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Welcome to “Singularity Chanting,” a world of chanting held in the metaverse. Here, you can experience clearing the filters of your mind, free from the self and illusions. Let’s begin a journey to become one heart, united in spirit, while feeling the spirit of Nichiren, who lived a harsh life on the bitterly cold Sado Island. By deepening the connection with yourself and others, you can take a step closer to a more peaceful world.
Encouraging words from Nichiren’s writings:
Original Text:
“Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the heart’s desire of the Buddhas of the Three Existences and the Ten Directions, and the sole Law capable of saving the people of the Latter Day of the Law. Therefore, all of you, without doubt, should put your profound faith in it and embrace it. If you lack faith, then no matter how many good roots and virtues you may have, you will not receive the Buddha’s protection. It is like hanging a jewel in the sky or lighting a torch in the ocean—no matter how bright they may be in themselves, they can offer no benefit in the darkness of night. You should understand the heart of faith to be like the light of the jewel or the flame of the torch.” (From the Sado Gosho)
Meaning:
This passage expounds that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the heart’s desire of the Buddhas of the Three Existences and the Ten Directions, and the sole Law capable of saving the people of the Latter Day of the Law. It warns that without the heart of faith, no matter how many good roots and virtues one may have, one cannot receive the Buddha’s protection.
Explanation:
- Three Existences and the Ten Directions: The past, present, and future existences, and the ten directions of space.
- Latter Day of the Law: The final period when the teachings of the Lotus Sutra are properly transmitted.
- The Law: The teachings of Buddhism.
- The heart of faith: The faith in and recitation of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
- Good roots and virtues: Good deeds in Buddhism.
- The Buddha’s protection: The protection bestowed by the Buddha’s compassion.
- Jewel: A precious gem believed to have the power to grant wishes.
- Torch: A fire lit as an offering to the Buddha.
- Darkness of night: A dark night without any light.
This passage emphasizes the importance of faith in Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Even if one possesses a jewel or a torch, their light cannot reach the darkness of night. It is the heart of faith that illuminates the light of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and brings about the Buddha’s protection.
Encouraging Words:
This passage offers hope and courage to those facing difficulties. It conveys a strong message that with faith in Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, any hardship can be overcome.
Modern Application:
In modern society, there is an increasing number of people suffering from various stresses and worries. In such circumstances, faith in Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can serve as a support for the mind and provide the strength to live.
Summary:
Randomly selected an encouraging passage from Nichiren’s writings, specifically from the Sado Gosho, and wrote its original text, meaning, and explanation. This passage emphasizes the importance of faith in Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and offers hope and courage to those facing difficulties.