This is another installment in the continued conversations between The Dust Particle and the Ganges Sand, held in a dank campus coffee house overlooking the Boneyard Creek in Urbana, Illinois.
DP: It’s been a while since our last conversation. I see you’ve been busy. What’s with all the start-up of all these new movements. Are you bored, or something?
GS: It’s interesting to see the different reactions of people. You could say that what is being done is creating a home, a safe place for people.
DP: I noticed that you’ve garnered some supporters and a few critics. I saw you lampooned on someone’s site, mocking you. It was kind of creepy. And his site has some Trojan Horse, spyware, or something wretched that messes with your computer. I hope you took precautions.
GS: Precautions? Sure, the usual, and some counter mojo to boot. It's all part of the lesser-ego game. The aritcle was funny, so loosen up. And with his invasive software, he just loses his audience. Forgive the boy, he probably got smacked around a lot when he was a kid.
DP: You mean that you don’t take offense to that kind of thing?
GS: You need to consider the source. Some people need to be cynical to get their attention. The truth always prevails and fools quickly show their true colors, so relax, and let people be who they are.
DP: That guy who lampooned you struck me like that hideous little creature that sat in the folds of Jabba the Hut’s fat, laughing like a demon.
GS: It’s funny, but like any other joke, it doesn’t have much shelf life. It’s ha, ha, then on to the next bit. You should really stop deleting his comments, Dust Particle, that's rude.
DP: In the words of Muhammad Ali, "I never said I was the smartest, just the greatest." Still, his comments are never positive and have an air of wickedness.
GS: True, you're not the smartest, but great? More like trippy and weird. No. What's wicked to some is just another person's fettish. He’s always making a point. Perhaps it’s never to take yourself so seriously.
DP: What about the others? There’s this big battle raging between Bruce and Mark. What do think of all that?
GS: Each one of those guys have amazing qualities and abilities. Bruce is your conscience. He see’s religion and the Lotus Sutra in a way that can be of great benefit to those who get sucked down the rabbit hole. He’s a voice of reason that tells people to think and not just accept the arbitrary interpretations of others. He was instrumental in providing the last piece in the puzzle of Modern Buddhism by making it evident, based on the Lotus Sutra itself, that being connected to it, was all the Buddha expects.
DP: But his feud with Mark.
GS: They’re friends, or at least somewhere in there, is an old connection. Don’t worry about it, Dust Particle, they’ll work it out. Mark is a smart guy. He’s a medical doctor, but he doesn’t go around saying, "I’m Mark, M.D." He could use his status as a medical doctor to impress a lot of people, but he doesn't do that. But maybe he should!
His understanding of the core teachings of the Lotus Sutra are spot-on. Everyone has their own role, apparently his current calling is to refute that which he deems heretical. Many people take to this expression of faith. You did when you refuted Nichiren Shoshu and when you refuted the SGI.
DP: He’s a medical doctor, so why don’t you ask him for help with promoting Modern Buddhist Healing? And, I think that was you who refuted NS and the SGI!
GS: It's unnecessary. If Mark could help his patients with it, he would, so why implore on him when he would certainly do whatever needed to be done for his patients, and he would always act in accord with the Lotus Sutra. If he thought any of it had merit, he would use it. He doesn't need anyone's permission. None of Modern Buddhist Healing is original. It’s not anyone’s invention. And, no, it was YOU who refuted them. The Ganges Sand just lets everyone be, it's the Dust Particle's function to take yahoos to task.
DP: So, you don’t mind being made fun of, and you’re looking at the positive aspects of those guys?
GS: Did your mother drop you on your head when you were a baby? Using satire is anyone’s right. It’s a good weapon, with a short shelf life. It’s in your arsenal, isn’t it? Don’t have to answer that. As far as “the guys,” they’ll work it out, and in the mean time, people can learn from their expertise on certain things. Everyone has something to teach, even Jabba’s little demon.
There have been many inquiries since posting the announcement of the formation of Modern Buddhism. I have taken the liberty of excerpting a letter written to our new East Coast Maven, explaining more about the fraternity of Modern Buddhism, SMBH, and The Order of Jakkodo. Her questions centered in on function and financing.
She cautioned me that the SGI might come after me with an army of lawyers for establishing a new sangha and disseminating the mandala.
This is what I wrote with some further clarification added:
I am free to distribute Gohonzon, and there is zero the SGI or anyone else can do about it. It's not their mandala. It's not patented; it's not licensed, it's an image in the public domain and free for anyone to copy or distribute. I just so happen to have the master templates, the legal right, and the will to do so.
Intimidate me? Never been intimidated, not by cancer, not even when someone pointed a loaded, cocked revolver at my head, or when I was attacked by a maniac with a hunting knife.
