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, 13th century Japan
Brief though this passage may be, it teaches us a truly valuable guideline for life. Buddhism calls the world in which ordinary mortals wander between different states of life the “threefold world”:
- the world of desire,
- the world of form,
- and the world of formlessness.
The pursuit of treasures of the storehouse and body belongs to the domain of the world of desire. When desires are fulfilled, the reward of rapture appears. But the rewards of the world of desire are transitory; without exception, we inevitably fall into the three evil paths (greed, anger, and delusion), and continue to wander from one condition to another.*
Buddhism’s Ten Worlds Explains Our Relationships
Sunday, May 20th, we will host a lecture on the Ten Worlds by our Chief Priest, Rev Sakabe. The Buddhist view of anger, arrogance and other human emotions and behaviors that block your path to happiness will be discussed. Rev Sakabe will explain why acquiring the Buddha’s wisdom through the practice of chanting lets you change your life and your relationships for the better.
- 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 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.
