Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life and continue chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, no matter what happens.
written by Nichiren Daishonin, 13th century Japan
Both suffering and pleasure are unavoidable in real life. The way to actualize the Middle Path between suffering and pleasure is by not trying to easily avoid sufferings when visited by them, nor becoming too indulgent in pleasures, even while enjoying them. That is the true practice of the Middle Path.
The fundamental meaning of the term “Middle Path” is to walk the indivisible middle way, not only unswayed by such extremes as suffering and pleasure, existence and void, or impermanence and eternity, but also based on correct Buddhist wisdom, which comprehends that all things manifest and become extinct because of causal relationships.
Buddhism’s Ten Worlds
Sunday, April 15th, our Chief Priest, Rev Sakabe will briefly lecture on the Ten Worlds. He will explain why and how the Buddhist practice of chanting lets you control sufferings in your life, like too much or too little anxiety, by acquiring the wisdom of the Buddha.
- 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
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.