If you're a Bodhisattva of the Earth, no force on earth should intimidate you - the great ones expect it, and send those curses back to their sender. If you’re not willing to give your life for a cause, it’s not much of cause, and it’s not much of a determination. If I were faint hearted, I would never have recovered from 4th stage lymphoma, and I would never have taken on the task of Modern Buddhism. Believe me, I wrestled with going public with Modern Buddhism for a long time.
Intimidated by the SGI? I understand they're capable of many things, so, on a personal level, I must be on-guard yet remain undeterred. America has provided its people freedom of speech and freedom of religion in the Constitution. No committee, board of directors, or battalion of lawyers can alter our inalienable rights. Start your own religion or sangha, cast your seed, nurture it, and people will come to eat the fruit. You've got to love America for putting religious freedom in the hands of the people. I'm as intimidated as Nichiren on April 28th, 1253. Bring it, if you've got it. Otherwise, step back, and let us exercise our Constitutional and spiritual rights. Not only is the law of the land on our side, so is the will of the people, and the Law of karma.
From a purely logical viewpoint, it's also not a great idea to persecute this lowly, but prolific Buddhist writer, whose on a mission to empower the disenfranchised. How so? Because there's a whole lot more people like us, the 99% who've broken away from the sects, then there are them, the 1% who remain. This is particularly true now that we are in the time of instant information and the Internet. It's important that people understand that they can continue to be a member of any group they wish. We don't care. The trouble makers or spies won't stay and what they'll learn will be of no value to their entrenched sect.
Not only can I freely start my own sangha, I can legally print and distribute the mandalas at will. Where one must be careful, is in using copyrighted materials. You cannot patent or license a discussion forum or ways of propagation. No one owns Buddhist mythology or terminology or the practice. You cannot slander an organization in the legal sense, nor can you slander individuals. Satire cuts a wide swath in literary license, but you are better off laughing with the jokes about you, and ignoring the railings of alleged cults. My approach is to ignore large religious corporations like the SGI as a recruiting source and unite in spirit, the enormous numbers of independents, sympathetic travelers, non-sectarians, other Buddhists, and the open minded demographic of New Age seekers who need a home. And the beauty is that we don't care where you've been or if you still belong. Most of all, we reach out to the sick, the suffering and the forgotten..
Regarding Modern Buddhism and Her Siblings:
Inclusion is the key, based on the principles of the Lotus Sutra. By that I mean
that anyone who hears, aligns, or takes refuge in the Lotus Sutra obtains immeasurable benefit. As explained briefly in my blog, Modern Buddhism is like the mother sangha.
Her siblings are SMBH and The Order of Jakkodo. Modern Buddhism contains the proactive group that practices and promotes healing with mantra-powered visualization, intention, and other merciful actions. The Order of Jakkodo is an advanced training school.
First, The Order of Jakkodo: It is an esoteric school based on the Lotus Sutra,
with the Ten Worlds serving as grades and bardos to the next level, beginning with Hell. The average person isn’t going to be willing to enter Hell to obtain wisdom, but that is what is required of all future adepts and sages. It is a secret society with study, practical exercises, and samadhi as its tradition. Before one embarks on their quest, they choose their name for that first level. It can be of any language or tradition. Mine was, “Prince of Wands,” based on the Tarot. Yours might be Great Endurance, Blue Lotus, or Fukushi (fortune baby). Why? It’s a declaration of transcending the lesser ego and giving name and form to your higher consciousness. Because higher consciousness is boundless, new names or levels are given designation, thus ten levels, ten names.
My life constructed and endured this program, finishing the ten levels in 2001.
It took me fourteen years to pass through the gauntlet, and more than one year to formulate into a cohesive training program.
Let me describe the study material for the first level. We will start with the “Introduction to the Lotus Sutra.” Before the end of forty day’s one gives a written overview of that chapter. This is not graded, it merely tells us if one understood the chapter and on what level.
The practical exercises are basic: One draws or makes a collage that depicts their vision of Hell. It can depict war, sorrow, pain, etc. It is like the old Japanese sects that would draw the kanji of one of the Ten Worlds, and then they would meditate on that realm. It’s the same concept, but Westernized.
During the course of the forty days, one is required to do field work. They are
required to go to a nursing home or cancer ward, and talk with patients and families, without telling them what to do. Just listen, without action. One meditates on this world with the intention of encountering the greatest suffering and embracing it with mercy, without prayer intervention. A daily journal is required.
To pass the grade, you give the secret of the grade.
That general secret is something approximating these ideas: Fill in the blanks.
Each world is entered and traversed. Each world you choose a motto. Each world has study, practice, and meditation. An attainable secret is at the end of each passage.
Now, about money, donations, and funding a new sangha.
