Assistant Priest ringing Temple bell during Buddhist prayers (sounds of Buddhism)
The pure and impure lands are not separate realms. The goodness or evil of our hearts and minds determines the nature of the land. The same is true for a Buddha and a common mortal.
written by Nichiren Daishonin, 13th century Japan
Blaming the environment for our bad situations is not the right way to approach them. The body (beings) and the environment are united as one. They are not two separate entities. This is the teaching of the oneness of life and its environment (esho funi). The environment (manifestations that surround the body) only reflects the body (direct manifestations of one’s past causes). If you are in an environment that is not desirable, you need to assess your attitude about your life. You must not forget that when you change, your environment also changes.
Special Introduction Meeting in Baltimore
If you live in the Baltimore metro area, please join us this Saturday, July 1st, at the Towson Branch, Baltimore County Public Library, 320 York Road, Towson, MD 21204. Our Chief Priest, Rev Sakabe, will be lecturing on the Buddhist Concept of the Ten Worlds and explain in more detail how changing yourself first changes your environment. More info about this special meeting.
