Gosho Zenshu - Part 08
"'At all times' means eternally over the three existences."
(Oko Kikigaki, GZ-840)
"The character 'eye' [of 'eye-'] signifies the doctrine of ichinen sanzen. The 69,384 characters [of the Lotus Sutra] are all contained in the one character 'eye' ....
"Now in the Latter Day of the Law, the 'eye' is the great mandala that was never before revealed [during the Former or Middle Day]. There is no 'eye' apart from this Gohonzon."
(Oko Kikigaki, GZ-841)
"One who sees or hears of the offense of slander or disbelief but who fails to say anything, leaving things as they are, will fall into the hell of incessant suffering."
(Oko Kikigaki, GZ-842)
"... a great heresy of non-Buddhists....
"Ignorant and simple-minded people have failed to look to the clear, correct dictates of the sutras and have vainly believed instead in the secret transmissions that have been orally handed down from master to disciple. Though they claim to be practicing the prayer of the 'secret Law,' there is no real proof of its efficacy.
"So it is that Heaven and Earth show signs of strange natural disasters, and catastrophes are rife in our land. It is all because true Buddhism is not distinguished from false Buddhism and wise priests [here, a reference to Nichiren Daishonin] are not distinguished from foolish ones."
(Shijukuin Moshijo, GZ-848)
"He [Gyochi] used peasants dwelling within the temple premises for hunting quails, raccoon dogs and deer, and would feast on the game at the rector's lodging temple. He also put poison in a pond on the temple grounds, thereby killing the carp and crucians, which he sold in the village."
(Ryusenji Moshijo, GZ-853)
"He is not satisfied with committing evil acts. And so, while concealing the upright activities of the Lotus Sutra's votaries, he devises schemes and tells various lies. Isn't he comparable to Devadatta in Shakyamuni's time?"
(Ryusenji Moshijo, GZ-853)
"The Law does not spread by itself. Because the person propagates it, both the person and the Law are worthy of respect."
(Hyakurokka Sho, GZ-856)
"The practice that Nichiren now carries out does not differ in the least from the conduct of the [common mortal Shakyamuni at the stage of] myoji-soku in the remote past."
(Hyakurokka Sho, GZ-863)
"There is no difference of superior and inferior between Shakyamuni's practices in the remote past and Nichiren's practices today."
(Hyaku Rokka Sho, GZ-864)
"[T]o open the theoretical ichinen sanzen for meditating upon the truth and reveal the actual ichinen sanzen which enables people to attain enlightenment at their initial stage of practice -- this is the profound meaning of the Great Teacher T'ien-t'ai, the compassion of Shakyamuni Buddha and the secret transmitted by Bodhisattva Jogyo."
(Honninmyo Sho, GZ-872)
"Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is recommended for people of all capacities."
(Honninmyo Sho, GZ-875)
"Nichiren is the sovereign, father, mother and teacher of all living beings both below and above the heavens. Now the 'Life Span of the Thus Come One' chapter of the Buddhism of Sowing from the distant past states: 'But now this threefold world is all my domain (indicating the virtue of soveriegn) and the living beings in it are all my children (indicating the virtue of parent). Now this place is beset by many pains and trials (including both the land and grass and trees growing in it). I am the only person who can rescue and protect others (indicating the virtue of teacher).' Throughout the three existences, Nichiren is the lord of this threefold world."
(Ubuyu Sojo no Koto, GZ-879-880)
"At this time, I, Nichiren, turn my thoughts toward the place of my birth. It is more precious to me even than the entire country of Japan. Similarly, there was a certain Chinese emperor [Liu Pang, 256-195 B.C., the first ruler of the Han dynasty] who cared greatly for the province of Pei. This is because the province of Pei was his birthplace."
(?, GZ-901)
"To the east stands the peak of Tenshi, to the south Takatori, to the west Shichimen, and to the north Minobu, and they all tower as if four soaring folding screens were set up. Climbing these peaks, you will see a vast span of forests below, while going down to the valley, you will find huge rocks ranging side by side. The howls of wolves fill the mountains, the chatter of monkeys echoes through the alleys, melancholy stags call for does, and the voices of cicadas sound shrilly."
(Nii Ama Gozen Gohenji, GZ-904)
"A pheasant returned to the nest in a brush fire for its fledglings. A poor woman drowned in the Ganges river for her child.... Venerable Priestess Konichi has become a votary of the Lotus Sutra out of concern for her child."
(?, GZ-934)
"Since I made a determination for my life, I have never renounced it."
(Toki Dono Gohenji, GZ-963)
"I have received one unlined kimono.
