilled.

(MW, Vol. 6, p. 193, Gosho, p. 1314)

We who have become members of the Hokkeko should aspire to be “good believers” who maintain correct faith and practice of the Buddhism of Nichiren Shoshu.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

What must I do to understand, believe, and uphold the profound principles of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism, rather than practising Buddhism based on my emotions?

BUDDHIST CEREMONIES AND ACTIVITIES. What must I do to understand, believe, and uphold the profound principles of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism, rather than practising Buddhism based on my emotions?

An individual cannot practice correctly or nurture strong faith alone. Sometimes believers would rather practice faith by themselves. However, even in the case of worldly pursuits, it is not possible to do everything alone. If we want to study, we go to school. If we want to earn a living, we must go to our workplaces and interact with others. We learn various skills from our superiors, seniors, or teachers. By cooperating with classmates or colleagues, we make progress in our education or in our work.

In the same way, in the practice of Nichiren Shoshu, we can make progress and deepen our faith when we attend a variety of events. We can receive encouragement from our seniors in faith and likewise encourage fellow members. Nichiren Daishonin stated:

Those resolved to seek the Way should all gather and listen to the contents of this letter.

(“Letter from Teradomari,” MW, Vol. 4, p. 97, Gosho, p. 484)

He also stated:

The long journey reveals the depth of one’s faith.

(Gosho, p. 689).

If we want to become happy through faith, we should gather together with others and study Buddhism. Then, as now, the desire to participate with other Buddhist believers is an integral part of Buddhist practice.

The variety of events available to us fall into two general categories:

Nichiren Shoshu services and ceremonies held at the Head Temple and at local Temples, and

Hokkeko meetings to promote faith, practice, and study for individual members.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

Why is it important to attend Buddhist meetings and ceremonies?

ATTENDANCE AT CEREMONIES AND ACTIVITIES. Why is it important to attend Buddhist meetings and ceremonies?

Services and ceremonies conducted at the Head Temple and at local Temples express and reveal various profound aspects and concepts of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism.

It is impossible for us, ordinary mortals swayed by emotion, to understand the profound principles of the Daishonin’s Buddhism fully. Even if we are able to understand some of them, to believe in and to retain them firmly and correctly is extremely difficult.

For this reason the Head Temple and each local Temple conduct traditional services and ceremonies in order to reveal the profound doctrines of the Daishonin’s Buddhism. By participating, even without our conscious awareness, we are deeply absorbing their influences. This will be the foundation for us to be able to continue to practice with correct faith based on the profound Buddhist doctrine handed down for more than 750 years.

If we separate ourselves from this source, we will not gain truly great benefit no matter how much we exert ourselves in Gongyo, shakubuku, or study. Eventually, solitary faith will be transformed by our egocentric ideas into a belief of an entirely different nature from the Daishonin’s correct Buddhism.

From time to time, some members may express disinterest in attending ceremonies and activities. However, it is important to keep in mind the fundamental significance of the services and the deep meaning of the ceremonies conducted in Nichiren Shoshu.

The profound doctrines of the Daishonin’s Buddhism will always be revealed in the form of services and ceremonies. For a believer, correct faith involves enthusiastic and consistent attendance and appreciation of this on-going process.

HOKKEKO MEETINGS

At Hokkeko meetings members gather together to do Gongyo, chant Daimoku, share experiences, ask questions, and study in order to learn about the great power of the Gohonzon. These meetings are generally conducted in an informal environment such as a member’s home. Occasionally a priest may also attend and lecture, answer questions, and provide guidance in a smaller, more relaxed atmosphere.

It is important to attend as many such meetings as possible because when we do, conviction in the absolute power of the Gohonzon, the way to practice correct faith, and deeper knowledge gained through study will naturally take root in our lives. The experiences of other members, the friendships based on faith, a shared desire for Kosen-rufu, and our joint efforts in shakubuku all serve to help us deepen our faith and consequently advance in our lives. These Buddhist activities also help encourage us to overcome obstacles as they arise in the course of our practice.

The essential thing is that, through holding these various meetings repeatedly and discussing the questions and experiences from numerous points of view, members will develop faith free of egotistical or biased viewpoints, in a pleasant atmosphere.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple, California, USA

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