Complete financial transparency is the way it will be - this is a must. Fraternity and money, should never be an issue of connection. There are financial realities, as you well know. Donations are welcome, and a sort of donation system can be established.
There are no membership fees for Modern Buddhism or SMBH.
The Order of Jakkodo, because it is a training program, like taking an advanced college course, should have a fee of $100 a level. At the successful completion of all levels, the 18” x 23” medicine mandala will be bestowed on the graduates, if they choose. A certificate of completion will be given.
The fee for the mandala should be set at perhaps, $300. That level is consistent with whathas been done by the priests on the West Coast, with that same mandala. If quality is not an issue, and if someone really wants one and doesn't have the money, they can download whatever they want at the Coffeehouse and take it to a printer - it's that easy.
Since this sangha has just been born, it will need a regular publication that needs to start out monthly, but will soon be weekly. There needs to be a reasonable fee for this. I will do all the writing at first.
As you may or may not know, I work as a restaurant manager, 50+ hours a week, which leaves little time to fully devote to this movement. I am not retired and independently wealthy. I will need to travel to various locations, and I will need to invest incredible hours into growing the movement. This is why Modern Buddhism must raise money to operate and grow. But it can and never will be about money.
Part of what needs to be done is to educate the public about mantra-powered visualization and Modern Buddhist healing through seminars and workshops. My books are an ideal tool and are available to me at ½ price from the publisher. It would be ideal if you and others would become teachers and trainers.
Another service we should offer is weddings and funerals. Licensing for weddings is easy and we could create a wonderful standard service. The person who provides that service would earn that money, like any minister would. There are a lot of people who would love a beautiful Buddhist wedding ceremony. The same goes with designing and conducting funeral and graveside services.
As time goes on, SMBH will register with hospice care groups to provide end-of-life spiritual support. There are many more things that we can and will do as people come forward to create this new sangha.
Of particular interest to me, is finding ways to help teach children stricken by
cancer and other chronic illnesses learn (MPV) Mantra-powered Visualization. A professional psychologist just approached me with some rather striking insights on applying Jungian psychology and Buddhism to healing. There is no limit to what we can do as capable people step forward.
You will notice from my earlier declarations on Jakkodo, that I want to make no
discrimination about healing humans AND creatures. We can connect with our local humane societies, ASPCA, and so on to provide healing prayers. Also, we can make this service known to the general public and teach them how to comfort their critters. The SGI and others might find all of this silly, but I believe that this is the Buddha’s intention when he speaks of all living beings.
As more new people ask for inclusion, and deeper discussion ensues, people will be trained, certified and will go into society to help others. We will build this sangha the right way, avoiding the sectarian impediments that have stymied the spread of the Lotus Sutra in the West. This movement is all about connecting people with the Lotus Sutra and healing. It’s not about me, you, money, or anything other than building a fraternity and network of compassionate, prosperous, healthy and joyful people dedicated to healing. The tranquil light of the Buddha’s land is inside us. This was a good place to start and there is so much more we can do to make this sangha right. I'll know it's right when each person knows that in reality, that there is only a sangha of one - you.
With the advent of Modern Buddhism, The Society of Modern Buddhist Healing, and The Order of Jakkodo, I would like to suggest a good place for interested people to start. You can ask your library if they have my first book, Modern Buddhist Healing. If not, you can ask them to order it. If you would like to have your own copy, just put the title into your search engine and go, it is available from hundreds of sellers, sometimes for very little money.
It seems that we need a starting point. Instead of reading my analysis, I have included here, the Publisher's Weekly review of Modern Budddhist Healing.
From Publishers Weekly
In 1987, at age 36, Atkins was diagnosed with advanced Hodgkin's disease, a life-threatening, virulent cancer. This book is his manual for how prayer, particularly meditation and chant, can ameliorate physical conditions such as fibromyalgia, cancer, diabetic ulcers and even coma. It is also a compelling chronicle of Atkins's own saga and near-death vision. Atkins, though, is no health renegade. He straightaway, repeatedly and responsibly advises "get the best medical treatment available. Proper diagnosis from a qualified physician is the first and foremost step." Atkins also quickly details, however, that individuals can use healing dimensions to complement traditional Western-style medicine. For him the Buddhist Lotus Sutra's mantra "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo," advanced by 13th-century Japanese master Nichiren Daishonin, is an extraordinarily powerful tool, especially when supplemented by healing visualizations. Simply, this mantra enables immediate access to our already enlightened nature and is directly applicable to specific regions of the body. To build a proper foundation for this approach, Atkins furnishes a clear explanation of karma with a reach broader than popular, simple notions. Making powerful links to other traditions by equating the Holy Spirit, prana, chi, kundalini and life force, Atkins also notes that such chanting does not conflict with other religious practices. By no means a book just for Buddhists, at best this work can empower anyone who is ill and suffering, for it champions chanting and meditation as forms of prayer. As Atkins observes, "All may enter with a prayer; no one is denied access."
