SGI-USA Study Department Advanced-level Exam

This is the Advanced-level Exam held Jan. 13, followed by the answers.

This exam has 32 questions, worth a total of 100 points. Questions 1 through 31 are worth three points each and are either short answer, fill-in or multiple choice (fill-in from a list of choices). Questions 32 is a short essay question worth seven points.

I. Selected Lectures on the Gosho - "The True Entity of Life"

1. Write the letters of the most appropriate answers in the six blanks from the list provided below. Some answers may be used more than once, others not at all (0.5 points each - total 3 points).
Question:
With respect to the "true entity of all phenomena," what is the difference between the Lotus Sutra and provisional sutras?
Answer:
All the other [provisional] sutras deal solely with
(1)_________________ and point out only (2)________________ among them. The Lotus Sutra sees beyond the superficial (3)________________ and discovers the (4)________________ equally permeating the depths of all. This is what sets the (5)"________________ Lotus Sutra" above "provisional teachings of (6)________________."
Choices:
a) theoretical
b) entity
c) differences
d) equality
e) Mystic Law
f) Buddha's behavior
g) Oneness of Person and Law
h) perfect and all-embracing
i) phenomena
j) fundamental
k) discrimination

2. Write the correct answer in the two blanks (no list of choices provided) (1.5 points - total 3 points).
Question:
When is the right time to spread the Mystic Law?
Answer:
In the Yakuo (23rd) chapter of the Lotus Sutra Shakyamuni states, "In (1)________________ after my death, accomplish worldwide kose-rufu." The time to commence propagation of the ultimate teaching of the Lotus Sutra, he said, would be the first five hundred years of (2)________________

3. Write the correct answers in the two blanks (1.5 point each - total of 3 points).
Question:
As to where the Bodhisattvas of the Earth live, the Lotus Sutra says it is "the space below the earth." How do T'ien-t'ai and Nichiren Daishonin respectively describe the dwelling place of the Boddhisattvas of the Earth?
Answer:
As to where the Bodhisattvas of the Earth live, T'ien-t'ai says it is (1)"________________ and Nichiren Daishonin defined it simply as (2)"________________."

Question 4 is based on President Ikeda's explanation of the following quote:
The two Buddhas, Shakyamuni and Taho [Many Treasures], are merely functions of the true Buddha, while Myoho-renge-kyo actually is the true Buddha. The sutra explains is as "the Tathagata's secret and mystic power." The "secret" refers to the entity of the Buddha's three properties and the "mystic power" to their functions. The entity is the true Buddha and the function, a provisional Buddha.

4. Write the correct answers in the three blanks (1.5 each - total 3 points).
Question:
How are "entity" and "function" portrayed on the Gohonzon?
Answer:
Written the center of the Gohonzon is "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nichiren" as the (1)________________ of the Mystic Law, while Shakyamuni and (2)________________ inscribed on the left and right sides are (3)________________ of the Mystic Law.

5. Write the correct answers in the six blanks based on President Ikeda's explanation of the following quote (0.5 points each - total 3 points):
"If you are of the same mind as Nichiren, you must be a Bodhisattva of the Earth. And since you are a Bodhisattva of the Earth, there is not the slightest doubt that you have been a disciple of the Buddha from the remotest past."
Question:
How do we become "of the same mind as Nichiren?"
Answer:
Nichiren Daishonin states that it is only possible when you "maintain your faith as (1)________________ and forever exert your self as (2)________________," that is, when you practice his teaching with your (3)________________, (4)________________ and (5)________________. This phrase contains the principle of (6)________________.

6. Write a short answer to the following question (3 points).
Question:
According to the study material, what are three components that identify a person as a Bodhisattva of the Earth?
Answer on separate sheet

7. Write the next sentence that follows the one below in this quote from "The True Entity of Life" (3 points).
Nichiren Daishonin states, "Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study.
________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________."

II. Selected Lectures on the Gosho - "The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life"

8. Write a short answer to the following question (3 points).
Question:
In the Ongi Kuden ("The Record of the Orally Trasmitted Teachings"), Nichiren Daishonin says: "Ichi represents the life-moment (ichinen), and dai indicates conditions of life (sanzen). What creates the conditions of life are internal and external causes of reality (ji)." In the final analysis, what does "the ultimate law" in the title signify?
Answer on separate sheet

9. Write; the correct answers in the six blanks (0.5 point each - total 3 points).
Question:
Nichiren Daishonin states "Shakyamuni who attained enlightenment countless aeons ago, the Lotus Sutra which leads all people to Buddhahood, and we ordinary human beings are in no way different or separate from each other." Explain this passage.
Answer:
Taken literally, "Shakyamuni" here is (1)________________, as revealed in the essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra; "the Lotus Sutra" denotes (2)________________. On a deeper level, "Shakyamuni" is intended to mean (3)________________, and "the Lotus Sutra" signifies (4)________________ So the above passage tells us we should realize that (5)________________, (6)________________ and all common people like ourselves are alike entities of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, and are in no way different or separate from each other.

