7/1/2021 Myohoji Temple iNFOPACKET

Contents Volume 11 Issue 7

1. Guidance from Sixty-eighth High Priest Nichinyo Shonin 1

(Excerpt) from June 6, 2021

2. What is the Practice of “Shodai”? 3

3. Buddhism Made Simple: “Adversities Enables People to Grow” 6

Myokyo, June 2018

4. A Passage from Nichiren Daishonin’s Writings for July 2021 10

5. Nichiren Shoshu Monthly information and subscription Mail-in form 11

6. Nichiren Shoshu Monthly information and subscription ePayment form 12

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Guidance from Sixty-eighth High Priest Nichinyo Shonin

On the Occasion of the January Kōsen-rufu Shōdai Ceremony
June 6, 2021
Reception Hall, Head Temple Taisekiji
(Excerpt)

The Daishonin teaches the following in his Rissho ankoku-ron (On Securing the
Peace of the Land through the Propagation of True Buddhism):

When I, with my limited knowledge, read the sutras, I find that all people have gone
against the correct Law and become wholly devoted to evil doctrines. This is why all the
guardian deities have abandoned this country and sages have left his land, not to return.
Seizing this opportunity, devils and demons rush in, bringing disasters and calamities.
This is most fearful. We must speak out!

(Gosho, p. 234; The Gosho of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 2, p. 3)

As this Gosho passage states, the root cause for all calamities and confusion is due
precisely to the poison of the slander of erroneous doctrines. If we discard all slanders and
instead correctly take faith in the Buddhism of our Founder, Nichiren Daishonin, the True
Buddha in the Latter Day of the Law, we should be able to overcome various hardships.
Accordingly, we must remember that we will be able to realize peace and security of the
country as well as true happiness of as many people as possible only through the power of
Myoho-Renge-Kyo.

In the Rissho ankoku-ron, the Daishonin further states as follows:

If one desires peace to reign throughout the entire nation without delay, he should first
and foremost put an end to the slanders that prevail throughout the country.

(Gosho, p. 234; The Gosho of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 2, p. 35)

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 The Daishonin declares that in order to save people from such extreme distress we must,
before everything else, eradicate the slander of erroneous doctrines, the root cause of all
evils, and conduct shakubuku.

Furthermore, the Daishonin expounds the following in the Gosho, Questions and
Answers between a Sage and a Foolish Man (Shogu mondo-sho):

The world today is defiled with impurities. People’s minds are distorted, filled with envy,
and provisional and slanderous teachings abound. This makes it difficult for the true
Law to be propagated. At such a time, it is of no use to practice the reading, reciting, and
transcribing of sutras, or to contemplate, meditate, or discipline oneself. You simply
must perform shakubuku. You should powerfully vanquish slanderous teachings, and
use the doctrines to censure erroneous teachings to the best of your ability.

(Gosho, p. 403)

Here, too, the Daishonin expounds that the most important thing now is for each of us,
as a disciple and follower, to single-mindedly do shakubuku, based on a firm resolution.
This is especially important when the country is filled with slanderous teachings and the
people’s minds are confused, exactly reflecting the defiled age of the Latter Day of the Law.

Now is the time for us to reaffirm the Daishonin’s will conveyed in his Rissho ankoku-
ron and unite as one in the spirit of itai doshin, and courageously do shakubuku, as the
whole world is in a state of extreme confusion due to the coronavirus pandemic. I sincerely
wish that you will make further efforts to devote yourselves to your practice, aiming toward
the propagation of Myoho-Renge-Kyo throughout the entire world, wishing for not only
one’s own happiness, but also the happiness of everyone, as well as world peace and
prosperity.

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Questions and Answers on

Nichiren Shoshu Basics of Practice
Myokyo, November 2020

Question:

What is The Practice of “Shodai”?

Shodai means to chant Daimoku, Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. In “Reply to Nichinyo

gozen” (日女御前御返事), Nichiren Daishonin declares:

The most important thing is to chant only Nam-Myoho-Renge- Kyo and attain
enlightenment.

(Gosho, p. 1388; MW-1, p. 214)

When we believe in the Dai- Gohonzon and chant Daimoku, we can become happy.
In our daily Gongyo, after the recitation of the sutra, we chant Daimoku. The sutra
recitation is called the supporting practice, and chanting Daimoku is the primary
practice. Twenty-sixth High Priest Nichikan Shonin teaches:

When both the Hoben and Juryo chapters are recited, they assist in bringing forth the
profound benefits of the primary practice.

It can be likened to the ash that helps the clear water and the salt and vinegar
that enhance the flavor of the rice and noodles. Thus, reciting them is called
the secondary practice.

(Nichiren Shoshu seiten, p. 922)

In other words, it is important to recite the sutra, but the most vital practice is to chant
Daimoku, which is called “Shodai Practice.” Therefore, at the end of the Gongyo
recitation, we should carry out the practice of chanting Daimoku (Shodai).