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Nicolas-Hays (May 2002)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0892540621
ISBN-13: 978-0892540624
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
It does not strike me as unusual that my announcement of a new sangha, Modern Buddhism was greeted with silence. It does not surprise me that The Society of Modern Buddhist Healing garnered little more than a few responses and a small, but positive review on the new BuddhaJones. (By the way, thank you, Brooke). And it is understandable that The Order of Jakkodo, an advanced training program based on Ichinen Sanzen and the Lotus Sutra, hardly garnered a glance. Why am I unconcerned?
My first deduction is that Fraught-With-Peril has few readers. Second, people are generally comfortable in their existing sanghas. And three, there will be many people, especially leaders within the larger movements that know how impossibly difficult it is to create an organization out of nothing. There will be others who will scoff at my ability because they may think that they know me, and what I am capable of. There’s a long list of why I cannot create something out of nothing. And there is but one reason why I can - Because I can.
Here’s why I can and will succeed. First, I know and have faith in the Lotus Sutra. Second, I am on a mission directed by The Buddha, mandated by the Lotus Sutra. How do I know this? Because it's in the Lotus Sutra; I'm one of those great ones mentioned in Emerging From The Earth; I think some of you are too, but you just haven't woken up to it yet. Third, I've spent my entire youth until just a few years ago building local organizations out of nothing, all with success. I know how to write, publish, and lead. As a public speaker, I am second to none. As a well respected author, my books made me a high profile, media savvy personality known all around the world. Tens-of-thousands of people or their family members have sought out my teachings and overcome their illnesses. Many have taken my encouragement into the valley of the shadow of death, surrounded by their loved ones, and blissfully passed away. Their loved ones, so moved by the mercy of the Lotus Sutra and my words have called me in tears of thanks, vowing to do anything for me. But I've never asked them for anything in return; not money or thanks, nothing. I love them and they love me. They will remember their guide and the mercy of the Lotus Sutra. These are my children - these are my allies.
In the weeks ahead, Modern Buddhism will be made known all over the globe. The Sutra calls it magic - I call it intention or Will. You can help Modern Buddhism too, if you choose. Find a forum and announce it. Send them these recent announcements. Tell them of my books. Benefit will ensue. Promoting this new movement is exalting the Lotus Sutra. From this benefit will ensue.
Modern Buddhism will make available the Nichiren Prayer Mandala. I have all the elements in place to begin a worldwide movement in perfect accord with the Lotus Sutra without hero worship or the obvious cult mentality infecting the other Nichiren movements. In the coming months, I will be visiting the major cities in the U.S., speaking on behalf of Modern Buddhism, SMBH, and The Order of Jakkodo. I have many allies in this country and in Europe and am intent on causing new and great bodhisattvas to emerge. If you're happy in your group, I'm happy for you, please stay where you are - we don't need you. Many, though, are distressed and burned out by the oppression, threats, unfairness, and blatent mind control of their sanghas. Many are simply fed-up and freaked out by the unrelenting hero worship that has eclipsed the Lotus Sutra and The Buddha. Nothing of that kind will ever exist in Modern Buddhism as you are directly connected to the Buddha and The Lotus Sutra.
I may be just one man, but I am the right man, with the right teaching, at the right time. Buddha was 70 when he began teaching the Lotus Sutra, I am just 57, in excellent health, and full of vitality. This is an awesome way to honor the Lotus Sutra and finish my life work. Although I am just one man prepared to do it alone, I ask for your help. Can you please help me?
Thank you.
Charles Atkins
The time has come to blaze a new path to liberation. In the past week, I have introduced you to The Society of Modern Buddhist Healing, based on my book of the same name. You have been informed of a new advanced training program for Modern Buddhist Healers in the Order of Jakkodo. There is a third element to this mystic triad. I announce here the establishment of a new sangha known as Modern Buddhism.
New members may apply for the Nichiren Prayer Mandala, available in three sizes: Large, medium, and travelling size. Dimensions to be announced.
When Shakyamuni attained supreme enlightenment under the bodhi tree, he wondered what to do. How could he teach people a Law so profound that it defied words? The gods implored him to forestall his entry into the stream of nirvana, which was his rightful reward, and save those trapped in the perpetual spin of samsaric existence. After further contemplation, Buddha began his ministry. His actions transformed countless lives over the next 2,500 years. In his efforts to sever the web of delusion that had ensnared the mind of humanity, he refuted the errors of the Brahmans, while exposing the flaws of other known and unknown religious models of his present and future. In his teaching, Buddha used expedient means to teach the Law according to the capacity of the people. In the Lotus Sutra, he revealed that in actuality, there were not two or three Laws as it seemed, but one alone. It can be said that Buddha began the movement of One Dharma. This One Dharma of Namu-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is Modern Buddhism.
