【『创价』的由来】

【『创价』的由来】

问：『创价』这句话的由来是指什么？

答：所谓『创价』就是『创造价值』的意思。教育的目的以及人生的目的就是追求幸福，其实态是基于创造价值
的牧口初代会长的思想。
至于『创价』这句话，是产生于牧口初代会长与户田第二代会长的倾谈之中。
有关当时旳情景，第二代会长在一九五O年十一月举行初代会长的第七回忌法要上谈到：
一九二九年二月 的某一个晚上，初代会长来到东京目黑区第二代会长的家中探
访。
牧口先生跟第二代会长倾谈：『想以现在身为小学校长的现职，把这种教育学说留给将来的校长。』第二 代会长听闻老师的弘大心愿，于是便决定由自己 把老师的学说出版。
『老师，进行吧！先生的教育学说是什么目的呢？』第二代会长问道。牧囗先生
立刻回应：『就是创造价值了！』
于是，第二代会长答道：『老师，那么就定名为创价教育吧！』初代会长的教育学说就这样命名为『创价教育学』。


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Buddhahood, Mission, Gohonzon

1st September

THE life of Buddhahood spans eternity. It is a completely free and unrestricted state of life in which we can always enjoy the enlightened properties of eternity, happiness, true self and purity (jo raku ga jo). With this self of Buddhahood hidden within us, we carry out the activities in the reality of the lower Six Worlds to fulfill our mission to accomplish kosen-rufu and to save all people from suffering.


IN general, the people around us reflect our state of life. Our personal preferences, for example, are mirrored in their attitudes. This is especially clear from the viewpoint of Buddhism which elucidates the workings of cause and effect as if in a spotless mirror.


WE uphold the Gohonzon. We uphold the Mystic Law. This means that we ourselves are entity of the Mystic Law. We are the entity of great good fortune; we are the Treasure Tower. Therefore, we can never be defeated. We need never be afraid. When you are absolutely certain that you are the Treasure Tower and the entity of the Buddha, you achieve a state of being in which life itself is enjoyable.


THE heart is what really matters. One cannot simply understand the depths of one's heart. When we practice with the awareness that we may encounter the Gohonzon once in a hundred million or ten billion years, a profound sense of appreciation fills our heart each time we perform gongyo.


A person's true worth is measured by the extent to which they live in the present while giving thought to the distant future, a hundred years, a thousand years hence. Please be assured that all of your commendable daily efforts will give rise to eternal good fortune and benefit, protecting your families, bringing prosperity to your communities and becoming the source for peace around the world.


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September 2019 gosho

崇峻天皇书(别名:三种财宝御书)

中务三郎左卫门尉为主君、为佛法、为世间,其心贤良,能得镰仓上下众人称赞才是。 惶恐、惶恐。 仓之财无胜于身之财,而身之财莫若心之财第一也!览此文后,须是多积心之财.(御书1222页)

(白话文)

要让镰仓的众人齐声载道:"中务三郎左卫门尉不论为了主君、为了佛法、或待人的心地,都是好的没话说"才是。千万要记住,"仓之财"不如"身之财","身之财"不如"心之财"珍贵! 看了这封信之后,要多累积"心之财".

背景与大意

本篇御书是1277年9月11日,日莲大圣人56岁时,从身延写给镰仓弟子四条金吾的书信,别名"三种财宝御书".

这一年的6月,大圣人的门下三位法师(注: "三位"是人名)与受极乐良观庇护的天台僧侣龙象法师进衍法论(桑谷法论),把龙象法师彻底破折。 这时候,妒忌四条金吾的同僚(武士)却向金吾的主君江间氏虚报,说四条金吾结帮成伙,携带武器闯入现场,扰乱法论。 江间氏听信谗言,胁迫金吾写舍弃法华经信仰的誓约书,否则将没收领地。

可是金吾决意绝对不写誓约书,并将此事向大圣人报告。大圣人对金吾不退转的决意表示赞许,同时替金吾给江间氏写了一封陈情书,表明金吾的无辜,并严厉指出龙象法师及良观的谬误及恶行.