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Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is the “Good Medicine”

The Bodhisattva Medicine King (Yakuo bosatsu; twenty-third) chapter of the Lotus
Sutra states:

This sutra is beneficial medicine for the illness of all mankind.

(Hokekyo, p. 539)

We possess negative karma, which is the source of unhappiness in our lives. This
becomes the cause of our various current problems. Our difficulties in life can be
compared to suffering from an illness. When we get sick, we go to a hospital. When
a doctor examines us, he or she will prescribe medicine according to our diagnosis.
After we take this medicine, our sickness will be cured.

Then, what should we do when we are suffering from an illness of our condition of
life, such as worries and struggles? A local hospital is not the place where we can be
cured of this illness. In this case, it is important to cure the malady through our faith
and practice. To put it simply, the doctor who can cure our life’s illness is the Buddha,
and taking medicine means to believe in the Gohonzon that the Buddha revealed and
to chant Daimoku to the Gohonzon.

The Life Span (Juryo; sixteenth) chapter of the Lotus Sutra states:

I will leave this good medicine here. You should take it and not worry that it
will not cure you.

(Hokekyo, p. 437; Lotus Sutra, Watson, p. 228)

Nichikan Shonin explains the significance of this passage:

“This good medicine” (是好良薬) means the True Object of Worship of the
Essential Teaching. “Leave here” (今留在此) means the High Sanctuary of the
Essential Teaching. “You should take it” (如可取服) means the Daimoku of
the Essential Teaching.

(Six-Volume Writings, p. 94, Summarized)

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The Daishonin chanted Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and revealed the Dai-Gohonzon as

the only good medicine to save us. When we strive to chant while believing in the
Dai-Gohonzon, we can eradicate our negative karma through the benefit of Shodai.
As a result, we are able to achieve true happiness. Therefore, it is crucial that we
always chant Daimoku with all our heart to the Gohonzon. The Daishonin states in
the Gosho, “Questions and Answers between a Sage and a Foolish Man” (聖愚問答
抄):

If we single-mindedly continue to chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, how can

we not eradicate all our offenses or gain true happiness in the future?

(Gosho, p. 406)

Conclusion

No matter what circumstances we are in, let us chant Daimoku, maintaining our faith
in the Gohonzon and strengthening our resolve to practice. Doing Gongyo and Shodai
is the most fundamental Buddhist practice for us. Last Fall, following the guidance
of High Priest Nichinyo Shonin, we strove to carry out the 100-day Shodai practice.
It is not easy to complete such a task. But when we challenge ourselves, the effort we
put into it will come back as great power to help us.

The Daishonin states in “Attaining Buddhahood in this Lifetime” (一生成仏抄):

Arouse deep faith and polish your mirror night and day without neglect. How
should you polish it? You should do so by single-mindedly chanting Nam-
Myoho-Renge-Kyo.

(Gosho, p. 46)

Please participate in Shodai practice and take an active part in kosen-rufu.

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 Buddhism Made Simple
Adversities Enable People to Grow
Myokyo, June 2018

“I’m doing my best, but things don’t work out well.” Certainly, everyone has
experienced these feelings before.
Young people tend to encounter various experiences that cause them concern, such as
their studies at school, extracurricular activities, and relationships with family and friends.
We will all “hit a wall” and reach a deadlock at some point in our lives. When
circumstances do not proceed smoothly and difficulties and hardships pile up against us,
as though we have come up against an insurmountable obstacle, we describe this situation
as "facing an adversity."
Let us focus on what we should do when we encounter an adversity.

Wheat that is Stepped on Grows Strong

When farmers in Japan cultivate wheat, they engage in “wheat treading” (mugi fumi),
an activity in which they step on the tiny seedlings of wheat. Why do they trample on the
tiny wheat seedlings that have just sprouted? Performing this action prevents the root of
the wheat seedling from being damaged by frost columns. Additionally, it strengthens the
stems and roots of the seedlings and enables them to grow robustly.
There is a famous proverb: “Hardship makes the person” (literally, “Adversity makes
you into a precious jewel”). A rough gemstone that is unearthed will turn into a beautiful
gem when it is polished. The proverb teaches us that, in the same way, when people
experience difficulties and hardships and overcome them, they can develop into
wonderful, praiseworthy individuals.
As we live our lives, we inevitably will encounter problems and hardships. Under
these circumstances, some people grow anxious, are overtaken by worry, and try to escape
from those situations. However, always running away from difficulties will never enable
us to grow so that we can withstand difficult circumstances. Furthermore, it is often the
case that, regardless of where we go, we always will encounter difficulties.
Therefore, if we constantly run away from adversities, we cannot possibly live a happy
life.

