SGI PRESIDENT DAISAKU IKEDAS LECTURE SERIES Learning From The Writings Of NICHIREN DAISHONIN : The Teachings For VICTORY THE OPENING of the EYES Usher in a Triumphant Revival of Humanity This I will state: Let the gods forsake me. Let all persecutions assail me. Still I will give my life for the sake of the Law. Shariputras practiced the way of the Bodhisattva for sixty kalpas , but he abandoned the way because he could not endure the ordeal of the Brahman who begged for his eye. Of those who received the seeds of Buddhahood in the remote past and those who did so from the sons of the Buddha Great Universal Wisdom Excellence, many abandoned the seeds and suffered in hell for the long periods of numberless major world system dust particle kalpas and major world system dust particle kalpas, respectively, because they followed evil companions. Whether tempted by good or threatened by evil, if one casts aside the Lotus Sutra, one destines oneself for hell. Here I will make a great vow. Though I might be offered the rulership of Japan if I would only abandon the Lotus Sutra , accept the teachings of the Meditation Sutra, and look forward to rebirth in the Pure Land, though I might be told that my father and mother will have their heads cut off if I do not recite the Nembutsu--whatever obstacles I might encounter ,so long as persons of wisdom do not prove my teachings to be false , I will never yield! All other troubles are no more to me than DUST BEFORE THE WIND* I will be the pillar of Japan..I will be the eyes of Japan..I will be the great ship of Japan. This is my vow, and I will never forsake it! (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol.1,P p. 280-81) Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbor doubts in our hearts, we will as a matter of course attain Buddhahood. Do not have doubts simply because heaven does not lend you protection. .Do not be discouraged because you do not enjoy an easy and secure existence in this life.. This is what I have taught my disciples morning and evening, and yet they begin to harbor doubts and abandon their faith. Foolish men are likely to forget the promises they have made when the crucial moment comes... (WND-1,283 ) I WILL STAND UP ALONE, HERE AND NOW! In The Opening of the Eyes,Nichiren is urging people to open their eyes to the truth that the votary of the Lotus Sutra who is propagating the correct teaching of Buddhism in the defiled age of the Latter Day of the Law, never hesitating in the face of persecution by the three powerful enemies is the Lord of teachings seeking to guide all living beings to enlightenment, and that person is none other than he himself. The Opening of the Eyes is one of Nichirens major writings ,in which he reveals the object of devotion in terms of the Person. As I consider its profound significance, I am again struck with awe at the tremendous power, wisdom, and potential that reside in a single individual, and filled with a deep appreciation of the dignity and nobility of the human being. A Teaching That Fosters Great People How tenaciously a human being can fight for what is right? How supremely noble and strong a person can be! How invincible , inviolable and magnificent is the human spirit!! Human beings can never become more than human beings..We dont need to become gods..We are all ordinary mortals. What matters is whether we can achieve true greatness as human beings. This is the essential viewpoint of the humanistic teachings of Nichiren Buddhism that we uphold. .
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 14:27:21 +0000
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