What is Buddhism? | Myosenji Buddhist Temple - Part 2

Myosenji Temple’s Introductory Series includes lectures on Core Beliefs, Karma, Ten Worlds
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Human suffering lies at the origin of the teachings of the Buddha. That is, as viewed by the Buddha, we are tormented within our lives by the four sufferings of birth, aging, sickness, and death and further by a multitude of other sufferings, such as the suffering of being separated from those whom we love, the suffering of not receiving what we seek, the suffering of meeting with those whom we despise, and the sufferings arising from the five components. The cause of those sufferings is that we try to obtain enjoyment according to self-centered erroneous desires, since we are unable to enter into the correct path of joy and suffering.

The Buddha preached a variety of teachings with great compassion. There are many paths taught in the teaching of Buddhism: to resolve suffering by the wisdom that we innately possess, or to transcend all suffering through genuine calming of the mind (which is known as meditation), or to accumulate true virtue by correctly making one’s way along the path of good and evil and making the virtue one gains by upholding the precepts a part of one’s life.*

REGISTER TODAY

Now is the time to awaken your Buddha nature, transcend the six lower paths and find joy and happiness far beyond the promise of meditation. REGISTER TODAY for Sunday, July 23rd’s Introductory Lecture on Buddhism’s Core Beliefs & Practice — Nichiren Shoshu practice of chanting and recitation of the Lotus Sutra.

*Excerpted: Sermons 1992-2002 by 67th High Priest Nikken Shonin, Pioneer the True Path of the Buddha.

Karma encompasses both positive and negative aspects, capable of opening opportunities, alleviating suffering, and creating joy, as well as disrupting, damaging, or taking control of one’s life. Every individual in this world possesses both positive and negative karma. Our only option is to confront and overcome our karma in order to attain peace and happiness in life.

When you chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo to the Gohonzon (object of worship), you acquire the wisdom to recognize positive opportunities and you acquire the courage to break through any difficulties. It is because the practice of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo awakens us to what the origin of our present suffering is, and also gives us the confidence that we can overcome our negative karma.

Karma Lecture – Sunday, July 16th

Visit Myosenji Temple this Sunday, July 16th, in-person or online, to hear our Chief Priest explain how you can change your karma, effectively reflect on your karma, and understand the causes you make and the effects you receive. Discover whether or not your current thinking is counter-productive to your happiness. Register Today!

  • 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.
  • 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 Sunday’s meeting (about 3:30 pm) Rev Sakabe will be performing the Acceptance of the Precept Ceremony, the ceremony where you become a Buddhist.

The precept of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism is called the “precept of the diamond chalice” because the power of Myoho-Renge Kyo can never be broken throughout eternity, just like a diamond. In other words, this diamond chalice leads one to attain Buddhahood without fail.*

“Gojukai” literally means the ceremony “to receive the precept.” Generally, it is the ceremony for conversion to Buddhism. In Nichiren Shoshu, those determined to start their faith and practice of true Buddhism receive this ceremony from a Nichiren Shoshu pries

Visit Myosenji Temple on SUNDAY, AUGUST 6th, 2023 at 2pm to learn how to become a Buddhist and participate in the Acceptance of the Precept Ceremony. Buddhist practice empowers you to transform your Karma and improve your life, while also contributing to the well-being of others and the environment we inhabit. To ensure a smooth experience, please complete the application for the ceremony in advance and email it to the Temple. This way, when you arrive on Sunday, you will be prepared to receive the Precept. Click here to access the application and complete the process.

JULY INTRODUCTORY SERIES – online & in-person

Sunday 2pm* July 16 – Buddhism & KARMA
Sunday 2pm* July 23 – Buddhism’s Core Beliefs
Sunday 2pm* July 30 – Buddhism’s Ten Worlds

*All times are Eastern Time

*Excerpted: Nichiren Shoshu Monthly Magazine, The Precept of the Diamond Chalice, July, 2019, p.20.

Register Today

The four noble worlds of learning, realization, bodhisattva, and Buddhahood are hidden and dormant and cannot be seen. Even though the world of Buddhahood exists as a potential within us, it is hidden in the depths of our life. We need the seed of the Buddha to activate our Buddha nature. Visit Sunday for a brief lecture on the Ten Worlds by our Chief Priest.

  • Learn how you can receive the seed of the Buddha to activate your Buddha nature.
  • 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 Sunday’s meeting (about 3:30 pm) Rev Sakabe will be performing the Acceptance of the Precept Ceremony, the ceremony where you become a Buddhist.

In the final analysis, this sutra of Myoho-Renge-Kyo sums up all the teachings and meditational practices of Shakyamuni Buddha’s entire lifetime in a single moment of life, and encompasses all the living beings of the Ten Worlds and their environments in the three thousand realms.

written by Nichiren Daishonin in 13th century Japan

The precept of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism is called the “precept of the diamond chalice” because the power of Myoho-Renge Kyo can never be broken throughout eternity, just like a diamond. In other words, this diamond chalice leads one to attain Buddhahood without fail.*

“Gojukai” literally means the ceremony “to receive the precept.” Generally, it is the ceremony for conversion to Buddhism. In Nichiren Shoshu, those determined to start their faith and practice of true Buddhism receive this ceremony from a Nichiren Shoshu priest.

Visit Myosenji Temple on SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 2023 at 2pm to learn how to become a Buddhist and participate in the Acceptance of the Precept Ceremony. Buddhist practice empowers you to transform your Karma and improve your life, while also contributing to the well-being of others and the environment we inhabit. To ensure a smooth experience, please complete the application for the ceremony in advance and email it to the Temple. This way, when you arrive on Sunday, you will be prepared to receive the Precept. Click here to access the application and complete the process.

*Excerpted: Nichiren Shoshu Monthly Magazine, The Precept of the Diamond Chalice, July, 2019, p.20.