后来,江间氏得了传染病,被精通医术的金吾治愈。 本篇御书即是大圣人接获金吾的这个报告后所写的回函。

大圣人洞察,一方面这是金吾恢复主君信赖的大好机会,另一方面则会引发同僚们更强的怨嫉,恐怕金吾会有性命危险。 为此,大圣人一再叮嘱金吾千万要小心谨慎,并且指示他应采取什么最佳行动。

大圣人在本抄一开始就说明,金吾之所以能持续供养法华经,且勤励信心,全是拜江间氏所赐,因此金吾所累积到的福运及妙法的功德也会回到江间氏身上。

接着,大圣人又说明"内熏外护"的法理。这个法理是说,只要启动内在的佛性,就会引发生命以外的守护作用. 大圣人教示,透过强盛的信心,诸天的加护会显现,正邪必然会分明。

大圣人进而忆述自己蒙受"龙口法难"时,金吾毅然随侍在侧的信心,并表示称许,同时强调人生最重要的事,就是累积"心之财"。

最后,大圣人引用崇峻天皇的典故,说明佛法的结论就是要教导我们为人的贤明生存方式.累积心之财

御文的学习重点:

1. 努力成为自已所在之处不可或缺,受人信赖的人,这本身就是我们胜利的实证.
2. "蓄积心之财"是人生的根本目的.
3. 以"心之财"为根本肘,"仓之财"与"身之财"才能够正确地发辉其真实价值。

解说

大圣人在这段御文中,向想要脱离苦境而努力奋斗的四条金吾具体谈到"为主君" "为佛法" "为世间"三点,并且勉励他成为人们口中的"了不起"的人。

以我们今日的情况而言,这三个观点则可理解为"职场、社会""广宣流布活动"及"与有缘者的交流".诚如大圣人在御文中所示:"能得镰仓上下众人称赞才是",要在现今所在之处、自己的社区里作为不可或缺的入,受到大家的信赖, 正是我们的胜利实证。

大圣人进而在御书中透过"仓之财","身之财"和"心之财"三种财宝,教导至高的生存方式就是累积"心之财"。 "仓之财"意指物质上的财产,"身之财"意指健康、一技之长和社会地位,而"心之财"可说是自己生命中所累积的福运,以及内心的丰裕。 更为基本的层次, 则是指信心,以及通过信心磨

练而散发出的佛性的光辉.

通过信心的实践而构筑的"无论如何也不败北"的生命的丰裕,才是三世永不崩溃的至高财宝.池田先生指导: "以 "心之财'为根本时, "仓之财'与 "身之财' 才能够正确地发挥其真实价值。 更进一步来说, '蓄积心之财'是人生的根本目的,最为重要.

因为若迷失此根本目的,即使拥有'仓之财 或"身之财',也会因为这些财产而产生执着, 以及害怕失去而不安,反而种下痛苦的因。 所以,最重要的是

累积"心之财',如此才是正确的人生目的观。"

我们所从事的学会活动全都是累积"心之财"的实践,就让我们放眼2020年11月18日一一创价学会创立90周年纪念,飒爽地推进广布,勇往直前吧!

_{(转译自创价学会教学月刊(大白莲华)2018年11月号)}

池田SG会长的指导

"心"才是人生最重要的"财富"

"心之财第一也."(御书1222页)

"须是多积心之财。"(同上)

这是日莲大圣人赠给陷于困境的门人四条金吾如何致胜的最高指针。

|"心"才是人生最重要的"财富",因为人"心"具有无限潜能与无上尊严。

"心"不但可以无限扩大,也可以不断地深化与自强。

如何扩大内心世界,去度过更美好的人生?妙法就是在教导我们, 如何锻炼心志,累积"心之财".

日莲大圣人于本抄后半教导,"心之财第一"。真正的胜利人生,就是透过信仰妙法而获得佛性内熏这最高的财富。 这是我们绝对不可忽视的重要指导。

四条金吾在接获本抄的两个月前,正面临被主君没收领地的最大危机。当时金吾已立下决意,即使失去领地,也绝对要贯彻 《法华经》的信心。大圣人不仅称赞其此心志,同时教导金吾: "纵使沦为乞丐,也绝对不可以有损法华经."

其实,这是在教导金吾信仰者最根本的规范,至为重要的既不是领地(仓之财),也不是身为武士的立场(身之财),而是信心这"心之财".

_{(摘自池田SG会长御书讲义系列之《研习胜利经典一一御书》)}

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Sensei’s message for MDHG (Chinese)