Among the Buddha's disciples there was one monk who, when the Buddha was in a place where there was famine and was restricted in his activities because of the shortages, sold his clerical robes and gave the money that he received to the Buddha.
The Buddha asked him where the money had come from. So the monk told him how he had acquired it, relating everything exactly as it had happened.
The Buddha then declined the offering, saying: "The surplice is the Dharma robe for the enlightenment of all Buddhas over the three existences. I do not have the power to require such an offering." So the monk asked, "Then what should I do with the money that I received for my surplice?" In response, the Buddha asked him, "Do you have a dear mother?" When the monk replied that he did, the Buddha told him, "You ought to offer this money from the surplice to your mother."
The monk then said to Shakyamuni, "The Buddha is the most venerable being in the threefold world. He is the eye of all living beings. Even if it were a robe broad enough to wrap in itself the entire universe, or a surplice large enough to cover the earth, the Buddha is certainly worthy of such an offering. My mother is as ignorant as a cow and more thoughtless than a sheep. How could she possibly be worthy of the offering of a surplice?"
The Buddha replied: "Who gave birth to you? Your mother did. Doesn't she therefore fully deserve to receive the offering of this surplice?"
This unlined kimon was a present given by a merciful mother, more than 90 years old, to you, her beloved son [Toki Jonin]. She must have strained her eyes and expended her life to make it.
As the son, you must have sent it to me knowing that it would be difficult for you to repay the debt for this robe. And it will also be difficult for me, Nichiren, to repay it. Even so, I do not think it would be proper for me to return it.
That's because if I wear this robe and report these matters in detail before the god of the sun, then they will without fail be known to Taishaku, Bonten and all the Buddhist gods. It is but one robe, but all heavenly deities throughout the universe will surely acknowledge your meritorious conduct. Like dew joining the ocean, or soil being added to the earth, your good fortune will neither be lost in lifetime after lifetime, nor decay in world after world.
With my deep respect,
Nichiren
The fifth day of the second month [1275]
(Toki Dono Gohenji, GZ-968)
"Even a single seed, when it is planted, will grow and produce many seeds."
(Onkoromo Narabini Hitoe Gosho, GZ-971)
"Each of the 69,384 characters of the Lotus Sutra is a Buddha."
(Onkoromo Narabini Hitoe Gosho, GZ-971)
"The most forgetful person in the world [Surihandoku]."
(?, GZ-976)
"I consider your wife's illness as if it were my own, and I am praying to the heavenly deities day and night for her recovery."
(?, GZ-978)
"adding oil to a lamp."
(?, GZ-978)
"Even misfortune turns into fortune"
(Dojoshin Shugo no Koto, GZ-979)
"The mind is the master of the body."
(Dojoshin Shugo no Koto, GZ-979)
"The stronger one's faith, the greater the [Buddhist] gods' protection"
(Dojoshin Shugo no Koto, GZ-979)
"If an ordinary mortal living in the Latter Day of the Law hears this teaching [of the Lotus Sutra], not only will that person attain Buddhahood but his or her parents will as well. This is the most filial act possible."
(Shimon Butusjo Gi, GZ-984)
"When you make your way to Eagle Peak, you should proclaim, 'I have contributed four kan of coins for the construction of the world's foremost hall dedicated to the Lotus Sutra."
(Toki Nyudo Dono Gohenji, GZ-995)
"[Of all the translators,] Kumarajiva is the only one who did not mix his personal views with the Lord Buddha Shakyamuni's scriptures."
(Ota Dono Nyobo Gohenji, GZ-1007)
"A long time ago, a woman called Konjunyo made an offering of one piece of gold to be used as gold leaf to adorn a wooden statue of the Buddha. Thereafter, for ninety-one kalpas, she was reborn to enjoy a life endowed with golden splendor."
(?, GZ-1012)
"[The Hoben chapter is the] essence of the theoretical teaching."
(Ota Saemon no Jo Gohenji , GZ-1015)
"How truly wondrous it is that you should cherish this sutra more than your own life!"
(Ota Saemon no Jo Gohenji, GZ-1015)
"The Lotus Sutra is beneficial medicine for all illnesses of body and mind. Therefore it states, 'This sutra is beneficial medicine for the illnesses of all mankind. If one is ill and can hear of this sutra, his illness will vanish immediately, and he will find perpetual youth and eternal life'."
(Ota Saemon no Jo Gohenji, GZ-1015)
"'At all times' means eternally over the three existences."
(Oko Kikigaki, GZ-840)
"The character 'eye' [of 'eye-'] signifies the doctrine of ichinen sanzen. The 69,384 characters [of the Lotus Sutra] are all contained in the one character 'eye' ....
