Sermon by 67th High Priest Nikken Shonin
Cody
Hokkeko Youth Division General Meeting
April 23, 2000 Kofu Plaza
Now everyone, the reason Nichiren has His signature written in
the center
of the Gohonzon, directly under the characters Nam-Myoho-Renge-
Kyo is
because this represents the isshin ichinen of Nichiren Daishonin
is in
itself the ultimate truth of Myoho-Renge-Kyo - the universal
True Law which
permeates the entire realm of the Law (hokai). In other words,
this
Gohonzon is the perfect manifestation of the Inner Realization
of the True
Buddha of kuon ganjo of the Buddhism of Sowing, Nichiren
Daishonin of the
Latter Day of the Law, the eternal Buddha of absolute freedom.
This Gohonzon, as the perfect embodiment of the fusion of [the
principles
of] 'the life of the Daishonin, who revealed this Inner
Realization, is at
once the True Law permeating all life and the universe,' and its
converse,
that 'all phenomena in the entire universe are the expression of
the Inner
Life of the Daishonin,' must be revered by all priesthood and
laity of
Nichiren Shoshu with the absolute and peerless faith worthy of
highest respect.
In short, what is the most fundamental enlightenment or eternal
truth in
Buddhism? It is the Inner Realization of the True Buddha, which
reveals
that the life of the Buddha, isshin, embodies the entire realm
of the Law,
hokai. Inherent in this realization is the existence of an
enlightened
peerless being, a person of great character, preeminent and
unrivaled by
all others. For this reason, the great Teacher Miao-lo states:
"At the time of attaining Buddhahood, one must fuse with the
True Law and
with the enlightened life of the Buddha, which penetrates all
living beings
and all phenomena in the entire universe."
(Shinpen p. 106)
Nichiren Daishonin further elucidates:
"It is called the Mystic Law because it explains the mutually
inclusive
relationship of life and all phenomena."
(Shinpen p. 45MW1-3)
In the Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, "Ongi
Kuden,"the
Daishonin expounds on the meaning of the ultimate Inner
Enlightenment of
the True Buddha as taught in the Jigage verse portion of the
Juryo (16th)
chapter:
"With the revelation of the ultimate truth that all phenomena in
the
universe are integrated in the single life-moment, the Buddha of
absolute
freedom manifested the perfect fusion of the mutually inclusive
relationship of the ultimate truth and the universe as stated in
the Jigage
verse. Jijuyushin, the original Buddha endowed with the
three eternal properties, means "the Buddha who embodies the
Mystic Law
with absolute freedom," which is, in essence the perfect
representation of
ichinen sanzen, the true entity of all phenomena permeating the
entire
universe."
(Shinpen p. 1772)
We must sincerely revere the Gohonzon as the Inner Realization
of the True
Buddha, and at the same time, our ultimate objective of faith is
to attain
this conviction. From this perspective, I believe what I am
about to say
will be of the gravest importance to all of you in terms of your
faith and
practice.
As difficult as it is to believe, originally the life within
each person in
all of us is innately endowed with the true nature of Myoho,
which permeates
the entire universe - freely and unrestrained. Despite this
fact, ever
since the time without beginning or end, the true [Dharma]
nature lies
deeply buried under the shroud of the most fundamental darkness
caused by
illusions and earthly desires. We remain totally unaware of this
enlightened nature - the eternal and unchanging truth inherent
in us; all
the while, wallowing in the shadows of our shallow life-
condition of primal
ignorance. For this reason, there is only one direct path to the
attainment
of sokushin jobutsu (to attain Buddhahood without discarding
one's life as
a common mortal) and that is to place absolute faith in the
Gohonzon and
chant sincere Daimoku to the 'soul of the Law' of the Daishonin,
who
revealed the eternal truth of life the principle of all
phenomena in the
entire universe are integrated in the single life-moment of the
Buddha
(isshin ichinen saku uchu hokai). Moreover, we must pray that
our isshin
ichinen will also be favored with the great merit of achieving
oneness with
the Gohonzon (kyochi myogo), thus transforming our hearts into
an all
encompassing compassionate one that will fuse with the entire
universe.