我敬爱的各位新加坡壮年部:
书面致辞

由衷恭喜今天召开纪念"8.24 壮年部之日"的支部壮年部幸福大会。我 很清楚作为"广布的黄金柱子"，各位不断为了他人及社区的幸福在奋斗。今 天，新加坡的壮年部领先世界的壮年部，我真的太高兴了。我也作为壮年部的 一员，想象着与各位一起参加会议，并从远方的日本，为你们送去热烈的掌 声。
日莲大圣人教示:"信奉此妙法莲华经之一行(念"行")，功德无不 至，善根无不动。"(御书 522 页，白话文:信仰着妙法莲华经的一种修行， 功德没有不到来的，善根没有不作动的。)各位与妙法此大宇宙的根本大法则 吻合的每一天，会累积下难以计算的大功德与善根。
各位身负大使命，想必很忙也很辛苦吧。
然而，我的恩师、创价学会第二代会长户田城圣先生经常说:"信心如
果总是漫步在平坦的道路，不会有任何改变。要有大奋战，才有大成长、大胜
利!"
因此，请大家无论如何也要与学会一起，与好同志一起，为广宣流布的
大理想活到底，一面唱诵"苦乐与共"的题目，一面勇敢地、贤明地、坚忍不
拔地，战胜一个个的考验，谱写下你人生与广布的胜利剧。
在越来越充满变数的时代与社会，以至高的生命尊严的哲理为根干，不 断扩大和平与幸福连带的，正是我们的 SGI 运动。
希望你们守护各自地区上的妇人部，以及培育青年部，并且出色地展示
信心即生活、佛法即社会的实证，作为好市民、好国民、好世界市民，积极为
改善社会做出贡献。这是我衷心的愿望。
请向您的家人，以及地区上的每一位传达我诚挚的问候。 我光荣的新加坡壮年部万岁!诸位万岁!
2019年8月
国际创价学会会长
池田大作


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aug 2019 gosho (CL)

以下将刊登在《创价人生》2019年8月号:

单衣抄

{  单衣一领送到,敬谢。着此帏,敬于佛前,,奉读法华经,则经之文字六

万九千三百八十四字,一一文字, 皆是金色之佛,衣虽只一领,面六万九千三

百八十四佛,一一皆着之矣。 是以供养此衣之贤夫妇二人前,当有此佛寻来

称,是我檀那、当为守护。今生作祈祷、作财.临终时作月、作日、作路.作

桥,作父、作母、作牛马、作舆,作车、作莲华、作山,来为迎接二人前往灵

山净土.(御书1596页) }

白话文

获赠单衣一件,确实领受。 谢谢! 日莲若穿着这件单衣,参诣佛前,奉读法华经,法华经的文字有六万九千三百八十四字,每一文字皆是金色的佛,因此,虽是一件衣服,却等于六万九千三百八十四佛的每一位佛都穿上了。因此,这些佛将会拜访供养这件衣服的您夫妇二人,守护身为我的檀那的你们。在今世,愿望会成为能实现的祈求财宝。 于临终时,成为月亮、太阳、道路桥梁,父亲,母亲,牛,马,轿子、车子、莲华,山,迎接二位到灵山净土。

{ 以下的讲解是摘自池田SG 会长的御书讲义系列之 学习御书:永远的经典》

之《单衣抄).}

背景与大意

这篇御书 是日莲大圣人入身延山一年多以后的1275年8月所写的。

一对未曾谋面的信徒夫妇送来一件“单衣”。单衣是指没有内衬的单层衣服。

大圣人在身延山的生活极其不易, 遇到严冬, 破烂的草庵根本不足以遮挡风雪;

再加上粮食短缺的问题.

可能是由于察觉到大圣人在山中生活拮据吧。 从中可以看得出这对夫妇的浓厚的人情和真心的供养。

大圣人也许是借着他们夫妇派去的使者踏上归程前的些许时间, 亲自执笔写的谢函, 就是本抄。

接获这篇书信的夫妇姓名不详, 可能是跟南条家有关系的人, 或是住在镰仓的人。
又由于与大圣人未曾见过面, 所以可能不是主要门人。 
但从本抄的内容看来, 这对夫妇很实在地贯彻了信心。

大圣人以 “诚意” 回应了这对夫妇的诚意。 
“你们的诚意一定会通达诸天!” “一定会成佛!” 
大圣人鼓励这对夫妇的慈爱, 洋溢书信中。

单衣这件衣服 对大圣人来说, “似衣却非衣” （很像衣服，却不是衣服）, 是象征门人的心和生命。
像大圣人这样, 对门下的供养如此细心 书写谢函的宗教人士, 何处可寻? 
像这类写给个个别门下的御书, 几乎都是针对他们供养的回礼书信。

以心报答心, 以诚恳回应诚恳。迅雷疾风 (xun4 lei2 ji2 feng1), 这就是大圣人的行动。 
户田先生的精神也是如此, 创价学会正因为贯彻这样的精神至今, 才有今日的发展。

拜读了书信的门人 必定感受到大圣人的温暖。在大圣人受大难的时代, 还愿意与大圣人一起前进的信徒数目不少。 这是因为大圣人 与门下每一个人之间是 “心心相连” 的原因。

创价学会也一样，不是 组织主义, 因为互结无形的 “新的羁绊” (ji1 ban4) , 所以强韧ren4。

真心的供养带来无量的功德。

解说

真是值得感谢, 本佛跟这对夫妻约定, 会有 六万九千 三百八十四佛 守护。 请想想那种光景! 多么壮观啊! 亘(gen4)及三世, 没什么好担心的。

如《法华经》所言: “现世安稳, 后生善处”, 大圣人教示: “你们今世也好, 来世也好, 绝对可以放心!”

