A story of me in this lifetime

  I wrote the article "Happiness in This World" on January 15th (p.681, Nichiren Buddhism Library ).   There, I introduced the part from "Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy." to "Strengthen your power of faith more than ever.".   I like to refer to the former part of that today. That is, the following; Though worldly troubles may arise, never let them disturb you; No one can avoid problems, not even sages or worthies; Drink sake only at home with your wife, and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.  I and my wife have no habit of drinking sake now, however it is not an important part above the reference. The significance of the reference is the part of "No one can avoid problems, not even sages or worthies".  The biggest problem for us is death because we never escape death without exception. It is the so-called "memento mori" in western civilization. 

 I have ever lived to be a worthy person.  In Nichiren's writings "The Eight Winds", he wrote, "Worthy persons deserve to be called so because they are not carried away by the eight winds: prosperity, decline, disgrace, honor, praise, censure, suffering, and pleasure." ( p. 794 ). Furthermore, "They are neither elated by prosperity nor grieved by decline." (ibid.). But it is not only sufficient as Buddhist practice, because my mentor said, "It is through our relationships with others that we develop and grow; learn from one another; help and support one another; and cultivate genuine humanity." ( Human Relationships ).  And then he said, "Therefore, we cannot enjoy happiness for ourselves alone. True happiness is happiness that is shared with others." (ibid.). I take these quotes to heart.

 We studied a part of the text (see below) of "On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land" which is the text for the Zadankai-Gosho-teaching in May. The text is the following: "Emperors and kings have their foundation in the state and bring peace and order to the age; ministers and commoners hold possession of their fields and gardens and supply the needs of the world. But if marauders come from other regions to invade the nation, or if revolt breaks out within the domain and people’s lands are seized and plundered, how can there be anything but terror and confusion? If the nation is destroyed and people’s homes are wiped out, then where can one flee for safety? If you care anything about your personal security, you should first of all pray for order and tranquillity throughout the four quarters of the land, should you not? ( WND-1, 24 )".  You can get the Japanese text from here . The study-lecture of Gosh on YouTube in May by Mr. Morinaka (Stu...

"On the Proper Way to Preach the Doctrine"  ( https://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/wnd-2/Content/208 )  was the teaching of Nichiren soaked into me in my student hood. In particular, "You say in your letter that you were invited to preach the doctrine in a private hall dedicated to the Buddha and that you conducted yourself fittingly. However I consider it, this remark of yours strikes me as very peculiar." this phrase impacts on me even now. Why did Nichiren think of strangely what disciple said and did? The following "The reason is this." indicated clearly the reason. Therefore, "You are not only a priest, but one who preaches the finest doctrine in the entire continent of Jambudvīpa. Even if you were in the presence of a bodhisattva who had attained near-perfect enlightenment, you would have no reason to be concerned whether you conducted yourself “fittingly” or not." and "It would seem that Nichiren’s disciples, after journeying to the cap...

I chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (daimoku) was 35.25 hours during one month in February, which is normal for us, the Buddhists of Soka Gakkai. The chanting that in February of last year was 35.25 hours too, but by chance. The chanting that in March of last year was 61.0 hours incidentally, and I will try to chant the daimoku abundantly in March of this year too. Because I need more chanting owing to change myself more excellently and transform my karma into my mission of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth. My mentor said that "When your determination changes, everything will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success.".

    The Nichiren's teaching what I first took to heart is the following those in Happiness in This World (p.681, Nichiren Buddhism Library ): Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy; Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life, and continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, no matter what happens; How could this be anything other than the boundless joy of the Law?; Strengthen your power of faith more than ever. I could overcome various difficulties with Nichiren's teaching and the assistance of several mentors till today from twenties years old, but I still have problems. However, I have hope that I can certainly get over these.