Robin Beck

Conflation/Syncresis of the Three Great Hidden Dharmas, Triple Body, & the Threefold Training

Note: Those who were bored with this blog entry, found this one: The Power of Threes: Three Words for Wisdom entertaining,

According to Nichiren, the sandaihiho 三大秘法 were hidden in the depths of the Lotus Sutra.

• 三 = San = Three
• 大 = Dai = Great
• 秘 = Hi = Hidden, secret, concealed
• 法 = Ho = Dharma, Truth, Law, Method, Rule, Principle, Model.

SGI translates this as Three Great Secret Laws. I prefer Hidden Dharmas. It is widely acknowledged that Nichiren derived these from the concept of the Threefold Training, Three Trainings, or the SGI translation: three types of learning, san gaku [[三学].

SGI translates the types of learning as follows:

Precepts, meditation, and wisdom [戒定慧] (Jpn kai-jo-e)

• Precepts [戒] (Skt shila; Pali sila; Jpn kai)
• Meditation [定 or 禪] (Skt Samadhi or dhyana;  Pali Samadhi or jhana;  Jpn Jo or zen)
• Wisdom [慧] (Skt prajna;  Pali panna;  Jpn E)

In the Culavedalla Sutta (The Shorter Set of Questions-And-Answers Discourse). the The Threefold Training is given as the three aggregates as follows:

• Sila = Ethics or Precepts = Right speech, right action, & right livelihood
• Samadhi = Concentration = Right effort, right mindfulness, & right concentration.
• Panna/Prajna - Discernment = Right view & right resolve.

In the Sikkha Sutta, the Three Trainings are given as:

• Adhisila-sikkha = Higher Ethical Training.
• Adhicitta-sikkha - Higher Mental Training.
• Adhipanna-sikkha - Higher Discernment Training.

So, we have this:

• Ethics = Kaidan, Sanctuary, or Precept Platform.
• Meditative Cultivation = Gohonzon
• Discernment = Daimoku

We can also link these to the Triple Body or Three Bodies, sanjin [三身] or Trikaya:

• Ojin [応身] manifested body / Nirmana-kaya
• Hoshin [報身] reward body / Sambhoga-kaya
• Hosshin [法身] body of the Law / Dharma-kaya

• Ethics = Nirmana-kaya  = Sangha = Kaidan
• Meditative Cultivation = Sambhoga-kaya = Buddha = Gohonzon
• Discernment = Dharma-kaya = Dharma = Daimoku

That seems well and good. However,I get tripped up when I try to connect these with a parallel concepts of Esoteric Buddhism or Mikkyo [密教], the Three Mysteries or san mitsu [三密]. The Three Myseries are:

• Mystery of Body = Mudra
• Mystery of Mouth/Speech = Mantra
• Mystery of Mind = Mandala

So we get:

• Precepts/Ethics = Sangha = Nirmanakaya = Body = Mudra = Kaidan
• Meditation = Buddha = Sambhogakaya = Mind = Mandala = Honzon
• Discernment = Dharma= Dharmakaya = Speech = Mantra = Daimoku

We could also add the Santoku [三徳], which are Shu-sh-shin [主師親]. {sovereign/lord, teacher, and parent}. Nichiren, per SGI, seems to conflate them with the Trikaya this way:

• Nirmanakaya = Response Body = Property of Action = Lord/sovereign
• Sambhogakaya = Reward Body = Property of Knowledge/Lore, Vidhya 明 {myo} = Teacher
• Dharmakaya = Truth Body = Property of Compassion = Parent

If we add these, we wind up with:

• Precepts/Ethics = Sangha = Nirmanakaya = Body = Action = Ruler = Mudra = Kaidan
• Meditation = Buddha = Sambhogakaya = Mind = Lore = Teacher = Mandala = Honzon
• Discernment = Dharma= Dharmakaya = Speech = Compassion = Parent = Mantra = Daimoku

There is a snag though, because Vajrayana Esoteric tradition has it this way:

• Precepts = Sangha = Nirmanakaya = Body = Mudra
• Meditation = Buddha = Sambhogakaya = Speech = Mantra
• Discernment = Dharma= Dharmakaya = Mind = Mandala/Honzon/Ishtadevata.

So, adjusting that, we have an esoteric scheme:

• Precepts = Sangha = Nirmanakaya = Body = Action = Ruler = Mudra = Kaidan
• Meditation = Buddha = Sambhogakaya = Speech = Lore = Teacher = Mantra = Daimoku
• Discernment = Dharma= Dharmakaya = Mind = Compassion = Parent =  Mandala = Honzon

Versus:

• Precepts/Ethics = Sangha = Nirmanakaya = Body = Action = Ruler = Mudra = Kaidan
• Meditation = Buddha = Sambhogakaya = Mind = Lore = Teacher = Mandala = Honzon
• Discernment = Dharma= Dharmakaya = Speech = Compassion = Parent = Mantra = Daimoku

When I get stumped, I have a threefold method for dealing with it:

• Kick it, dismiss it as irrelevant, and belittle those who care about it.
• Tie my mind in knots wrestling with it and wind up with a headache.
• Confess ignorance, let go, sleep on it, and come back to it later.

