Guidance from Sixty-eighth High Priest Nichinyo Shonin
On the Occasion of the September Kōsen-rufu Shōdai Ceremony
September 4, 2016
Reception Hall, Head Temple Taisekiji
Good morning, everyone! On this occasion of the September Kōsen-rufu Shōdai Ceremony, conducted here today at the Head Temple, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the large number of participants in attendance.
At this time, the Hokkeko believers throughout the country are devoting themselves to do shakubuku, day and night, with unity between the priesthood and laity, as they aim toward the achievement of our goal—to achieve a membership of 800,000 Hokkeko believers by 2021.
The achievement of our goal is a noble mission given to us by the Buddha. At the same time, it is the vow we made before the Gohonzon. Thus, we must achieve our shakubuku goals at any cost. In order to achieve our goals, it is essential for each of us to make a firm determination to achieve our goal, and then carry out the actual practice of shakubuku with dauntless courage.
The Daishonin teaches the following in the Gosho, Reply to Myōhō bikini (Myōhō bikuni-gohenji):
In his teachings, the Buddha gives us the following admonishment: If one is fearful and hesitant to propagate [the Law] when encountering an enemy of the Lotus Sutra, then this person is an enemy of Shakyamuni Buddha. No matter how wise or good one may be, it is certain that such an individual will fall into the hell of incessant suffering. (Gosho, p. 1262)
We cannot achieve the true attainment of Buddhahood without refuting slander of the Law. We must bear in mind that the Daishonin strictly admonishes us against the behavior of not refuting slanderers, stating: “No matter how wise or good one may be, it is certain that such an individual will fall into the hell of incessant suffering.”
However, if we vigorously strive to do shakubuku, various obstacles and devils will compete with one another to interfere, and we inevitably will encounter difficulties. This is because the Daishonin’s Buddhism is the correct teaching. Practicing incorrect teachings will not summon forth devilish functions that frighten us. It is precisely because we are practicing the true religion that various obstacles and devils vie with one another, causing us to face hardships.
In the Gosho, Letter to the Ikegami Brothers (Kyōdai-shō), the Daishonin states the following:
If you spread the word about this doctrine, devils will come forth without fail. If the devils do not compete to oppose you, there is no way of knowing that this is the true Law. A passage from the fifth volume [of the Great Concentration and Insight (Maka-shikan)] reads, “As practice progresses and understanding grows, the three obstacles and four devils emerge. They compete with one another to interfere. Do not be influenced or frightened by them. If they influence you, this will lead you onto the paths of evil. If they frighten you, this will prevent you from practicing true Buddhism…” This passage refers to not only Nichiren myself. It also applies to the mirror of all disciples and believers. You must profoundly learn this and take it as your spiritual nourishment for your future practice. (Gosho, p. 986)
We must engrave into our hearts these golden words: “If the devils do not compete to oppose you, there is no way of knowing that this is the true Law.” No matter what great difficulties or obstacles may arise, we should take them as a rare opportunity. If we resolutely dispel the obstacles and devils, and devote ourselves to do shakubuku, we certainly will be able to enjoy the great benefit of changing our illusions into enlightenment. As a consequence, we will accomplish our long cherished ambition of attaining Buddhahood.
Shakubuku is the supreme act of compassion to save all living beings, teaching those who are undergoing intense suffering about the fearfulness of slander, and leading them to the correct Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin. Thus, the Daishonin teaches the following in the Gosho, On the Protection of the Nation (Shugo kokka-ron):
The Buddha admonishes us saying, “If you see slanderers but do not refute their slanderous offences, you are not the Buddha’s disciple.”
(Gosho, p. 145)
The Daishonin strictly admonishes us that if one sees people who suffer from the poison of slander, but neglects to refute their slander, mercilessly leaving them be, then such a person is “not his disciple.” It is further taught in the Gosho, Reply to the Wife of Abutsu-bō (Abutsu bō ama gozen-gohenji) as follows:
Whether or not one refutes slander, will determine whether or not one will be able to free oneself from the grave karmic sins that one committed in the past. One’s own negative karma can be eradicated if one teaches true Buddhism to others. However, if one sees and hears slander and does not denounce it, then one’s two virtues of correct sight and hearing immediately will deteriorate, and one will become a merciless and heartless individual. The Great Teacher Zhangan stated, “If you associate with those [who slander the true Law] and lack the compassion to correct them, then you are in fact, their enemy.”
(Gosho, p. 906)
Neglecting to refute slander, the greatest cause for misfortune, is going against the teaching of Nichiren Daishonin. Thus, such a person cannot be regarded as his disciple. Herein lies the significant purpose for us to practice shakubuku, first and foremost.
Today, Nichiren Shoshu is advancing forth and making concerted efforts toward the establishment of a membership of 800,000 Hokkeko believers by 2021. We have four months remaining until the end of this year. The members of all chapters must conduct shakubuku, based on unity and in the spirit of itai dōshin, and achieve our shakubuku goals, which we pledged to accomplish in front of the Gohonzon.
In order to achieve our goal, we always must make it a point to chant Daimoku. The Daishonin states:
[When Hōki-bō, Sado-bō and others, as well as the Atsuwara believers are united] with the spirit of many in body, one in mind, they will achieve everything. (Gosho, p. 1389)
Taking these golden words to heart, it is vital for the members of each chapter to make concerted efforts, in the spirit of itai dōshin, and do shakubuku.
I sincerely pray for your continued hard work.