Faith, Practice & Study

 

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Key Points / Summary:

Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study. Without practice and study, there can be no Buddhism. You must not only persevere yourself, you must also teach others. Both practice and study arise from faith. Teach others to the best of your ability, even if it is only a single sentence or phrase.

We want to apply Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism in our daily life so that we can overcome all the challenges and attain absolute happiness. Today, we will discuss “How” part of it. How to apply Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism in our day to day life.

So,

What - Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism

Why - To attain Absolute Happiness

How - Faith, Practice and Study !!

There are three pillars of Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism. Think of it like a Tripod.

If Tripod needs to be stable, then all the three legs must be aligned and of equal length. Else, it will not be stable.

Same goes for Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism.

The three pillars to apply Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism in daily life and making most of it are:

1. Faith
   1. Faith = Belief, Complete Acceptance
   2. Faith & Anxiety, Faith & Doubt don’t exist together.
   3. Belief in Lotus Sutra, Gohonzon.
   4. Most important ingredient of Buddhist practise.
2. Practice
   1. At basic level means - Consistency
   2. Solid efforts and determination to transform and develop the lives.
   3. Practice has two elements - Practise for oneself and for others
3. Study
   1. Learning, Probing and “being curious” about Buddhist principles.
   2. Majorly being inquisitive

Faith:

1. Faith is belief and acceptance.
2. One can enter into Buddhism only through faith.
3. Having “Faith” is a starting point.. the first step in Buddhism
4. Without faith, no matter if you do 2 and 3 diligently, it will be all zero.

Practice:

1. Practice means consistency, continuous engagement based on first pillar of faith.

Practice for oneself (Primary Practice)

1. Striving ourselves to get personal benefits from Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism.
2. Chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and doing Gongyo with faith in Gohonzon.
3. Personally striving to attain Buddhahood (absolute happiness)
4. Through continued daily practice of Daimoku and Gongyo, Polish the mirror of your life and make it shine.

Let’s talk a little about “Gongyo”

1. It refers to reciting portions of the Lotus Sutra.
2. Part of 2nd (Expedient Means) and 16th (Life Span) Chapter of Lotus Sutra.
3. They are the two most important chapter in Lotus Sutra.
4. As per Daishonin - “This is (Gongyo) is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished. A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished, it is sure to become like a clear mirror, reflecting the essential nature of phenomena and the true aspect of reality.

Practice for others:

1. Teaching others about Buddhism.
2. Helping, Assisting others to take on Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism and nurturing them to gain benefits from it.
3. Sharing & spreading the teachings.
4. It is the heart that is important. It is not about how eloquent or well versed you are.
5. Just teach others to best of your ability. That’s it.

But why should I practice for others?

1. Firstly, for ourselves to start with.
2. When we introduce Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism to others, it helps in deepen our own faith.
3. Wells up compassion within us.
4. We challenge our own fundamental darkness.
5. Best way to accumulate good fortune and change our own karma.

Practice for oneself and others must go hand in hand. Think of it like two wheels of a cart. They both need to move at same pace parallelly.

Study:

Studying Buddhist Teachings

1. Goshos
2. Concepts of Buddhism

Through study, we able to understand the reason of what is happening around us from Buddhism point of view.

Without proper study, there is a risk that we make our own interpretations or give our own guidance !!

These three are like circular - one leading to another.

Three Proofs

 

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Key Points / Summary based on Recommended Book:

It can also be called three types of proofs or three levels of proofs

1. Everyone looks for proofs.
2. Proofs acts as a way to validation.
3. Not all proofs are equal. Some proofs are better than the others.

Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism talks about three types or level of proofs to validate the teachings.

1. Documentary Proof
   1. The basic doctrine / philosophy should be based on a textbook.
   2. The teachings or philosophy foundation must be based on a actual book and not based on any one person’s opinion or interpretation.
   3. This textbook must act as single source of truth.
   4. In case of any dispute or confusion, there has to be a textbook one can refer to and get clarification.
   5. Nichiren Daishonin states “ One should accept what is clearly stated in the text of the sutras, but discard anything that cannot be supported by the text”
   6. In Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism, this documentary proof is “Lotus Sutra” expounded by Shakyamuni Buddha himself !!
   7. For us in Soka Gakkai, Goshos, Writings of Nichiren Daishonin also acts as a documentary proof.
2. Theoretical Proof
   1. Now, this is where according to me Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism stands out.
   2. So, next criteria to judge any philosophy is whether that religion’s doctrines and assertions are compatible with reason and logic.
   3. Buddhism is reason, rational and about logic.
   4. So this makes Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism stands out as it can be logically and rationally argued
3. Actual Proof
   1. There is a saying in hindi - “Pratyaksh ko Praman Ki Kya Avshyakta”
   2. Means - Something which is very much apparent doesn’t need any proof.
   3. That is the most important criteria to judge any philosophy.
   4. As Nichiren Daishonin states - “In judging the relative merit of Buddhist doctrines, I, Nichiren, believe that the best standards are those of reason and documentary proof. And even more valuable than reason and documentary proof is the proof of actual fact”
   5. Actual proof means that if anyone has actually experienced the benefits, positive results in one’e life and how positively it has impacted people and society.
   6. Ultimately, no matter how solid or sound the documentary proof or theoretical proofs are, if it cannot be realistically applied in daily life or cannot product positive impact, then it is of no use.
   7. Best way to judge any religion is how it has positively impacted, made people happy, empowered in their daily life.
   8. This type of proof is called Actual proof.

