More valuable than treasures in a storehouse are the treasures of the body, and the treasures of the heart are the most valuable of all.”
written by Nichiren Daishonin in 13th century Japan
The holiday season is upon us with lots of activities around family, gift giving and holiday parties. Holidays are supposed to be fun and enjoyable but for many people they are a source of loneliness and a lack of fulfillment. Buddhism explains why humans continuously feel dissatisfaction and unhappiness and why at holiday times it seems to get worse.
Buddhism states there are three kinds of treasure. “Treasures of the storehouse” are money and material wealth; things like land, buildings and jewelry. “Treasures of the body” mean attributes one possess as a person; things like physical health, education, personal abilities, knowledge, skills, talents, etc. Although “Treasures of the storehouse and body” are necessary conditions for happiness, they are not the condition for attaining complete satisfaction. “Treasures of the heart” refers to the desire for Buddhahood in one’s present form through this practice of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.
Visit Myosenji Temple Sunday DEC 23rd
Visit Myosenji Temple this Sunday, December 23rd, for a brief video presentation and lecture on Buddhism’s Beliefs by our Chief Priest, Rev. Sakabe.
- Learn how to chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and properly use the Juzu Beads, Buddhist prayer beads.
- Q&A with our Chief Priest.
- The meeting starts at 2:00 pm and concludes around 3:15 pm. Open to the public.
- 310 University Blvd West, Silver Spring, MD 20901 (entrance on Burnett Ave)
If you have decided to become a Buddhist or are interested in learning how to become a Buddhist, after Saturday’s meeting (about 3:30 pm) Rev Sakabe will be performing the Acceptance of the Precept Ceremony, the ceremony where you become a Buddhist.