以下将刊登在《创价人生》2019年10月号：
覆日女书其一（别名"御本尊相貌抄"）
但唯奉唱南无妙法莲华经，而得成佛，方是最为重要。一切决定于信心之厚薄耳！佛法根本，以信为源。（御书1295页）
（白话文）
最重要的是，只唱诵南无妙法莲华经来达到成佛，这完全是看信心的厚薄决定！佛法的根本就在于"信"，以信为根源。
背景与大意
本篇御文是1277年8月，日莲大圣人56岁时，于身延写给女门人日女的书信，文中阐明御本尊相貌等深义，因此别名称为"御本尊相貌抄"。
有关日女的生平不详，但从御文可知，她的信心深厚且知书达礼。
大圣人于本篇御文先提及御本尊显于法华经《涌出品第十五》到《嘱累品第二十二》的"八品"之中，并阐明释尊灭后的正法、像法两千年间，此御本尊都不曾显现，不论正法时代的龙树、天亲，或是像法时代的天台、妙乐，都未能使之显现，直至末法时代，大圣人将其作为"弘通法华之旌帜"（御书1294页）才图显于世。
接着，详述依据法华经"虚空会仪式"所显示的御本尊相貌，大圣人断言：供养此御本尊之人必将招来福运，后生也会受到守护；并强调不受谤法恶知识动摇至为重要。
大圣人进而说示，御本尊不存在于己身之外的某个地方，而是存在于受持并唱诵妙法的众生生命之中。
接着，援引天台、妙乐的解释，教导佛法的根本与修行之要点在于"信心"，此外无他。
一生成佛的根本在于"信"
御文的学习重点：
Ø "信心"才是佛道修行的要谛
Ø 御本尊功力的展现取决于一个人"信心"的强弱程度
Ø "信受"是指相信并接受教法之意
解说
这段御文旨在教导："信心"才是佛道修行的要谛。
大圣人于本节御文开首即说示"但唯奉唱南无妙法莲华经"，表明对御本尊抱持纯挚无疑的信心最为重要。
信心的目的是为了"一生成佛"，在今世构筑起无论遭遇任何事都毫不动摇的佛之境界。
所谓"成佛"，并非变成"佛"，而是凡夫以自身原本之姿，开显最崇高的人性——佛性。其根本修行即是秉持对御本尊的无二信心，致力于亘及自行化他的南无妙法莲华经唱题行。
诚如"一切决定于信心之厚薄耳"的教示，御本尊功力的展现取决于我们每一个人"信心"的强弱程度。进而，大圣人说示："佛法根本，以信为源。""信"又称"信受"，是指相信并接受教法之意。
法华经说述，释尊的弟子当中，人称智慧第一的舍利弗也是凭据"信"，方才领悟经文说示的法理。
大圣人将其自身胸中开显的宇宙根本之法，图显为御本尊。因此，确信此御本尊就是开显我们佛界生命境界的唯一对境，这才是佛法修行的根本。
池田SGI会长指导："正确的信心才是胜利的根本。勤励唱诵妙法的人最为尊贵、最为坚强。只要'信力'、'行力'强盛，就能让自己的生命显现出无量无边的'佛力'、'法力'。因此，不论遭遇任何事，首先就是唱题。因为题目正是不败给任何苦恼、能突破一切困境的最大原动力。"
创价学会秉持"以御本尊为根本的信心"全面取胜。让我们也以信心为根本投身广布，昂首阔步前进吧！
（转载自《教学研习》2018年11月号）
池田SGI会长的指导
信心是一切胜利的泉源
"信心"才是一切胜利的根源。信心不但是我们投身自行化他实践的根本，也是人间革命、宿命转换的泉源，更是破除魔性的利剑，以及立正安国、广宣流布的推动力。这是在任何时代也不会改变的。不！应说是不可以改变。这是创价学会绝对不可以丧失的根本精神。所以新的"青年学会"扩大运动，也要从这种强盛而清新的信心开始。
（研习胜利经典——《御书》）
<以上将刊登在《创价人生》>
给地区部长的补充材料
v 请注意：以下将不会刊登在《创价人生》。
补充资料
四力
四力是指佛力、法力、信力与行力。
日莲大圣人的佛法称之为妙法四力。是指佛道修行中，为如愿成佛的四重要力。
佛力是指佛立誓救度众生，成就所愿；法力是指妙法所具广大深远的利益，令众生成佛；信力是指一向信奉御本尊的心；行力是指自己唱诵南无妙法莲华经，也教他人如此。
一个人的信力和行力越强，就能自自己生命中涌现越强的佛力和法力。
* * *
池田SGI会长的指导
把取之不尽的御本尊的伟大功力，自由自在地掀引出来
创价学会第二任会长户田城圣先生在指导中说：
日莲佛法教导四力。所谓四力是指，随'信力、行力'的强度，'法力、佛力'也会增加。要显现法力、佛力，就要看本身的信力、行力。两者互相冥合之后，将化为佛力、法力，显现出无法用脑筋理解、如奇迹般的功德。"
信心的力量，能把取之不尽的御本尊的伟大功力，自由自在地掀引出来。
（取自池田SGI会长的讲义系列之《照耀世界的太阳佛法》）
* * *
池田SGI会长的指导
信力与行力
户田先生说过："同一吊钟是以牙签、或拿筷子、或持撞钟棒来敲击，其音响各不相同吧。越是用力敲击、其声则越响；相反则会越弱。御本尊也一样依据我们信力（相信的力量）、行力（行动的力量）的强弱，其功德亦千差万别。"
犹如"信力""行力"，信心是一种"力量"。越是鼓起"绝对实现"的确信，御本尊就越将回报这份坚强的"信力"。
"行力"是指"唱题目的力量"和为他人、为社会而"进行广宣流布行动的力量"。这份"行力"越是强大，御本尊就将越加发挥出"佛力"、"法力"。