首先,在今世, 大圣人说: “作祈祷。作财”。 也就是说, 供养衣服的信心的真心, 由于诸佛的加护, 会使祈愿成为遂愿suìyuàn 的“祈求”、“财宝”。

同时, “死后之旅” 也会受到诸佛守护, 没有任何不安。旅途上, 不仅有 “太阳” 和 “月亮” 明照, 更有 “大道”、有“桥”。

思念的 “父亲”、 “母亲" 会温暖地牵着我们的手引导，悠然地乘着 “牛马”，“轿子”，“车子” 前往, 最后，还乘坐佛、菩萨所坐的 “莲华”, 到达佛所居住的 “宝山”, 即灵山净土。

.......................

仅仅一件单衣的供养，约定了三世永远的福德，这是因为大圣人看到了 送来的“单衣”里 所包含的 “真心”。

“单衣“ 虽然没有内衬，但送来的 “单衣” 里却缝féng 有一片真心。
大圣人必定是感受到那份温馨，仰慕自己不移的人们，是多么珍视这份清净的心!

在另一篇御书中, 大圣人说道：“但心为贵耳!” (白话文 “心为切要”; 御书·1240页), 就如供养砂饼给释尊的少年出生为阿育大王, “心” 是不可思议。

妙法就是教导这种 “心之不可思议”。
一念三千法门也是说示伟大的 “心之力量”。
佛 就是指最深知道这种 “心之不可思议”，“心之力量” 的人。

池田 SGI 会长曾说： 
“即使受持御本尊。 唱诵题目，而自已信心的 “心态“ 如何呢？对广布是否有《心》？ 这生命深处的 ‘心’ 决定一切。”

幸，不幸，成佛，不成佛，是往佛界方向去，还是走向苦恼的境界，一切都在于一心的妙用，结果俨然，这件事再怎样强调也不为过。

任性妄为的心，牢骚抱怨的心，怀疑的心，投机取巧的心, 傲慢心，增上慢之心等，都是带来自他不幸之因。 被这些心局限，就好像在浓雾中迷航的飞机。看不清任何事情,也分不清善恶准则。不仅自己，连家属（飞机的乘客）都会堕入不幸。

相对的，为朋友着想的真心，贯彻主义主张的信念之心，为达成广布使命而奋战的责任心,守护佛子鞠躬尽瘁jūgōng-jìncuì 之心、感谢、报恩、欢喜之心，不仅自己，更带来一家一族、子孙后代无限福德。受到诸天善神守护有加，走在直达成佛的轨道guǐdào。

让我们将 “心为贵耳” 的圣训深深铭记在心，并趁着10月的会员财务供养月，展现我们深厚的感激之心。OK？👌

池田SGI会长的指导

“供养《法华经》功德无量。大圣人教示: “供养《法华经》的人，他的功德和供养十方佛及菩萨的功德完全相同。因为十方所有的佛陀都是从 “妙” 这一个字孕yùn 生出来的。”

供养 《法华经》的功德是无量的。 其功德力量，可以破除任何障魔。只要能以此确信作为人生的根干，将没有任何支柱比此确信更坚强。”

《法华经》是三世十方诸佛的成佛根源。据说, 从无限的过去以至无限的未来,在这个宇宙出现了无数的佛。 这些佛无一例外，都是因奉《法华经》为师而成佛。 因此,供养《法华经》就等于是在供养诸佛，其功德一定是无量的。

一一供养《法华经》就等于同时在供养十方的佛与菩萨，所以十方的佛与菩萨将会守护你，绝对不会陷入绝境，一点也不用担心，必能永远悠然享受宇宙般的境界!

(摘自池田SG会长的御书讲义系列:《学习希望的经典一一御书》)

《以上是刊登在 <创价人生>的内容》

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给地区部长的补充资料

请注意,以下的内容不会刊登在.《创价人生》

大圣人在身延山的限苦生活在我们学习的这一节御文之前，日莲大圣人如此形容身延山的艰苦生活:

（白话文) “ 饮冰雪维持生命,·穿着蓑衣度日。进入山林而没有果实时,空腹过二三日。鹿皮衣破时,也曾赤裸着过三四个月。 像我这样的人,你是如何察觉我生活的不便? 未曾谋面, 却赠送日莲遮蔽身体的衣服, 不知如何道谢?真是感激不尽。”  自进入身延的深山一年多,大圣人就是过着这样的生活:饮冰雪、着蓑衣,在狭小的庵室,指挥广宣流布。 在这庵室里,弟子也在,有时鸟、鹿来访。