Needless to say, your single-minded devotion to believe in the
Gohonzon
already contains this noble life condition in its entirety.
Hence, it does
not require any special or conscious effort on our part. It is
perfectly
acceptable to chant to the Gohonzon for various objectives in
our daily
life, such as for the attainment of variety of goals in our
life, for the
sake of Shakubuku, for the sake of peace and security in this
life, for the
sake of being reborn happy in the next existence, or for the
sake of
fulfilling our hopes and desires - all these are good enough
reasons.
Nonetheless, the truth is, despite your awareness or lack of it,
the root
source of all phenomena in the universe, whether it be a minor
benefit or
minor punishment, or a great merit or great retribution, all
derive as
benefit and retribution from the Mystic Law and its function,
which
permeate the entire universe. As long as you grasp this one
essential
point, I believe that no matter what happens, you will not be
affected or
frightened, and an unwavering and steadfast conviction will
spontaneously
spring forth within you.
Those who correctly believe in the Gohonzon in this manner will
be able to
freely and without any restriction manifest, on our own,
whatever
life-condition we so desire because our ichinen is one with the
universe.
Our life will become expansive and generous, all-encompassing
and
fulfilling, and will naturally overflow with great happiness.
When our
life-condition undergoes transformation, our outlook and
perception on
various people or things will naturally change. People we were
once
terrified of may suddenly appear weak and vulnerable, or we may
newly
discover some wonderful aspect in people which we failed to
notice before.
As for personal relationships, with latitude and without
pressure, we are
naturally able to see the person for what he is. We might find
out that the
injustices and dissatisfaction, or even the hardships and
sufferings in
life which we had been experiencing have changed into happiness
and hope
without us even knowing. From this point onward, the heart to
Shakubuku,
which is the heart to sincerely think about the other person's
happiness,
will spring forth. Nevertheless, every thing must first begin
with the
acceptance of the faith of Myoho, if it is not, then it is not
genuine. The
cardinal element for the successful attainment of true Kosen-
Rufu lies in
the relating and sharing the wondrous merit of Myoho to all
people, and
growing happy together through the practice of Buddhism.
To be continued.
1 isshin ichinen - one's mind and ichinen
2 Buddha of absolute freedom = (Jpn. Jijuyushin) same as
Buddha of
limitless joy. From the standpoint of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism,
the eternal
Buddha of limitless joy is Nichiren Daishonin.
Posted by Cody
-----------------------------------------------------------
Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com.
Up to 100 minutes free!
http://www.keen.com
Allan Saunders
NST members seem to brag that they only pray for the fulfillment of earthly
desires during the fourth prayer, and that Daimoku can only properly by
intoned for the attainment of kyochi myogo, when your H.P. clearly says
otherwise ?
I have always been somewhat annoyed by a certain self righteousness of
tone on the part of NST members in this regard and have often felt the
slamming of SGI members for chanting about their lives to be somewhat
hypocritical. Now we see your H.P. calling prayers for ones hopes and
desires "perfectly acceptable".
Any comments ?
Allan Saunders,
SGI member.
Cody wrote in message <036c145e...@usw-ex0104-026.remarq.com>...
Cody
Where does he say that, while chanting Daimoku, one should chant
for one's prayer? That is for the fourth prayer.
You are only, like all the others, looking for a fault. You've
wasted ten years of your life.
CrystalMoonKiss
Priesthood?
This runs counter to Nichiren who says without study their can be no
enlightenment. Without a degree you get paid? Without work your house gets
cleaned?...GEES
Then why should we study? Why if you are putting up with abuse in the
priesthood and people are mistreating you and lying about you, when there is
censorship, authoritarianism, or snobbery, should you continue to take it to
become enlightened?
Im confused, effort takes effort, and true discernment is something you get
from practicing!...I am sure you become enlightened by practice to the
Gohonzon. However, I do not think you can just chant and achieve
enlightenment, it takes conscious effort to follow your own Buddhahood and not
ignore it and become disciplined, work at things, and achieve your
enlightenment despite obstacles, no matter what they are.