即使"祈求得以如愿以偿"，其实不是什么神秘的东西。也不是超现实的神佛，以其"怜悯之心"来满足世人的愿望那种不合情理的说法。
凭靠人类的"睿智"，使我们能够利用来自大自然的"电力"。如此研究生命和宇宙法则的正是佛法。基于这佛法的最高理论，日莲大圣人为我们创造了御本尊。这如同凭靠电的理论发明了电灯一样。
为此，户田先生曾说过："说得过分些也可以把御本尊说成是'幸福制造器'，是为让人类幸福的机器。"
御本尊是人的智慧、佛的智慧之最高结晶。所以，如果我们是一分的信力、一分的行力那显现出来的，也将是一分的佛力和一分的法力。一百的信力、行力将显现一百的佛力、法力。一万的信力、行力将显现一万的佛力、法力。
（取自《青春对话II》）
<以上是补充资料>
***********************************************************************************************
The
following will be published on the October 2019 issue of Creative Life:
|
The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon
What
is most important is that, by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo alone, you can
attain Buddhahood. It will no doubt depend on the strength of your faith. To
have faith is the basis of Buddhism. (WND-1, p 831)
|
Background and
Outline
This
letter was written in August 1277 when Nichiren Daishonin was fifty-six years
old. It was written at Minobu and addressed to a female follower, Nichinyo.
This letter contains an explanation of the significance of the layout of the
Gohonzon, hence the title, “The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon”.
Little
is known about Nichinyo, but it would appear that she was a woman of deep faith
and learning.
The
Daishonin begins this letter by explaining that the object of devotion, or the
Gohonzon, can be found in the in the eight chapters of the Lotus Sutra, from
the “Emerging from the Earth” (15th) chapter through the “Entrustment” (22nd)
chapter (cf WND-1, p 831).
The
Daishonin further states that after the Buddha’s passing, this
Gohonzon was not revealed in the two thousand years of the Former and Middle
Days of the Law. Even Buddhist teachers such as Nagarjuna and Vasubandhu who
lived in the Former Day of the Law, and T’ien –t’ai and Miao-lo who lived in
the Middle Day were unable to reveal this Gohonzon. He then says that now, some two centuries after the
beginning of the Latter Day of the Law, he is the very first to reveal the object of devotion, the Gohonzon, as “the banner of propagation of the Lotus Sutra”
(WND-1, p 831).