One could rightfully contend that there is nothing new to this idea of One Dharma and the essence of the Lotus Sutra being Namu-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. After all, today there are numerous sects vying for attention and respect, all with some semblance of this conclusion. Nichiren was instrumental in making the matter obvious, but he invented none of it, neither the addition of "Namu" to myoho-renge-kyo, nor the mandala that he inscribed to bring focus to the ceremony in space. As it is said, “there is nothing new under the sun.” Within the Nichiren tradition, there are major and minor movements, all which have proved themselves to be flawed in one way or another, some more than others. This fact is evident in their inability to bridge the gap between the Buddha’s stated intention within the Lotus Sutra of uplifting inclusion, and the universal acceptance in the West of this one dharma, where religious freedom prevails. This freedom is unique in view of world history and that inability to bridge the gap is tragic. This is even more obvious in regions of the world where monotheism has gravely poisoned consciousness, leading us ever closer to the destruction of civilization. Nothing should ever impede the advance of the Lotus Sutra as its truth is capable of penetrating every level of human condition and attachment. The Middle East should be fertile ground, but is, instead, a realm of spiritual bondage.
Within the so-called Nichiren movements, there are larger-than-life mentors with billion dollar portfolios, and there are learned priests who have made careers out of greed, duplicity, and twisting the one dharma for their own benefit. It is apparent to me that not one of these sects has the Buddha’s intention right. As the world moves ever-deeper into darkness, danger, and despair, the various sects proclaim their own superiority and the magnificence of their leaders. The time has come to discard self-serving sectarian models and the mindless futility of hero worship for the one dharma, replacing it with the person-to-Law connection of Modern Buddhism.
What a quandary for Charles Atkins. At age 57, I realize the truth of existence and see the way forward, yet I am aware that my life is waning. Is there time for me to do what needs to be done? Is this not a mission for a savant in their thirties? Am I even the right person to take on this task? For those who know my story, the rigors of cancer treatment put my stamina and very existence to the test back in 1987. I am at high risk for various long-term infirmities due to the effects of aggressive combination chemotherapy and radiation. Using the logical mind, it might seem that it is too late in the game for me to begin a new Buddhist movement, let alone three at once! For those who know me, it would be confirmed that I am in defiance of all statistical models and snicker at the odds. In other words, I do as I will and create my own future. In fact, it is my contention, that at the very peak of my experience of conquering cancer – my near-death experience, that every cell in my body was transformed by the imprint of new cellular memory – that of the vitality and resilience of Buddhahood. I knew then that my mission was vital. I did not know that in order to fulfill it, I would need to cross the abyss of human suffering for 15 more years, then break free from the sangha that had raised me. Now I understand that the only way to establish Jakkodo and the Buddha’s land is to establish Modern Buddhism.
It must be told, that I have many, many flaws. There are too many to list here. I have made just about every mistake a human being can make, so I am not setting myself up as some holier-than-thou savior. My humor can be quite sardonic at times, so occasionally, people don't know when to take me seriously. I’m no saint and never claimed to be one. With that said, I do have some virtues. Of greatest import, during the course of my illness, somehow, I became awakened. That event seems to have set the course of my life.
As I have said many times, I regard organized religion as a pariah on human consciousness. I have said that it is a killer of creativity and more. There are many people who believe that they need religion and its structure to make their way through life. I do not believe that this was the Buddha’s intention. I am even more certain that the Buddha would be appalled by making hero worship a substitute for embracing the one dharma of the Lotus Sutra. This sense of being appalled applies for holding an organization more sacred than life, or the one Law. This is what I believe.
Based on my understanding that some people need a “religious” sangha and are not comfortable being a “lamp unto oneself,” I declare the establishment of Modern Buddhism as a new sangha. I vow to spread the Lotus Sutra throughout the world for the sake of living beings, and as a sangha of one, I stand fearless before the powerful movements and their all powerful heroes.