So, if you ever need to judge any religion or philosophy, now you have got the framework

1. Documentary Proof - Is it based on a text or opinion? Who wrote or expounded that book?
2. Theoretical Proof - Can you logically and rationally argue the principles or need to shut your eyes / mind and accept the things even if it is in conflict of logic and reason
3. Actual Proof - Can you see people who have got benefitted from it? People whose life positively impacted, became happier and better?

All three combined are important. It is not like that only 3 is important or only 2 is important.

All three are important and need to be checked to validate any philosophy or religion.

Ten Worlds

 

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Key Points / Summary:

Ten worlds is one of the most interesting Buddhism concepts. As per Buddhism, there are ten distinct states or ten distinct worlds. Think of ten worlds as 10 different emotions we may go through in a day. From the time we wake up to go to bed to sleep, through the day we may go through different states or moods

As per Budhhism, these states are described as 10 worlds. Let's start understanding these starting from the worlds which are lower , that is low life state to worlds with higher life state.

1.The World of Hell

1. It is the lowest state of Life.
2. Hell is a life state where you feel no Life Force, No Motivation, Feel Like Nothing Can Work Out, feel depressed with no way to get out.
3. We feel immense suffering as if entire world around us in inflicting suffering on us.
4. We feel rage, frustration, discontent either with ourselves for not achieving the results or on the world around us.
5. We feel complete hopeless and tormented.
6. Whatever happens around us, we see it colored by our unhappiness and misery.

2.The World of Hungry Spirits

1. Also knows as life state of hunger
2. Hunger is a life state where you are driven by greed. Greed can be Money, Food or Power. Basically you are getting controlled by desires.
3. No matter how much you get it, you will still feel starved or wanting to have more
4. You are getting controlled by desires and enslaved by them.

3.The World of Animals

1. Also knows as life state of animality.
2. Animality is an emotion where you feel the law of jungle. That is Survival of Fittest Instinct.
3. Threaten the weak and fear the strong.
4. Trying to get along with influential people even when they are not right and trying to suppress people who are weak in society.
5. You are acting on instinct and not on Judgement of right and wrong, good and evil.
6. Since you are acting on instinct, you are focusing on immediate rewards and not giving thought to future consequences.

4.The World of Asuras

1. Also known as world of Anger.
2. Anger is an emotion wherein you get in Rage.
3. You are obsessed with personal superiority or self importance, always comparing to others.
4. Anger is not just about losing Temperament but also if you are harbouring Jealousy or animosity.
5. They may appear to be people of virtue and fine characters, may even pretend to be humble but deep inside they are filled with jealousy and resentment.
6. Huge gap between outward appearance and inner reality. Hypocrisy and Self Deception.
7. Perversity is the world of Asuras
8. Perversity = concealing one’s true feelings in order to ingratiate oneself with others.

5.The World of Human Beings

1. Also known as world of Humanity
2. Calm, Composed State. “Calmness is the world of human beings”
3. Humanity is an emotion wherein you try to reason and think rationally.
4. Understand the principle of cause and effect
5. Can distinguish right and wrong, good and evil, can exercise self-control.
6. Need continuous efforts to sustain this state of life.
7. World of humanity is the first step towards a life state of winning over oneself.

6.The World of Heavenly Beings

1. Also known as world of rapture.
2. Rapture is the state when you Feel Joyful when your desire get fulfilled.
3. The feeling when you get high score, praises or eat your favorite food.
4. The Joy you get when you listen favorite music or meet your favorite sportsperson.
5. However, this life state is very temporary and short lived.
6. It is not lasting and fades away with the passage of time.
7. In that sense, the world of heavenly beings is not the state of genuine happiness that should be our ultimate aim.

These Six emotions or life state are combinedly called six Lower Paths as these emotions are easily influenced by external circumstances or the external environment.

The aim of Buddhist practise is to transcend the six paths and develop a self-determined state of happiness that is not controlled by external circumstances.

Now let's understand four better emotions or worlds which combinedly are called Four Noble Paths. They are the awakened states of life a person can develop through Buddhist practice.

7.The World of Voice-Hearers

1. Also knows as world of Learning.
2. Attained by those who gain a partial awakening through hearing the Buddha’s teaching.
3. Learning is life state when you want to understand and comprehend the workings of life. When you are motivated from within to learn, read and understand.
4. You get awakened to the impermanence of all phenomena.

8.The World of Cause Awakened Ones

1. Also knows as world of Realization
2. Attained by those who gain a partial awakening through their own observations & efforts.
3. Realisation is the life state wherein you discover something based on learning.
4. However in this state you are Self Determined but self-centred. You are focussing on using the knowledge for yourself and not help others.
5. You get awakened to the impermanence of all phenomena.

