Those who are bright, those who are fool, those who are old, and those who are young—all are impermanent.
written by Nichiren Daishonin in 13th century Japan
In this passage from the Gosho, Nichiren Daishonin addresses the impermanence of human life. All living things eventually will meet their demise without fail. There are no exceptions. Although this is a solemn reality, there are not many people who give it deep thought.
Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism teaches even when our physical body dies, the true entity of our life is forever immortal. Furthermore, the causes we made with our body, mouth, and mind while still alive also will remain as karma and will be carried on into our next life. This is true for both good and bad deeds. The effects that we experience now are from the causes that we made in the past, and the effects that we will face in the future are the consequences of the causes that we currently make. Even if our physical bodies are destroyed, our karma cannot be wiped out.
Lecture on Karma
Visit our Buddhist Temple this Sunday, April 23rd, and listen to our Chief Priest explain Karma, a core belief in Buddhism, and why understanding Karma will change your life for the better.
- Learn how to chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and properly use the Juzu Beads, Buddhist prayer beads.
- Have a Q&A with our Chief Priest.
- The meeting starts at 2:00 pm and concludes around 3:15 pm. Open to the public.
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.
