The Benefits of practicing Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism

Spiritual story by wcy

Life have been smooth for the past years. My eldest son had gone to the fifty top university in the world to further his education. My youngest son is doing quite well in his studies. He got a partial scholarship for doing his A Levels. My wife works in a good company with a very good boss. As for me very happy with my present work.

What do I have to complaint? All my neighbours are quite OK except the house to my left is empty for about one year.

Suddenly there are activities next door. The 'new' neighbour is renovating his house. As a good neighbour I greeted him.

As time go by the renovation slowly took place. The renovation was so ridiculous that he broke all the Building Bye Laws. I approached the neighbour and just ignore me.

After discussing with my wife, we conclude that it is time to move on. My eldest son is oversea and my youngest will also be oversea in about two years' time, this is the time to move to a smaller house or condominium. Furthermore the jam to and from office for my wife is very bad. This gives us opportunity to discuss this matter and we have decided to sell our house as the house is too big for two us in two years' time. The traffic jam will going to be worse.

So we appointed a real estate agent to sell our house. Due to our good fortune the agent managed to find a buyer fast and willing to pay for the price we wanted.

We also found a completed condo which we liked.

Isn't this the wonderful 'work' of the Mystic Law?

An unpresent neighbour is a blessing in disguise. If not we will not even think about moving.

If we practice Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism faithfully daily, all problems will be a blessing in disguise.

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

How to stay young and rejuvenate?

You mustn't allow yourselves to grow old before your time. Please live with a youthful spirit. That is what Buddhism teaches us to do and it is how life ought to be lived. If you make a commitment to work for the sake of others, you will be rejuvenated. If you devote your life to helping others, you'll stay young. The power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo guarantees that.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 17/8

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo enables us to make any hardship or setback the source of our new advancement and our treasure for the future.

Therefore, you don't have to be afraid of making a mistake or encountering an obstacle. In short, as long as you are devoted to staying in the correct orbit of faith, you won't ever cease to advance toward your victory, even if you may go through some twists and turns in life.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 7/6

When we chant daimoku misfortune and unhappiness are directed and pulled in the direction to make the Mystic Law their base

When we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the good and evil capacities of our lives begin to function as the exalted form of fundamental existence. Lives that are full of the pain of hell, lives that are in the state of hunger, lives warped by the state of anger—such lives too begin to move in the direction of creating their own personal happiness and value. Lives being pulled toward misfortune and unhappiness are redirected and pulled in the opposite direction, toward good, when they make the Mystic Law their base.



Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 6/3

If we believe in these five characters, we will naturally be granted the same benefits as Shakyamuni was

Shakyamuni's practices and the virtues he consequently attained are all contained within the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo. If we believe in these five characters, we will naturally be granted the same benefits as he was. 30/10

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period af the Thus Come One's Passing
Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo has the beneficial power to open the blind eyes of every living being

If Nichiren's compassion is truly great and encompassing, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo will spread for ten thousand years and more, for all eternity, for it has the beneficial power to open the blind eyes of every living being in the country of Japan, and it blocks off the road that leads to the hell of incessant suffering. 1/8

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
On Repaying Debts of Gratitude
Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276

Your heart is here

Even though I cannot see you, I am certain that your heart is here. If you find that you miss me, always look at the sun that rises [in the morning] and the moon that rises in the evening. I will be reflected in the sun and the moon. And in our next life, let us meet in the pure land of Eagle Peak. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. 16/6

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Letter to the Lay Nun of Ko
Written to the lay nun of Ko on June 16, 1275

The stronger one's faith, the greater the protection of the gods

Furthermore, human beings have two heavenly gods who always accompany them, just as a shadow follows the body. One is named Same Birth and the other Same Name. Perched on one's left and right shoulders, they protect one [by reporting all of one's deeds to heaven]. Therefore, heaven never punishes those who have committed no error, let alone people of merit. That is why the Great Teacher Miao-lo stated, "The stronger one's faith, the greater the protection of the gods." So long as one maintains firm faith, one is certain to receive the great protection of the gods. 15/6

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
The Supremacy of the Law
Written to Oto and her mother, Nichimyo, on August 4, 1275

Practicing seven characters of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are the master of all the Buddhas of the three existences

Though the teaching that I am now propagating seems limited, it is extremely profound. That is because it goes deeper than the teaching expounded by T'ien-t'ai, Dengyo, and others. It is the three important matters in the "Life Span" chapter of the essential teaching. Practicing only the seven characters of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo seems limited, but since they are the master of all the Buddhas of the three existences, the teacher of all the bodhisattvas in the ten directions, and the guide that enables all living beings to attain the Buddha way, it is profound. 1/5