Persons of the two vehicles

The world of voice-hearers and cause awakened together referred to as the ‘persons of the two vehicles’.

1. Persons of two vehicles get awakened to the impermanence of all phenomena.
2. The awakening of two vehicles in imperfect and partial.
3. Persons of two vehicles are content with this lesser degree of enlightenment.
4. They do not seek the complete enlightenment as they thing they are not capable of it.
5. They do not make efforts to help others to get to enlightenment.
6. Focusing only on themselves and inclined to self-absorption.

9.The World of Bodhisattvas

1. Bodhisattva means a living being who strives continuously to attain the enlightenment of the Buddha.
2. Bodhisattva is a state wherein you not just help yourself to reach Buddhahood but also relentlessly help others to gain enlightenment and has a strong seeking spirit.
3. Believes everyone has the potential to become Buddha and helps other people to reach Buddhahood.
4. The essence of the world of Boddhisattvas is compassion.
5. Those in the life state of bodhisattva direct this spirit of compassion to all people and make it the foundation for their lives.

10. The World of Buddhas

1. Buddhahood is the supreme life state wherein you are in the state of absolute happiness that nothing can destroy.
2. It is likened to the spirit of a lion king - a state of complete ease and confidence in which, like the lion king, one fears nothing.
3. Has immense wisdom and courage to take action for the wellbeing of all people, and compassion flowing from within.
4. Awakened to the fact that Mystic Law is the foundation of one’s being.
5. Life state inherent in all of us but difficult to manifest.
6. Daishonin incribed the Gohonzon as a means for all people to bring forth from within them the life state of Buddhahood.
7. When we believe in the Gohonzon and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the happiness of ourselves and others, we can tap the life state of Buddhahood within us.
8. Lotus Sutra states that we all people are inherently Buddhas.

Mutual Possession of Ten Worlds.

1. The most interesting and revolutionary part of the ten worlds is concept of mutual possession of ten worlds.
2. The beauty of this concept is that anyone at any moment can become Buddha showcasing the potential of every life. At the same time, it also states that you can go down to the world of hell from the state of Buddhahood in a moment.
3. So, basically, every state contains nine other states in it. You can be in hell at one moment but in the next moment, you can move to hunger or to realization.
4. This acknowledgment makes us humble and vigilant and keeps on checking our behavior.
5. Also gives us hope that regardless of our current life state, we can summon Buddhahood and create value in every situation.
6. It also keeps on our toes that Buddhahood is not an ultimate and static state but fluctuating as well. You need to keep on exerting yourself to remain at Buddhahood from one moment to another.

Attaining Buddhahood in the lifetime and Kosen-rufu

 

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Key Points / Summary:

What is the Purpose of Practising Buddhism?

1. Attaining Buddhahood
2. Happiness for Oneself and for Others

Attaining Buddhahood is not equal to

1. Becoming Special Human Being
2. Started looking different from what we are
3. Moving to some other world
4. Being born next time in a pure land

Then what does attaining Buddhahood means?

1. Opening up or Revealing our innate Buddhahood (Qualities)
2. Establishing a state of absolute and indestructible happiness in where ever we are.
3. Appreciating our uniqueness
4. Developing our innate talent to the fullest.
5. Not getting swayed by hardships

So attaining Buddhahood is a process of manifesting the life state of a Buddha, which is originally present within all the people.

So basically, I can attain Buddhahood in MY PRESENT FORM !!

Absolutely !! People can realize the life state of a Buddha just as they are, without having to reborn and changing their present form as ordinary person.

The Daishonin says that “one comes to realize and see that each thing - the cherry, the plum, the peach, the damson - in its own entity, without undergoing any change, possesses the eternally endowed three bodies (of the Buddha)”

I understand that I must appreciate my uniqueness and not compare myself with others. I should focus on my innate talent to the fullest and don’t get swayed by hardships.

Also, It is not the achievement of final goal. It is a continuous struggle based on faith in the mystic law to eliminate evil and create good.

But didn’t understand “Absolute Happiness”. What does it means?

So, there are two types of happiness

1. Relative Happiness
   1. This happiness depends on external conditions or circumstances.
   2. We get happy in relation to this external factors.
   3. Such as promotion, eating favorite food, kids doing well in school, appreciation at workplace
   4. Since, it depends on external factors, it is short lived.
   5. As soon as the external environment changes, we cease to be happy or happiness starts receding.
2. Absolute Happiness
   1. Doesn’t depend on any external factor or circumstance
   2. You are happy from within but why?
   3. For being alive itself !! No other reason.
   4. The happiness is coming from within your life.
   5. Also, while relative happiness disappears with death, absolute happiness stays with us till eternity.

This is good. I can relate to relative happiness now. So, does relative happiness is not good ?

Should I stop getting happy or stop having desires to be first, to excel at workplace or desire to see my kids doing well?

No, it doesn’t mean that you start detaching from everyone around you or stop being happy or stop having desires.

In fact, Lotus Sutra talks about concept called “Earthly desires are Enlightenment”

Now, remember, we started with a concept that we can attain Buddhahood in present form itself.

What is present form?