10. Write a short answer to the following question (3 points).
Question:
The Daishonin states: "Therefore, to chant Myoho-renge-kyo with this realization is to inherit the ultimate law of life and death. To carry on this heritage is the most important task for Nichiren's disciples, and that is precisely what it means to embrace the Lotus Sutra." What does it mean to chant with "this realization"?
Answer on separate sheet

11. Write the correct answers in the six blanks in the following quote from "Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life" (0.5 points each - total 3 points):
"All disciples and believers of Nichiren should (1)________________ with mind (itai doshin), transcending all (2)________________ among themselves to become as inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim. This (3)________________ is the basis for the universal transmission of (4)________________. Herein lies the true goal of Nichiren's propagation. When you are so (5)________________, even the great hope for (6)________________ can be fulfilled without fail."

12. Write a short answer to the following question (3 points).
Question:
According to a passage from "Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life," what is the "true goal of Nichiren's propagation"?
Answer on separate sheet

13. Write a short answer to the question based on President Ikeda's explanation of the following quote from Nichiren Daishonin (3 points).
"Gold can neither be burned by fire nor corroded or swept away by water, but iron is vulnerable to both. A wise person is like gold and a fool like iron."
Question:
What is the meaning of the analogy comparing gold and iron to a wise person and a foolish one? Explain in a few sentences.
Answer on separate sheet

14. Based on President Ikeda's explanation of the following quote from Nichiren Daishonin, write the letter of the most appropriate answers in the six blanks from the list provided (0.5 point each - total 3 points).
"Be resolved to summon forth the great power of your faith, and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with the prayer that your faith will be steadfast and correct at the moment of your death. Never seek any other way to inherit the ultimate law and manifest it in your life. Only then will you realize that earthly desires are enlightenment and the sufferings of life and death are nirvana. Without the lifeblood of faith, it would be useless to embrace the Lotus Sutra."
Question:
Where and to what extent does the "heritage of the ultimate law" flow?
Answer:
The heritage of the ultimate law flows within (1)________________ who, in perfect (2)________________, (3)________________ and (4)________________. Whether we can inherit the lifeblood of the Daishonin's Buddhism or not depends entirely on (5)________________. This is why he warns us in the Gosho's conclusion: "Without (6)________________, it would be useless to embrace the Lotus Sutra."
Choices:
a) Nichiren Daishonin's mind
b) Shakyamuni's life
c) the lives of the Daishonin's disciples
d) the successive high priests
e) characteristics
f) endowment
g) unity
h) chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
i) advance together toward kosen-rufu
j) faith
k) understanding
l) wisdom
m) the lifeblood of faith
n) the heritage of the successor

III. Selected Lectures on the Gosho - "The True Object of Worship"

15. Write the correct answers in the three blanks (1 point each - total 3 points).
Question:
The Daishonin expounded in the Ongi Kuden ("The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings"): Nam derives from Sanskrit and signifies devotion. There are two objects of devotion: the Person, which is Shakyamuni, and the Law, which is the Lotus Sutra."
What does the Daishonin mean when he talks about "Shakyamuni" and "the Lotus Sutra" from the standpoint of his own enlightenment?
Answer:
In the above quotation "Shakyamuni" indicates not Guatama Buddha of India, but (1)________________. "The Lotus Sutra" referred to in the passage above is not the 28 chapter Lotus Sutra expounded by Guatama Buddha but he means (2)________________. Thus, "devotion to Shakyamuni and the Lotus Sutra" means "devotion to Nichiren Daishonin and (3)________________.