No Buddha hands you a platter with your enlightenment on it just because you
practice! Certainly it is not others who give it to you! They may give you
the key, but you have to turn it. You also have to learn how to put it in the
door. Yet, it is being said you are alright if you practice in the Priesthood?
Are you?
Well, thanks for the sermon..It is natural in a way, however, just thinking you
are already enlightened and free of mistakes and are already there because X
says so, is not Buddhist, its dogma. Neither is belonging to orgs. when they
harm others with foolishness, and every day is one big catfight.. Because orgs
are not the point. Enlightenment is...And when someone prevents your
enlightenment they are slandering!...That happens here too!
Also, I believe following a priesthood is not the point, its dogma! Why would
you have to listen to anyone but the Gohonzon??? It runs both ways in favor of
orgs. right? I am not meaning SGI or a Priesthood can not be right, I am
saying it is not the focus, the enlightnment is...And listening to it!.
And...if a certain person were to die, do you have to depend on that situation
for your life? Some do, and I do not think that is correct! They get weak
when things fall apart, if their leader does......right folks?
Were we weak after the dispute? You may say no, but yes we all were, families
fell apart, people were confused...1000s called the temples in chaos...Some
members committed suicide..
No...I think this is true to some extent but not that easy folks!
Enlightenment takes work, hard work, your OWN committment. It takes conscious
effort to have compassion at times and much reality and care! You cannot kick
sand in others faces, just be selfish when you wish and practice and expect
enlightenment..but go ahead if you wish to do it that way..No one can tell
someone else what to do.
Poof! I chant, so I am enlightened..Funny, but not funny!..
CrystalMoonKiss
Allan Saunders
ten times. I am not looking for a fault, I find this speech to be wonderful.
I am looking for a lessening of hypocrisy on the part of some NST members.
Your H.P. says "chant to the Gohonzon", since the silent prayers are just
that, I interpreted "chant to the Gohonzon" to be a reference to Daimoku.
I stand by this interpretation and think most reasonable people would read
"chant to the Gohonzon" as a reference to Daimoku.
I honestly thank you again for posting this, and I sincerely feel that NST
members should stop with the self righteous posturing on this issue.
Allan
Cody wrote in message <22b6e18a...@usw-ex0101-007.remarq.com>...
Allan Saunders
Allan
Mr T
<buts...@rcn.com> wrote:
> I have read the entire speech twice and the paragraph in question at least
> ten times. I am not looking for a fault, I find this speech to be wonderful.
> I am looking for a lessening of hypocrisy on the part of some NST members.
> Your H.P. says "chant to the Gohonzon", since the silent prayers are just
> that, I interpreted "chant to the Gohonzon" to be a reference to Daimoku.
> I stand by this interpretation and think most reasonable people would read
> "chant to the Gohonzon" as a reference to Daimoku.
> I honestly thank you again for posting this, and I sincerely feel that NST
> members should stop with the self righteous posturing on this issue.
> Allan
I don't find any of us being self righteous about this. It only points out
our emphasis, less for material gain, and more for the bigger picture,
which has ALWAYS been Nichiren Shoshu's emphasis.
Remember that most of us came from a place that placed heavy importance on
showing material gain (the SGI). You can say that the SGI may be different
today, but you cannot rewrite decades of history.
I find that the SGI only started "cleaning up" on this AFTER the split,
when the temple started reteaching the concept of Shodai to us.(Something
never taught before in the SGI)
--
Kurt
anti-spam measure:
to reply send to: martman at primenet dot com
Cody
> I have read the entire speech twice and the paragraph in
question at least
>ten times. I am not looking for a fault, I find this speech to
be wonderful.
> I am looking for a lessening of hypocrisy on the part of some
NST members.
> Your H.P. says "chant to the Gohonzon", since the silent
prayers are just
>that, I interpreted "chant to the Gohonzon" to be a reference
to Daimoku.
One possibility.
> I stand by this interpretation and think most reasonable
people would read
>"chant to the Gohonzon" as a reference to Daimoku.
Or the silent prayers.
> I honestly thank you again for posting this, and I sincerely
feel that NST
>members should stop with the self righteous posturing on this
issue.
>Allan
What "self righteous postering" are you talking about?