It means at wherever you are, whatever circumstances you are in and you can attain Buddhahood while fulfilling your duties as an ordinary person.

It is not telling you to go out in Himalayas or become sanyasi or desist yourself from all the relations.

So in essence, you need to find this absolute happiness within yourself while fighting the daily life battle !!

In fact, these earthly desires like getting promotion, healthier, better relationship, kids welfare, parents wellbeing etc.

So instead of getting sad and giving in to present circumstances, accepting the status quo and living life like that, Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism states that to use these earthly desires to challenge the situation, don’t accept the status quo.

Just like muddier the water, more blooming of Lotus.

Similarly, The wonderful thing about faith in Nichiren Buddhism is that it enables those who suffer the most to attain the greatest happiness and those who experience the most daunting problems to lead the most wonderful, meaningful lives.

So, do not run away from problems or accept the problems as part of life, but use these challenges or earthly desires to attain absolute happiness.

How does other types of Buddhism views attainment of Buddhahood?

1. Basically Buddhism is divided into two major buckets - Mahayana Buddhism and Hinayana Buddhism.
2. Mahayana Sutras other than Lotus Sutra teach the attainment of Buddhahood but they require atleast two conditions
   1. Condition 1: You cannot belong to be a practitioner of two vehicles (voice-hearers and cause-awakened one), evil people and women
   2. Condition 2: You need to engage in Buddhist practice for repeated cycles of birth and death.

In Contrast, Lotus Sutra states

1. Each person can reveal the life state of Buddhahood
2. Can achieve it in single life !!

Sounds Great !! But How to do it? What is the secret sauce to do it?

Now, when we understood what and why of Attaining Buddhahood, now let’s talk about “How” part.

Happiness for oneself

1. When we believe in Gohonzon and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, you can turn all these worries and concerns into fuel to propel yourselves forward—you can transform them into life force, into greater depth of character and into good fortune.
2. I therefore hope you will challenge all kinds of problems, chant abundantly about them, and develop yourselves along the way.

Happiness for Others

1. First treatise or major writing that Nichiren Daishonin wrote was “Risho AnkokuRon” - “On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land”
2. “If you care anything about your personal security, you should first of all pray for order and tranquility throughout the four quarters of the land, should you not?”
3. Establishing the Correct Teaching = Promoting Faith, “Peace of the Land” = Realizing peace and prosperity, safety and security of all individuals
4. We must not content with just our own happiness but must actively engage in seeking solutions to the problems and issues facing society.
5. The aim of Buddhism is to do Kosen-rufu - share and spread the correct teaching, guiding all people toward attaining the life state of Buddhahood and realize peace and prosperity for all humanity
6. We are Bodhisattvas of the Earth who vowed to Shakyamuni Buddha to spread kosen-rufu in latter day of the law.
7. Achieving kosen-rufu, the widespread propagation of the mystic law, is the fundamental spirit of Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism.

Soka Gakkai’s Key Role in Propagation of Nichiren Buddhism

1. Soka Gakkai actively engages in society through peace, culturem education and human rights initiatives based on Nichiren Buddhism.
2. It is the organization of Bodhisattvas of the Earth fulfilling the mission of kosen-rufu.
3. It is only Soka Gakkai, that is able to widely spread the mystic law. No other organization since 700 years after the Daishonin’s death has been able to propagate kosen-rufu so far and wide.
4. Carrying on the mission of kosen-rufu, acting in accord with the Buddha’s intent.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

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Key Points / Summary:

1. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is the essence of Buddhism and the fundemental law that pervades the entire universe and all life.
2. Perceived by Nichiren Daishonin for resolving the suffering of all humanity.
3. Nichiren Daishonin since early days had a very high seeking spirit and made a mission to study Buddhist scripture to find the real truth and true aspect of all phenomenon.
4. He kept on researching and studying and after 20 years of extensive study, He came to the conclusion that Lotus Sutra is the supreme teaching of Gautam Buddha and the essence or benefits of Lotus Sutra can be obtained by chanting the title of Lotus Sutra.
5. He put “Nam” before the title of Lotus Sutra. Nam means devotion, respectful and that’s how the mantra “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo” came into existence.
6. the law of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the essential principle, or means, for attaining Buddhahood.
7. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the enlightened life state of Buddhahood, or true identity, of Nichiren Daishonin.
8. When we chant Nam myoho renge kyo with faith, we can manifest the life state of Buddhahood.
9. Nichiren Daishonin made Gohonzon for our Buddhist practice so that we ordinary people can manifest Nam myoho Renge Kyo in our lives and attain Buddhahood
10. When we believe in Gohonzon and accepting that it is inherent in our own lives, we can tap the mystic law that resides within us and manifest our inherent Buddhahood.
11. We can bring forth in our lives wonderful benefit and good fortune and triumph over hardships through our practice of the mystic law.

Meaning of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Let's look into each element of Mantra and understand its meaning.