16. Write a short answer to the following question (3 points).
Question:
In Nichiren Daishonin's teachings, what does it mean to "observe one's mind and to find the Ten Worlds within it"?
Answer on separate sheet

17. Write a short answer to the following question (3 points).
Question:
In terms of their interpretation of the moment, what is the difference between the Buddhism of the True Cause and that of the True Effect?
Answer on separate sheet

18. Write the correct answers in the six blanks (0.5 points each - total 3 points).
Question:
Explain the significance of the phrase that opens the verse section of the "Life Span" (16th) chapter of the Lotus Sutra that reads "ji ga toku bu (tsu) rai," meaning, "Since I attained Buddhahood..."
Answer:
Nichiren Daishonin explains this in the Ongi Kuden ("The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings"): "Ga (self) indicates the property of (1)________________, butsu (the Buddha) the property of (2)________________, and rai (becoming) means the property of (3)________________. These (4)________________ of the Buddha, who has neither (5)________________ nor (6)________________, become one's own. From this consider the meaning of the supreme cluster of jewels without seeking it."

Questions 19-20 are based on President Ikeda's explanation of the following quote:

Chapter 11 of the Lotus Sutra says: "Those who choose to protect this sutra serve Taho Buddha and me...They also serve all the other Buddhas present who dignify and glorify all the worlds." Shakyamuni, Taho, and all the other Buddhas in the ten directions represent the world of Buddhahood within ourselves. By searching them out within us, we can receive the benefits of Shakyamuni, Taho, and all the other Buddhas. This is what is meant by the following passage in chapter 10: "If one hears the Law for even a single moment, he will be able to attain perfect enlightenment."

19. Write the correct answers in the three blanks (1 point each - total 3 points).
Question:
Explain this passage in terms of the three enlightened properties of life.
Answer:
"Me" in the quotation refers to Shakyamuni and means the enlightened property of (1)________________. "Taho" stands for the enlightened property of (2)________________, and "all the other Buddhas" are the Buddhas who came to participate in the ceremony of the Lotus Sutra from worlds in the ten directions of the universe. Since they appeared in those worlds as emanations of Shakyamuni Buddha, they collectively mean enlightened property of (3)________________.

20. Write a short answer to the following question (3 points).
Question:
What is the meaning of the Lotus Sutra passage "If one hears the Law for even a single moment, he will be able to attain perfect enlightenment."
Answer on separate sheet

21. Write a short answer to the following question (3 points).
Question:
Nichiren Daishonin states: "The Juryo ["Life Span"] chapter states: 'Once I also practiced bodhisattva austerities, and the life which i then acquired has yet to be exhausted. My life will last twice as many aeons from now.' He was speaking of the world of Bodhisattvas of the Earth are the followers of the Lord Shakyamuni." What is the mission of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth in terms of supporting our inner life-condition:
Answer on separate sheet

IV. The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, Volume 1

22. Write short answers to the following questions (1 point each - 3 points).
Question:
The immeasurable Meanings Sutra states: "His body neither existing nor not existing, neither caused nor conditioned, neither self nor other..." (1) What does "his body" refer to in the context of the sutra? (2) How did second Soka Gakkai president Toda interpret the meaning of "his body"? (3) What is the significance of Mr. Toda's realization to humankind?
Answer on separate sheet

23. Write the correct answers in the three blanks (1 point each - total 3 points).
Question:
What does Nichiren Daishonin say are the three meanings of myo [of myoho, the Mystic Law]?
Answer on separate page

24. Write the correct answers in the three blanks (1 point each - total 3 point).
Question:
In the Lotus Sutra, what is the meaning of the expression "teacher of the Law"?
Answer on separate sheet

25. Write the correct answers in the three blanks (1 point each - total 3 point).
Question:
The Daishonin spoke of the Lotus Sutra in terms of its (1)________________, (2)________________ and essential forms. The essential form of the Lotus Sutra is (3)________________.

26. Write a short answer to the following question (3 points).
Question:
The Lotus Sutra begins with the phrase "This is what I heard." From the standpoint of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, how should one interpret this phrase in terms of one's own practice?
Answer on separate sheet

27. Write the letters of the correct answers in the appropriate blanks using the list of choices below (0.5 points each - total 3 points).
Question:
What is the distinction between Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism and Shakyamuni's Buddhism from the viewpoint of the three assemblies and the two places?
Answer:
Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism (1)________________, (2)________________, (3)______________. Shakyamuni's Buddhism (4)________________, (5)________________, (6)________________.
Choices:
a. Emphasizes the movement from Eagle Peak to the Ceremony in the Air.
b. Emphasizes the progression from the Ceremony in the Air back to Eagle Peak.
c. Guiding sentient beings below.
d. Seeking enlightenment above.
e. From the cause to the effect.
f. From the effect to the cause.

