On the Three-Fold Training
At Soka Gakkai International Ryuei wrote:
"In the Nichiren Shu it is taught that if our practice is not bearing the fruits of a life in accord with the six perfections or the eightfold path then there is something about our attitude or approach that is not right. In other words our faith, practice and study of Odaimoku has been tainted by slanderous views or attitudes. But if we find that we are becoming people who are generous, ethical, patient, enthusiastic, tranquil, and wise then our Odaimoku practice is on track and bearing fruit. I think this is the right attitude."
These words of wisdom inspired me to revisit and edit something I submitted to nichirenpix November 10 2004. Elsewhere, a poster had inquired about the benefits of chanting Nam(u) Myoho Renge Kyo. She asked if it is true that all one's wishes are fulfilled, and if so, why do members sometimes suffer?
Here is my reply, updated. I would add, in keeping with Ryuei's comments, if we are not finding this kind of actual proof in our lives, then something might be lacking. And that is what is what the self reflective practice of Sange or Zange -- the Buddhist Form of Confession & Repentence -- is about.
Here are some of the benefits of this practice. In others words, experiencing these things in our lives is the meaning of actual proof. These are listed in an order of sorts, but it is not based on any specific doctrine:
1. Displaying the virtues of the 6 Paramittas -- generosity, morality, patience, virtuous effort, concentration, & wisdom.
2. Naturally following the Noble Eight-Fold Path, even if you can not recite it, by practicing the Three Great Secret Dharmas.
3. Developing the power of the Four Eternal Bodhisattvas from the depths of our being.
4. Earning the merits of following the precepts (vinaya, ritsu) without overtly adhering to them.
5. Cultivating Samatha (tranquility), Smrti/Sati {mindfulness}, Prajna/Panna {wisdom}, and Vipassana (insight); entering into profound states of dhyana-samadhi.
6. Cultivating the Four Brahmavihara (Divine Qualities) of LovingKindness (Metta/Maitri), Healing Compassion (Mahakaruna), Shared Joy (Mudhitta), and Equanimity (upekka/upeksha).
7. Transcending the 4 woeful realms of hellishness (naraka), restless rapacity (preta), animalism (tiryagyoni), and barbarism (asura).
8. Acquiring the priceless Cintâmani or Nyoihôshu Jewel, perhaps without even
seeking it.
9. Dwelling in the palace of the Amala-Vijnana (9th Consciousness)
10. Generating Bodhi-cittta
11. Attaining liberation from the Wheel of Samsara (conditioned birth & death in the 6 dharma realms). (Many interpret this last one symbolically rather than literally. A life that is on an emotional 'roller coaster' levels out; it becomes calm and serene. We are not swayed the eight winds of change: 1)approval, 2) ridicule, 3) suffering, 4) pleasure 5) benefit 6) decline 7) acclaim 8)ill repute.}
Not only that, here is the most important point. One will come to know what all those things mean in a very real way. This does not happen overnight. However it might normally take many life spans of difficult practices. By practicing this Buddhism, one can do this while leading a normal life style.
As for getting wishes fulfilled, that is a mere side effect of developing the
qualities described above. And that might require some efforts at self reformation, what SGI calls "The Human Revolution" (ningen kakumei]
"The seed that sprouts, the plant that flower and produces fruit are analogous of the Three Great Secret Laws, the seed of daimoku, the flower that blooms is the Gohonzon, and the fruit is the Kaidan, the place where one manifests the principle of myojisoku, where self equals others." -- Chikushonin
"A truly wise man will not be carried away by any of the eight winds: prosperity, decline, disgrace, honor, praise, censure, suffering and pleasure. He is neither elated by prosperity nor grieved by decline. The heavenly gods will surely protect one who does not bend before the eight winds. But if you nurse an unreasonable grudge against your lord, they will not protect you, not for all your prayers." -- Nichiren
Posted by rbeck at July 3, 2005 12:56 AM
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Comments
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Hi, Robin - I note #2 - nayturally practicing the eightfold noble path by practicing the three great secret laws - do you relly believe this? I have been practicing over 20 years and I honestly haven't seen any real lurching in most people toward "right speech" and even "right livelihood". I think this whole "the noble path comes naturally when you chant" thing is a load of hooey (no offense). I just haven't seen it. Oh, well, thanks for the food for thought. Byrd in LA
Posted by: Byrd in LA at July 8, 2005 10:20 AM
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Byrd,
Good point. That goes to:
4. Earning the merits of following the precepts (vinaya, ritsu) without overtly adhering to them.
Ksi-Jo-E, the basis for the 3 great secret dharmas, is the heart of the 8 fold Path.
The 8 fold path is a conspicuous effect, like a description of a saintly sage.
In this age, blessings are inconspicuous.
Ninsho Ryokan always engaged in right speech, ecpecially if someone was watching.
r
Posted by: ryoben at July 8, 2005 11:32 AM
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