Buddhism and Probability
We are all Myoho but most people, in Mappo, cycle principally within the Six Lower Worlds.
Question: How can that be, when Tientai describes Three Thousand Worlds in a
momentary existence of life?
Answer: Ichinen Sanzen, in a sense, is a "not quite random generator." From
moment to moment, any world of the Three Thousand Worlds may manifest. This is not unlike a slot machine that is set for most pulls to lead to no return on the money (Hell), less return on the money (Hunger Animality, Anger, Tranquility, Rapture) some return on the money (Learning and Self Realization) a small jackpot (Bodhisattva) and the super jackpot(Buddha).
We set the not quite random generator of Ichinen Sanzen though our thoughts, words, and deeds just as the engineer sets the not quite random generator of the slot machine. The functioning of the not quite random generator of Ichinen Sanzen is Myoho and the functioning of the not quite random generator of the slot machine is the Law of physics governing its electro-mechanical properties.
It is as rare to continuously hit the super jackpot as to continuously manifest
Buddhahood from moment to moment. However, one may, more or less, continuously hit the super jackpot if one has a powerful properly configured electomagnetic device attatched to the slot machine which alters the not quite random generator of the machine. In like manner, chanting the Daimoku with a correct faith can alter the not quite random generator of Ichinen Sanzen and many moments will come up Buddhahood. One being has manifested Buddhahood since the infinite past from moment to moment and this is the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni. Nichiren strung together many moments of Buddhahood that is sure to carry over into the next life. We too are able to string together Buddha moments through a correct faith and practice.
You can not seperate the structure of the mechanical random generator (how it is configured) from the function of the generator (set by internal and external forces to come up jackpots or set to never come up jackpots). Both electro-mechanical events fall under the laws of physics but in one case, we have no return on the money (evil) and in the other, we are continuously hitting the superjackpot (good). In like manner, you can not seperate the structure of the spiritual random generator (Ichinen Sanzen) from the function of this generator (set by an incorrect faith and practice to come up in the Lower Six Realms or set by a correct faith and practice to come up Buddhahood). Both spiritual events fall under the Law of Myoho but in one case we have the Lower Six Worlds (evil) and in the other, we have Buddhahood (good).
The important thing in both cases is the correctness of the settings. The engineer points out how to overcome the not quite random mechanical generator via a correct application of the laws of Physics. Through his knowledge he will notice that both the "evil" structure and "evil" functioning of the generator is leading to no return and will recommend the necessary corrections. Nichiren Daishonin pointed out how to overcome the not quite random generator of Ichinen Sanzen or evil karma via a correct faith in the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni(Gohonzon) and a correct practice of Namu myoho renge kyo. Through his wisdom he observed both the "evil" effects and "evil" causes of the individual's and society's karmic generator and recommend the necessary corrections.
It is equally as compassionate to point out the "evil" effect(Realm) as it is to point out the "evil" causes(doctrine). The most important thing is to base one's observations and assertions on the Lotus Sutra.