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By contrast, when people confront adversities and try to overcome, they also will be
able to cultivate strength and endurance that will not let them be defeated by most
difficulties. Furthermore, they will be able to exert their strength and overcome the various
“walls” that they encounter, as they advance forth and make powerful achievements in
their lives.
Such people who are undefeated by any hardships and are able to powerfully overcome
them are, in fact, individuals who are truly happy.
There is another proverb: “The young should struggle with adversity.” This means that
hardships experienced when people are young will always be helpful in their lives. The
proverb teaches us to willingly experience them in our youth.
When people encounter adversities, their lives are forged, and they can grow into
strong, wonderful individuals.

How to Overcome Adversities

Then, how can we overcome adversities? One way to remain undefeated by adversities
and to powerfully open a life of success is to firmly establish a solid objective.
For example, you may decide on an objective that you want to become a certain kind
of person in three years. Then, you need to consider what you must achieve over the next
several years to actualize this goal. What should be accomplished in six months...in one
month...and in one week? This way, you can visualize what you must do right now.
Through this procedure of concretely establishing our objectives, we can calculate
backwards from our desired destination and figure out what we must do now, what amount
of time is necessary, and what are the crucial points to focus on to ultimately achieve our
goals.
Once we set our objectives, it is important for us to challenge ourselves, exert our
utmost efforts, and never stop moving forward. The key to accomplishing our goal is to
continue to put one foot in front of the other and to advance, regardless of how long it may
take for us to do so.
It is unnecessary to do anything grandiose from the beginning. We can start with
something simple. For example, in the morning, in our bed, we may think, “I’m so sleepy.
What a chore it is to have to get up!” But, we can tell ourselves, “Okay, I’m getting up!”
and muster our courage to get up and start our morning routine. Doing this will give us a
sense of accomplishment for having taken this decisive action. When we continue to
amass these small accomplishments one after another, we will ultimately be able to strive
toward large objectives.

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 If we do not do what we can do now, we can never approach our objectives. Let's all
remain undefeated by adversities and continue to advance toward our individual goals.

Faith and Practice to Enable Us to Be Undefeated by Adversities

Nichiren Daishonin stated the following in the Gosho “On the Buddha’s Behavior”
("Shuju onfurumai-gosho"):

When one looks at one’s present world, one can see that it is not one’s friends but
one’s formidable enemies who will help him grow.
(Gosho, p. 1063)

Furthermore, he wrote:

One who cannot cross a ditch that is 1 jo (approx. 10 feet) in width could not possibly
cross one that is 10 or 20 jo.
(Gosho, p. 1058, Summarized)

Accordingly, when you hit a “wall” that prevents you from accomplishing an
objective, you must consider it an opportunity for great growth. Do not get discouraged;
rather, challenge yourselves by chanting sincere Daimoku.
We uphold the Dai-Gohonzon of the High Sanctuary of the Essential Teaching,
inscribed by the Daishonin. If we base our lives on our faith and practice, we can
overcome any “wall” without fail.
Those of us who have been able to overcome such a “wall” will be able to overcome
an even greater “wall.” We can grow into individuals who can easily overcome any
obstacle that we encounter.
High Priest Nichinyo Shonin expounded:

When iron encounters fire, it grows red. Forging is a truly important process. Iron is
placed in hot fire and struck, and struck, and struck continuously. As a result, it is made
into a powerful piece of steel, like a Japanese sword. However, that same piece of iron
cannot be made into a beautiful Japanese sword, if the intermediary forging process is
insufficient. When the steel is not forged properly, there is a blemish that invariably
appears. A sword like this will unfortunately break at a critical moment, such as during
a serious sword fight. In the same way, it is important to thoroughly achieve the

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forging process in our faith and practice. How do we forge our faith and practice? First
and foremost, we must perform sincere morning and evening Gongyo. We also must
perform shakubuku. We must solidly perform the fundamentals of our faith and
practice. By so doing, we can achieve enlightenment in our lifetime without fail.
(Shakubuku yomon, p. 108)

Let us do sincere Gongyo and Shodai and strive to do shakubuku, so that we can
vigorously forge our own faith and practice. Then we can achieve a life of true happiness.
In order to jump high, we must crouch low and concentrate our strength. In the same
way, we must never be discouraged by adversities. Let's concentrate our power and soar
high!

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 今月の御聖訓
2021 年 7 月

Kuon myoji no honmon wo hon to nasu. Shinjin gojo ni shite tada yonen naku
久遠名字の本門を本と為す。信心強盛にして唯余念無
Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo to tona’e tatematsu reba bonshin sunawachi busshin nari.
南無妙法蓮華経と唱え奉れば凡身即ち仏身なり。
“Honninmyo-shō”
（本因妙抄 御書 1679 頁）

A Passage from Nichiren Daishonin’s Writings

July 2021

Myoho [Renge-Kyo] at the stage of first hearing the name of the Law in the infinite past
of kuon-ganjo, is the essential teaching. When a common mortal single-mindedly chants
Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo with strong faith, one will become a Buddha.
(“The Transmission of the Heritage of the Law in the Hokke Honmon”; Gosho, p. 1679)

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