Peace and Security in this Lifetime and Good Circumstances in the Next Various benefits are expounded in the Lotus Sutra. One such benefit is the enjoyment of peace and security in this life and good circumstances in the next. This is expounded in the Medicinal Herbs (Yakusōyu; fifth) chapter of the Lotus Sutra: Once these living beings have heard the Law, they will enjoy peace and security in their present existence and good circumstances in future existences. (Hokekyo, p. 217; The Lotus Sutra, Watson, p. 99) This means that, as a benefit of listening to the sermons of the Buddha, people are able to live in peace and security in this life and later be reborn into good circumstances [literally, “a good place”] in future existences. Buddhism expounds the principle of the three existences of life—past, present, and future. We currently exist in this life, experiencing various fortunes and misfortunes. Some of these are consequences from this lifetime alone, while others have continued from past existences. In the same way, our current way of life will continue on to influence our future lives. Since past existences already have occurred, it is of foremost importance to focus on our lives in the present and into the future. The benefits of the Lotus Sutra enable us to enjoy peace and security in this life and consequently enable us to be reborn in a good place under great circumstances in future existences. A passage in the Sutra on the Foundation of Observing the Mind (Shinjikan-gyō) reads: If you wish to know the causes you have accumulated in the past [in your past existences], look at the effects that are manifested in the present. And if you wish to know the effects that will be manifested in the future, look at the causes you are accumulating in the present. (Gosho, p. 571) As common mortals, we are not aware of the conditions of our past existences. However, we clearly understand our current situations in this lifetime. These current conditions are connected with our past existences. Therefore, if we take a good look at our current circumstances, we can imagine the conditions of our lives in past lifetimes. In this world, there are those who are born into poverty. Others have congenital illnesses. Still others are plagued by difficulties in human relationships. The causes for these situations are not limited to the consequences of their behavior in their current lives. Conversely, there are those who are born into wealthy families, enjoy good health, and are well liked by everyone. These are the results of not only their behavior in their present lives, but also that of past existences. When we look upon matters in this way, it may seem as though our lives are solidly set. However, this is not the case. Our attitude and action at every moment function to create a new cause for an effect in the future. In other words, it is quite possible for a person, who is currently enjoying great happiness and good fortune, to fall into unhappiness and misfortune, depending on the way he lives in this lifetime. By contrast, it is possible for a person in a life condition of misfortune to become supremely happy. Thus, our attitude and actions at the present time are most important. What does “security in our present existence” mean? Currently, we may be financially prosperous, enjoy excellent health, and have good social standing. These may represent an aspect of security. However, these can be destroyed at any time. Being financially prosperous can lead to conflict. Inheritance of assets has caused fights between parents and children and among siblings. There are those who turn arrogant because they have attained good social standing and, consequently, are despised by others. Some individuals can be overconfident about their good health, and when a doctor finally checks them, they find that they have an illness that has progressed too far to be cured. Furthermore, there are those who have all the comforts of life but still feel a void in their hearts. Human desires are infinite and inexhaustible. When one desire is satisfied, the next one immediately appears. By contrast, even those who are not financially affluent can achieve a condition of peace and security. Nichiren Daishonin states the following in his Gosho, “A Sage Knows the Three Existences of Life” (“Shōnin chisanze ji”): What fortune and what joy that I, Nichiren, alone, can enjoy true happiness in this impure land. (Gosho, p. 749) At the time he wrote this letter, Nichiren Daishonin lacked simple provisions, such as food and clothing. However, following the Tatsunokuchi Persecution, when he was exiled to Sado, he lived with his very life the predictions contained in the Lotus Sutra. Thus, he was full of joy as the votary of the Lotus Sutra. Based on his life condition, he states that he is the most joyful and happiest individual in the entire saha world, which is also known as the impure land. In other words, “peace and security in one’s present existence” refers to the life condition of absolute happiness in this lifetime, based on correct faith. Such a condition is indestructible under any circumstances. Next, “good circumstances in future existences” [literally, “being in a good place in future lifetimes”] means to be reborn into good circumstances following our death. The Daishonin states the following in the Gosho, “Letter to Akimoto” (“Akimoto-gosho”): Do not doubt that you will “enjoy peace and security in your present existence and good circumstances in future existences.” It is clearly revealed in the scriptures that all the guardian deities will protect the votaries of the Lotus Sutra, without ever slackening. (Gosho, p. 334) The guardian deities will protect those who practice the Lotus Sutra, even after their death. Currently, some people may appear to be living a life of happiness and good fortune; however, if they have misgivings or anxieties about the future, they cannot enjoy true happiness. On