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Manjushiri Mantra

On Chanting Meditation Wisdom Cultivation

Links:

Monju Bosatsu @ Onmark
Manjusri (Wen Shu Shi Li in Chinese; Jampal Yang in Tibetan; Monju in Japanese), Bodhisattva of Wisdom.
Wildmind meditation home
Imee Ooi

Nichiren Buddhism 101

Nichiren Buddhism begins and ends with chanting Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. This is usually done as Mantra Chanting or Chanting Meditation, called Shodai; which is a form of mindfulness meditation. Usually, it takes about 20 minutes of chanting to get in a mental state of concentration. At that point, mindfulness sort of arises on its own. Some sanghas combine shodai with silent sitting called za-zen or shika taza.

As an aid to chanting, we often use a mandala as a focus of concentration. There is a long thread at the E-sangha Nichiren Forum on What is a/ the Gohonzon / Honzon / Omandara, Primary Object of Veneration. One can chant without one though. If someone wants one, and plans to join a Sangha, it is best to obtain it through them. There are a couple ways to obtain one independently. There are other things to learn, such as how to hold the hands {mudra} and sitting posture while chanting. We also often use a rosary called ojuzu or japamala. The Mandala is usually enshrined as the center of an altar, which can be simple or fancy.

There is also another way of chanting called prayer daimoku. This is more like the use of dharanis or invocations. This is chanting for our needs and wishes. Some Sanghas stress this, others downplay it. The advantage of prayer chanting is that our chanting becomes highly motivated, especially if we have pressing needs or ambitious goals. The disadvantage is that can lead to a faith like fire, which burns brightly and flames out.

So it is best to balance prayer chanting with chanting as mindfulness meditation. This can involve reflecting on the condition of our mind, body, and environment. Those who have been practicing a while often develop new goals, such as wishing to cultivate deeper wisdom and compassion. In this context, three things I see that Nichiren Buddhism offers; which many people in our modern society need, are:

1. Basic self reformation.
2. The cultivation of intellectual / cognitive skills.
3. The healing of both mental and physical disease.

One other comment: Self Reformation involves changing from a life centered on ignorance, greed / avarice, and anger / hared; to one centered on wisdom, generosity / equanimity, and kindness / compassion.

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Green Tara Mantra

Kuan Yin Chanting Meditation
Compassionate Wisdom Cultivation
Udated March 5 2008

The object of contemplation for this Chanting Meditation is Green Tara, seated in the Royal Ease Posture. The mantra is Om Tare Tutare Ture Soha. Tara is the Bodhisattva of feminine compassionate wisdom in action. In Tibetan Vajra, Chenrezig or Avalokitesvara is always male, with Arya Tara being either his Tantric consort or female form.

Real Player Sound Files: Green Tara Mantra Ito Kaya .ram ...Monks&Nuns? .ram ... Tibetan Monks .ram

OM TA RE TU TA RE TU RE SO HA

Green Tara (Shyama Tara or Dark Tara)) is seated on a white moon-disk. Her green complexion symbolizes the active function of the fully-enlightened being. The moon symbolizes her peacefulness. The moon is resting upon a lotus. The lotus symbolizes her freedom from any defilement, just as the lotus rises out of the mud of the swamp, but the blossom itself is pure and undefiled. In the same way, Green Tara arises in the world but is completely undefiled by the world. Her posture is the 'lalitasana' or royal ease asana. Her left leg is withdrawn in the Lotus pose, to symbolize her mastery of Insight and detachment from the 5 Emotional Defilements (Klesha). Her right leg is in the Euro-posture in front of her body, slightly bent, with her foot on a lotus blossom. This signifies her ability to spring into action, to act swiftly for the compassionate protection of all sentient beings.

In each hand she usually holds the stem of a blue utpala flower. Each flower consists of three blossoms indicating that Tara, the embodiment of enlightened activities, is the Mother of the Buddhas of the past, present and future. The Buddha of the past is the Treasure Tower Buddha, the present refers to Shakyamuni, while the Buddha of the Future is Maitreya, the Buddha of Loving Kindness (Maitri or Metta). Her right hand, (left-facing) is actually in the Dana or Varada Mudra (The Gift bestowing Gesture of Compassion) with the palm turned outwards. The five extended fingers in this mudra symbolize the following five perfections: Generosity, Morality, Patience, Effort, and Meditative concentration. The left hand is held up, again with the palm facing outward, and grasping the uptala lotus. This is Abhaya Mudra the gesture of fearlessness and refuge. There is also a lot of other symbolism in the image, including the Aura or Halo, the Tiara, various jewels representing the paramittas, and her silk attire.

Her name means 'she who ferries across', 'one who saves', or 'star'. Green Tara, who embodies active female wisdom, is sometimes called the 'Mother of All Buddhas'. She manifests in many emanations; both peaceful and wrathful in form. The merits acquired from the Green Tara meditation are quick thinking, practical wisdom, skillful compassion, generosity, magical powers, fearlessness, spontaneity, and general ‘kewl-ness.’ I chant "to" Tara when I have an extra special, kind of selfish, favor to ask, usually for someone I care about who is suffering. The Green Tara Mantra is recited with affection and has no specific meaning; it is a play on her name.