冬寒,彻夜未枕。 食粮匮乏,味曾、 食盐所剩不多。 据说大圣人曾自己采集果实、摘水芹、砍柴等，以图温饱。连衣服都是穿着自然死亡的鹿皮。

户田先生每拜读这篇叙述大圣人生活的御书时,便涕泪滂沱地缅怀大圣人。经常这么述说: “本佛历经了这种辛劳，身为弟子的我们,无论遭遇任何事，也必须忍耐。一定要将大圣人的大慈大悲，宣扬于全世界。”

日莲大圣人的举止正是佛法人本主义精神的体现而且，大圣人虽过着这样困难的生活，却仍教育门下、鼓励门下，并遗留御本尊和御书。 俨然地为后世构筑迈向末法万年的广宣流布轨道。 这是何等大慈悲,多么值得感谢!

大圣人轻描淡写地吐露自已的遭遇时,说冷是冷,说饿是饿,毫不掩饰。佛并不是“特别的存在”，是实实在在的人。 户田先生经常称大圣人是:

“伟大的凡夫”。户田先生不喜欢称呼大圣人为“教祖”。

佛法并不是要令"活佛”诞生的宗教, 而是使凡夫本身能散发出最高的人性。 大圣人即使是过着穷困的生活,仍如此亲切地鼓励这对信徒夫妻。

无论是在伊豆,佐渡,大圣人都是一样,虽是被放逐之身,却关怀门下胜于自己。

对于来访佐渡的门下也留下感人的故事。原是担心大圣人而前来探访，大圣人反而担心门下回程的旅费，甚至向他人借钱给门下。

即使自己是身处在最艰苦的逆境中,仍是先挂念他人,这种心境是多么宽广、丰裕!正是表现人性的 “真正强”、“真正美”。

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Regards,

Mr Chang C.L.

_________________

http://MrChang.com/

September 2019 Gosho

The following will be published on the September 2019 issue of Creative Life:

 

The Three Kinds of Treasure   Live so that all the people of Kamakura will say in your praise that Nakatsukasa Saburō Saemon-no-jō is diligent in the service of his lord, in the service of Buddhism, and in his concern for other people. More valuable than treasures in a storehouse are the treasures of the body, and the treasures of the heart are the most valuable of all. From the time you read this letter on, strive to accumulate the treasures of the heart! (WND-1, p 851)

 

Background and Outline

 

This letter was written at Minobu on September 11, 1277 when Nichiren Daishonin was fifty-six years old, and addressed to Shijo Kingo, a leading disciple in Kamakura.

 

In June of the same year, Sammi-bo, a priest-disciple of the Daishonin, soundly defeated Ryuzo-bo, a protégé of Ryokan, the chief priest of Gokuraku-ji temple in Kamakura who was hostile towards the Daishonin, in a religious debate known as the Kuwagayatsu Debate. Afterward, Ema, the feudal lord whom Kingo served as a samurai retainer, was falsely informed by Kingo's jealous fellow retainers that an armed group led by Kingo had burst in and disrupted the proceedings. This led Ema to order Kingo to write an oath renouncing his faith in the Lotus Sutra—failure to comply would result in his lands being confiscated. 

 

Kingo sent the Daishonin a letter in which he voiced his resolve never to submit such an oath. While praising Kingo for his determination, the Daishonin composed a letter of petition on Kingo's behalf to explain the true situation to Ema. Besides clarifying Kingo's innocence in the petition, the Daishonin pointed out the erroneous and evil ways of Ryokan and Ryuzo-bo. 

 

Not long after that, Lord Ema fell ill, and Kingo, applying his medical skills, helped cure him. This letter was composed when the Daishonin received a report about the progress.

 

The Daishonin warns against what might seem to be an opportunity for Kingo to regain trust from his lord. This would also induce envy and resentment from his jealous colleagues, which entails life-threatening risks. Hence, the Daishonin repeatedly cautions Kingo and instructs him on the best course of action in these trying circumstances.

 

At the outset of this letter, the Daishonin explains that if it wasn't for Ema's consideration, Kingo would not have been able to sustain offerings to the Lotus Sutra or persevere in faith. As such, the fortune and benefits Kingo has accumulated will also return to Ema.

 

Next, the Daishonin explains one of the key Buddhist principles of "the Buddha nature manifesting itself from within and bringing forth protection from without". In other words, when we activate the Buddha nature inside us, it will induce the protective functions of life to work from without. 

 

In light of this principle, the Daishonin teaches that those with steadfast faith will surely be able to bring forth protection from the heavenly gods and that truth and righteousness will be proven without fail.

