Saturday, April 25, 2015

《法華經》中的寶塔,生命中的寶塔 | 佛法 | 國際創價學會

《法華經》中的寶塔,生命中的寶塔 | 佛法 | 國際創價學會

《法華經》中的寶塔,生命中的寶塔

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寶塔

日蓮佛法奉《法華經》為釋尊至高無上的經典,認為其內容完整無缺地開顯釋尊成佛的至理。經中採用寓言的手法,描述釋尊向眾弟子侃侃說法的情景,在某個關鍵時節,一座宏偉壯觀的寶塔突然從大地湧現而出。寶塔由七種寶物砌成,其體積之龐大超乎人們的想像。所謂寶塔,即是諸多經典中常提到的「卒塔婆」(又稱「窣堵坡」)(stupa)。那原本是用以安置釋尊遺骨的圓頂建築物。

正當眾弟子對此不可思議的一幕感到萬分震驚之際,塔中傳出一道嘹亮的聲音,禮讚了釋尊,同時亦證明了釋尊所說屬實。隨後釋尊打開寶塔,顯現端坐其中的多寶如來。

釋尊解釋,這尊已經入滅的佛曾出生於無與倫比的亙古時代,其寶塔必在教化《法華經》的場所出現。說完這一切,釋尊登入寶塔,與多寶如來並坐其中。之後還出現了其他一連串神乎其神的場面,包括整個會場升入空中展開所謂的「虛空會」。

其實這些令人難以置信的場面,均為表達人人生命中那深不可測的佛界的寓言。

在佛法看來,佛所代表的是一種人類完美及理想的成長階段,而釋尊本身就是這種理想的象徵。釋尊慈悲為懷,其大無畏大智慧的一生,是眾弟子仿效學習的榜樣。不過在釋尊入滅後,佛教開始蒙上神話色彩,成佛的理想變得縹緲和不切實際,而佛教也似乎與人的實際生活脫節。

另一方面,日蓮(1222-82年)的佛法以《法華經》為本,奉其「萬眾成佛」(即佛界為一切眾生與生俱來的境界)的理念為圭臬。《法華經》中寶塔出現的場面,可被視為一種用以刻畫佛界與日常生活之間的關係的手法。

日蓮把寶塔詮釋為宇宙至高的法則,更道出那是「南無妙法蓮華經」。根據日蓮所作的解釋(「覆四條金吾書其一」,《日蓮大聖人御書全集》第1161頁),多寶如來和釋尊在寶塔中出現的一幕顯示了「境智冥合」的法門。「境」是所觀之境,即客觀的外界,「智」是能觀之智,即主觀的智慧。多寶如來所代表的「境」,是宇宙至高的法界,而釋尊所代表的「智」,則是佛甚深無量的智慧,二佛並坐代表「境智冥合」,即「即身成佛」之義。

在寫給一名信徒的信中,日蓮論及這宇宙至高的法則到底存在何處。誠如日蓮所寫的:「持法華經之男女,其身之外,別無寶塔也」(「予阿佛法師書(阿佛房御書)」,《日蓮大聖人御書全集》第1371頁),那其實是在人人生命深處。

人的生命原本就具備佛的特徵及品德。《法華經》的本意,以及信受此經之人的使命,在於讓人開啟這隱藏在生命中的潛質。《法華經》宛如一道橋樑,將人的內心及外界聯繫起來。透過《法華經》,生命內的佛界,可顯現在生命外的世界。為了讓人湧現心中的寶塔,日蓮確立了唱誦「南無妙法蓮華經」的修行。他還把《法華經》中的虛空會,圖顯成「御本尊」這幅曼荼羅,為一切眾生生命中的佛界予以具體形態,以作為人們修行的對象。

關於點綴在寶塔上的七寶,日蓮有如此解釋:那是「聞、信、戒、定、進、捨、慚」的七種德行(同上)。對於佛應有的形象,人們常以為那是一尊雍容嫻雅的存在,但根據日蓮的這個解釋,佛的特徵及品德是在勇猛精進、修行不輟之中展現的。