28. Write a short answer to the following question (3 points).
Question:
The "Expedient Means" chapter of the Lotus Sutra sates: "The BUddhas, the World Honoored Ones, appear in the world for one great reason alone." According to the sutra, what is the "one great reason" the Buddhas appear in the world?
Answer on separate sheet

29. Write the correct answers in the three blanks (1 point each - total 3 points).
Question:
What the three types of expedient means that T'ien-t'ai identifies in his Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra?
Answer:
T'ien-t'ai identifies three types: (1)________________, (2)________________, and (3)________________.

30. Write the correct answers in the six blanks (0.5 points each - total 3 points).
Question:
Explain the concept of "the replacement of the three vehicles with the one vehicle." In the "Expedient Means chapter of the Lotus Sutra, how is the one vehicle expounded?
Answer:
The three vehicles refers to the vehicles (1)________________, (2)________________, and (3)________________. And the one vehicle is called (4)________________. The Buddha expounds his teaching solely so that all people may (5)________________. In "Expedient Means," the one vehicle is expounded in terms of the four aspects of (6)________________.

31. Write the correct answers in the three blanks (1 point each - total 3 points).
Question:
How does Nichiren Daishonin explain the meaning of "consistency from beginning to end" from the standpoint of the Buddha's enlightenment? What does the Daishonin say is "the reason the Lotus Sutra is acclaimed for its great impartial wisdom"?
Answer:
"Beginning" refers to (1)________________, while "end" refers to (2)________________. "Consistency" indicates that the Thus Come One who has attained the ultimate stage of perfect enlightenment and we ordinary people who are ignorant of our own Buddha nature are ultimately (3)________________.

V. "Questions and Answers on the Temple Issue"

32. Write a short essay in response to the following statement (7 points):
Nichiren Shoshu claims that the Gohonzon only has power when an eye-opening ceremony is performed by the high priest. Refute this claim based on the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.

_________________________________________________________________________ Answers for Advanced-level Exam

The page numbers where the answers can be found in the appropriate study material follow each answer.

I. Selected Lectures on the Gosho - "The True Entity of Life"

1. i,c,c,e,h,k (pp. 19-20)

2. (1) the fifth five-hundred years (2) the Latter day of the Law (p. 31)

3. (1) the ultimate depth of life, that being the absolute reality (2) Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (pp. 32-33)

4. (1) entity (2) Taho of Many Treasures (Buddha) (3) functions (p. 36)

5. (1) a votary of the Lotus Sutra (2) Nichiren's disciple (3) thoughts (4) words (5) deeds (6) oneness of master/mentor and disciple/shitei funi (pp. 62-67)

6. (1) those who are of the same mind as Nichiren. (2) those who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. (3) those who spread/propagate Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in the Latter Day of the Law for kosen-rufu. - or - Those who strive for kosen-rufu. - or - Those who do shakubuku (pp. 62-67).

7. Without practice and study, there can be no Buddhism (pp. 87-89).

II. Selected Lectures on the Gosho - "The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life"

8. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo or Gohonzon (pp. 107-09)

9. (1) the Buddha who attained enlightenment in the distant past/gohyakujintengo/countless kalpas (2) the sutra's entire 28 chapters (3) the original Buddha from the infinite past who appeared in this world as Nichiren Daishonin (4) the Dai-Gohonzon or the Gohonzon of true Buddhism (5) Nichiren Daishonin (6) the Dai-Gohonzon or the Gohonzon (pp. 121-23)

10. It means to chant with faith in the oneness of the Daishonin, the Gohonzon and ourselves (pp. 121-23).

It is difficult for use to "realize" subjectively the oneness of the Daishonin, the Gohonzon and ourselves. We should consider "realize" to mean "have profound faith in," for Buddhism teaches that "one enters Buddhahood through faith," and also that one should "rely on faith instead of one's limited understanding."

11. (1) chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (2) differences (3) spiritual bond (4) ultimate law of life and death (5) united (6) kosen-rufu (pp. 150-55)

12. He did not intend to keep the heritage of true Buddhism to himself or just transmit it to a limited number of people. He wanted to open the way to Buddhahood and pass the heritage on to all people - those in his own country and throughout the world (kosen-rufu/worldwide propagation/happiness of all humankind (p. 151).

13. A wise person is one who like gold, does not waver the slightest in his faith, no matter what suffering he meets or how difficult his life becomes. A fool, on the other hand, is as vulnerable and corruptible as iron (pp. 169-72).