 

Recalling how Kingo remained by his side during the Tatsunokuchi Persecution prepared to give his life alongside his mentor, the Daishonin praises Kingo's strong, unwavering faith manifested at the crucial moment. The Daishonin hen emphasises that the most important thing in life is to accumulate the "treasures of the heart".

 

Finally, by making historical references to Emperor Sushun, the Daishonin reveals that the ultimate conclusion of Buddhism is to help us live wisely as a human being.

 

Accumulating the Treasures of the Heart

 

Key Learning Points of the Gosho Passage: ✧    Striving to become indispensable, trusted individuals where we are right now is itself a great actual proof of our victory. ✧    We need to make accumulating the treasures of the heart our fundamental purpose in life. ✧    When we base ourselves on the treasures of the heart, the true value and worth of treasures of the storehouse and the body also become apparent in our lives.

 

Explanation

 

In this passage, Nichiren Daishonin specifically teaches Shijo Kingo, who was struggling to overcome the adverse situation surrounding him, to become a person who excels in the three aspects of "service of his lord", "service of Buddhism", and "concern for other people" and win the praise of the people.

 

In our context today, these three aspects correspond to "our workplace and society", "kosen-rufu activities", and "our interaction with people with whom we come into contact ".

 

The Daishonin states in this passage: "Live so that all the people of Kamakura will say in your praise." Just as the Daishonin teaches here, striving to become indispensable, trustworthy individuals where we are right now in our communities is itself a great actual proof of our victory.

 

The Daishonin goes on to list down the three kinds of treasure in this Gosho – namely, the "treasures in a storehouse", "treasures of the body", and "treasures of the heart", and teaches that the most supreme way of life is found in striving to accumulate the "treasures of the heart".　

 

"Treasures in a storehouse" indicates material assets; "treasures of the body" means such things as health, acquired skills and social status; and "treasures of the heart," on one level, means an inner richness, wealth, or abundance, and on another, more fundamental level, it means faith and the brilliance of the Buddha nature that is polished through faith.

 

This inner abundance of our lives forged through our practice of faith is what enables us to remain undefeated no matter what happens. It is therefore, an unsurpassed treasure that remains indestructible throughout the three existences of life.

 

SGI President Ikeda once wrote: "[W]hen we base ourselves on the treasures of the heart, the true value and worth of treasures of the storehouse and the body also become apparent in our lives. In short, we need to make accumulating the treasures of the heart our fundamental purpose in life. If we lose sight of this elemental objective, but seek to accumulate the treasures of the storehouse and the body, it will only give rise to attachment. When that happens, fear of losing such material or physical treasures can become a cause of suffering. It is therefore important above all to accumulate the treasures of the heart. This reflects a correct sense of purpose in life."

 

All our Gakkai activities in its entirety are themselves practice for accumulating the "treasures of the heart". Setting our gaze on November 18, 2020, which markes our 90^th anniversary, let us joyfully advance kosen-rufu with ever greater vigour!

 

(Translated and adapted from the November 2018 issue of The Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai's monthly study journal.)

 

SGI President Ikeda's Guidance   Our Heart Is Our Unsurpassed Treasure in Life     "The treasures of the heart are the most valuable of all," Nichiren Daishonin says. "Strive to accumulate the treasures of the heart!" (WND-1, 851). This is the message he imparted to his embattled disciple Shijo Kinjo. It contains the most vital key for winning in life.             Our heart is our unsurpassed treasure in life. It is endowed with incredible potential and supreme nobility. Its depth and breadth can be expanded infinitely, and its strength can be developed without bound…. How can we expand the inner realm of our life, develop inner strength, and accumulate the treasures of the heart so that we can lead better lives? The answer is found in practicing the Mystic Law.             In the latter part of this writing, "The Three Kinds of Treasure," the Daishonin teaches that "the treasures of the heart are the most important of all" (WND-1, 851). The ultimate treasure in terms of achieving genuine victory in life is our Buddha nature manifesting from within through faith in the Mystic Law. This is a crucial teaching of which we must never lose sight. Two months before this letter was written, Shijo Kingo faced the grave crisis of having his estate confiscated by his lord Ema. Kingo chose the course of upholding his faith in the Lotus Sutra, even if it meant losing his estate. The Daishonin praised him for this stance, and offered this caution: "However wretched a beggar you might become, never disgrace the Lotus Sutra" (WND-1, 824).             In fact, these words teach Kingo the essential criteria he should follow as a practitioner—namely, that faith (a treasure of the heart) is far more important than his estate (a treasure of the storehouse) or his position as a samurai (a treasure of the body).    (From SGI President Ikeda's study lecture series, "The Teachings for Victory")

 

< end of article to be published on CL >

 

 

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Regards,

Mr Chang C.L.