寶塔出現在《法華經》的〈見寶塔品〉中。所謂見寶塔,就是認知自己及他人生命中的佛界,也是尊重自己及他人生命的尊嚴。佛與凡夫的差別,在於對「萬人成佛」此理念相信與否。

國際創價學會會長池田大作曾寫過:「散發七寶光輝的寶塔,就是指自己本身屹立不搖的原貌。我們本身就是一座莊嚴無比的寶塔。」(第三十三回:與阿佛法師書《寶塔御書》,《研習勝利經典――「御書」》)

<資料來源:2012年7月《SGI季刊》;翻譯:創價學會國際廣報局>

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Friday, April 24, 2015

"Emergence of the Treasure Tower" chapter

"Emergence of the Treasure Tower" chapter 
[見宝塔品] ( Jpn Ken-hoto-hon )

Abbreviated as the "Treasure Tower" chapter. The eleventh chapter of the Lotus Sutra. This chapter describes the emergence of the treasure tower of the Buddha Many Treasures, who bears witness to the truth of the Lotus Sutra, and the beginning of the Ceremony in the Air. After the proclamations in the preceding chapters of the sutra that voice-hearers and cause-awakened ones will attain Buddhahood in the future, a magnificent tower adorned with the seven kinds of treasures, 500 yojanas in height and 250 yojanas each in width and depth, emerges from beneath the earth and hangs suspended in midair. A voice issues from within, praising Shakyamuni Buddha and declaring that all he has taught thus far in the Lotus Sutra is true. Through the person of Bodhisattva Great Joy of Preaching, the assembly asks to know the meaning of this event. Shakyamuni explains that within the tower is the body of a Buddha called Many Treasures who once lived in the land of Treasure Purity, an incalculable number of worlds to the east. Though he has long since entered nirvana, he has made a vow that he will appear in the treasure tower wherever anyone might preach the Lotus Sutra and testify to the truth of that sutra.Bodhisattva Great Joy of Preaching then requests to see the figure of Many Treasures Buddha. Shakyamuni replies that, in order to open the door to the treasure tower, he must first assemble from throughout the ten directions those Buddhas who are preaching the Law as emanations of himself, and he proceeds to purify the lands three times to make room for the emanations. First he purifies the saha world by removing all the human and heavenly beings other than the members of the assembly to other lands, leaving no one but the assembled multitude. Then he uses his transcendental powers to purify "two hundred ten thousand million nayutas of lands in each of the eight directions." In these lands, there are no longer any beings of hell and of the realms of hungry spirits, animals, and asuras— that is, no beings of the four evil paths. In addition, Shakyamuni moves the human beings and heavenly beings to other lands so that these purified lands are not inhabited by any beings in the six paths.He then purifies yet "another two hundred ten thousand million nayutas of lands in each of the eight directions" in the same manner.Now that the saha world and two other groups of lands have been transformed into Buddha lands in this way, all the Buddhas assemble from throughout the ten directions, seating themselves on lion seats under jeweled trees. When they all have gathered, Shakyamuni opens the treasure tower, and Many Treasures Buddha invites him to share his seat.Shakyamuni then uses his transcendental powers to raise the entire assembly into open space so that they can see Many Treasures Buddha more clearly, and the Ceremony in the Air begins. Seated beside Many Treasures in the treasure tower, Shakyamuni then makes three pronouncements, calling upon the multitude to propagate the Lotus Sutra after his death. In the course of the third pronouncement, he sets forth "the six difficult and nine easy acts" to emphasize the great difficulty of embracing and propagating the Lotus Sutra after his death.



http://www.sgilibrary.org/search_dict.php?id=551


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ETERNAL GUIDELINES OF FAITH

ETERNAL GUIDELINES OF FAITH

SGI President Ikeda shared the following guidelines at a conference with visiting SGI representatives, held at the Makiguchi Memorial Hall in Tokyo, December 11, 2003.