the other hand, even if one’s life at the current time appears to be unhappy and unfortunate in the eyes of others, it should be considered as happy and fortunate, as long as this person possesses hope for the future. A guarantee of happiness that extends into future existences only can be achieved through upholding true faith. Such is the nature of “good circumstances in future existences.” There is no greater happiness than this. What can we do to achieve a condition in which we can enjoy peace and security in this life and good circumstances in the next? We must uphold our faith exactly according to Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings, and never practice according to our own arbitrary perspectives. If our focus is based on our own arbitrary views, then there will be numerous things, other than faith, that we also consider important and essential. The Daishonin writes the following in “Letter to the Brothers” (“Kyōdai-shō”): You must become the master of your mind; however, you must never let your mind master you. Such are the words from the Six Paramitas Sutra (Roku haramitsu kyō). (Gosho, p. 987) Being the master of our mind is to consider the teachings of the Buddha to be our master. Therefore, it is to consider Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings to be our master. In the “Letter to Jakunichibō” (“Jakunichibō-gosho”), Nichiren Daishonin explains how rare the chances are of being born human instead of other life forms. He further describes how exponentially more difficult it is for us to be able to encounter true Buddhism. Given these conditions, we fortunately were born as human beings, and we were able to encounter true Buddhism. These facts in themselves make us extremely fortunate. Even if we have difficulties in our lives, we have been able to encounter the correct religion that enables us to overcome those difficulties. Accordingly, we must understand that this, indeed, is true happiness. Based on our karmic causes, the countries and places where we were born are all different. Whether we can make each of those places a land of peace and security is dependent upon our faith and lifestyle. Nichiren Daishonin states the following in his Gosho, “Attaining Buddhahood in this Lifetime” (“Isshō jōbutsu-shō”): When the hearts and minds of people grow tarnished, then the land also becomes tarnished. When their hearts and minds are pure, however, so is the land. The pure and impure lands are not separate realms. The goodness or evil of our hearts and minds determines the nature of the land. (Gosho, p. 46) Thus, wherever we are situated, we have the power to change that land into a pleasant and comfortable place, through our faith and practice. A concrete description of the actual practice to accomplish this is explained in the Gosho, “Questions and Answers between a Sage and a Foolish Man” (“Shōgu mondō-shō”): If we single-mindedly continue to chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, how can we not eradicate all our offenses or not gain true happiness in the future? (Gosho, p. 406) The practice to accomplish this is to chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo to the Gohonzon. It is essential that we do not keep this practice only for ourselves—we must teach it to others and guide them. The Daishonin states the following in “Questions and Answers on Embracing the Lotus Sutra” (“Jimyō hokke mondō-shō”): Single-mindedly chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and encourage others to do the same. This will remain as your only memory from this present, human life. (Gosho, p. 300) There are many occasions in life that give us joy and honor. We cannot bring these with us into our future lifetimes. However, the good fortune and benefits that we amass through our faith can be directly carried over to our next existence. When we understand this, we will not be influenced by fame and honor in the secular world. We cannot help but deeply appreciate our faith and practice, which will enable us to achieve a life condition of peace and security that will extend into our future existences. The Daishonin states: I believe that embracing Myoho-Renge-Kyo, which ensures “peace and security in this lifetime and good circumstances in the next,” is the only honor to pursue in this lifetime and is the guide to maintain enlightenment in the future. (ibid.) Here, the Daishonin teaches that upholding the mystic Law (Myoho) represents true fame and honor. We must not keep true Buddhism all to ourselves. We have the mission to teach it to those who are as yet unaware of it. This is the practice of shakubuku. Our High Priest Nichinyo Shonin states: Doing shakubuku is the precious mission given to us by the Buddha. Furthermore, it represents the supreme repayment of our debts of gratitude to the Buddha of the three treasures. Moreover, it is the foremost act of compassion to bring salvation to all mankind. Most significantly, shakubuku is the supreme and indispensable Buddhist practice for us to achieve kosen-rufu. (Dainichiren, vol. 805, p. 35) Let us honestly follow these directions and put forth our utmost efforts in doing shakubuku, by considering it to be our mission, the repayment of our debts of gratitude, and our act of compassion. In November of this year, The Grand Ceremony Commemorating the Completion of the Major Renovation of the Image Hall (Mieidō) will take place at Head Temple Taisekiji. Therefore, let us achieve our shakubuku objectives for this year by October at the latest. I would like to conclude my sermon for today by asking you to strive to achieve the life condition of “peace and security in this lifetime and good circumstances in the next.” I further ask you to exert ever-increasing efforts in the practice for oneself and for others. Lecture in Praise of Nichiren Daishonin June, 2013
Posted on: Sat, 22 Jun 2013 09:39:35 +0000
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