The
Daishonin then explains in detail the layout of the Gohonzon that he inscribed
using the Ceremony in the Air depicted in the Lotus Sutra as his basis, and
encourages Nichinyo that those who make offerings to this Gohonzon will surely
enjoy happiness and receive protection in this life and the next. He also
emphasizes the importance of not being swayed by evil friends who slander the
Law.
The
Daishonin then points out that the Gohonzon does not exist outside our lives. Instead,
the Gohonzon exists only within the mortal flesh of us ordinary people who
embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
Lastly,
by citing the commentaries of T’ien-t’ai and Miao-lo, the Daishonin teaches
that the basis of Buddhism and the essence of Buddhist practice is none other
than upholding “faith”.
Faith is the Basis
for Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime
|
Key
Learning Points of the Gosho Passage:
² Faith
is the essence of our Buddhist practice.
² The
beneficial power of the Gohonzon is determined by the strength of one’s faith.
² “Faith”
means to wholeheartedly believe in and accept the Buddha’s teachings.
|
Explanation
This
Gosho passage teaches that “faith” is the key essence of Buddhist practice.
Nichiren
Daishonin begins this passage with these words: “What is most important is
that, by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo alone…” Through these words, the
Daishonin accentuates the importance of believing in the Gohonzon with single-minded
faith.
The
purpose of faith is to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime, that is, to forge a
solid life state of Buddhahood that remains unperturbed no matter what happens.
“Attaining
Buddhahood” is not becoming some
transcendent, superhuman being. It means to open forth and manifest from
within, a life state of unsurpassed humanity known as Buddhahood just as we
are, in our present form as an ordinary being. And the fundamental way of
achieving this is to exert ourselves in the practice of chanting
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for oneself and others based on absolute faith in the
Gohonzon.
The
Daishonin states in this passage, “It will no doubt depend on the strength of
your faith”. As the Daishonin teaches here, the beneficial power of the
Gohonzon is determined by the strength of one’s faith. The Daishonin further states,
“To have faith is the basis of Buddhism.” “Faith” here, means to wholeheartedly
believe in and accept the Buddha’s teachings.
It
is expounded in the Lotus Sutra that Shariputra, one of Shakyamuni’s major
disciples who is said to be foremost in wisdom, was able to comprehend the
teachings in the Lotus Sutra only through faith.
The
Daishonin revealed the fundamental Law of the universe in his own life and
inscribed it in the form of the Gohonzon.
The
foundation of our Buddhist practice is to firmly believing that this Gohonzon
is the only object of devotion that helps us manifest our Buddhahood from
within.
SGI
President Ikeda said, “Faith in the Mystic Law is the basis for victory. Those
who continue to chant daimoku through all are admirable and strong without
compare. When we resolutely bring forth the power of faith and practice, we can
manifest the boundless power of the Buddha and the Law in our lives. No matter
what the situation, first chant. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the ultimate
driving force that enables us to break through all obstacles, undefeated by any
problem or suffering.”
The
Soka Gakkai have won through “faith based on the Gohonzon”. Let us continue to boldly
advance kosen-rufu by always basing
ourselves on faith.
(Translated and
adapted from the October 2018 issue of The Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai’s
monthly study journal.)
|
SGI
President Ikeda’s Guidance
Faith
Is the Source of
Victory for Everything
Faith is the source of victory for
everything. It
is the foundation of our Buddhist
practice for the happiness of ourselves and others. It is the key to carrying out our human revolution and transforming
our karma.
It is the sharp sword for cutting
through obstacles and negativity. It is the driving force for kosen-rufu, and for realizing lasting
peace and prosperity based on the humanistic principles of Nichiren
Daishonin’s Buddhism. This will never change in any age—indeed, we must
ensure that it never does. It
is the fundamental spirit of the SGI, which we must never lose. As such, our
present efforts to develop an even more youthful SGI also begin with strong, ever-vibrant faith.