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Earthly Desires are Enlightenment
Written to Shijo Kingo on May 2, 1272

The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo

The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo, the heart of the essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra, contain the benefit amassed through the countless practices and meritorious deeds of all Buddhas throughout the three existences. Then, how can these five characters not include the benefits obtained by observing all of the Buddhas' precepts? 27/4

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
The Teaching, Practice and Proof
Written to Sammi-bo on March 21, 1275

Only Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can lead to enlightenment

This teaching was not propagated in the Former or Middle Day of the Law because the other sutras had not yet lost their power of benefit. Now, in the Latter Day of the Law, neither the Lotus Sutra nor the other sutras lead to enlightenment. Only Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can do so. This is not my own judgment. Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, the Buddhas of the ten directions, and the bodhisattvas who emerged from the earth as numerous as the dust particles of a thousand worlds have so determined it. 1/4

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
The Teaching for the Latter Day
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on April 1, 1278

Myoho-renge-kyo, is the essence, that is, the heart of the Lotus Sutra

Our contemporaries think of the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo only as a name, but this is not correct. It is the essence, that is, the heart of the Lotus Sutra. . . . Those who seek the heart of the sutra apart from its title are as foolish as the turtle who sought the monkey's liver outside the monkey, or the monkey who left the forest and sought fruit on the seashore. 9/3

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
This is What I Heard
Written to the lay priest Soya Jiro on November 28, 1277

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the heart of the "Life Span" chapter

Grass without roots will die in no time and a river without a source will not flow far. A child without parents is looked down upon. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the heart of the "Life Span" chapter, is the mother of all Buddhas throughout the ten directions and the three existences of past, present and future. 18/2

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
The Essence of the "Life Span" Chapter
Recipient unknown; written on April 17,1271

When we chant the Mystic Law, our Buddha nature, being summoned, will invariably emerge

When we revere Myoho-renge-kyo inherent in our own life as the object of devotion, the Buddha nature within us is summoned forth and manifested by our chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. This is what is meant by "Buddha." To illustrate, when a caged bird sings, birds who are flying in the sky are thereby summoned and gather around, and when the birds flying in the sky gather around, the bird in the cage strives to get out. When with our mouths we chant the Mystic Law, our Buddha nature, being summoned, will invariably emerge.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra
Written to the lay nun Myoho in 1277 9/1

Chanting Myoho-renge-kyo will enable you to grasp the mystic truth innate in all life

If you wish to free yourself from the sufferings of birth and death you have endured since time without beginning and to attain without fail unsurpassed enlightenment in this lifetime, you must perceive the mystic truth that is originally inherent in all living beings. This truth is Myoho-renge-kyo. Chanting Myoho-renge-kyo will therefore enable you to grasp the mystic truth innate in all life.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,
On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime
Written to Toki Jonin in 1255 7/1

Buddhism is about bringing happiness, joy and fulfillment to all

Buddhism is about bringing happiness, joy and fulfillment to all. It enables us not only to become happy ourselves but to make causes for the enlightenment of our ancestors seven-plus generations back and for the happiness and prosperity of our children, grandchildren and descendants throughout future generations. This is the great benefit of Buddhism. 31/5

A polished mirror is the Buddha's life

Originally, every person's life is a brilliantly shining mirror. Differences arise depending on whether one polishes this mirror: A polished mirror is the Buddha's life, whereas a tarnished mirror is that of a common mortal. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is what polishes our lives.

Events
27 Feb SGI-USA Women's Day.

Attain happiness by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

When we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the good and evil capacities of our lives begin to function as the exalted form of fundamental existence. Lives that are full of the pain of hell, lives that are in the state of hunger, lives warped by the state of anger—such lives too begin to move in the direction of creating their own personal happiness and value. Lives being pulled toward misfortune and unhappiness are redirected and pulled in the opposite direction, toward good, when they make the Mystic Law their base. 6/3

The wonder and power of life

Life contains the capacity, like flames that reach toward heaven, to transform suffering and pain into the energy needed for value-creation, into light that illuminates darkness. Like the wind traversing vast spaces unhindered, life has the power to uproot and overturn all obstacles and difficulties. Like clear flowing water, it can wash away all stains and impurities. And finally life, like the great earth that sustains plants and vegetation, impartially protects all people with its compassionate, nurturing force. 17/2