1) Faith for a harmonious family

"If we ourselves stand up earnestly and confidently in faith, we can lead all of our family and relatives in the direction of happiness and hope."

2) Faith for each person to become happy

"Happiness is not something bestowed on us by others or that comes from somewhere outside us. It is something that we ourselves must gain, with our own hearts."

3) Faith for surmounting obstacles

"Encountering obstacles is proof that we are faithfully practicing the correct teaching of Buddhism. Moreover, through surmounting obstacles we can attain the indestructible state of life of Buddhahood."

4) Faith for health and long life

"Life is the most precious treasure of all. May you all enjoy good health and longevity, living each irreplaceable day to the fullest and creating infinite and immeasurable value."

5) Faith for absolute victory

"The triumph of truth and justice is the ultimate law of the universe itself. Firmly believing that with all our hearts is the essence of faith."

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Thursday, April 23, 2015

Persevere to see your benefit!

"Nevertheless, even though you chant and believe in Myoho-renge-kyo, if you think the Law is outside yourself, you are embracing not the Mystic Law but an inferior teaching."

- On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime

By Carlos Vigoa, USA:

Last year, my financial struggles seemed so endless that I began to view them as this huge wall, one that seemed bigger than my capacity to scale it. I was unemployed at the time, and while I was chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and taking action, my attitude was to wait for someone (or something) to rescue me.

I increased the amount I chanted each day, yet I started to doubt the power of the Gohonzon when I didn't see immediate results. It was through studying this passage from Nichiren's writings over and over again that I realized I could no longer sit and wait for the Gohonzon to answer my prayers.

I realized that I had to take full responsibility for my problems and my victories. I realized that any change in my environment would begin with a revolution in my own heart.

I started to chant with a renewed determination to win over my problems.

SGI President Ikeda writes: "When you wage a struggle, you might win or you might lose. But regardless of the short-term outcome, the very fact of your continuing to struggle is proof of your victory as a human being. A strong spirit, strong faith and strong prayer--developing these is victory and the world of Buddhahood" (For Today and Tomorrow, p. 50).

Last year, I was able to deepen my faith and clearly see the result of a determined prayer. I was hired for two jobs! At the first job, my employers said they wished they had found me earlier. The second is part-time, but I get full-time wages.

Furthermore, my inner revolution brought about a change in my relationships with my mother, family and others. In the end, this was, by far, my greatest benefit.

[Courtesy of World Tribune, SGI-USA, March 2008] 😉😘


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Wednesday, April 22, 2015

FINDING THE KEY TO HAPPINESS..