You seem to agree with the High Priest, Allan, sorry bout the
mispelling.
Cody
>Cody wrote in message <22b6e18a.456be46d@usw-ex0101-
007.remarq.com>...
>>. It is
>>perfectly
>>acceptable to chant to the Gohonzon for various objectives in
>>our daily
>>life, such as for the attainment of variety of goals in our
>>life, for the
>>sake of Shakubuku, for the sake of peace and security in this
>>life, for the
>>sake of being reborn happy in the next existence, or for the
>>sake of
>>fulfilling our hopes and desires - all these are good enough
>>reasons.
>
>
>
>
>
-----------------------------------------------------------
greengables
Priest Nikken Shonin discusses devotion in an entire paragraph
preceding the line in question here. In the preceding sentence he
once again emphasizes devotion. Offering daimoku is a gesture of
devotion rather than an act of will. It isn't the power of
positive thinking, it is not begruding one's life.
Enlightenment is a boundless field which is not attained simply
by an effort or act of will but through a profound devotion
derived from an even deeper faith. Without faith it would be
dificult to practice or study.
Reginald Carpenter
2000, 3:29pm (CDT+1).
You asked & I quote, "Why do some NST members seem to brag that they
only pray for the fulfillment of earthly desires during the fourth
prayer, and that Daimoku can only properly be intoned for the attainment
of kyochi myogyo, when your H.P. clearly says otherwise?"
Answer - 1) First of all, that is basically a two part question, and you
seem to be making a derogatory, SNAKEy, SNEAKy innuendo about NST
members in both parts of it, when your lying, low life conditioned,
SNAKEy, SNEAKy sorry-ass is NOT a NST/NSH member yourself!
So you can NOT really know about what "NST members" allegedly "brag
about", either good or bad, true or false, FOOL!
1a) Therefore, your complex question is entirely out of order, just like
you are as one of the SNAKEy, SNEAKy members of that new-aged SGI/NSS
mess, CULT of Personality Worshipper's religio-politico organization
which was EXPELLED in Nov. 1991, and whose SNAKEy, SNEAKy members like
you, as applicable, were all EXCOMMUNICATED in Dec. 1997 from the
Nichiren Shoshu religion!
And, I find your "praise" of the H.P. - High Priest's speech to be an
insult, coming from a NST priesthood hating HYPOCRITE like you, Allan
Saunders, a self-proclaimed "proud member" of the SGI/NSS mess!
2) However, being the "nice" NST/NSH member that I really am, I will
rephrase your FACETIOUS hypocritical, lying, low life conditioned
sorry-assed "question" properly to answer that. Don't praise or thank
me - that's just the kind of guy I am! LOL.
Q. "Why do some NST seem to say, NOT brag, that they only pray for the
fulfillment of earthly desires during the fourth prayer, and that
Daimoku can only properly be intoned for the attainment of kyochi
myogyo, when your High Priest clearly says otherwise in His speech?"
A. On the front end of that question, that is really a No brainer,
because the fourth (4th) silent prayer in the Nichiren Shoshu liturgy
(gongyo) book, which NST members must use, is the ONLY silent prayer
especially written for that purpose, and the High Priest does NOT
"clearly say otherwise" about that in His speech! Duh, FOOL?! LOL.
A. On the back end of that question, it probably is NOT true that "some
NST members" say "that Daimoku can only properly be intoned for the
attainment of kyochi myogyo," since Allan Saunders is doing No-thing
[Zen] but acting like a lying-ass, low life conditioned, SNAKEy, SNEAKy
HEARSAYER & RUMOR MONGERER in that part of his FACETIOUS question!
OTOH - If that were true, or if that is what "some NST members" say that
they believe, then that is their faith & personal belief(s), and they
are entitled to believe that; and the High Priest does NOT "clearly say
otherwise" about that in His speech!
On the contrary, He does clearly say that quote, "It is perfectly
acceptable to chant to the Gohonzon for *various objectives* in our
daily life, such as for the *variety of goals* in our life, ..., ...,
.., or for the sake of fulfilling our *hopes and desires* - all [of]
these are good enough reasons."
