Oko Sermon
December 9, 2007
Reverend Shogu Kimura
“The
Strategy of the Lotus Sutra
(“Shijo Kingo
dono go-henji”)
Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra
before any other. Then, just as the sutra says, “All enemies are crushed.”
These golden words will never prove false. Believe them wholeheartedly.
The heart of strategy and swordsmanship derives from the Mystic Law (Myoho).
A coward cannot have any of his prayers answered.
(Gosho, p. 1407; MW-1, p. 246)
Introduction
This Gosho was addressed to Shijo Kingo.
It is alternatively known as “Reply to Shijo Kingo” (“Shijo Kingo dono
go-henji”) and “On Swordsmanship” (“Kengyo-sho”). Shijo Kingo
was a fervent believer in True Buddhism during the lifetime of Nichiren
Daishonin. He and his wife, Nichigen-nyo, had two children,
Tsukimaro-gozen and Kyo’o-gozen. They all upheld strong faith as a
harmonious family. Shijo Kingo was a samurai warrior who served in the Ema
clan, a branch of the Hojo clan, which controlled the feudal Kamakura
government. He particularly excelled in swordsmanship, and he was also
well trained in medicine. He reportedly embraced faith around the eighth
year of Kencho (1256), approximately three years after Nichiren Daishonin
established True Buddhism. Thereafter, he upheld strong faith and
constantly protected and supported the Daishonin. He was an exemplary
believer in the Kamakura area and was the recipient of numerous important
Goshos, such as “The Opening of the Eyes” (Kaimoku-sho). When the
Daishonin encountered the Tatsunokuchi Persecution, Shijo Kingo was ready
to die by his side, and accompanied him to the execution site.
In addition to being steadfast in protecting
and supporting Nichiren Daishonin, Shijo Kingo was extremely resolute in
his own faith and practice. With sincere faith, he attempted to shakubuku
his lord, Ema Mitsutoki, who was a loyal follower of Ryokan of Gokuraku-ji
Temple. As a result of this and also as a result of slanderous, false
charges made by his peers who were resentful of him, Shijo Kingo incurred
the wrath of his lord and was duly punished; at times his territory was
confiscated and at other times the dominion under his control was changed
to a remote, out-of-the-way region. However, Shijo Kingo sought Nichiren
Daishonin’s guidance with every obstacle he encountered. He received
appropriate instruction in each case, and by chanting Daimoku, he was able
to successfully overcome the difficulties and suffering that he
experienced over many years.
As a doctor, Shijo Kingo took care of
Nichiren Daishonin to the very end, until the Daishonin’s entry into
nirvana on the 13th day of the tenth month of the fifth year of
Koan (1282). Kingo participated in the funeral procession for the
Daishonin. In his later years, he left Kamakura and entered the
priesthood. He retired to an area known as Utsubuna, near Minobu, and drew
his last breath there. Throughout his life, Shijo Kingo devotedly served
Nichiren Daishonin. At the same time, he continued to uphold his faith and
practice in the Mystic Law (Myoho) with great conviction. He was a
truly exemplary believer.
On “The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra”
Since Shijo Kingo was a samurai warrior, the
Daishonin, in this Gosho, describes the relationship between military
strategy and the practice of the Lotus Sutra (Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo). Thus,
this Gosho is also known by the title, “On Swordsmanship.” Kingo was
finally able to overcome the years of disfavor that he suffered under his
lord Ema Mitsutoki, and he was also able to successfully eliminate the
threats on his life from his peers, who resented him for the promotions he
received in his successful career. He reported this to the Daishonin, who
gave him instructions on these matters. In essence, Nichiren Daishonin
explained that, with sincere faith, practice, and action, anyone will be
able to overcome all enemies. Rather than employing various military
strategies, we must use the strategy of the Lotus Sutra (Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo).
Military strategies include tactics in
warfare, swordsmanship, and martial arts. Although the Daishonin uses
language referring to military strategies, his instruction does not focus
solely on warfare and fighting. Living in this world is not an easy
proposition. As believers who uphold True Buddhism, we must sincerely and
honestly deal with all aspects of our lives—such as our finances, our
ideological beliefs, and our thoughts. This is, indeed, a struggle—a type
of warfare. The Daishonin uses the term “military strategy” (hei ho)
to denote the practical means to deal with these various aspects and areas
of our lives. In other words, he explains that, by cleansing our own
hearts and minds, we can correct all erroneous matters.