22/4/15 12:49:30 pm: Kwee! Chang: 2 hrs ·

FINDING THE KEY TO HAPPINESS..
Hi everyone. Good morning. I am Dhruva Das Munshi, practicing this life changing philosophy since August 2006. In August 2006, when I was contemplating of committing suicide due to acute financial crisis and unemployment, my friend put a lifetime's effort into persuading me to try Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. After hours of discussions and arguments, she finally dropped a quiet bomb, saying,"Your life Will Change 360 degrees". For that I had no argument.
When I actually began practicing, my life erupted with benefits. I got my first breakthrough in a company of my friend which later took wings and withing six months it was taken over by a major financial giant and I was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer with a great package even though I did not have the requisite qualification & experience.
From then on, I really determined to dedicate my life to the path of Kosen Rufu based on the oneness of mentor and disciple. I began a daily dialogue with President Ikeda, asking myself, 'What would Sensei do in this situation'? With my mentor as my spiritual compass, I developed a level of courage & compassion I had never thought possible.
I also learned to follow through with my ideas & promises. For instance, President Ikeda has said that those who practice Nichiren Buddhism should try to be indispensable where they are, citing this guidance from first Soka Gakkai President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi:"There are three kinds of people: Those everyone wants to have around, those whose presence doesn't make a difference and those whose presence causes problems." ( NHR Vol.22, pg.230). I learned from Sensei that if you want to excel at anything, you have to put your heart into it and win the trust of those around you. The greatest benefit has been developing fortitude to never be defeated, something I learned almost 10 yrs. into my Buddhist practice.
For four years everything went on very well. I was in cloud nine. But from 2010 devils attacked with great venom. I lost my vision of the left eye in February 2010 and in the same year June, I was diagnosed with third stage of Barret cancer. I lost my job too. The destruction was complete. How true is Nichiren Daishonin when he says in The Letter to Brothers,"As practice progresses and understanding grows, the three obstacles & four devils emerge in confusing form, vying with one another to interfere......One should be neither influenced nor frightened by them. If one falls under their influence, one will be led into paths of evil. If one is frightened by them, one will be prevented from practicing the great teaching. This teaching not only applies to me, but also is a guide for my followers. Reverently, make this teaching your own and transmit it as an axiom of faith for future generations."
Today, I have complete conviction in Nichiren Daishonin's words. I quote."Believe in this Mandala with all your heart. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is like the roar of a lion, what sickness can therefore be an obstacles." I unquote. (WND Vol.1, pg.412). I am grateful to my Soka Gakkai leaders, my family and the bigger Gakkai family, who stood by me during my darkest hours and made me a proud victor. Friends, I am proud to report that I overcame cancer from the third stage and on 25th July, 2014 I was declared completely free of cancer. Even no medicines are required.
During my illness, a senior leader had told me,"Mr. Munshi, the fastest way to change your karma is to do Shakubuku. He also said that our lives blossom when we introduce others to this practice. Gohonzon cannot get down off the Butsudan and tell people about chanting. Only we can do it. And this is one of the reasons that we are the worthy votaries of the Lotus Sutra. When we help others learn to practice our life expands and we change our KARMA." And my own observation is, whatever is stopping us from doing shakubuku may also be stopping us in life. When we breakthrough in shakubuku, we breakthrough in life too.
Friends, I took my leader's guidance as gospel and plunged in Shakubuku to change my health & financial karma. Today, I am proud to say that I have lost count of my shakubukus. Especially in the last six months I have shakubukued 70 people. In the month of April itself till date and I have shakubukued 10 of my friends and aquaintance from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Nagpur to Guwahati. Now, shakubuku is my favourite passion. One may ask why? Because, I want to change my karma in this lifetime. I have already changed a lot, but there is no end it.
What have I received in return from Gohonzon? A perfect life, a great job as a CEO of a group of companies at this age (I am 62), Executive Editor of a magazine, a harmonious family, a beautiful & vibrant BSG District with lively members. In short, whatever I can wish for. Thanks to Gohonzon & Sensei, in gratitude. I love you sensei.
Today, my Buddhist practice me the energy and confidence I need to keep pushing forward, even when at times, I feel completely exhausted. I truly believe that by winning where my feet are planted, the Gohonzon is leading me closer to my dreams. I want to become indispensable both at my work and in my district so that I can show the actual proof of the Mystic law. Sensei has taught me the true essence of Buddhism and I cannot thank him enough for his empowering and uplifting words, which have helped me in believing in myself and my ability to overcome obstacles.
Nichiren Buddhism is a practice of cause & effect, sow & reap and that no effort for kosen rufu goes waste. One of my very close was admitted in AIIMS with serious kidney problems in 2009. I visited him regularly and chanted for him. I also explained him the greatness of our philosophy but somehow, he was not convinced. However he appreciated my efforts to chant for him. Friends, I am glad to report that the seed I sowed in 2009 ultimately blossomed after 6 years and he has started practicing since January 2015. So it is proved that no effort goes waste and that the heart is the most important.
This fortunate life has all been due to my dedicated, continual efforts in faith, practice & study of Nichiren Buddhism for myself and for the sake of others, no matter what was going on. Each time I have overcome any obstacle through faith, I have expanded and greatly enriched my life. I am filled with appreciation and look forward to working for kosen rufu and to uniting ever more deeply with Sensei through out the rest of my life.
I am determined that every action I take on behalf of SGI or my fellow members or President Ikeda will be VICTORIOUS, no matter what. Even when it is not the result I hoped for, it would become a victory through my efforts. I would leave no stone unturned until victory is a reality.
Thank you for listening to me so patiently.
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo Forever.
(This experience was shared by me in the Discussion Meeting held on 19.04.2015)


