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Record
of the Orally Transmitted
Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin
- Ongi Kuden -
Chapter 19: Benefits of the Teacher of the Law [Hosshi Kudoku]
The sutra states, "At that time the Buddha said to the bodhisattva and mahasattva Constant Exertion: If good men and women accept and uphold this Lotus Sutra, if they read it, recite it, explain and preach it, or transcribe it, such persons will obtain eight hundred eye benefits, twelve hundred ear benefits, eight hundred nose benefits, twelve hundred tongue benefits, eight hundred body benefits and twelve hundred mind benefits. With these benefits they will be able to adorn their six sense organs, making all of them pure."
(LS p. 250, 3LS p. 275)The word 'Hosshi', or teacher of the Law, means one who teaches the five practices [of embracing, reading, reciting, teaching and transcribing the Lotus Sutra]. The word kudoku, or benefit, means the result of rewards that come about through the purification of the six sense organs. In essence, we may say that Nichiren and his followers who now chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo are carrying out the purification of the six sense organs. Hence, they are acting as teachers of the Law of Myoho Renge Kyo and possess great virtue. The element ku [of kudoku or benefit] means good fortune, or destroying evil, while doku means producing good. Benefit (kudoku) means the attainment of Buddhahood in one's present form and also the purification of the six sense organs.
(Gosho Zenshu p. 761-62)One should understand that in the Latter Day of the Law, it is votaries of the Lotus Sutra who act as Bodhisattva Constant Exertion. The Lotus Sutra itself says of such persons who uphold the sutra, 'This is what is meant by diligence.' (Gosho Zenshu p
. 763)The sutra states, "And it will be like a bright pure mirror, in which forms and shapes are all reflected. The bodhisattva in his pure body will see all that is in the world."
(LS p. 262, 3LS p. 285)This scriptural passage means that a person who has the purification of the six sense organs sees the major world system just as lapis lazuli, or a clear mirror, reflects everything. Now Nichiren and his disciples, who chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, see things just as a bright mirror reflects all phenomena.
(Gosho Zenshu p. 763)These excerpts are provided here for educational purposes only. Content related questions may be directed to Paul Wersant. Problems or questions concerning this web-site should be directed to Will Kallander.
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