画像提供：Being
Welcome to “Singularity Chanting.” This is a world of chanting conducted on the metaverse. Here, you can experience clearing the filters of your mind without being caught up in ego or delusions. While feeling the spirit of Nichiren, who led a harsh life on the bitterly cold Sado Island, let’s embark on a journey to become one in heart, approaching a state of different bodies but one mind. By deeply feeling the connection between oneself and others, we can take a step closer to a more peaceful world.
An Encouraging Passage from the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Encouraging Passages from the Writings of Nichiren Shonin: Detailed Version
- Here is an English translation of the passage and detailed explanation:
Original Passage:
“Thus, if the people throughout Japan – high and low, noble and humble, old and young, men and women – all believe in the Three Treasures and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, they will definitely attain peace in this present life and the supreme enlightenment of Buddhahood in the life to come.” (Rissho Ankoku Ron)
Modern Japanese Translation:
Therefore, if all people throughout Japan, regardless of status, age, or gender, believe in the Three Treasures and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, they will definitely be able to attain peace in this present life and the supreme enlightenment of Buddhahood in the next life.
Detailed Explanation:
This passage from Nichiren Shonin’s writing “Rissho Ankoku Ron” (Establishment of the Legitimate Teaching for the Peace of the Country), written in 1282, offers words of hope for those facing hardship and difficulties.Salvation regardless of age, gender, or status:
The passage teaches that the path of salvation is open to all people, regardless of their status, gender, or age. In that time, many suffered discrimination and hardship due to the class system. However, Nichiren declared that the Lotus Sutra transcends such discrimination, offering equal salvation to all.
Attaining both present peace and enlightenment in the next life:
Nichiren taught that faith in the Lotus Sutra enables the fulfillment of two important desires in life: happiness in this present life (genzejako) and attaining Buddhahood in the next life (goshoraku-ojo). At that time, present worldly life was seen as contradicting the quest for enlightenment in the next life. However, Nichiren asserted that the Lotus Sutra alone harmonized these two.
Specific benefits:
Benefits of present peace from Lotus Sutra faith include health, longevity, freedom from disease, family harmony, business prosperity, academic success, and traffic safety. Benefits for enlightenment in the next life include Buddhahood, nirvana, eternal happiness, and the attainment of enlightenment.
Overcoming suffering:
Nichiren taught that faith in the Lotus Sutra empowers one to overcome hardships and difficulties. In his own life, he experienced many persecutions and sufferings but, through his profound faith, overcame them all while providing hope and courage to others.
The virtue of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo:
Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the simplest way to draw the virtues of the Lotus Sutra into one’s life, attaining present peace and enlightenment in the next life. Nichiren declared it has the power to eradicate all negative karma and fulfill all desires.
Accessible practice:
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo requires no special training or knowledge; anyone can practice it easily. Even amidst our busy modern lives, chanting in spare moments enables the attainment of great virtue.The lesson from this passage:
Faith becomes the power to overcome hardship and difficulty.
The Lotus Sutra offers hope and salvation to all people.
Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the direct path to attaining peace in this present life and enlightenment in the next life.
Anyone can easily practice faith in the Lotus Sutra.
Additional: Nichiren Shonin’s writings contain many other encouraging passages. When you face difficulties in your daily life, be sure to read these passages to receive hope and courage.
