Sept 2023 Discussion Meeting Gosho
Supplementary Resources for Leaders Sharing the Discussion Meeting Gosho
Reply to Yasaburō
You must simply make up your mind. Look at the world this year as a mirror. The reason that you have survived until now when so many have died was so that you would meet with this affair. This is where you will cross the Uji River. This is where you will ford the Seta. This will determine whether you win honour or disgrace your name.
(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol 1, p. 829)
(A) Background
Please refer to September 2023 issue of "Creative Life" and summarize.
(B) Key Points for Sharing
Key Learning Points of the Gosho Passage:
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One's great vow for kosen-rufu unleashes immense power
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Powerful prayers activate the workings of the benevolent gods and heavenly
deities (protective forces of the universe)
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Encouragement is crucial in surmounting difficulties in life
1. One's great vow for kosen-rufu unleashes immense power
At the time when this letter was written, many of Nichiren Daishonin's leading disciples, including Shijo Kingo and Nanjo Tokimitsu were facing major persecutions and Yasaburō was scheduled to engage in a religious debate.
Though little is known of Yasaburō, it is apparent that he was well-versed in Buddhism to engage in a religious debate.
At that point in time, it was crucial for Yasaburō to win the debate as it would prove the validity of the Daishonin's teachings and the righteousness of his disciples who were subjected to persecutions.
For this reason, the Daishonin tells Yasaburō: "You must simply make up your mind.... The reason that you have survived until now when so many have died was so that you would meet with this affair." The Daishonin is teaching Yasaburō that the reason
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Sept 2023 Discussion Meeting Gosho
he had survived until now is to participate in the upcoming debate for kosen-rufu and therefore, he "must simply make up his mind" to win without fail. In this way, the Daishonin exhorts Yasaburō to be awakened to his profound mission and give his utmost best in the impending battle for kosen-rufu.
The more difficult the battle, the more one's faith is being tested. When one is able to stand up based on a great vow for kosen-rufu at such crucial moments, he or she will be able to unleash immense power from the depths of one's life.
This is why Ikeda Sensei says in his guidance:
The greater the adversity, the more important it is to resolve that now is the time to achieve a victory in life, and to keep challenging oneself. It is here that the beneficial power of the Gohonzon becomes manifest. Adversity is therefore an opportunity to prove the power of Buddhism.
(The New Human Revolution Vol 30, "Pioneer" Chapter)
2. Powerful prayers activate the workings of the benevolent gods and heavenly deities (protective forces of the universe)
In the paragraph the comes after this Gosho passage, Nichiren Daishonin teaches,
"You should pray intently that Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the Buddhas of the ten directions will all gather and enter into your body to assist you." (WND-1, p 829)
Strong prayer brings forth the protection and assistance of these myriad Buddhas, the Daishonin says. Naturally, when the Buddhas of the ten directions "enter our bodies," so to speak, their vast retinues of bodhisattvas and heavenly deities—the protective functions of the universe—will also work tirelessly to support and assist us from without.
In this way, the Daishonin tells his lay follower Yasaburo to pray intently and exert himself wholeheartedly. (Teachings for Victory 45)
Ikeda Sensei also teaches us:
All Buddhas will lend their support to those who are steadfastly striving to fulfill the great vow for kosen-rufu. That is how respectworthy we are. As such, we are certain to be thoroughly protected by the heavenly deities.
Making the positive functions of the entire universe our allies, let's continue to advance, brimming with the boundless power of the Buddha.
(Living the Gosho: Words of Encouragement from SGI President Ikeda [2])
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3. Encouragement is crucial in surmounting difficulties in life
In this Gosho passage, the Daishonin says, "This is where you will cross the Uji River. This is where you will ford the Seta." The Uji and Seta Rivers were strategic points for invading the ancient capital city of Kyoto.
This letter is the Daishonin's response to Yasaburo who was scheduled to engage in a religious debate with a priest of the Pure Land school and had sought advice from him on what to say and how to conduct himself in the debate.
As such, the Daishonin offers the examples of the battles at Uji and Seta to explain to Yasaburo that the upcoming debate is just like crossing the two rivers located at strategic points of defense. Because of its strategic importance, whether or not one succeeded in crossing the Uji and Seta River determined one's troops' victory or defeat. Using this analogy, the Daishonin encourages Yasaburo to strive to his utmost best and win decisively.
In this way, encouragement is a source of strength and courage for others. This is why, practicing in an organization where fellow members encourage one another is truly important.
Ikeda Sensei explains this point in his guidance:
No matter what happens, we of the Soka family have the dauntless spirit to transform all poison into medicine through the power of the Mystic Law, to keep chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and overcome adversity together.
"Are you all right?" "How have you been?" "Let's do our best together!" I hope there will always be such words of encouragement spoken among fellow Soka Gakkai members.
When one's heart is conveyed, it becomes a source of strength for others. When one brings forth his or her strength, the path ahead will definitely open wide. It is also true that when one encourages others, one becomes courageous and confident oneself. Encouragement changes oneself as well as others.
(Guidance from an informal meeting for Kansai pioneer members held in Osaka, on November 28, 1993)
< end of supplementary resources >
Prepared by SGS Study Department
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