TENENTS AND BASIC PHILOSOPHY
Shakyamuni is the Original Buddha
Nichiren is not the focus, he is the votary that points to the Buddha and the Lotus Sutra
The Gosho should be read as directing us to the Lotus Sutra
Every person has Buddha Nature
Shakyamuni trained us in the remote past as His great bodhisattvas to save this and other developing worlds throughout the universe
The ultimate truth of the Buddha is found in the Lifespan, Emerging from the Earth, and Treasure Tower chapters of the Lotus Sutra
Nichiren is not the true Buddha, he is a prophet and worthy sage. It is apparent that he is a Votary of the Lotus Sutra
There is no validity to the authenticity of the so-called Dai-Gohonzon of 10/12/1279
Chanting daimoku to a mandala is not necessary to attain enlightenment
Aligning with and accepting the Lotus Sutra is sufficient for salvation and awakening
Namu-myoho-renge-kyo is the actual invocation
Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is appropriate and beneficial
Silent, Samadhi meditation is of great value
Reciting the invocation in one’s native language is appropriate and acceptable
Reciting the entire prayer book, A, B & C is recommended
Reciting prayers in your native language is acceptable
Reciting the sutra is not necessary to attain enlightenment
The teacher-student relationship must never devolve into hero worship
The One Dharma is superior to the sangha
The sangha exists to give believers a sense of community and is not an object of worship
Each person is a sangha of one, connected directly to the Buddha and the One Dharma
These tenents spell out the basic message of the new sangha, Modern Buddhism. Under the banner of Modern Buddhism are the Society of Modern Buddhist Healing and The Order of Jakkodo. I will provide more information soon. Please feel free to write me at cratkins50@earthlink.net for further information. Membership is confidential. All are welcome, especially the weary, wayward wanderers. May peace be with you.
A General Overview of the Structure and Philosophy of an Advanced Spiritual Healing Fellowship
The Order of Jakkodo is based on the promise of the Lotus Sutra that assures people they can be cured of illness by associating with it. What's in it for you? Yes, a certificate of completion will be issued to all who finish this program. But who really needs some Little Bo-Peep diploma? Not me, but you'll get one anyway.
What you will really gain from this fellowship? To cite just a few rewards: you will manifest the dynamic spirit and incalcuable merits described in the Lotus Sutra! That should be enough, but let me spell it out:
You will be become a master of intention-fufilled. You will be able to attract all the essential resources and tools for success, without fixating on them.
You will have what you Will, and want for not. You will be satisfied, but never complacent.
You will realize sensory and extrasensory merits beyond measure. You will be able to use your spirit body to venture anywhere, anytime, without limit.
There will be profound and complete recognition of your indestrustable Buddha nature on a practical level. Because of this quality, people will come to you as naturally as iron filings are attracted to a strong magnet.
You will know fearlessness, like a tiger in attack mode, but you will be as gentle as the trade winds.
There will be freedom from frivolous attachments that lead to suffering.
You will have access to a wonderous array of mystic powers to heal yourself and others, and thwart all enemies like a Kongo god that protects The Buddha.
And most important, you will know that you are the beloved, perfectly trained child of The Buddha. Every atom of your life will know you are His cherished child. You will realize that you are a magnificent bodhisattva, whom has carried out noble practices to save living beings through the Lotus Sutra, for countless aeons, without end. This realization is more valuable than all other merits combined, because it is this connection with The Buddha, this voice of The Buddha, and this feeling of love and mercy, that guides us through the fears of death to fortunate rebirth.
The aim of Jakkodo is to educate, train, and develop people, beyond the apparent limitations of sectarian influence.
The Order of Jakkodo now exists to awaken higher levels of consciousness in its members through various esoteric disciplines, inducing individual, local, and non-local healing for the sake of awakening the diverse and suffering people of the saha world, to their connection to the Lotus Sutra.
Jakkodo membership is confidential, where members are referred to by their spiritual names only. There is no practice, there is no requirement of faith, there is no master except the dharma of the Lotus Sutra. I am only the teacher, The Buddha is the master.
Not every applicant will be accepted into the Order of Jakkodo. Not every aspirant will complete all ten levels.
Each level will have study, exercises, a test of the grade, and one will be required to state the secret of that level to move on. Each grade will take 1-3 months to finish, depending on effort. One should remain faithful and committed to their sect (if possible) as the Order of Jakkodo is supplemental training, not primary. The Order of Jakkodo is not a new religion or new sect, it is a fellowship of advanced training.
The Ten Levels of Jakkodo
Each level of initiation corresponds to one of the Ten Worlds. Knowing, then manifesting the ideal of their mutual possession is the only way through the passage. This is accomplished by actualizing the Ten Factors. The Three Realms is the lens through which one can see their way through.
Level One - Enterer: Hell. It is boot camp for the mind. When the aspirant is finished, they are potentially strong enough to face with fortitude the formidable challenges of the next nine levels. At the end of six weeks one will be transformed from neophyte into worthy. Reminder: Hell is a projection of your own mind.
Level Two – Nomad: Hunger. Desires are the blizzard of random thoughts that blow incessantly from the egocentric mind. Still the blizzard, quell the ego.
Level Three - Beast: Anger. Rage emerges when we recognize our lack of control over the darkness of our life and weakness before petty desire. Anger is transcended when we lose our attachment to outcomes.
Level Four - Instinctive: Animality. We are creatures, like a cat or bird. Our capacity for benevolence and advanced consciousness are remote while in this state. We are territorial and suffer from all manner of selfishness and instinctive behavior. You must tame your animal nature.