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Monday, April 13, 2015

4 Great Quotes by to Fuel Your Day by Daisaku Ikeda

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo ~ Chant For Happiness: 4 Great Quotes by to Fuel Your Day by Daisaku Ikeda

4 Great Quotes by to Fuel Your Day by Daisaku Ikeda

We practice Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism...chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (meaning: I fuse my life with the mystic law of cause and effect through sound vibration) every morning and evening and growing our lives, our happiness, our fulfillment by tapping into our greatest powerful selves! Here are some quotes from Daisaku Ikeda, the third president of the Soka Gakkai: 

1. EVERYTHING is contained in the single word, faith. 
It encompasses 
truth, 
courage, 
wisdom 
and good fortune. 
It includes compassion and humanity 
as well as peace, culture and happiness. 
Faith is eternal hope; 
it is the secret to limitless self-development. 
Faith is the most basic principle for growth.
2. THIS is the age of self-indulgence. 

Therefore, those who lack a clear direction in life inadvertently drift towards merrymaking 
and pleasure-seeking. 
The organization of kosen-rufu and SGI activities 
direct one towards self-improvement 
and towards realizing true fulfillment in life. 
No action taken based on faith is wasted. 
In every respect, 
such actions will come to take on the greatest significance.
3. OPTIMISTS are raised by good mothers. 

It is important for mothers to be optimistic 
and not brood over their troubles. 
Such cheerfulness, 
while not only being beneficial for the mother herself, 
will also become a source of strength for the children throughout their lives. 
If a mother is full of vitality, 
then her children will be also. 
Thus, she will enable the whole family 
and those around them to feel at ease 
to go about their activities full of hope.
4. THERE are innumerable types of suffering. 

What we should realize 
is that the times when we suffer severely 
are also when we challenge and change our karma, 
and unlock the door to great good fortune. 
True happiness means 
to establish a condition in which we can gladly face 
even the greatest suffering and overcome it.

This last quote speaks volumes to many of us. I am here in Ohio, and Ben's interview was moved to today. Yesterday my life-condition dipped and I felt angry and emotional. That's how we know our life condition is low - when everything makes us mad! I chanted last night and today I awakened very early, moved my body, and now I sit down to chant. There is no such thing as no hope! 
I am chanting for all of you, and that each one of you reads something here in these many blogposts that strengthens and fortifies your mind of faith so you can USE that muscle of faith and make whatever you want happen! 


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Friday, April 10, 2015

Those who continue to challenge themselves to the end savor ultimate victory.

11/4/15 11:40:37 am: Judy!: Daily Encouragement
April 11

As long as our mind of faith is connected to the Gohonzon, our benefits will never disappear. That's why it is vital for us to persevere in our Buddhist practice throughout our lives, no matter what, even if on some days our physical condition or other circumstances prevent us from doing gongyo and chanting daimoku to our full satisfaction. Those who continue to challenge themselves to the end savor ultimate victory.

Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President


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One more great guidance on fostering, rather long but very inspiring...