Comment - Therefore, if a NST member believes & says that they only
chant or "intone the Daimoku" to attain "kyochi myogyo" with the
Gohonzon, then that is their own "various objective", or "variety of
goals", or "hopes and desires*, just as the High Priest clearly DOES say
in His speech!
3) So, although that SNAKEy, SNEAKy Allan Saunders appears to "praise"
the High Priest's speech, he is really doing the SGI/NSS mess M.O. of
MISEDUCATION & OBFUSCATION, by distorting & misinterpreting it,
according to his own lying-ass, low life conditioned SLANDEROUS
INability to be able to read & understand it correctly!
And, he is really SLANDERING some alleged "NST members", too, about
something that really is none of his d-a-m-ned business - it is none of
his business about WHAT "some NST members" pray for, or WHY they pray
for it! War. } : < { 0
<<< Stone Eagle >>>
Airborne in Cyberspace*
Reginald Carpenter
2000, 2:56pm (CDT-2).
He "cut & pasted" a message from Allan Saunders in it.
1) Re. Allan Saunders' message, he wrote & I quote, that "I feel this
speech is wonderful."
Comment - I feel that "this speech" being praised by a FOOL like that
A.S.S. - Allan STUPID Saunders - is NOT wonderful! LOL.
2) A.S.S. - Allan STUPID Saunders wrote & I quote, that "I am looking
for a lessening of hypocrisy on the part of some NST members."
Comment - That statement and both of his mess-ages about the High
Priest's speech are perfect examples of that A.S.S. - Allan STUPID
Saunders - being a perfect HYPOCRITE! LOL.
He is doing No-thing [Zen] but being a LYING, low life conditioned,
SNAKEy, SNEAKy HYPOCRITE trying to SLANDER some alleged "NST members",
instead of "looking for a lessening of hypocrisy" in his own d-a-m-ned
self, which is the height of HYPOCRISY! LOL.
3) A.S.S. - Allan STUPID SAUNDERS wrote & I quote, that "I interpreted
"chant to the Gohonzon" to be a reference to Daimoku."
Comments - Well, whoop dee doo, and good for you, A.S.S.! Daimoku is
exactly what NST/NSH members use to "chant to the Gohonzon." Duh, FOOL!
LOL.
So, how come a DUMB-ASSed member of that new-aged SGI/NSS mess
"interprets" chanting to the Gohonzon "to be a reference to Daimoku",
FOOL?! ROTFL & LMAO.
"Listen Up"! -Quincy Jones. To "chant to the Gohonzon" means exactly
that, to chant (Daimoku) to the Gohonzon (object of worship). That's
just how it works, and the ONLY way it works. Duh, FOOL! ROTFL.
But, maybe DUMB-ASSes like you in the new-aged SGI/NSS just can't figure
that out anymore, since you have a COUNTERFEIT object of worship, a
"Dai-saku no Honzon", to chant to, and you chant "Die no moku" to it, to
try to close down NST temples and prevent NST/NSH members from their
right to practice their freedom of religion, and even to kill them,
especially the High Priest!
4) A.S.S. wrote & I quote, that "I sincerely feel that NST members
should stop with the self-righteous posturing on this issue."
Comments - What "issue", FOOL?! LOL.
There is NO issue about NST members' alleged "self-righteous posturing"
to a LYING, low life conditioned, SNAKEy, SNEAKy SORRY-ASS like A.S.S. -
Allan STUPID Saunders, a self-proclaimed "proud member" of the new-aged
SGI/NSS mess, CULT of Personality Worshipper's religio-politico
organization who was EXCOMMUNICATED from the Nichiren Shoshu religion in
Dec. 1997!
So, "I sincerely feel that" new-aged SGI/NSS mess members, like that
d-a-m-ned HYPOCRITE, A.S.S. - Allan STUPID Saunders, should STOP with
their constant bothering & harassment of NST/NSH members, and trying to
interfere with their lives, religious beliefs, and practices with the
Nichiren Shoshu - that is the real issue! War. } : < { 0
Reginald Carpenter
3:21pm (CDT-2); x-ref. to Allan Saunders posting at 3:29pm (CDT+1) & my
posting (RC) on Sat, July 15, 2000, 6:55am CDT.