Nam

1. Nam word as already discussed, means to devote onself, be respectful

Myoho

1. Myo is the mystic nature of life which is unseen, or latent which is beyond intellectual understanding
2. 'Myo' also corresponds to the enlightened world of Buddhahood, to open, to revive, and to be fully endowed with the qualities we need to develop our lives
3. ho refers to tangible phenomena which are concrete, manifest and visible is the manifestation of it.
4. ho' corresponds to the other nine worlds which, unless they are experienced from the perspective of Buddhahood, are a source of delusion and fundamental darkness.

Thus, combining Myo and ho i.e. Myoho, expresses both the enlightened nature of a Buddha and the deluded nature of an ordinary person, and the fact that they are essentially one.

Renge

1. Renge means lotus flower that has the unique property of blooming and seeding at the same time.
2. This bloom and seed signify the laws of cause and effect.
3. As soon as the cause is created, the effect is also seeded then and there only. Blooming i.e. Cause can be seen however seeding i.e. effects are unseen currently but rest assured that this seed will sprout sooner or later.
4. Also, Lotus also symbolises the power inherent in all human beings.
5. Just like Lotus can bloom in muddy water, similar we can bloom and be prosperous amid difficult circumstances and challenges.

Kyo

1. Kyo means Sutra, Voice or teaching of the Buddha.

So in literal sense, if I combine Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, it states that I devote my life to mystic law of cause and effect that permeates all life and throughout eternity

The Life of Nichiren Daishonin Part 5

 

Key Points / Summary:

Atsuhara Persecution (Sep, 1279)

1. Remember we talked about Nikko Shonin?
2. Post Nichiren shifting to Mount Minobu, Nikko Shonin moved to Fuji district (Suruga Province) and propagated Nichiren Daishonin’s teaching widely
3. He converted lots of Tendai school followers and priests !!
4. This widespread movement puzzled, befuddled and created panic in military government.
5. On Sep 21, 1279, 20 followers of Nichiren Daishonin were picked from Atsuhara area (Fuji District) and were taken to Kamakura.
6. They were tortured and pressed to abandon their faith.
7. But they didnt give up !!
8. In this episode, due to incessant torturing, 3 followers - Jinshiro, Yagoro and Yarokoro were ultimately executed and rest 17 were banished from their place of residence.
9. Now this event is very significant for a few reasons
   1. First time, direct persecution by authorities was done on disciples of Nichiren Daishonin
   2. The faith of these disciples was so strong that they didn’t budge even on the face of death and imminent torture
   3. Most importantly, these farmers showed that they have got connected to the Law and not to the person. Remember, Nichiren after May 1275, was residing in Mount Minobu while these farmers were practising in Fuji district - Atsuhara area
   4. They were fostered and guided by Nikko Shonin.
10. Considering these significances, Nichiren Daishonin understood that the faith of disciples is now strong and this teaching will now be championed by ordinary people.
11. While Shijo Kingo stood besides Nichiren Daishonin during Tatsunukochi persecution, Nanjo Tokimitsu helped and worked tirelessly to protect his fellow members as he lived in neighbouring village of Atsuhara
12. Also, this Atsuhara persecution has high influence on inscription of Gohonzon by Nichiren Daishonin.
13. The Gohonzon which we get through SGI is based on “Dai Gohonzon” inscribed by Nichiren Daishonin on Oct 12, 1279.

Last years

1. Can you tell me when did Nichiren Daishonin shifted to Mount Minobu?
2. It was in May 1274.
3. By that time, he aged - 53 years. Majority of his life he lived outside home, in exile and faced multiple persecutions.
4. By this age, his health started to decline and finally after being in Mount Minobu for 8-9 years, in Sep 1282, he left Mount Minobu
5. He wanted to go to hot springs in Hitachi province but stayed at Ikegami brothers place for some time
6. Even in ill health, he continued to deliver lecture on “Risho AnkokuRon”
7. Finally, on Oct 13, 1282 at the age of 61, he passed away.
8. After Nichiren Daishonin’s death, Nikko Shonin carried on his mentor’s fearless spirit and advanced Kosen-Rufu.
9. Nikko Shonin established school named - Nichiren Shoshu and continued to guide disciples based on Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Daishonin’s teaching.

The Life of Nichiren Daishonin Part-4 (Sado Exile and Shifting to Mt Minobu)

 

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Key Points / Summary :

Post Tatsunokuchi Persecution (Post Sep 12, 1271)

From Sep 1271 to Jan 1272

When they didn’t able to execute Nichiren, then they decided to send him to a far away and deserted area called - Sado Island. He started living in Sado Island from Nov 1, 1271.

On Jan 16 & Jan 17, 1271, in an attempt to kill Nichiren was made by several hundred Buddhist gathered but they were convinced to get on a religious debate instead.

In the religious debate, Nichiren refuted the erroneous teachings thoroughly.

This debate is known as “ Tsukahara Debate”

Nichiren continued to stay in Sado Island and his follower - Nikko Shonin who later became the Daishonin’s successor remained at his side throughout his Sado exile.

Feb 1272

Internal strife started in Kamakura and Kyoto region.

Daishonin prediction of “Internal Strife” in Risho AnkokuRon became true

Can you tell me in how many months the prediction came true from the time of Tatsunokuchi Persecution?

