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.
September Syllabus: The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 4, pp. 171–96
• Part Two: “The Life Span of the Thus Come One”: The Ten Worlds
7: “The Mutual Possession of the Ten Worlds”
Supplementary Material:
• The Lotus Sutra and Its Opening and Closing Sutras, p. 271
• “The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 358
• The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, p. 214
The Ten Worlds
The Worlds of Bodhisattva and Buddhahood
This installment of Ikeda Wisdom Academy focuses on the highest of the Ten Worlds: bodhisattvas and Buddhas.
Through practicing Nichiren Buddhism, we can move beyond self-centeredness—reflected in the lower six worlds (six paths) of hell, hungry spirits, animals, asuras, human beings and heavenly beings—and establish the life states of bodhisattvas and Buddhas as our foundation.
We express the world of bodhisattvas through our compassionate actions to awaken others to their Buddha nature. Ikeda Sensei explains:
Bodhisattvas are those who willingly go out of their way to take on hard work; who possesses the spirit to eagerly undertake difficulties for the sake of the Law, for other people and society. This is the very antithesis of being self-centered. (The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 4, p. 174)
As we help others, we strengthen our own lives. Sensei adds:
To merely talk about benefiting others is arrogant. To only say the words saving people is hypocritical. Only when we realize that our efforts on others’ behalf are also for our own sake are we practicing with true humility.
One’s own life and the lives of others are ultimately inseparable. The bodhisattva path, therefore, is the correct path in life. (WLS-4, 181)
Earnestly supporting others also helps us develop the ability to overcome powerful negativity that exists within us and around us. It is amid such struggles that we reveal our inherent Buddhahood. Sensei says:
A person in this state of life can discern the significance of all affairs of life and society; which is in itself wisdom. Also, no matter how things may change, the person’s heart remains calm and steady; this is inner strength. Moreover, it’s absolute because with it we can freely tap this wisdom and strength from the depths of our lives whenever necessary. (WLS-4, 185)
What unlocks this state of Buddhahood? Our faith in the Gohonzon and the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren writes, “Buddhahood lies in continuing faith” (“The Difficulty of Sustaining Faith,” WND-1, 471), teaching that continuing to seek the heart of the Buddha helps us reveal our own Buddhahood. Sensei says:
In other words, Buddhahood lies in chanting daimoku based on faith no matter what happens. Whatever sufferings of the nine worlds we may be undergoing, through strong faith we can lead lives in which the nine worlds manifest the world of Buddhahood, and the world of Buddhahood manifests the nine worlds. …
We should continue offering prayer, chanting daimoku and taking action. Such resolute faith is itself the world of Buddhahood; it is victory. (WLS-4, 195)
Through steadfast Buddhist practice, we can break free of our limitations and illusions, and freely create lives of lasting happiness for ourselves and help others do the same.
—Prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department
Ikeda Sensei’s Guidance
We Attain Enlightenment by Defeating ‘Devils’
Ikeda Sensei: When the Mystic Law blossoms in our hearts, our lives shine like the sun with perfect calm and composure and infinite strength. This is the world of Buddhahood.
Manifesting the world of Buddhahood and defeating the devilish functions are one and the same. Devils exist both within our lives and in our environment. But whether we defeat them or are defeated by them depends solely on our own spirit and determination.
The important thing is that we win over them and that we do so continually. Buddhist practice means never coming to a standstill. We have to cultivate a self that absolutely no negative influence can deter. (WLS-4, 188–89)
Digging Deep
October Study Guide
Please use these questions to guide your study of The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 4, pp. 171–96.
1) What are some defining qualities of bodhisattvas? What are two quotes from The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, referenced in this section, used to explain this state of life? (WLS-4, 174–76)
2) Ikeda Sensei says: “Society changes. It changes moment by moment. Politics, economics, fads—everything in the world undergoes change. The issue is whether, amid much change, one possesses an unchanging center” (WLS-4, 183). What is this “unchanging center”? What must we challenge and defeat in life? And what kind of faith enables us to win in this struggle? (WLS-4, 183–85)
3) What is the relationship between defeating devilish functions and making the Mystic Law one’s mentor? (WLS-4, 188–90)
4) In discussing Buddhahood, Nichiren writes, “That ordinary people born in the latter age can believe in the Lotus Sutra is due to the fact that the world of Buddhahood is present in the human world” (“The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind,” WND-1, 358). What are two ways of looking at the meaning of this statement?
5) In the discussion about the Lotus Sutra passage, “Single-mindedly desiring to see the
Buddha” (LSOC, 271), what does Sensei say is the secret to causing the world of Buddhahood to manifest in our lives? (WLS-4, 192–93)
Looking Forward: October Syllabus
The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 4, pp. 197–224
Part Two: “The Life Span of the Thus Come One”: The Ten Worlds
8: “Enacting the Drama of Kosen-Rufu”
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