Re. the A.S.S. - Allan STUPID Saunders posting, first of all, he is
doing No-thing [Zen] but asking a FACETIOUS question about allegedly
"some NST members", and being a HYPOCRITE, and SLANDERING them in his
hypocritical, LYING, low life conditioned SNAKEy, SNEAKy SORRY-ASSed
way! LOL.
Secondly, the A.S.S. - Allan STUPID Saunders is being a HYPOCRITE by
"praising" the High Priest's speech, even though he is a "proud member"
of that new-aged SGI/NSS mess, CULT of Personality Worshipper's
religio-politico organization which was EXPELLED in Nov. 1991, and whose
NST priesthood hating members like him were all individually, as
applicable, EXCOMMUNICATED in Dec. 1997 from the Nichiren Shoshu
religion!
Therefore, that A.S.S. has violated my airspace in cyberspace*, by
insulting the 67th High Priest's speech with his lying-ass, pretentious
"praising" of it - it is an insult to be praised by a d-a-m-ned FOOL
like that A.S.S.! War. } : < { 0
greengables
Reginald Carpenter
15, 2000, 10:12am (CDT-2).
You wrote & I quote, that "Remarkably erudite. Bad enough for hip hop."
Comments - That was "bad" enough - remarkably good, Greenie! LOL.
The "trick" is, to be able to accurately present & discuss the facts re.
the subject matter or topic, "alt.religion.buddhism.nichiren", in an
interesting, not boring, way. A.r.b.n. keywords: stay current.
Because, this is Arbn: "Where the Fun Never Stops!" So, that means that
we can have fun and "hip hop"! LOL.
BTW - today is the anniversary date for the "Rissho Ankoku Ron", July
16th, 1260.
WorldPeace! } : < { 0
Scott Baird
crystal...@aol.com (CrystalMoonKiss) wrote:
> Its perfectly okay to just chant daimoku and do Gongyo and follow the
> Priesthood? This runs counter to Nichiren who says without study
> their can be no enlightenment. Without a degree you get paid?
> Without work your house gets cleaned?...GEES
You either miss the point, or are simply unaware of how NST works
(the likely reason). Study IS part of our practice. Practice is not
an exclusionary term that means "chant" within NST. Chanting and study
are NOT separate issues within NST, as we realize that they are both
equally very important parts of the path to enlightenment.
Scott
Hokkeko
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
Allan Saunders
creative acromyn.
I'm a little baffled by the fact that none of you seem to have ever seen a
post by an NST member slamming gakkai members for chanting about their
problems or goals while proclaiming the purity of their own Daimoku.
Be that as it may, I said what I have to say on that count.
I wonder if Greengables could elaborate on the difference between devotion
and will. Really. It seems to me that one makes a decision (involving
volition,a.k.a. will) to devote ones life to the Gohonzon. Praying for the
fulfillment of ones desires in no way negates ones level of devotion, unless
a shallow attitude of "exchange" or demand is present. If slanderous,
shallow, or destructive attitudes are present in ones prayer then the
problem isn't chanting for ones desires, the problem is failing to grasp the
significance of the Gohonzon and the strict reality of cause and effect.
Allan Saunders
S.G.I. member
Cody
> Thank you very much Reggie, for bestowing upon me such an
original and
>creative acromyn.
> I'm a little baffled by the fact that none of you seem to
have ever seen a
about their
>problems or goals while proclaiming the purity of their own
Daimoku.
Allan, as we already know the difference between a prayer and
shodai, we understand that when the High Priest says "chanting
to the Gohonzon about our own lives", that He is referring to
the fourth prayer.
> Be that as it may, I said what I have to say on that count.
> I wonder if Greengables could elaborate on the difference
between devotion
>and will.
Devotion, like love, cannot be willed.
>Really. It seems to me that one makes a decision (involving
>volition,a.k.a. will) to devote ones life to the Gohonzon.
Praying for the
>fulfillment of ones desires in no way negates ones level of
devotion, unless
>a shallow attitude of "exchange" or demand is present. If
slanderous,
>shallow, or destructive attitudes are present in ones prayer
then the
>problem isn't chanting for ones desires, the problem is failing
to grasp the
>significance of the Gohonzon and the strict reality of cause
and effect.