The Significance of “The Strategy of the
Lotus Sutra”
In the opening paragraph of this Gosho, the
Daishonin writes:
It is
a matter of rejoicing that your usual prudence and courage, as well as
your firm faith in the Lotus Sutra, enabled you to survive
unharmed. (Gosho, p. 1407; MW-1, p. 245)
In our human world, we do not know what situation we may
encounter at any given moment. When we come upon an unexpected obstacle,
whether or not we can successfully overcome it depends on how prepared we
are in the three essential points described in this passage. The first
element is prudence or preparedness. It is important for us to be aware of
all aspects of our daily lives and to proactively avoid accidents.
The next element is courage or bravery. No
matter what happens, we must honestly face all situations and never try to
escape from them. Our determination and action will channel matters in a
positive direction.
The final element is the most
important—faith in the Lotus Sutra (Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo). When we firmly
establish these three elements in our lives, we have nothing to fear. The
Daishonin further writes:
No
matter how earnestly Nichiren prays for you, if you lack faith, it will be
like trying to set fire to wet tinder.
(Gosho, p. 1407; MW-1,
p. 246)
Here, the Daishonin states that our
prayers will come true when the master and his disciples are of one mind.
He explains the importance of upholding our practice with true faith,
based on the principles of the unity of master and disciple (shitei
sotai) and different bodies but one mind (itai doshin). I
sincerely ask you all to cultivate prudence, courage, and correct faith,
as described in this Gosho passage. Furthermore, I hope that you will
develop your capacity for correct prayers based on the oneness of master
and disciple (shitei funi).
Gosho
Passage for This Month
Employ
the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other. Then, just as the sutra
says, “All enemies are crushed.” These golden words will never prove
false. Believe them wholeheartedly. The heart of strategy and
swordsmanship derives from the Mystic Law (Myoho). A coward cannot
have any of his prayers answered.
(Gosho, p. 1407; MW-1, p. 246)
As I mentioned previously, the focus of
the Gosho passage for this month is not on military strategies for
warfare. It is impossible for us to resolve difficulties using human
wisdom alone, disregarding the enlightenment of the True Buddha. Doing so
may even aggravate our problems. When we base our actions on the correct
principles taught by the Buddha—that is, when we sincerely chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo
to the Dai-Gohonzon—the Buddha’s wisdom, which transcends all human
wisdom, will well forth from within us. The excerpt, “All enemies are
crushed,” is taken from The Former Deeds of Bodhisattva Yakuo (Yakuo
bosatsu honji bon; 23rd) chapter of the Lotus Sutra (Lotus
Sutra [Hokekyo] p. 538). It means that the greatest of the Three
Obstacles and Four Devils (sansho shima) will be overcome through
the benefits of protecting and upholding the Mystic Law (Myoho) and
continuing our faith and practice.
We need not feel negatively about our own
powerlessness or incompetence. By chanting Daimoku, we can change our lazy
nature and cultivate a strong spirit. We must believe that all phenomena
in the world are manifestations of the Mystic Law (Myoho). We must
never try to deceive others by clever, superficial words and deeds, and we
must not lead a cowardly life. We must entrust our lives to the Mystic Law
(Myoho) and develop a life that is serene, dignified, and
thoroughly enriched.
Strong
Conviction is the Key to Achieving Our Objective for 2009
Our current High Priest Nichinyo Shonin
has continued to uphold the objective set forth by our Honorable Retired
High Priest Nikken Shonin, to double the number of believers—the
Bodhisattvas of the Earth. He has provided us with timely guidance
necessary for us, as priests and lay believers, to accomplish this goal.
In order to achieve our objective in response to the directions of our
master Nichiren Daishonin and both our High Priests, it is essential for
us to thoroughly understand the significance of the 750th
Anniversary of Revealing the Truth and Upholding Justice through the
Submission of the Rissho ankoku-ron. Moreover, we must cultivate a
solid conviction to accomplish future Kosen-rufu and to achieve our
current objective. Our conviction will be the cause that will enable us to
actually accomplish shakubuku. High Priest Nichinyo Shonin has given us
the following directions:
Each
word we speak represents an utterance of compassion to save another
individual. This is why shakubuku is truly precious. Since it is
invaluable, those who do shakubuku receive benefits.…We are performing the
deed of the Buddha, in his stead, as his envoy. Therefore, as a matter of
course, we will receive his approving praise. The Gohonzon will be
watching us, without fail.
(Shakubuku yomon, p.49)
Let us enthusiastically take action and bring a fine
conclusion to the current “Year of Action.” I would like to conclude my
sermon for today by praying for your increasing efforts and your continued
good health.
Back