In Feb 1272, Daishonin wrote very important Gosho “Opening of the Eyes”

“Opening of the Eyes”, clarified the object of devotion in terms of the Person.

It revealed Nichiren’s identity as Buddha of the Latter day of the Law endowed with three virtues of Sovereign, Teacher and Parent to lead all people in latter age to enlightenment.

April 1273:

Nichiren wrote another important Gosho - “The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind”

It clarified the object of devotion in terms of the Law.

Feb 1274:

He was finally pardoned and in March he returned to Kamakura from Sado island

He again confronted “Hei no Saemon-no-Jo” and unequivocally refuted True Word School.

Nichiren also predicted that Mongol invasion most certainly would happen by end of the year.

This is called Third Remonstration and as predicted, Mongol invasion happened in Oct 1274 !!

Remembered First Remonstration - “Risho AnkokuRon” in which Daishonin predicted two things - “Internal Strife” and “Foreign Invasion”

Internal Strife happened within 150 days of Tatsunukochi Persecution (in 1272) and now in Oct 1274, Mongol invasion also happened.

Let’s revise

First Remonstration - Risho AnkokuRon in 1260

Second Remonstration - During Tatsunokuchi Persecution in 1271

Third Remonstration - in 1274 when he was back from Sado island.

May 1274

Even after repeated remonstration when military Government authorities didn’t pay heed then finally Nichiren Daishonin to move away from Kamakura

In May 1274, he moved from Kamakura to Mount Minobu.

Though he moved away from Kamakura, however he continued to propagate and write letters to his disciples.

He now focussed on fostering disciples for the future of Kosen-rufu.

Do you remember “Nikko Shonin”? We pay gratitude to him in our silent prayers as a part of Gongyo !!

Nikko Shonin accompanied Nichiren during Sado exile.

Now, when Nichiren moved to Mount Minobu, Nikko Shonin also ventured into Fuji district to propagate Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism.

He wrote some of the significant Goshos such as - “The Selection of the Time”, “On Repaying Debts of Gratitude”

Do you remember in one of the silent prayers post Gongyo, there is a line that comes that talks about “ The Three Great Secret Laws”

Can anyone tell me what these “Three Great Secret Laws” are?

Object of Devotion of the essential teaching - Gohonzon

Sanctuary of the essential teaching - The place where you chant

Daimoku of the essential teaching - Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

These three great secret laws were also elucidiated by Nichiren Daishonin in Mount Minobu only.

The Life of Nichiren Daishonin Part-3 (From 1260 to 1271)

 

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwOXOY4YeRk

Quiz - https://quizizz.com/join?gc=88810957

Key Points / Summary:

Persecutions : Attempts to take Nichiren Life

1. Do you remember, the year (and date) when Nichiren published his first treatise (July 16, 1260)
2. Also, what was the name of Treatise ? (Risho AnkokuRon - On Establishing Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land”
3. Remember this incident as this was the first time, Nichiren directly confronted the authorities.
4. This event is also known as his “First Remonstration”
5. And the series of Persecution started post this treatise only.
6. Nichiren very well knew the consequences of confronting and challenging authorities and especially Nembutsu School of Teaching which was highly prevalent and powerful.
7. Now, remember that whatever persecution Nichiren went through, it was because the authorities couldn’t take his life even after many attempts.
8. So, when they were failed to take life, he was sent to a long, deserted place. Let’s take a look at all the key persecutions Nichiren went through.

Persecution 1: Matsubagayatsu Persecution : Shortly After July 16, 1260 (When he submitted his treatise)

1. Nembutsu Followers barged into his house to kill him. However, he was able to escape unharm. After this incident, Nichiren left Kamakura for a short time.

Persecution 2: Izu Exile : May 12, 1261 to Feb, 1263

1. After he returned to Kamakura, he was arrested by authorities and sentenced to exile in Izu Province.
2. In Feb 1263, he was pardoned from exile and he again came back to Kamakura.

Persecution 3: Komatsubara Persecution : Nov, 1264

1. Nichiren went to see his ailing mother at Awa Province (his home province)
2. On Nov 11, Nichiren and some of his followers were on the way to the residence of another follower.
3. At a place called Matsubara in Tojo village, they were ambushed by armed men. In this attach, Nichiren sustained injury to head and a broken hand. One of this followers was killed.

Persecution 4: Tatsunokuchi Persecution: Sep 12, 1271

1. It is one of the major persecution. Because, during this time, one of the predictions that Nichiren made in “Rishu AnkokuRon” came true.
2. In “Rishu AnkokuRon”, Nichiren predicted about “Internal Strife” and “Foreign Invasion”
3. Also, it is for the first time the authorities directly tried to kill Nichiren Daishonin.
4. In Triumphing over the Tatsunokuchi persecution, he cast off his transient status as an ordinary human being and revealed his original and true identity as a Buddha.

Backdrop: The story starts from 1268.

