Gongyo—which includes reciting portions of the “Expedient Means” and “Life Span of the Thus Come One” chapters of the Lotus Sutra morning and evening—is part of daily practice for Nichiren Buddhists. This series carries Ikeda Sensei’s explanations of gongyo, section by section. The full text can be found in The Heart of the Lotus Sutra, pp. 89–97.
Shari-hotsu. Nyorai no. Shuju fun-betsu. Gyo sessho ho. Gon-ji nyunan. Ekka shushin. Shari-hotsu. Shu yo gon shi. Muryo muhen. Mi-zo-u ho. Busshitsu joju.
Literal translation: “Shariputra, the Thus Come Ones know how to make various distinctions and to expound the teachings skillfully. Their words are soft and gentle and can delight the hearts of the assembly.
“Shariputra, to sum it up: the Buddhas have fully realized the Law that is limitless, boundless, never attained before.” (The Lotus Sutra and Its Opening and Closing Sutras, p. 57)
Ikeda Sensei:
For the voice-hearers and cause-awakened ones the wisdom of the Buddhas is an “infinitely profound and immeasurable” teaching that they cannot comprehend. Shakyamuni desperately wants to communicate to Shariputra and the others that there exists a realm of wisdom so vast as to be beyond even their imagination.
That is why he repeatedly alludes to the existence of a great Law never before known or attained. Shariputra and the others cannot comprehend the vast wisdom of the Buddha as long as they remain satisfied with their own shallow wisdom. For that reason, Shakyamuni courteously and repeatedly explains just how wondrous is the wisdom of the Buddhas.
Saying “Since I explained it once, that’s sufficient” lacks compassion. We should continue to conduct dialogue until the other person’s life changes. Attaining the objective is what counts; to speak solely for purposes of self-satisfaction is pointless. …
Conduct Hope-Filled Dialogue in a Society Lacking Truthful Words
Soft and gentle words are not determined by how harsh or kind the words sound. Rather, it depends on whether they are laden with value and whether there is compassion in the heart of their speaker.
In society today, truthful words are few. Words of self-interest and calculation deluge us, as do frivolous words and words intended to cause injury. These days, we simply don’t hear words of truth that issue from the depths of one person’s heart and penetrate the heart of another.
Truthful words coincide perfectly with the actions of the speaker. Words spoken out of personal conviction, words upon which we have lived our lives are certainly truthful words. Truthful words are living words that issue from a lively and exuberant heart. …
In conclusion, “truthful words and gentle words” means words spoken in good faith. Such words are sincere, they are earnest and they are suitable. Moreover, words that clearly convey what you want to say are truthful and gentle words.
With abundant self-confidence, let us conduct dignified dialogue, never losing our inner latitude, poise and humor. Such dialogue is the true “weapon” of a Buddhist.
Confusion of language portends confusion in society. In an age lacking truthful words, our movement, which is based on dialogue, is becoming a great light of hope for the world.
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