Faith for Overcoming Obstacles Flashcards
20) Why is it that a person who upholds the correct teaching encounters obstacles? (See The Basics, pp. 59–60)
First, it is because to believe in and practice the correct teaching with the aim of developing the life state of Buddhahood means transforming one’s life at the deepest level. And while any change or reformation will be met with some resistance, Buddhist practice in particular arouses strong opposition to change from within our own lives or our relationships with others. This may be compared to the way the resistance of the water on the hull of a moving boat produces waves.
21) Nichiren Daishonin writes: “There is definitely something extraordinary in the ebb and flow of the tide, the rising and setting of the moon, and the way in which summer autumn, winter, and spring, give way to one another. Something uncommon also occurs when an ordinary person attains Buddhahood. At such a time, the three obstacles and four Devils will invariably appear, and the wise will _______ while the foolish will _______.” Please fill in the blanks. (See The Basics, p. 63)
“At such a time, the three obstacles and four devils will invariably appear, and the wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat.”
22) “Encouraging Devotion,” the thirteenth chapter of the Lotus Sutra, describes three kinds of powerful opponents who will persecute those who strive to spread the sutra’s teachings in the Latter Day of the Law. Known as the three powerful enemies, they are known as _____________, __________________, and __________________. Please fill in the blanks. (See The Basics, p. 64)
Known as the three powerful enemies, they are defined as arrogant lay people, arrogant monks, and arrogant false sages.
23) Nichiren Daishonin faced persecutions brought about by these three powerful enemies just as the sutra predicts, thus proving what? (See The Basics, p. 65)
That he was the votary of the Lotus Sutra in the Latter Day.