Mongol Invasion Threat - “Foreign Invasion”

1. So, in 1268, an official letter arrived in Kamakura from the Mongol. Kind of challenging that either give up and become part of Mongol empire or perish. The Mongol invasion was almost imminent.
2. Nichiren wrote eleven letters of remonstration to senior Govt officials, reminding them that he already predicted the “foreign invasion” and also urged the senior priests to come in and have public debate
3. Instead of acknowledging the facts, senior priests and Govt officials looked at Nichiren and their believers as a threat to establishments.
4. Instead of heeding to Nichiren’s advice and public debate, they actually deployed “True Word” priests to conduct prayers for the defeat of Mongol forces.
5. Ryokan of Gokuraku-Ji Temple in Kamakura was given charge for the prayers. He was very influential at that time
6. Nichiren continued to refute the claims and erroneous teachings of True word school which were misguiding public and authorities.

Natural Calamity - Summer of 1271

1. Kamakura region was facing prolonged drought
2. Authorities again went back to Ryokan to pray for rain.
3. On learning about it, Nichiren again reached out to authorities and this time he challenged Ryokan that if he is able to bring rain within 7 days then he will become his disciple, else he should place faith in Lotus Sutra.
4. No rain appeared in 7 days.. even after 7 days extension no rain appeared.
5. Instead of accepting the defeat, he conspired with authorities to persecute Nichiren Daishonin.

Sep 10 - Sep 12 1271 Incidents (Second Remonstration)

1. On Sep 10, Nichiren was interrogated by “Hei no Saemon no-jo Yoritsuna”
2. On Sep 12, 1271, Nichiren was raided and arrested for being a “traitor”
3. On both Sep 10 and Sep 12, Nichiren fearlessly remonstrated with authorities and warned them if he toppled him - the pillar of Japan, then “internal strife” and “foreign invasion” would descend on the land.
4. Sep 10 and Sep 12 remonstration by Nichiren is termed as “Seconf Remonstration” with Government authorities.

Tatsunokuchi Persecution

1. On the same night of Sep 12 1271, Nichiren was taken to the outskirts of Kamakura to be secretly beheaded.
2. But as the executioner raised his sword to behead, a brilliant orb of light burst forth in the sky, all the soldiers were terrified and ran away.
3. The plan to executing the Nichiren Daishonin was abandoned.
4. It is highly significant event as in triumphing over the Tatsunokuchi persecution, he cast off his transient status and revealed his true identity.

The Life of Nichiren Daishonin Part 2 (April 28, 1253 - 1260)

 

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRdIX8O_jK0

Quiz - https://quizizz.com/join?gc=77319209

Key Points / Summary:

Declaration of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo as a Supreme Teaching (April 28 1253)

1. It starts with the day Golden day of April 28, 1253.
2. It was on April 28, 1253, when Nichiren Daishonin was 32 years old, he declared the correct teaching of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo based on Lotus Sutra.
3. And where he went to conduct his first sermon? Where did he go to declare or proclaim Nam Myoho Renge Kyo?
4. The same place from where all it started !!
5. He went to the place from where he started his journey into Buddhist Scriptures and entered into priesthood at the age of 16.
6. Can you tell me the name of that place?
7. It was “Seicho-Ji” temple.
8. So around noon of April 28, 1253, at Seicho-Ji temple, he proclaimed Nam Myoho Renge Kyo to be supreme teaching and refuted all other teachings prevalent at that time - mainly Nembutsu
9. He could have very well kept quiet or continue to his enlightenment journey.
10. He knew if he proclaim Nam Myoho Renge Kyo as a supreme teaching and refute other schools. He will surely encounter lot of hatred and persecution.
11. The authorities of that time won’t take it lightly and he will have to undergo lots of hardships.
12. But, he was prepared for it. Like there is a saying - With great power, comes great responsibilities.
13. He determined to challenge and take all the persecutions but will never bow down to accept any inferior teaching or will not stop proclaiming Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
14. Around this time, he also changed his name to “Nichiren” which means “Sun Lotus”

Propagation Efforts (1253 to 1260)

1. Post proclaiming Nam Myoho Renge Kyo in Seicho-Ji temple, Nichiren moved to Kamakura.
2. Kamakura was like one the most important city of that time. It has military headquarter and majority of people were following Nembutsu and Zen teachings.
3. So, instead of being at outside, he took the erroneous teachings head-on. Totally cognizant of the fact that it will be like directly challenging Government but it was his determination and compassion for people that he took the erroneous teachings head-on.
4. The early disciples like - Shijo Kingo, Toki Jonin, Ikegami brothers were from Kamakura only and converted into Nichiren’s teaching.
5. He continued to practice and propagate in Kamakura from 1253 till 1257. However, he was keenly observed that entire Japan was continued to suffer from natural disasters and calamities such as extreme weather, earthquake, famine, fires and epidemics.
6. The major earthquake happened in August 1257 at Kamakura itself which destroyed many homes and important buildings in Kamakura.
7. That incident and especially observing things happening for the past few years made him to really understand that by propagating correct teaching at such a small scale / snail pace won’t make a cut.
8. To make an impact, the correct teaching must be propagated at scale. He needs to directly approach authorities and make them understand the reason why all such calamities are happening and how by shifting to correct teaching, it can be averted / reversed.
9. He really put forth all his wisdom, framed the detailed letter in which with the help of references from Sutra, past scholars etc, he in a very rational and objective manner drafted a treatise / book to be presented to authorities of that time.
10. Finally on July 16, 1260, he submitted this treatise to “Hojo Tokiyori” who was the very influential leader of Kamakura military government.
11. Can you name that treatise? It was the first treatise which Nichiren Daishonin has written.
12. It was called “Risho AnkokuRon” - which means “On Establishing Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land which with facts, figures and lot of references to make sure “Hojo Tokiyori” would be able to clearly distinguish on what is right and what is wrong.
13. But it didn’t go down well. As part of rationale and reasoning, Nichiren Daishonin wrote that the main reason for calamities is incorrect teachings of Nembutsu that has been followed.
14. He also warned authorities that if the correct teaching is not established quickly, then the calamities will increase and there are chances of encountering internal strife and foreign invasion as well.

