A practitioner of the Lotus Sutra will not be influenced, just like the lotus flowers that are not tainted by the muddy water surrounding them.
written by Nichiren Daishonin, 13th century, Japan
The Oneness of Life and Its Environment
Living beings and their environment are not separate. They are dependent on one another. We are able to change our own life condition by practicing the true Law, and this brings about the transformation of our environment. This concept is called the “oneness of life and its environment” (esho funi).
This signifies that life (a sentient being) and its environment (the external, insentient world where the sentient being lives) are not two, but one, contained in a single life-moment. Both life and its environment are the resultant manifestation of karmic causes accumulated from past existences.
All living beings and their environments in any of the ten worlds are, without exception, the manifestations of Myoho-Renge-Kyo. (Nichiren Daishonin)
Change Yourself, Change Your Environment
Visit Myosenji Temple this Sunday, May 28th, for a lecture on the Buddhist Concept of the Ten Worlds by our Chief Priest, Rev. Sakabe.
- 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 Sakabe will be performing the Acceptance of the Precept Ceremony, the ceremony where you become a Buddhist.