10/4/15 7:36:32 pm: Kwee! Chang: One more great guidance on fostering, rather long but very inspiring...
率先行动能培育出人才

  她(一位女子部的大前辈 - 多田时子女士) 堂堂地达成了「女子部革命」。
  担任女子部长的五年间,全国女子部的阵容从「五万五千人」扩展至「四十万人」,实际地扩大了七倍以上。
  能达成如此跃进的要因为何?
  她凛然地说:「贯彻弟子之道——组织发展的要因,一生成佛的要因,全都在这一点。」
  「师弟不二的信心」正是广布发展的要因。
  而且,她「率先的行动」也十分出众。
  她的信念是:「若存有等着别人来做的依赖心,人就无法成长。自己本身拚命地彻底奋战时,人才就会涌现。」
  就是这种勇气与执着,建构出开启广宣流布未来的「奋战的女子部」。

不和他人做比较,自己要变得坚强

  此外,她也把握时间勤励于家访及个人指导。
  正因为她比别人加倍地辛苦过来,她的话都能打动人心。
  「不要和他人作比较,也不要羡慕别人。」
  「不要因慢心而使自己的心变得复杂。」
  「要有能自律的坚强生命力!」
  针对每个人的烦恼,切中核心地展开聪明的对话。
  多田女士于1968年成为妇人部长。
  在那崭新出发之际,我呼吁「妇人部要『一生青春』!」
  她也是如此充满活力、生气蓬勃地经常将焦点放在后继的人才,开创崭新的时代。
  受大家喜爱传唱至今的学会歌「我们的先生」也是在她妇人部长任内诞生的。
  妇人部长卸任后,她受到推荐进入政坛。
  身为「妇女时代」的先驱,她了不起地完成了一届众议院议员的工作。
  之后,退出政坛,再次欢喜踊跃地投入学会的第一线,精神抖擞地彻底奋战。
  要诚心诚意地报答不惜身命地给予支持的人们——她胸中总是燃烧着这种报恩感谢的心。
  她作为总合妇人部长,尽力鼓励、指导众人,功不可没。
  〈1997年的全国女子部干部会中,她曾致词说:「学会愈发展,魔障也愈强。想到若不与魔障奋战、战胜,那么迄今为止信心是为了什么的时候,我就会再次决意,绝对要追随先生,一生贯彻为广宣流布而活。」「希望各位在自己奋战的同时,也能去鼓励每一位友人。」「今后要以女子部的力量支持创价学会,使之发展。」〉
  之后,她负责第二总东京,构筑了今日大发展的基础。
  那成为她如夕阳余晖染红长空般庄严的总结奋战。
  她虽然一生持续与病魔奋战,却明朗地认为「因为有病痛,才会认真地奋战」。
  在大家面前,从不展现丝毫痛苦的神情。她就是这种人。
  熟知她年轻时体弱多病的人惊叹地说:「她居然能活到七十五岁,真是了不起!」诚如「更赐寿命」的佛法法理所示彻底活了下来。
  要如何才能推进广宣流布?
  要如何才能永远守护学会,使之发展?
  她认真的思考、强盛的祈愿,都在这一点上。
  她人生的目的、判断的基准总是定在「广宣流布」、「创价学会」及「师弟」。所以,无论遭遇任何事也绝对不动摇。
  对她而言,心永远不衰老。随着年龄的增长,益发地朝气蓬勃,凛然生辉。
(女子部‧妇人部联合协议会(上)2006 2月14日, No. CA7605SS)


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Wednesday, April 8, 2015

An impossible situation is actually a great opportunity

9/4/15 10:59:01 am: Kwee! Chang: Sensei's guidance:
"An impossible situation is actually a great opportunity. It is a chance to improve and overcome the situation. If you chant with strong determination, you will definitely get results. If your determination is strong, you will experience the benefit.

It may seem to defy logic, but nothing is impossible for the Gohonzon. We chant to the Gohonzon to change impossible into possible. Don't think about it logically or dwell on it. Just direct your desires and prayers to the Gohonzon. This is what faith is all about."


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