Level Five - Survivor: Humanity. Savage, saint, predator, healer. The realm of humanity is capable of destroying lives and building kingdoms. The key to humanity is the middle way, between two extremes. Love, mercy, and wisdom is the formula. We are the enemy, we are the hero.
Level Six - Dreamer: Heaven. Never be enraptured by pleasure, nor trapped by despair. Insanity awaits those enraptured by beauty and distracted by the enemy. Heaven is an illusion, like a mirage. Heaven is the Phantom City, the point of respite, not the final landing. To remain in Heaven is to end up in Hell.
Level Seven - Seeker: Learning. The more one learns, the less they know. Knowledge is the foundation of Jakkodo, then it must be discarded until you are empty, like a clean slate. Only then is one ready for the next level.
Level Eight - Magnet: Realization. Understanding comes from elsewhere without seeking.
Level Nine - Giver: Bodhisattva. Unconcerned for oneself, one attends the dying, then saves another. Facing the fears of one’s own mortality, one hastens to “first, understand death.”
Level Ten - Master: Buddhahood. Awakened to the nine worlds, one is free to heal others spirit, anywhere, with utter perfection.
Reason for Being
A fully formed idea is a dangerous thing. Not only does it have the power to heal, it has the latent power to destroy. In the words of Victor Hugo, “Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come.” A fully formed idea is dangerous because it lay’s to waste provisional inklings. Its ability to heal is seen in its empowerment of the weak.
More than one year ago, the entire vision of SMBH, the Order of Jakkodo, and another movement came to me. I fought it, denied it, and ran from it, but to no avail. Everywhere I turned this movement appeared in my mind. No matter how hard I tried to avoid it, this movement gathered strength.
I wondered how I could teach others the secrets that I had realized, knowing the depth of people’s prejudice and strength of their attachment. No gods implored me. No angels coaxed me. Buddha did not communicate to me through dreams. I simply looked at the incessant suffering of living beings and knew that the time would soon be ripe. Looking inward, I formed an intention, without attachment to outcomes. My intention was to provide the new seers of Jakkodo with a great mandala, suitable for healing. At once, a benefactor emerged and entrusted me with the master template to reproduce flawless, Nichiren inscribed, medicine mandalas. I knew that there was no turning back, I must now leave the Phantom City and lead people to the true goal of the original Buddha.
Path Forward, From the Phantom City
The primary purpose of the SMBH is to aid the sick, the suffering, and the forgotten. The secondary purpose is to awaken one’s own higher levels of consciousness through samadhi meditation and mantra-powered visualization, based exclusively on the Lotus Sutra.
To belong to this healing society, one need only state in writing to me that they want to belong to the SMBH. One can be of any religion, faith, or philosophy. Lifetime members of the various Nichiren sects are welcome and their affiliation will be held in strictest confidence, but their entry, regardless of length of practice or position, will be equal to all others. Because the SMBH is not a new sect of Buddhism, nor is it religious, there is no daily practice or devotions. What is involved is the use of specialized meditation methods and primordial sounds in the form of mantra-powered visualization to induce personal, local, and non-local healing, for consenting individuals.
SMBH is a teaching effort that instructs individuals how to connect with the essence and healing message of the Lotus Sutra, and how to use mantra-powered visualization to heal themselves and others. Each affiliate is an independent, autonomous entity who is directly connected to the dharma, finding those in need and altruistically guiding them. A written record of each and every effort to teach and aid others should be kept.
Within SMBH, there are three levels. Level One is First Light; the second level is Illuminator; the third level if Light Maven. Level one is for new affiliates. One may remain at First Light for as long as desired. After three months, one may apply for the second level of Illuminator, where you teach others and move further into society teachings and techniques. After three months, one may apply for level three, that of Light Maven. This third level has learned the basics and more advanced methods of mantra-powered visualization. They compile data from their healing efforts and teach others on the first two levels. One may apply in writing for the mandala when they align with SMBH. Only those with sincere intention will be allowed to receive this mandala. Its cost will deter the frivolous, the insincere, or the faddish. If I have even the slightest doubt of one’s integrity or intention, they will not be able to receive the mandala.
The Order of Jakkodo
Jakkodo means the “tranquil light” of awakened-consciousness. For those whom seek knowledge and rapport with their higher consciousness, the Order of Jakkodo is the means to actually experience the reality that your life and the universe are one.
There are ten passages in the process of Jakkodo. One might call them levels. They can be viewed as bardos of higher consciousness. I have traversed them all. Not one is negligible. All are profound. One may walk away at any level without loss of previous accomplishment. Most will never get to the tenth level. When complete, one will know life and the dynamics of deathing and transmigration. This is not a game or for the faint of heart. The higher levels will test every atom of your heart and mind. When you emerge, you will be a warrior of warriors, a hero of heros.
