Even though a mad elephant may kill you, you will not fall into the three evil paths, whereas once evil influences mislead and deprive you of your good heart, you will invariably fall into the three evil paths. A mad elephant can only destroy your body, but evil influences bring the good Law to ruin.
written by Nichiren Daishonin in 13th century Japan
Buddhism teaches the importance of encountering good Buddhist friends (zenchishiki). The Great Teacher Tiantai stated in the Great Concentration and Insight (Maka shikan) that there are three types of good Buddhist friends:
There are three types of friends. The first is the protector. The second represents the group of peers who practice together. The third is the teacher.
The first type of good Buddhist friend is like a mother raising her children. In darkness and light, through thick and thin, this type of friend will support us. The second type of good Buddhist friend is an individual who practices Buddhism together with us. The third type of good Buddhist friend is the teacher, the Priests, who lead us on the path of enlightenment.
Buddhism’s Ten Worlds Lecture
Visit our Temple this Sunday, June 5th, for a brief lecture on the Ten Worlds by our Chief Priest, Rev Murata.
- 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.
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 Murata will be performing the Acceptance of the Precept Ceremony, the ceremony where you become a Buddhist.