(From SGI President Ikeda’s study lecture
series, “The Teachings for Victory”)
|
< end of
article to be published on CL >
Supplementary
Resources for MD District Leaders
² Please
note that the following WILL NOT be
published on CL.
|
Supplementary
Notes
The Four Powers
The four powers refer to the power
of the Buddha, the power
of the Law, the power
of faith, and the power
of practice.
In Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings, the four
powers
are known as the four
powers
of the Mystic Law, whose interaction enables one to have one’s prayers
answered and attain Buddhahood.
The power
of the Buddha is the Buddha’s compassion in saving all people. The power
of the Law indicates the boundless capacity of the Mystic Law to lead all
people to enlightenment. The power
of faith is to believe in the Gohonzon, the object of devotion that embodies
the power of
the Buddha and the power
of the Law, and the power
of practice is to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo oneself and teach others to do
the same.
To the extent that one brings forth
one’s powers
of faith and practice, one can manifest the powers
of the Buddha and the Law within one’s own life.
***
SGI
President Ikeda’s Guidance
Freely Tap the Inexhaustible Benefit of
the Gohonzon
Second Soka Gakkai President Josei
Toda said in his guidance:
Nichiren Buddhism teaches the four powers [the power of the Buddha,
the power of the Law, the power of faith, and the power of practice]. The
power of the Buddha and the power of the Law increase in proportion to the
strength of the power of faith and the power of practice. Therefore, bringing
forth the powers of the Buddha and the Law in your life depends on the powers
of your own faith and practice. The latter merge to become the powers of the
Buddha and the Law, resulting in benefits that seem miraculous, defying
comprehension.
It is the power of faith that enables
us to freely tap the great and inexhaustible benefit of the Gohonzon.
(From SGI President Ikeda’s study lecture
series, “Buddhism of the Sun, Illuminating the World”)
***
The Power of Faith and
Practice
Mr Toda used to say: “Obviously
when you strike a bell you’re going to get a vastly different sound,
depending on whether you use a toothpick, a chopstick, or a bell striker to
do so. The bell is the same, but if you hit it powerfully, it rings loudly;
if you hit it weakly, it rings softly. The same is true of the Gohonzon. The
benefit that we receive depends entirely on the power of our faith and
practice.”
As the expressions the “power of faith”
and the “power of practice” indicate, belief is a kind of force or strength.
The greater your conviction that your prayers will be answered – that is, the
stronger your faith – the more powerfully the Gohonzon (the Mystic Law) will
respond to your prayers.
The “power of practice” encompasses
the strength of your daimoku and the energy with which you work for
kosen-rufu – for the happiness of all people and the prosperity of society as
a whole. The stronger the power of your practice for yourself and for others,
the more you can tap the power of the Buddha and the power of the Law of the
Gohonzon.
Although we say “prayers are answered”
the fulfillment of our prayers in the Daishonin’s Buddhism is not something
magical or occult; it’s not about some mysterious enlightened being or god in
a distant realm taking pity on us and granting our wishes.
Just as there are physical laws
like those governing electricity, which human beings in their ingenuity have
learned to harness and put to practical use, Buddhism has delved into and uncovered
the law of life and universe. And just as electric light was invented based
on the laws of electricity, Nichiren Daishonin inscribed the Gohonzon for us
based on the supreme Law of Buddhism.
Mr Toda used to describe the
Gohonzon by saying, “This certainly doesn’t do it full justice, but the
Gohonzon can be likened to a “happiness-manufacturing machine”. The Gohonzon
is the ultimate manifestation of human wisdom and Buddha wisdom. That is why
the power of the Buddha and power of the Law are only as strong as the power
of our faith and the power of our practice. If the power of our faith and
practice equal a force of one hundred then it will bring forth the power of
the Buddha and the Law in equal strength; and if it is ten thousand, then it
will elicit a corresponding force of ten thousand.
(From
“Discussions on Youth II”)
|
< end of
supplementary resources >
