Ikeda Wisdom Academy members:
• are group through national youth leaders and all student division members.
• should have their own copy of The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 4.
• are encouraged to read the assigned material before each meeting.
December Syllabus:
The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 4, pp. 277–304
Part Three: “The Life Span of the Thus Come One” Chapter: The Eternity of Life
11: “Eternally Advancing With Great Life Force”
Supplementary Material:
• The Lotus Sutra and Its Opening and Closing Sutras, pp. 268–71
• “The Good Medicine For All Ills,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 938
• “Reply to Matsuno,” WND-1, 843
• “The Unanimous Declaration by the Buddhas,” WND-2, 860
• The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, p. 127
Chapter Overview
Treasures of the Heart Endure Eternally
“Nothing is as certain as death”—Ikeda Sensei concludes in the final chapter of The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, volume 4, offering a frank yet hope-filled perspective on life and death. He affirms that everyone will inevitably face death, and that acknowledging this truth can bring deeper meaning to daily living.
Just as a deadline drives us to complete a project, being aware that death can come for us at any time can motivate us to live fully and create value in each moment. Far from being a “downer,” this awareness helps us focus on what truly endures. Sensei says:
If we’re looking for certainty, nothing is more certain than death. Therefore, the important thing is that right now, without hesitation, we do our best to accumulate “treasures of the heart” that will endure eternally.
Most people, however, live out their lives putting off this most important issue of all, spending their time in pursuit of momentary pleasure. Nothing is more important than the issue of life and death itself. Everything else is of little consequence by comparison. We will absolutely understand this at the time of death. (WLS-4, 280)
Being mindful of death, then, becomes a guide to seek what is eternal. The Lotus Sutra’s “Life Span” chapter teaches of people “single-mindedly desiring to see the Buddha, not hesitating even if it costs them their lives” (The Lotus Sutra and Its Opening and Closing Sutras, p. 271). This seeking spirit opens up the eternal world of Buddhahood within us.
Living with this awareness requires continual effort to elevate our state of life. Confronting questions about death through Nichiren Buddhism’s philosophy of hope, rather than struggling through life and death in the nine worlds, we can root our lives in the Mystic Law, the “‘great earth of Buddhahood,’ which is one with the life of the universe” (WLS-4, 292).
Sensei likens this to “driving along on a smooth highway in a high-performance car; while enjoying the brilliant scenery around us, we take action with infinite life force to help others become happy” (WLS-292).
The only treasures we carry beyond this life are the good causes we’ve made—the treasures of the heart.
—Prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department
Ikeda Sensei’s Guidance
A Person Who Lives Well Dies Well
Ikeda Sensei: We … have to be victorious in our present lifetime. Victory in this life translates into victory after death, in future lives, and over eternity. President Toda said, “If we can become happy in this life, then we will definitely be happy in our future lives, too.” (WLS-4, 293)
•••
Nichiren Buddhism … teaches the inseparability of life and death, indicating that we can see the state of one’s afterlife in the state of his or her present life. If we could not become happy in the present through practicing this Buddhism, we would have a hard time believing in promises of happiness after death. On the other hand, experiencing actual proof of happiness in this life gives us complete confidence that we will also enjoy happiness in the next. …
It’s a state of being where life is joyful, and death is joyful, too. The Daishonin also says, “Because he has the wings of the single vehicle to rely upon, he can soar into the sky of Tranquil Light” (“On Offerings for Deceased Ancestors,” WND-1, 821). With eternity and the entire universe as our venue of activity, we soar gracefully into the great sky of happiness.
Therefore, it is not death that we need to fear but the strict law of cause and effect. A person who lives well also dies well and will be reborn well. (WLS-4, 294–95)
Digging Deep
January Study Guide
Please use these questions to guide your study of The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 4, pp. 277–304.
1) In “The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life,” Nichiren Daishonin encourages us to exert ourselves in faith with the insight that “now is the last moment of one’s life” (WND-1, 216). How does having an awareness and understanding of death from the Buddhist view help us live our life? (WLS-4, 278–81)
2) In the “Life Span” chapter’s parable of the Excellent Physician and His Sick Children, when the children take the medicine, the Lotus Sutra describes them as “single-mindedly desiring to see the Buddha, not hesitating even if it costs them their lives” (LSOC, 271). What does Nichiren remark regarding the term “single-mindedly”? What does this mean for us ordinary people? (WLS-4, 283–86)
3) In The Recordof the Orally Transmitted Teachings, Nichiren describes the correct view of life and death in the following passage: “To look on birth and death with repulsion and try to escape from them is termed delusion, or a viewpoint of ______________________________. Seeing and understanding the originally inherent nature of birth and death is termed awakening, or ______________________________” (OTT, 127).
How does this convey the Buddhist view of life and death? (WLS-4, 291–92)
Looking Forward: February Syllabus
The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 5, pp. 3–24
Part One: “Distinctions in Benefits” Chapter 1: “Those Who Spread the Mystic Law Accumulate Great Life Force”
You are reading {{ meterCount }} of {{ meterMax }} free premium articles