Therefore, we know that the prayers offered by a practitioner of the Lotus Sutra will be answered just as an echo answers a sound, as a shadow follows a form, as the reflection of the moon appears in clear water, as a mirror collects dewdrops, as a loadstone attracts iron, as amber attracts particles of dust, or as a clear mirror reflects the color of an object.
written by Nichiren Daishonin in 13th century Japan
We’ve all been there—fraught with worries that seem to engulf us. These worries, they’re like thorns that prick at our hearts, causing untold suffering. Yet there is something truly transformative, something that has the power to uproot the very core of this suffering. It’s the world of Buddhahood.
Buddhahood is a state of being that offers a way out of the maze of distress we often find ourselves in. As our Founder, Nichiren Daishonin teaches us in the quote above, “prayers offered by a practitioner of the Lotus Sutra will be answered …” It’s like discovering the way to navigate the labyrinth of life’s challenges. It’s not some distant, unattainable ideal; it can be woven into our everyday existence.
So, how can we embrace this state of Buddhahood?
Buddhism’s Core Beliefs & Practice
Visit our Temple (In-Person) this Sunday, August 27th, for a brief video presentation and lecture by our Chief Priest, Rev Sakabe.
The meeting starts at 2:00 pm and concludes around 3:15 pm. This Sunday’s meeting will only be offered for in-person attendance. Our next online and in-person Introductory meeting is Sunday, September 17th.
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.
Excerpted: The Guide on the Difficult Road to Enlightenment.