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Power of good woman
Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote: "Women are, by their power of conversation and their social influence, the civilizers of mankind. What is civilization? I answer, the power of good women." The solidarity of wise, good women will be the great power to guide the world toward peace and happiness. 10/12


Noble mission of Nursing
Florence Nightingale, the founder of the modern nursing profession, proudly declared: "Let us be anxious to do well, not for selfish praise but to honor and advance the cause, the work we have taken up." The spirit to fulfill a noble mission is pure, strong, and beautiful. It is a spirit that we all should emulate. 9/12


Role of education
Education allows us to be truly human. It deepens us and enables us to build a better society and a brighter future. The profundity of education determines the profundity of culture, the nature of society and the firmness of peace. Education plays a major role in creating deep solidarity, mutual understanding and trust. 8/12


Stronghold for peace
Peace can never be attained by passively waiting for it. It is necessary for each of us, no matter how weak we may feel we are, to build deep within our hearts a stronghold for peace that can withstand, and in the end silence, the incessant calls for war. 7/12


Human society
Human society can be full of contradictions. It can be unfair; unforgiving, too. Yet we cannot afford to turn our backs to the world. A person who does loses, and no excuse can gloss that over. Given a choice whether to sink or swim, one must swim to the very end, no matter how the seas around us may rage. 6/12


Inconspicious virtue bring conspicious reward
Inconspicuous virtue brings conspicuous reward. From the perspective of Buddhism, we never fail to receive the effect of our actions, whether good or bad; therefore, it's meaningless to be two-faced or to pretend to be something we're not. 5/12


Indestructible Happiness
There is an expansive life-state of profound, secure happiness that transcends any material or social advantage. It is called faith; it is called the life-state of Buddhahood. As Nichiren reminds us: "It is the heart that is important." It is in the heart of faith that Buddhahood resides and boundless and immeasurable happiness shines forth. Happiness is not something located far away. We must realize that it exists within our own lives. Nichiren Buddhism teaches this and shows us how to attain indestructible happiness. 4/12


Benefits of dailogue
Dialogue is a positive endeavor. It builds solidarity and creates unity. To reject others only has negative repercussions. It invites division and leads to destruction. The point is to meet and to talk. It is only natural that our perspective may at times differ from that of others. But dialogue gives rise to trust, even among those who don't see eye to eye. 3/12


Winners in life
What is defeat in life? It is not merely making a mistake; defeat means giving up on yourself in the midst of difficulty. What is true success in life? True success means winning in your battle with yourself. Those who persist in the pursuit of their dreams, no matter what the hurdles, are winners in life, for they have won over their weaknesses. 2/12


Live true to yourself
The main thing is to be proud of the work you do, to live true to yourself. Activity is another name for happiness. What's important is that you give free, unfettered play to your unique talents, that you live with the full radiance of your being. This is what it means to be truly alive. 1/12


Must not live to destroy
That we take pains to protect weapons while we expose children—the future of the race—to peril is impermissible. To ignore this absurdity will spell defeat for humanity. We must not live to destroy. We have the spiritual power to create peace and happiness. 30/11


Tiny setback
Do not become subservient. Do not dwell on every tiny setback in the course of pursuing your chosen path. To do so would be foolish. Victory or defeat is determined by our entire lives. Moreover, our final years are the most crucial. What is enviable about the pretentious rich? What is great about conceited celebrities? What is admirable about political leaders who gained their positions of power by treating others with contempt? Dig right where you stand, for there lies a rich wellspring! 29/11


Lack of self confidence
Many young women agonize over perceived personality flaws and a lack of self-confidence. Nichiren Buddhism, however, teaches the great path of human revolution that enables each of us to shine in our own unique way. With this philosophy, you can decisively overcome a weak and easily swayed life-state and become a person of strength and purpose. It will allow you to withstand the storms of suffering and build a rock-solid foundation that will support you throughout your entire precious lives. 28/11


True victors in life
The true victors in life are those who, enduring repeated challenges and setbacks, have sent the roots of their being to such a depth that nothing can shake them. 27/11


Winning year after year
Life is long. The important thing is to remain true to a lofty goal to the very end. Buddhism enables you to adorn the final chapter of your life with brilliant success, just as the golden sun colors the sky in glorious crimson hues and beams of sublime light. To do so, you need to keep making efforts year after year and winning year after year. 26/11