Masaaki Hatsumi Soke (Soke is Japanese for Grandmaster or head of the school) recently finished and published a new book entitled “The Way of the Ninja, Secret Techniques”.
“Ninjutsu was not actually “Ninjutsu” right from the start. It started out as “Shinobi methods” (Shinobi no Ho), meaning methods for discerning what is right for the world, enduring, training to become a moral human being, becoming aware of one’s destiny, and dedicating one’s life to other people or the world as a whole. These last became known as Ninpo, and later still Ninjutsu. The original sense was not one of mere Jutsu (techniques), but rather that of Ho (laws and principles) permeating the entire universe. For this reason, Ninja always fixed their perspective on Tenchijin, the relationship between the universe, the earth, and humankind”.
This passage embodies what Soke has been trying to teach for decades. The difficulty with the concept of Tenchijin is that we are called upon to search for the true nature of life and our relationship with the world, on our own and for ourselves.
The “jutsu" of Nichiren’s Buddhism is found in the sect, or group we choose to practice with. Soka Gakkai has their own jutsu, Nichiren Shoshu has theirs, Nichiren Shu yet another and still others practice their own independent jutsu, all the jutsu of Buddhism.
Of course, the true nature of Buddhism is not found in the technique and that is where so many of us go so very wrong. We decide the group, sect or cult IS the truth, and ignore the path along which the truth is found. We become attached to the jutsu and ignore the do, or po, which is the path we all must journey in discovering the relationship of Heaven, earth and man.
In this way no good intent can escape becoming a trap, and in the end a cult. It is easy then to ignore what is good and right, instead choosing what is comfortable and safe.
I in no way advocate quitting or joining, continuing or discontinuing. I preach self-discovery and self-responsibility, nothing more or less.
Rev. Greg, Shidoshi
I don't think this is a dilemma only for Nichiren Buddhists. It seems that in every aspect of Western Society more emphasis is placed on "herd think and following the herd" rather than finding one's own path.
It's also like focusing on the kind of car you are driving rather than the scenery on the road you are taking.
Looking for the do or po rather than the doodoo and poopoo as well. My path has been well fertilized lately.
Best,
Mimi
Posted by: Dr. Mimi at June 7, 2004 08:34 PMRev. Greg -
Thank you for this. I think that if we can keep the "path" in mind, rather than the "techniques", it is possible to transcend sectarianism and realize Nichiren's instruction to become as inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim. When we focus on which sect is right or wrong, or winning or losing, we end up all wrong, and all losing. Just my opinion, YMMV, of course.
Namaste, Engyo Mike Barrett
Posted by: Engyo Mike Barrett at June 7, 2004 05:19 AM