Faith Equals Daily Life Flashcards
28) Nichiren writes: “The word ‘benefits’ (kudoku) means the reward that is represented by the purification of the six sense organs. In general we may say that now Nichiren and his followers, who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, are carrying out the purification of the six sense organs” (OTT, 147–48). What is the purification of the six sense organs? (See The Basics, p. 74)
Purification of the six sense organs means purification of the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind—that is, every aspect of one’s life—so they may fully perform the positive functions they inherently possess. As a result, one will remain unshaken and unswayed when confronting any kind of difficulty and will unlock and reveal from within the powerful state of Buddhahood. Our Buddhist practice enables us to tap and manifest our Buddha nature, and clear proof of this will appear as benefit in our everyday affairs and over the course of our lives. We will be able to live each day filled with happiness and good fortune without fail.
29) What are heavenly gods and benevolent deities in Buddhism? (See The Basics, p. 76)
Heavenly gods and benevolent deities refers to the various workings or functions that serve to protect a person who practices the correct Buddhist teaching. Forces that serve in this way are personified in Buddhist literature as gods or deities that protect and support those who uphold and practice the teaching and guard the land in which they live.
30) “Many in body, one in mind” is a most essential principle and guideline for forming unity based on faith for the purpose of advancing kosen-rufu. “Many in body” means that our appearance, nature, qualities and talents, social position, and circumstances differ from one another. “One in mind” means that we share the same intention and purpose. Based on Ikeda Sensei’s guidance, in modern terms, what does many in body, one in mind mean? (See The Basics, p. 78)
In modern terms, many in body, one in mind means an organization. Many in body means that each person is different—that people differ in their appearances, standing in society, circumstances, and individual missions. But as for their hearts—their hearts should be one; each person should be one in mind, united in faith.
31) Nichiren Daishonin writes, “Regard your service to your lord as the practice of the Lotus Sutra” (WND-1, 905). What does this passage teach us? (See The Basics, p. 79)
“Service to your lord” in this passage would be comparable in today’s terms to any responsibility or obligation we might have in business, at work, or in society in general.
32) Nichiren Daishonin writes, “The purpose of the appearance in this world of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, lies in his behavior as a human being” (WND-1, 852). What does this passage mean? (See The Basics, pp. 80–81)
Shakyamuni appeared in this world and expounded the Buddhist teachings. His purpose in doing so (the purpose of his advent) was nothing mysterious or special. It was simply to show people the best way to live as human beings.Faith Equals Daily Life 81 In other words, we show proof of the power of our faith by consistently acting with good sense amid human society and by being people of fine character who are trusted and respected at work, in our communities, and by all those around us.
