I know you have questions about Buddhism, Nichiren sects, gosho, experiences or something else. I know you have experiences, too. So send them in and we will post them here.
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#1 | Written by RougeBuddha about 9 years ago.
Question: What is the purpose of the Gohonzon?
Nichiren Buddhism teaches that enlightenment is not to be sought outside of one’s self. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin gosho, “On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime”, says, “…even though you chant and believe in Myoho-renge-kyo, if you think the Law is outside yourself, you are embracing not the Mystic Law but an inferior teaching.”
I grapple with how a piece of paper, clearly a man made object outside of myself, is the tool for accessing my Buddhahood. Please advise. -
#2 | Written by Will about 9 years ago.
Question:
This is a passage of the Ongi Kuden where Nichiren Daishonin explains the meaning of the Juryo Chapter.
The sutra states, “At all times I think to myself: How can I cause all beings to gain entry into the unsurpassed Way, and quickly acquire the body of a Buddha?” (LS p. 232, 3LS p. 256)
The word ji [interpreted as the pronoun 'one' or 'one's'] marks the beginning of the Jigage section, and the word shin ['self' or 'body'] in ‘quickly acquire the body of a Buddha’ marks the end. It starts and ends with ‘oneself,’ and the words in between the ‘receiving’ and ‘use’ of this body. In other words, the Jigage section elucidates the ‘self that is freely received and used,’ or the Buddha of absolute freedom. (Gosho Zenshu p. 758-759)
The culmination of this chapter is the attainment of Buddhahood in the remote past. ‘Far distant past’ means unmoving, uncreated in its original state. All in all, the ultimate [teaching] of the Juryo chapter does not lie in subjugating delusions one-by-one in order to attain enlightenment. You should realize that [the Juryo Chapter's] significance is to gain enlightenment as you are, remaining as the entity of a common mortal. (Gosho Zenshu p. 759)
I have seen many members who have the utmost respect for the Gohonzon but tend to put themselves down quite a lot. They have created a clear distinction between what they consider to be sacred and their own lives. Where do you feel that you stand after many years of practice?
All the best to everyone,
Will -
#3 | Written by Patrick about 9 years ago.
Mutual respect. How do Buddhist express through dialog the central tenant of mutual respect, based on the Gohonzon; Object of Fundamental Respect?
Patrick -
#4 | Written by RougeBuddha about 9 years ago.
Question:
At the conclusion of a group Gongyo, I notice many people, but never the entire group, will say, “Thank you”. Who or what is being thanked when this is said? Is it a thank you to the Gohonzon? A thank you to the Mystic Law? Or a thank you to the person who lead Gongyo? -
#5 | Written by RougeBuddha about 9 years ago.
…also what is the purpose of the bell during Nichiren Buddhist (perhaps even other Buddhist)prayers. I once heard that the bell is to rung 7 times at the start of prayer to symbolize the 7 Buddhist gods(gods I was never taught about in my practice). However I have not noticed consistany in the way anyone uses the bell. Is there a right or wrong way, or perhaps a best or better way to use the bell during prayer? And what can you tell me about the 7 Buddhist gods?