>Allan Saunders
>S.G.I. member
Cody
greengables
between a mafioso and a semiotician (stated elsewhere)--the
former will make you an offer you can't refuse, the latter will
make you an offer you can't understand.
Two different words.
Hello..one has a a point of intention,i.e., will, the other is
not limited by time i.e., devotion.
(also mystic)
If they were interchangable we wouldn't need 2 words. Devotion is
like casting your name into the sea of enlightenment, not
begrudging your life. Using will means being mindful of one's
life, keeping it.
Both have their uses, but in terms of worship devotion is the
higher language.
<greenie with appreciation>
Allan Saunders
series of choices are made daily, sometimes moment to moment, building,
developing devotion, the ultimate goal being the realization of complete
fusion.
If ones devotion to the Gohonzon were a fixed, eternal, mystic entity only,
then the Daishonin would have needed write no Gosho, encourage no believers,
practice no shakubuku.
We offer greens, fruit, water, incense, the ringing of the bell, all as an
expression of a devotion which is manifested in this lifetime as a result of
the fortune we build by engaging in these very acts !
Thoughts ?
Allan Saunders,
S.G.I. member.
greengables wrote in message
<04f616f4...@usw-ex0102-016.remarq.com>...
>The difference between devotion and will is like the difference
>between a mafioso and a semiotician (stated elsewhere)--the
> former will make you an offer you can't refuse, the latter will
>make you an offer you can't understand.
>Two different words.
>Hello..one has a a point of intention,i.e., will, the other is
>not limited by time i.e., devotion.
>(also mystic)
>If they were interchangable we wouldn't need 2 words. Devotion is
>like casting your name into the sea of enlightenment, not
>begrudging your life. Using will means being mindful of one's
>life, keeping it.
>Both have their uses, but in terms of worship devotion is the
>higher language.
>
><greenie with appreciation>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
greengables
devotion,however, the definition of the word is not " an act of
will". It may be a conception for some, or volition for others.
It has to be sustained and a single act of will may not sustain
it for eternity.
Obviously the vows taken at Gojukai were later discarded by many
who said "I do" to protect Nichiren Shoshu throughout their
lives. A second act of will allowed them to do this. Devotion
does not consist of a series of such acts. It is on the level of
the ninth consciousness,
Keep your sense of humour in all this. Shall we find a
philosopher who has written a thesis on the subject? There is
always (for the aging baby boomer) --existentialism. Will was a
favorite topic of theirs --a subject they inherited from Hume,
Kant et al. Kierkegard, Satre especially liked the topic..
We are talking about faith here. I don't beleive you can
entirely will faith. Perhaps someone by an act of will may
initiate it but sustaining it is another thing, especially if
they have no actual proof. It is the latter that underpins faith
in the DaiGohonzon.
<greenie with ap
Paul Julian Gould
Watch that "aging baby boomer" stuff..... there are entirely too many of us
on this list!!!!!!
<bwg>
Regards and Gassho,
Paul Julian Gould
Panorama City, California, USA
Myohoji Hokkeko member and
Aging Baby Boomer
--
========================================
Omnia quia sunt, lumina sunt
========================================
http://home.earthlink.net/~pauljulian
http://www.primenet.com/~martman/ns.html
http://www.calodges.org/no721
========================================
"greengables" <jshiningwat...@aol.com.invalid> wrote in message
news:0938b835...@usw-ex0105-037.remarq.com...
> Not everything we do is willed. Perhaps you need to will
> devotion,however, the definition of the word is not " an act of
> will". It may be a conception for some, or volition for others.
> It has to be sustained and a single act of will may not sustain
> it for eternity.
> Obviously the vows taken at Gojukai were later discarded by many
> who said "I do" to protect Nichiren Shoshu throughout their
> lives. A second act of will allowed them to do this. Devotion
> does not consist of a series of such acts. It is on the level of
> the ninth consciousness,
>
> Keep your sense of humour in all this. Shall we find a
> philosopher who has written a thesis on the subject? There is
> always (for the aging baby boomer) --existentialism. Will was a
> favorite topic of theirs --a subject they inherited from Hume,
> Kant et al. Kierkegard, Satre especially liked the topic..