There are three stories about the origins of Tara.

In a past life as a human, during the Age of Dundubhisvara Buddhism, in a universe called Manifold Light, Tara was a Princess named Moon of Wisdom-knowledge. She left secular life to become a nun, accumulated great merit, and Awakened from delusion. Some Monks told her to dedicate the merits she had created to be reborn as a male. However, she rejected the advice and made this vow:

"There are many who desire Enlightenment in a man's body, but none who work for the benefit of sentient beings in the body of a woman. Therefore, until samsara is empty, I shall work for the benefit of sentient beings in a woman's body."
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Green Tara came into being when the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara cried upon seeing all of the suffering in the Universe. He cried so much that a pond grew out of his tears. Out of this pond grew a blue lotus flower, and on this flower appeared Green Tara.
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Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion, was looking down from his heaven, on the world of suffering beings, and he wept. From his tears two Taras were born, a peaceful white one from the left and a fierce green one from the right.

Link:
Green Tara

Previously Posted by robin at March 20, 2005 06:28 PM
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Comments From Previous Entry on this topic
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Robin, you write: "The merits acquired from the Green Tara meditation are quick thinking, practical wisdom, skillful compassion, generosity, magical powers, fearlessness, spontaneity, and general ‘kewl-ness.’"

Queen Lolo replies: Sign me up! (LOL) Just about the only thing missing from this list is "standing dinner reservations at The Ivy in Beverly Hills." Seriously though, I look forward to reading more about Green Tara. My cousin went to India years ago and brought me a wall hanging with Tara's image on it. I used it to make a pillow that now adorns my living room. She is a good reminder of a compassionate heart.

Thanks for yet another great blog.

Queen Lolo
Posted by: Queen Lolo at March 22, 2005 09:08 PM
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Hi,

A friend told me Tara is like Kuan Yin with an attitude. A little 'spunk', if you will. There is a strong protective spirit connected with Tara.

Rather than a new entry, I am going to add extended text to this one -- later today, I hope.

Om Tare Tutare Ture Soha

robin

Posted by: robin at March 23, 2005 05:17 AM
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Robin, I am curious... When you chant, do you use a variety of mantras, such as the ones you write about in your blog? And do you sit at your Gohonzon?

I usually chant "Nam Myoho Renge Kyo" outloud, but I was motivated by one og your blog comments to try a mantra I used to use in silent meditation ("Om Mani Padme Hum") outloud at my altar. I had a completely different experience with the change in mantras -- more peaceful.(My kids came in and one said, "That made me feel calmer than when you chant the other way." My other child said, "I don't like that at all, it made me tense.")

Queen Lolo
Posted by: Queen Lolo at March 23, 2005 09:33 AM
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Robin, I am curious... When you chant, do you use a variety of mantras, such as the ones you write about in your blog?
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Yes. Not everyday. Just when I feel a need. When I feel vengeful, I chant the Great Compassion Mantra. When I feel hateful, I recite the Metta Sutta.

And do you sit at your Gohonzon?
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I usually chant the other mantras with the traditional thangkas as my visualization, or facing east. For Om Mani, I generally use the 4 armed Chenrezig Thangka. I try to match the mantra & the mandala. I often use an on screen visual as a virtual mandala. I have some small framed Thangkas that I printed too.
Posted by: robin at March 23, 2005 10:14 AM
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If I am the Queen of "Eclectic" then you must be the King!

LOL!
Posted by: Queen Lolo at March 23, 2005 10:43 AM
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I describe metta-waves meditation as "A Syncretic-Eclectic Approach"

It is eclectic because I borrow mantras used by the Vajra (Esoteric), Zen, & Pure Land traditions.

It is syncretic because I do not necessarily use them for the intended purposes of those traditions.

My tradition is based on Samatha-Vipassana (Shikan). So I use the mantras and mandalas as specific types of Tranquility-Mindful and/or Wisdom-Insight Cultivations.I believe this was the original intent.

For example, I think the Pure Land practices started as Samatha-Smrti-Metta-Karuna Bhavana. In English, that is Tranquil-Mindful-Kindness-Compassion Cultivations.

robin
Posted by: robin at March 23, 2005 04:58 PM
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And do you have a Gohonzon? Do you chant "Nam Myoho Renge Kyo?" Do you or have you ever considered yourself a "Nichiren Buddhist" as well?
Just wondering...
Queen Lolo
Posted by: Queen Lolo at March 23, 2005 06:03 PM
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Right now, I have six (8 X 10) Nichiren Mandala Honzon enshrined in Temporary altars. Each has a purpose. Ryoben-ji, a room in the house, is scheduled for completion in 2006. I have not yet chosen what shall be a full size Mandala Honzon for the Main Altar.

I also have several small Gohonzon for travel.

I have been an SGI member since 1972; on the fringes since 1991.

robin

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