Over the next few days these levels will be identified. All those who seek acceptance into the Order of Jakkodo will need the mandala to have any hope of success. Each level will require you to adopt a motto, which will be your name. Navagating the higher planes will require this formality. For example, at level one, you might choose the name/motto, “Light Warrior or Konki Cho, or whatever inspires you in relation to the level you're entering, the task at hand, or your overall vision.” As the levels are named and their basic requirements disclosed, when you get to that passage, you will choose your new moniker. Trust me, you will need it.
As time permits, over the next few days, I will spell out in some detail for you the names of the ten levels, their attributes, their basic requirements, and other essential information. Be forewarned that what I disclose in this forum is not the whole requirement. That information is proprietary and secret, and will only be disclosed to those accepted into the Order of Jakkodo. Each phase is a new initiation. Revealing any secret is cause for immediate expulsion and that level's secret will be redesigned.
Finally, although my assumed spiritual name is Gakkoren, never call me that. On a professional level, I'm known as Charles; my old school chums call me Charlie; my family still calls me Chuckie, and my friends know me as Chuck. To strangers, challengers, salesmen or punks, it's Mr. Atkins. Gakkoren is a designation of attainment, not the way I ever want to be addressed.
Get ready.
After long contemplation on my future and the situation here at Fraught With Peril, I have decided to move on. As mentioned here at Phantom City, I have been working on the establishment of a new movement with Buddhist principles and practices. More than a society that teaches visualization and healing, I will introduce a system of development that expands consciousness, independence, and good fortune. One cannot say that The Society for Modern Buddhist Healing or Jakkodo are a new Buddhist movement. As one who has learned that "religion" is the killer of creativity and the greatest impediment of awakening, I have embarked on a journey to develop spiritual adepts that are lights unto themselves, totally autonomous beings whose orbit is around the dharma of the Lotus Sutra and no living master or "organization." In this essay, I will give a general overview of my vision.
I call this legion, The Society of Modern Buddhist Healing. "Buddhist" is a misnomer as the focus is not on "Buddhism," but awakened consciousness, which does not have a label. Within this movement is the inner ten-leveled order of Jakkodo. The legion at-large is open to all, while the Order of Jakkodo is one of initiation and some level of exclusivity. Based on the Lotus Sutra and mantra-powered visualization, SMBH will provide hope and healing for all living beings. Because I am the founder and originator of this movement and the Adept of Jakkodo, I have taken the name, Gakkoren, or Moonlight Lotus; the rare lotus that blooms only in the silver lunar light. I, alone, will choose who may enter the inner-order of Jakkodo and who will receive the Nichiren mandala. The Order of Jakkodo will develop the next generation of meditation masters based on the essence of the Lotus Sutra; they will serve humanity, especially the sick, the suffering, and the forgotten. The helpful Society of Modern Buddhist Healing is open to everyone. My earlier blogs here provide a general mission statement.
This altruistic help will include intimate, direct efforts for healing, lectures, books, seminars, end-of-life support, marriages, funerals, and we will conduct research and compile facts for peer-review and publication. The scope and potential for The Society of Modern Buddhist Healing is limitless. Although SMBH and Jakkodo is a non-profit organization, certain fees will be required to ensure its ability to operate in the materialistic world, but no one will ever be denied services, assistance, or entry because of financial hardship. I can assure you that I will never be alleged of being one of the wealthiest men in America, nor will there ever be 40 foot images of my likeness. In fact, every time someone points at me, I will point them back to the dharma of the Lotus Sutra.
Within the society is The Order of Jakkodo, for those whom aspire for esoteric knowledge and attainment. There are ten levels of initiation. Because of the generous act of a friend, Jakkodo can now bestow a flawless original Nichiren, second generation mandala to aid in concentration and insight. One might ask on what authority can I distribute Gohonzon? As a religious corporation, I have just as much right as any other soverign sect, and I can assure you that I will never distribute Gohonzon as done before by others, to attain shakubuku goals. The requirements to be accepted into the Order of Jakkodo and how one can receive this mandala will be forthcoming.
When all levels have been completed, one will be a master in the realm of spiritual healing and meditation. Information will be published in the next few weeks at my website www.spiritwell.net.
Thank you all for your kindness over the past four years. My departure will give someone new a chance to share their ideas, and that's a great thing. From the shores of the fabulous Florida Gulf, I bid you a fond farewell at Fraught With Peril, and hearty samsara greetings from The Society of Modern Buddhist Healers of Jakkodo. Since posting this dozens of people from all over the globe have asked me to belong.
Charles Atkins aka Gakkoren
Please feel free to contact me in confidence at: cratkins50@earthlink.net
May Peace Be With You