paste.txt
Image provided by: Being
Welcome to “Singularity Chanting”. This is a world of chanting practice in the metaverse. Here, you can experience clearing your mind’s filter without being trapped by ego or delusions. Let’s begin a journey towards one mind, ichinen sanzen, while feeling the spirit of Nichiren who lived a harsh life in the extreme cold of Sado Island. By deeply feeling the connection between yourself and others, we can take a step closer to a more peaceful world.
Words of Encouragement from the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin:
An Encouraging Passage from Nichiren Daishonin’s “On Repaying Debts of Gratitude”
Original text:
“An aged fox never forgets its den, and a white turtle is said to repay its debt of gratitude to Mao Pao. Even animals know enough to do this. How much more should this be true of human beings! Thus the sage Yu Jang ate charcoal and lay in wait to repay a debt of gratitude to Chih Po, and Huan Wen cut open his stomach and inserted Hui’s liver in it. How much more should those who study Buddhism be mindful of the debt of gratitude they owe to their parents, their teachers, and their country!”
Meaning:
- Just as an old fox dies without abandoning its den, all creatures have a sense of gratitude towards those who have shown them kindness.
- It is even more natural for humans to feel gratitude towards those who have shown them kindness.
- In ancient China, the sage Yu Jang stabbed himself with the sword of his benefactor Chih Po after the latter’s death, to show his gratitude.
- During the Spring and Autumn period in China, a retainer named Jie Zitui carried the future Duke Wen of Wei on his back into the mountains when they were fleeing from danger.
- When pursued by soldiers, Jie Zitui sacrificed his own child to provide food for the duke.
- Like these historical examples, those who practice Buddhism should never forget their debts of gratitude, whether to their parents, teachers, or country.
Explanation:
In this passage, Nichiren Daishonin teaches that it is natural for all living beings to feel gratitude towards those who have shown them kindness.
Using examples of sages and retainers from ancient China, he emphasizes that those who practice Buddhism should never forget their debts of gratitude, whether to their parents, teachers, or country.
For Nichiren Daishonin, “repaying debts of gratitude” means not just expressing thanks, but also dedicating oneself to those who have shown kindness.
It is based on a strong will to repay kindness even at the cost of one’s own life.
This passage teaches us the importance of remembering to be grateful and dedicating ourselves to others in our daily lives.
Source:
- Nichiren Daishonin’s writing “On Repaying Debts of Gratitude”
Encouragement:
This teaching of Nichiren Daishonin gives us courage and hope when we face difficulties.
It teaches us that no matter what hardships we encounter, we can overcome them by remembering our debts of gratitude and dedicating ourselves to others.
Moreover, this teaching serves as a guide for living a fulfilling life by remembering to be grateful in our daily lives.
Let’s engrave Nichiren Daishonin’s words in our hearts, never forget to be grateful, and dedicate ourselves to those around us.