14. c,g,h,i,j,m (pp. 193-94)

III. Selected Lectures on the Gosho - "The True Object of Worship"

15. (1) the original Buddha who appeared in the Latter Day of the Law as Nichiren Daishonin/himself. (2) the essence of the sutra, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo/Mystic Law. (3) Nam-myoho-renge-kyo/Mystic Law (pp. 207-09).

16. It means perceiving one's life to be the entity of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. To observe one's mind and find Buddhahood/Buddha nature within. One's life is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (p. 213).

17. Buddhism of the true effect refers to the past-oriented attitude which defines the present only as the result of the past, adhering to the results, whereas Buddhism of the True Cause is the belief that the present changes into a cause for the future (p. 246).

18. (1) the Law (2) wisdom (3) action (4) three properties of the Buddha (5) beginning (6) end (pp. 257)

19. (1) wisdom (2) the Law (3) action (pp. 268-69)

20. To "hear" in the quote means to embrace the Gohonzon. "To hear the Law for even a single moment" means that even if you only embrace the Gohonzon and practice for a moment, you are able to manifest the supreme enlightenment of the Buddha at that moment (pp. 268-72).

21. The Bodhisattvas of the Earth represent the life-condition that works to propagate the Mystic Law. The life-condition of the nine worlds are represented by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, who maintain support of the life-condition of Buddhahood and help manifest it (pp. 277-78).

IV. The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, Volume 1

22. (1) In context, "his body" refers to the body of the Buddha. (2) "His body" means "life." "The Buddha" is life itself. (3) Mr. Coda's realization made Buddhism comprehensible to all. (Pp. 22-23)

23. (1) to open (2) to be endowed and perfect (3) to revive (p. 24)

24. In the Lotus Sutra, a teacher of the Law is someone who propagates the Lotus Sutra/Nam-myoho-renge-kyo/Mystic Law after Shakyamuni's death/in the Latter Day of the Law.
"A teacher of the Law" includes both priests and lay practitioners who propagate the Law (p.50)

25. (1) comprehensive/abbreviated (2) abbreviated/comprehensive (3) Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (p.68)

26. Today, in the Latter day of the Law, "I" signifies each of us. We each listen to the Daishonin's teaching of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with our whole being and embrace faith in it. This is the true meaning of "This is what I heard" (pp. 73-75).

27. b, c, f, a, d, e (pp. 97-99)

28. The "one great reason" Buddhas appear in the world is to open the door of Buddha wisdom for all people, to show it to them, to cause them to awaken to it and to help enter (pp. 114-15).
That one great reason is revealed as the four aspects of the Buddha's wisdom - to open, to show, to awaken and to help enter.

29. (1) functional-teaching expedients (2) truth-gateway expedients (3)the secret and mystic expedient (pp. 121-24)

30. (1) Learning/voice hearers/shomon (2) Realization/cause awakened ones/pratyek abuddha/engaku
(3) Bodhisattva/bosatsu (4) Buddha vehicle (5) attain Buddhahood/enlightenment (6) the Buddha('s) wisdom (p. 140)

31. (1) the Buddha nature (2) the not-yet-manifested Buddhas and/or the living beings of the nine worlds (3) equal and without distinction (p. 172)

V. "Questions and Answers on the Temple Issue"

32. Nichiren Daishonin states: "Never seek this Gohonzon outside yourself. The Gohonzon exists only within the mortal flesh or us ordinary people who embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The Gohonzon is found in faith alone. As the sutra states, 'Only with faith can one enter Buddhahood.'"
Here the Daishonin makes clear that the location of the Gohonzon's power is within us, and that is where we should seek it. Nowhere in his writings does he state that we need sanction from a priest to benefit from our practice.
Rather, he writes that whether our prayers are answered depends solely on our faith.
"Whether or not your prayers are answered depends upon your faith; [if it is not] the fault in no way lies with me, Nichiren."
While the priesthood claims that an eye-opening ceremony by the high priest is necessary to empower the Gohonzon and that without such a ceremony one cannot receive benefit, Nichiren Daishonin makes no mention of this.
What he does say is "In performing the eye-opening ceremony on wooden and painted images, the only authority to rely on is the Lotus Sutra and the Tendai sect." By "Tendai sect," he means the principle of ichinen sanzen (a single life moment possesses three thousand realms),k which reveals that Buddhahood is inherent in all things and phenomena. To "rely on the Lotus Sutra" in the Daishonin's teaching means to have faith in the Gohonzon.
From the above Gosho passages, it is clear that it is our own "faith in the Gohonzon" that "opens the eyes" of the Gohonzon within us. No special ceremony by a priest or anyone else is required. (pp. 21-22)