_________________

http://MrChang.com/

August 2019 discussion meeting gosho

The following will be published on the August 2019 issue of Creative Life:

 

Regarding an Unlined Robe   I have received the unlined robe that you kindly sent me…. When I don this robe, take my place before the Buddha, and recite the Lotus Sutra, then all the 69,384 characters that make up the sacred text, each individual character one by one, becomes a golden Buddha. Though the robe is only one, it clothes each and every one of the 69,384 Buddhas. And because that is so, the husband and wife who presented me with this robe will be visited by these Buddhas, who will regard the couple as their supporters and watch over and protect them. For this husband and wife in their present existence they will be a prayer, a treasure; and when the husband and wife are on the point of death, they will be a moon, a sun, a path, a bridge, a father, a mother, an ox or a horse, a palanquin, a carriage, a lotus, a mountain, coming to greet and convey them to the pure land of Eagle Peak.  (WND-2, p 599-600)

 

The following explanation is adapted from SGI President Ikeda's study lecture series, "Learning from the Gosho: The Eternal Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin", lecture on the Gosho, "Regarding an Unlined Robe".

 

Background and Outline

 

This letter was written in August 1275, a little more than a year after Nichiren Daishonin retired to Mount Minobu. He had received a gift of a robe from a couple, followers of his whom he had not yet met. An unlined robe is a light garment suitable for use in hot weather.

 

The Daishonin's life at Minobu was by no means easy. Winters were bitterly cold, and his shelter was inadequate. Food was another problem.

 

The couple must have been concerned about the difficulty of the Daishonin's life in the mountains. In their gift, we can sense a real human tenderness. Theirs was an offering made with sincerity.

 

The Daishonin may have used the brief interval before the couple's messenger set out on his return journey to take up his brush and compose a letter of thanks and this is the letter.

 

While the names of the husband and wife who received this letter are not known, it is surmised that they may have been relations of the Nanjo family, or followers living in Kamakura. Since they had not yet met the Daishonin directly, they were probably not central figures among his followers. From the contents of the letter, however, it is apparent that they were carrying through with steadfast faith.

 

The Daishonin replied to the sincerity of this couple with sincerity. The letter is pervaded with the compassion of the Daishonin, who assures them that their sincerity is definitely known to all Buddhas, and that they are certain to attain Buddhahood.

 

Their offering was a robe and yet not a robe; in the gift, the Daishonin perceived the heart and very life of his followers.

 

It is rare to find a religious figure who wrote such considerate letters of appreciation in response to each offering received. Nearly all of the Daishonin's personal letters to his followers were written in thanks for offerings.

 

The Daishonin replied from his heart to others' hearts. He replied to sincerity with great sincerity --- and with lightning speed. This was also the spirit of Josei Toda, the second Soka Gakkai president. The Soka Gakkai has developed to such an extent because we have maintained this spirit to this day.

 

Disciples reading the Daishonin's letters must have been deeply moved by his warmth. More than a few continued to advance together with the Daishonin despite great persecution. That was because of the heart-to-heart bonds that existed between the Daishonin and each of his followers.

 

It is the same in the Soka Gakkai. The Soka Gakkai is strong not because of its organization but because of the invisible bonds of the heart we are creating.

 

A Sincere Offering Confers Immeasurable Benefit

 

Explanation

 

What a welcome promise the Daishonin makes! He says that the couple who has made this offering to the Lotus Sutra's votary will be protected by 69,384 Buddhas. Such a grand spectacle defies the imagination. With such protection over the three existences, what could they possibly have to fear?

 

As stated in the passage of the Lotus Sutra, "they will enjoy peace and security in their present existence and good circumstances in future existences" (LSOC, p 236), the Daishonin assures the couple that they have absolutely nothing to fear in their present and future existences.

 

First, he says that in their present lives their offering will become a "prayer" and a "treasure." He thus indicates that, through the protective functions of all Buddhas, their sincere faith in offering a robe will become a cause for the fulfillment of all their desires and the accumulation of immense benefit.

 

 

Then, regarding the journey after death, he says that they will be protected by all Buddhas and need have no fear. Their faith in making this offering will become a "sun" and "moon" brightly illuminating their journey, as well as a "great path" and a "bridge" over which to make their way.

 

They will be gently-led by the hand by a loving "mother" and "father". They can ride with composure on either an "ox" or a "horse," a "litter" or a "cart". And finally, they will board the "lotus flower" for Buddhas and bodhisattvas, and arrive at the "treasure mountain" --- the pure land of Eagle Peak where the Buddha dwells.

 

For an offering of but a single unlined robe, the Daishonin promises eternal good fortune and benefit. This is because he perceives the sincerity with which the robe is imbued.

