The sutra and its interpretation essentially explain that the path to Buddhahood exists only within the two principles of reality (kyo) and wisdom (chi). Reality refers to the entity of all phenomena of the ten thousand laws, and wisdom signifies the manifestation of this entity in the life of an individual. Thus, when the reality is boundless and deep, the wisdom, like water, will flow forth ceaselessly. When one achieves the fusion of reality and wisdom, he will attain enlightenment in his present form.
written by Nichiren Daishonin, 13th century Japan
As the Buddhist phrase “All things are impermanent” and the truths of “birth, old age, sickness and death” explain, our real world is not a place of stasis, but a place where the circumstances of things are constantly changing. In the midst of these changing circumstances, a two-sided “Wisdom of the Middle Path” is needed to not be controlled by wrong attachments of the mind. One aspect is the kind of wisdom with which one correctly discerns overall circumstances, while the other is critical wisdom with which one then chooses the correct response to those circumstances.
Understanding Your Mind’s Attachments
We often only react to what is in front of our face. We are swayed by extremes like suffering and pleasure. We struggle to correctly surmise the situations we find ourselves in often because of our mind’s attachments. This Sunday, May 26th, our Chief Priest, Rev Sakabe will give a brief lecture on the Buddhist Concept of the Ten Worlds. He will explain why understanding the Ten Worlds and chanting awakens you to your reality and the Buddha’s wisdom.
- 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.
