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. 133–41.
The Practice of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth in the Modern Age
Ikeda Sensei:
The Lotus Sutra’s “Emerging from the Earth” chapter says of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, in “this saha world they have been dwelling in the empty space in its lower part” (The Lotus Sutra and Its Opening and Closing Sutras, p. 260). Regarding “lower part,” or lower region, Nichiren Daishonin says, “The lower region represents the principle of truth” (The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, p. 119).
The Bodhisattvas of the Earth are bodhisattvas from the world of truth who have appeared in this saha world. That is, they are courageous people arising from the great Law of the universe, from Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, who have jubilantly appeared among the people.
Therefore, they are never deadlocked. They can limitlessly draw forth life force and wisdom from the world of the Mystic Law, and they can spread the Mystic Law and endure great persecution in the polluted world of the Latter Day.
All those who spread Buddhism in the defiled world of the Latter Day as Nichiren Daishonin taught are, without exception, Bodhisattvas of the Earth. In this day and age, SGI members match the sutra’s description of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth perfectly.
The Bodhisattvas of the Earth are described as “firm in their intent and thought” (LSOC, 256). That is, they are people of firm determination who, once set on a course of action, follow through; they are people of persistence. They include the pioneers of our movement who, come what may, have persevered in faith since the early days. Though subject to slander and abuse, they have never turned their backs on their determination. Their lives shine, adorned with the medal of perseverance that adorns the Bodhisattvas of the Earth.
The sutra also describes the Bodhisattvas of the Earth as “skillfully learning the bodhisattva way, unsoiled by worldly things like the lotus flower in the water” (LSOC, 263).
In a society defiled by the five impurities, SGI members, untarnished, sincerely live out their lives in the realm of Buddhism. They help those suffering in the cloudy waters of society become happy.
Those who are loath to go out among the people and who instead abandon society and seclude themselves in the mountains cannot fulfill the mission of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth.
Moreover, the sutra says that the Bodhisattvas of the Earth “are clever at difficult questions and answers, their minds know no fear. They have firmly cultivated persevering minds, upright in dignity and virtue” (LSOC, 263).
“Clever at difficult questions and answers,” simply put, means that they are experts at conducting dialogue. They have wisdom from having lived on the very forefront of society. They have the wisdom to turn back unjust abuse gracefully, offering instead, “Why don’t we first discuss what it means to lead a happy life?” SGI members are all certainly people of wisdom who are skilled at difficult questions and answers.
“Their minds know no fear” describes you courageous men and women who, fearing no one, resolutely fight against those evil powers that seek to trample upon the people.
“They have firmly cultivated persevering minds.” Such tenacity is your true forte. There may be those around you who always complain or who constantly think only of themselves. Yet you definitely would not abandon a friend. You are people of the foremost perseverance. And by persevering you have won over difficulties in your own lives too. You are truly champions of compassion and conviction.
“Upright in dignity and virtue” means that your hearts and your lives shine. Your lives overflow with a human magnetism that powerfully draws people to you. No one can fail to be convinced of the greatness of this Buddhism when they see such rich human virtue.
In this way, each of you has the power of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth. …
Again, each of you is carrying out the practice of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, who appear when people are suffering most and where there is the greatest sadness.
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