>
> We are talking about faith here. I don't beleive you can
> entirely will faith. Perhaps someone by an act of will may
> initiate it but sustaining it is another thing, especially if
> they have no actual proof. It is the latter that underpins faith
> in the DaiGohonzon.
>
> <greenie with ap
>
>
greengables
You are entirely too sensitive to the facts. Unfortunately the
ABB ( aging baby boomer) generation doesn't have a nice name like
the Victorians, the Edwardians, Generation X etc. What do you
call them...Yuppies? Face it --it's a generation fast approaching
retirement who have changed the world in dynamic ways in the 60's
and beyond but we have no proper name for them. Should I just say
that there is a certain mindset in operation in the post-war
generation, a predilection for Jimi Hendrix..also with generation
X. Maybe they are undefinable. But no doubt will make the most
interesting bunch of retirees ever seen. I'll get back to you on
this one after I consult with some colleagues whose special field
area is the 60's and who lecture on same.
Sensitive? Don't be. You will grow younger and your good fortune
will increase. My point is this--that there are obvious societal,
cultural and political influences deeply ingrained on each
generation (defined as a ten year period)...there are shared
experiences like recessions, wars, social upheavals, civil rights
or labor movements that certain groups have in common and which
distinguish them. You can choose to interpret "aging" in a
negative or positive way. I don't see it as negative so it is
your problem with the word. I am stating the facts. That
generation is reaching retirement in the next ten years. I call
that aging??? But if you can't take it then I will just say
growing older gracefully when I have comments about the mindset
of some ( not all people) 50+. Okay?
<greenie with
greengables
the ABB words.??
Anyway every generation loves Nietsche.
Paul Julian Gould
Is my face red!!!!! Apparently you didn't see the <bwg> at the end...
Biiiiiiiiggggggg wide grin!
I was teasing! Really! Honest!
I'm not sensitive about it..... my teen years weren't a whole lot of fun, my
20's are a.... errrrrrrmmmm.... blur, shall we say... my 30's.... my 30's
fairly sucked. My 40's are fantastic! I'm 43 and loving it! My marriage
is great (2nd marriage.... 1st was.... well ... see above about my 30's),
I'm in demand re: work, my music is taking off, and, most importantly, my
faith is finally on the right track!
I don't tend to fit the stereotype boomer, by any means, but I am in that
category by age. I'm more of a Gen-Xer by mindset, but.... well, the
calendar doesn't lie.
"I was so much older then, I'm younger than that, now."
---The Traveling Wilburys
Best regards and with Gassho,
Paul Julian Gould
Panorama City, California, USA
Myohoji Hokkeko Member
--
========================================
Omnia quia sunt, lumina sunt
========================================
http://home.earthlink.net/~pauljulian
http://www.primenet.com/~martman/ns.html
http://www.calodges.org/no721
========================================
"greengables" <jshiningwat...@aol.com.invalid> wrote in message
news:06a14300...@usw-ex0104-028.remarq.com...
greengables
culture here which is very youth oriented.ut I don't actually
agree with that way of looking at the world. In future I won't go
there.
I do notice that there is something about people who chant
though, no matter what age, that distinguishes their lives from
those who don't (even if those people live to be happily 100
years old).
<aging but still green>
Cody
>
>I don't tend to fit the stereotype boomer, by any means, but I
am in that
>category by age.
Barely.
>I'm more of a Gen-Xer by mindset, but.... well, the
>calendar doesn't lie.
>
>"I was so much older then, I'm younger than that, now."
>---The Traveling Wilburys (no, Paul, it was Bob Dylan who wrote
that and the song is called, My Back Pages)
>
>Best regards and with Gassho,
>
>Paul Julian Gould
43 is very young, Paul. Very. I am going to turn 54 on September
28, and THAT'S very young. You aren't even half way there. And,
what with the new advances in medical science (eg, the British
have just discovered a way to use stem cells from bone marrow
and eliminate the need for any transplants!) and your practise,
it is possible that you aren't even a third of the way there :-)