The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra
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The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra
Admin Tue Dec 11, 2007 11:23 pm
Something short and yet very close to daily life and powerful Gosho to kick start this forum. I believe you all have either read or heard of the following quote,
"Spur yourself to muster the power of faith. Regard your survival as wondrous. Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other. 'All others who bear you enmity or malice will likewise be wiped out.' These golden words will never prove false."
Background
The above was written to Shijo Kingo from the Daishonin as a reply to Kingo's letter. In his letter, Kingo had informed the Daishonin of his enemies' ambush on him and his samurai of which Kingo managed to escape unharmed.
My Thoughts: As Shijo Kingo had been practising, he was thus protected by the many deities whom had pledged to protect any practitioner of the Lotus Sutra during the Latter Day of the Law. This was indeed Shijo Kingo's good fortune but at the same time, the Daishonin stressed to Kingo on the importance of continuing his practise and to repay the debts of gratitude. The Daishonin was also strict in telling Shijo Kingo that although the heavenly deity Marichi had given Kingo the skill in swordsmanship and himself bestowing upon Kingo the 5 characters of the Lotus Sutra, if he (Kingo) does not have faith then it will be like setting fire to wet timber. Thus this reminds us that although we have this wonderful Buddhism and Mystic Law, if we do not chant or base our life on faith then all is fruitless. We should too, not seek to merely just chant or have faith because of fear or whatsoever. Instead we should seek a life based on repaying debts of gratitude as well as strengthening one's life. In order to achieve this, we should seek to read more and learn more.
Lastly, a friend once told me this (make a guess, you guys know him) that a measurement of one's faith is not based on any other but by purely how fast you will go back to the Gohonzon and chant when you meet with your problems. Thus to conclude the final part of this Gosho, allow me to share this from the same Gosho but in the background:
"The Daishonin teaches Kingo that faith must always come first, before any other tactic or strategy, and that faith in the Mystic Law is the ultimate factor that determines victory or defeat."
Warmest Regards
P.S.
"Spur yourself to muster the power of faith. Regard your survival as wondrous. Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other. 'All others who bear you enmity or malice will likewise be wiped out.' These golden words will never prove false."
Background
The above was written to Shijo Kingo from the Daishonin as a reply to Kingo's letter. In his letter, Kingo had informed the Daishonin of his enemies' ambush on him and his samurai of which Kingo managed to escape unharmed.
My Thoughts: As Shijo Kingo had been practising, he was thus protected by the many deities whom had pledged to protect any practitioner of the Lotus Sutra during the Latter Day of the Law. This was indeed Shijo Kingo's good fortune but at the same time, the Daishonin stressed to Kingo on the importance of continuing his practise and to repay the debts of gratitude. The Daishonin was also strict in telling Shijo Kingo that although the heavenly deity Marichi had given Kingo the skill in swordsmanship and himself bestowing upon Kingo the 5 characters of the Lotus Sutra, if he (Kingo) does not have faith then it will be like setting fire to wet timber. Thus this reminds us that although we have this wonderful Buddhism and Mystic Law, if we do not chant or base our life on faith then all is fruitless. We should too, not seek to merely just chant or have faith because of fear or whatsoever. Instead we should seek a life based on repaying debts of gratitude as well as strengthening one's life. In order to achieve this, we should seek to read more and learn more.
Lastly, a friend once told me this (make a guess, you guys know him) that a measurement of one's faith is not based on any other but by purely how fast you will go back to the Gohonzon and chant when you meet with your problems. Thus to conclude the final part of this Gosho, allow me to share this from the same Gosho but in the background:
"The Daishonin teaches Kingo that faith must always come first, before any other tactic or strategy, and that faith in the Mystic Law is the ultimate factor that determines victory or defeat."
Warmest Regards
P.S.
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