 

The unlined robe the couple sent was woven through and through with their sincerity. No doubt the Daishonin could sense this in its warmth and feel. How truly noble and pure were the hearts of this couple, who believed in and devoted themselves to the Daishonin at a time when the entire country was desperately trying to persecute him.

 

In another Gosho, the Daishonin says, "It is the heart that is important". (WND-1, p 1000) As the story of the boy who makes an offering of a mudpie to Shakyamuni and is later reborn as King Ashoka illustrates, the heart is indeed mysterious and inscrutable.

 

The Mystic Law elucidates the inscrutable workings of the heart. The doctrine of a life-moment possesses 3,000 realms explains the immense power of the heart. A Buddha is someone who understands, on the most profound level, the inscrutable workings and the power of the heart.

 

SGI President Ikeda once said, "[F]aith is not just a matter of embracing the Gohonzon and chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, but is also a matter of our heart, or the attitude with which we practice. Is our heart directed toward kosen-rufu? Our innermost heart, the attitude in the depths of our being, determines everything."

 

Whether we become happy, attain enlightenment, move in the direction of Buddhahood, or wind up in a state of suffering—everything is the exact result of the wondrous workings of our heart or mind. This point cannot be overemphasized.

 

Selfishness, complaint, doubt, deviousness, conceit, arrogance, and so forth are all causes of unhappiness for both ourselves and others. When we allow ourselves to be ruled by such negative attitudes, we are like a plane that has lost its direction in a heavy fog. We can see nothing clearly. The distinction between good and bad, right and wrong, becomes blurred. We plunge not only ourselves but our passengers—our friends and others around us—into misery.

 

In contrast, a sincere concern for others, a dedicated commitment to our beliefs, a sense of responsibility toward fulfilling our mission for kosen-rufu, a wish to wholeheartedly encourage and support our fellow members, a feeling of appreciation, gratitude, and joy—these attitudes are causes that will produce boundless good fortune, not only for ourselves but also for our family and loved ones as well as our descendants. They give rise to strong protection by the heavenly deities—the positive forces of the universe—and enable us to advance directly along the path to attaining Buddhahood.

 

Cherishing absolute conviction in this point, let's take the opportunity to express our profound sense of gratitude during the months of September and October through the members contribution fund.  

 

SGI President Ikeda's Guidance   Boundless Benefit Resides in Making Offerings to the Lotus Sutra   The Daishonin states in his writings, "Those who make offerings to the Lotus Sutra will receive the same benefit as they would by making offerings to all the Buddhas and bodhisattvas in the ten directions, because all the Buddhas of the ten directions originate from the single character myo." (WND-1, p 949) The benefit of making offerings to the Lotus Sutra is boundless. Through that benefit, we can triumph over any obstacle and devilish function. And nothing is stronger than a person whose life is instilled with this confidence.             The Lotus Sutra—epitomized by the single character myo—is the source of the enlightenment of all Buddhas of the ten directions and three existences. The sutras teach that countless Buddhas have appeared in the universe from the infinite past and will continue to do so into the infinite future. The Lotus Sutra is the teacher by which all Buddhas attain enlightenment. (cf WND-1, p 948) Therefore, making offerings to the Lotus Sutra is equivalent to making offerings to all Buddhas throughout time and space, and the benefit that derives from doing so is immeasurable.              The Daishonin is saying to the effect: "To make offerings to the Lotus Sutra is to make offerings to all Buddhas and bodhisattvas of the ten directions. Therefore, they are all sure to protect you. You will absolutely never become deadlocked. You need not worry about anything. You can serenely savour a state of life that is as eternal and vast as the universe."   (From SGI President Ikeda's lecture series, "Learning from the Gosho:  The Hope-filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin)

 

< end of article to be published on CL >

 

 

--

Regards,

Mr Chang C.L.

_________________

http://MrChang.com/

The heart is most important 心为切要

KOH AH NEE (辜亞乳)

吊慰 
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亲爱的 赵金城 先生  

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得知您的母亲  KOH AH NEE (辜亞乳) 女士 

逝世的消息，深为痛惜。

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失去至亲的悲痛 

谁也无法衡量。

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可是，因为受持妙法，

您的至亲 所享有的福运和功德

将永远装饰和辉耀他的生命。

这是我深厚的确信。

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御书教示；

崇奉自己心中的 妙法莲华经为本尊，

自己心中的佛性 

被南无妙法莲华经呼唤

显现出来的生命当体，

即称为佛。

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又云；

"口中唱奉妙法时，

自身的佛性 也受到呼唤，

必能显现出来。

梵天，帝释的佛性

受到呼唤而来守护我们。"

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我谨此庄重 而诚恳地 

祈愿您的至亲成佛。

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郑永吉理事长

新加坡创价学会

Sent from my iPhone