The Life of Nichiren Daishonin-Part 1 (Feb 16, 1222 - April 28, 1253)

 

YouTube Link  - https://youtu.be/ZQw7pJp8MIE?si=A080c__cedlso0TO

Quiz Link - https://quizizz.com/join?gc=92542542

Key Points / Summary:

Early Years (Born - Declaring Nam Myoho Renge Kyo) (From 1222 - 1253)

1. Born in February 16, 1222.

2. Belonged to commoner family which used to earn livelihood from fishing.

3. He had deep desire to lead everyone towards happiness and eradicate the fundamental sufferings of life and death.

4. He vowed to become the wisest person in entire Japan and started exerted himself in Buddhist studies.

5. To do so, he got enrolled in a nearby temple called “Seicho-Ji” at a young age of 12.

6. By the age 16, he formally entered into priesthood at the same temple - Seicho-Ji under a senior priest named Dozen-Bo

7. In pursuit of ultimate truth, he kept on moving from one city to another such as Kyoto, Kamakura and Nara which were Buddhist learning centres of that time.

8. He visited different Buddhist schools such as Pure Land, Zen etc and read all the Buddhist scriptures.

9. His fundamental question was that if the originator of Buddhism is only one person - i.e. Shakyamuni Buddha then why there are multiple schools !!

10. Ultimately there has to be a single sutra that will be preaching the absolute truth and should be a single source of truth.

11. Finally, after pursuing his quest for truth, he read Lotus Sutra and identified it to contain the absolute truth of Shakyamuni Buddha’s teaching.

12. Once he understood the ultimate working of universe, got the reasoning for fundamental suffering of life and death, he went back to the place from where he started his journey.

13. That is, he went back to Seicho-Ji temple and on April 28, 1953 he declared the supremacy of Lotus Sutra over other Buddhist schools and chanted “Nam Myoho Renge kyo” for the first time.

14. Before moving ahead, let’s look back at the journey of a boy who started the pursuit at the young, tender age of 12 !!

15. So,

    1. He was born on Feb 16, 1222,
    2. Entered into Seicho-Ji temple at the age of 12 i.e. 1233,
    3. Entered into Priesthood at the age of 16 i.e. 1237
    4. Declared Lotus Sutra as supreme teaching and Nam Myoho Renge Kyo as the key to unlock the benefits of Lotus Sutra on April 28, 1953 i.e. When he was 32 years old.
    5. You must be wondering that why I am not able to do a simple calculation of age but I am calculating age as per Japanese culture at that time, which puts person’s age upon birth at 1 year old.
    6. So, it was a pursuit of (32-12 = 20) twenty years wherein he kept on moving from one temple to another, one city to another to find that one teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha which can be considered as holy grail of Buddha’s teaching.
    7. Not just that, distilling down the teaching and providing a simple and easy way to get all the benefits of Lotus Sutra was one of the hallmark of Nichiren’s finding and discovery.
    8. Think of it like this way - All the great scientist studied, experimented, failed and again started for number of years before they “discovered” the law of nature. Such as law of gravity, law of relativity.
    9. The beauty of these scientist is not just discovering this naturally occuring phenomenon, but distilling down the entire number of years of their research into simple equation or formula.
    10. If you apply that formula, you will be able to harness the power of those nature’s law with same intensity.
    11. The similar thing was done by scientist of Buddhist scriptures i.e. Nichiren Daishonin. Who not only discovered the nature’s law or which we also call - Law of Universe but distilled it down into simple formula or mantra so that we all can benefit from it.
    12. I am sure you now understand and appreciate the deep compassion and burning desire of Nichiren Daishonin to lead all people to happiness.
    13. By the way, the original name of Nichiren Daishonin was Zenichimaro but after finding the truth and declaring it, he changed his name to “Nichiren” which means “Sun Lotus”.

    With this, we have concluded Part - 1 of Life of Nichiren Daishonin.

    Before moving to Part - 2, I want all of you to attempt a simple quiz to refresh your memory, reinforce the learning and remember the important milestones.

    The ultimate aim of this study is to gain knowledge and also demonstrate it in exam. isn’t it?

    With that intent, the reinforcement is very important. Highly recommended to attempt the quiz before moving to part-2.

    The link of Quiz is provided in description.

    Thank you. See you in Part-2 of “The Life of Nichiren Daishonin”