"Now in the Latter Day of the Law, the 'eye' is the great mandala that was never before revealed [during the Former or Middle Day]. There is no 'eye' apart from this Gohonzon."
(Oko Kikigaki, GZ-841)
"One who sees or hears of the offense of slander or disbelief but who fails to say anything, leaving things as they are, will fall into the hell of incessant suffering."
(Oko Kikigaki, GZ-842)
"... a great heresy of non-Buddhists....
"Ignorant and simple-minded people have failed to look to the clear, correct dictates of the sutras and have vainly believed instead in the secret transmissions that have been orally handed down from master to disciple. Though they claim to be practicing the prayer of the 'secret Law,' there is no real proof of its efficacy.
"So it is that Heaven and Earth show signs of strange natural disasters, and catastrophes are rife in our land. It is all because true Buddhism is not distinguished from false Buddhism and wise priests [here, a reference to Nichiren Daishonin] are not distinguished from foolish ones."
(Shijukuin Moshijo, GZ-848)
"He [Gyochi] used peasants dwelling within the temple premises for hunting quails, raccoon dogs and deer, and would feast on the game at the rector's lodging temple. He also put poison in a pond on the temple grounds, thereby killing the carp and crucians, which he sold in the village."
(Ryusenji Moshijo, GZ-853)
"He is not satisfied with committing evil acts. And so, while concealing the upright activities of the Lotus Sutra's votaries, he devises schemes and tells various lies. Isn't he comparable to Devadatta in Shakyamuni's time?"
(Ryusenji Moshijo, GZ-853)
"The Law does not spread by itself. Because the person propagates it, both the person and the Law are worthy of respect."
(Hyakurokka Sho, GZ-856)
"The practice that Nichiren now carries out does not differ in the least from the conduct of the [common mortal Shakyamuni at the stage of] myoji-soku in the remote past."
(Hyakurokka Sho, GZ-863)
"There is no difference of superior and inferior between Shakyamuni's practices in the remote past and Nichiren's practices today."
(Hyaku Rokka Sho, GZ-864)
"[T]o open the theoretical ichinen sanzen for meditating upon the truth and reveal the actual ichinen sanzen which enables people to attain enlightenment at their initial stage of practice -- this is the profound meaning of the Great Teacher T'ien-t'ai, the compassion of Shakyamuni Buddha and the secret transmitted by Bodhisattva Jogyo."
(Honninmyo Sho, GZ-872)
"Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is recommended for people of all capacities."
(Honninmyo Sho, GZ-875)
"Nichiren is the sovereign, father, mother and teacher of all living beings both below and above the heavens. Now the 'Life Span of the Thus Come One' chapter of the Buddhism of Sowing from the distant past states: 'But now this threefold world is all my domain (indicating the virtue of soveriegn) and the living beings in it are all my children (indicating the virtue of parent). Now this place is beset by many pains and trials (including both the land and grass and trees growing in it). I am the only person who can rescue and protect others (indicating the virtue of teacher).' Throughout the three existences, Nichiren is the lord of this threefold world."
(Ubuyu Sojo no Koto, GZ-879-880)
"At this time, I, Nichiren, turn my thoughts toward the place of my birth. It is more precious to me even than the entire country of Japan. Similarly, there was a certain Chinese emperor [Liu Pang, 256-195 B.C., the first ruler of the Han dynasty] who cared greatly for the province of Pei. This is because the province of Pei was his birthplace."
(?, GZ-901)
"To the east stands the peak of Tenshi, to the south Takatori, to the west Shichimen, and to the north Minobu, and they all tower as if four soaring folding screens were set up. Climbing these peaks, you will see a vast span of forests below, while going down to the valley, you will find huge rocks ranging side by side. The howls of wolves fill the mountains, the chatter of monkeys echoes through the alleys, melancholy stags call for does, and the voices of cicadas sound shrilly."
(Nii Ama Gozen Gohenji, GZ-904)
"A pheasant returned to the nest in a brush fire for its fledglings. A poor woman drowned in the Ganges river for her child.... Venerable Priestess Konichi has become a votary of the Lotus Sutra out of concern for her child."
(?, GZ-934)
"Since I made a determination for my life, I have never renounced it."
(Toki Dono Gohenji, GZ-963)
"I have received one unlined kimono.
Among the Buddha's disciples there was one monk who, when the Buddha was in a place where there was famine and was restricted in his activities because of the shortages, sold his clerical robes and gave the money that he received to the Buddha.
The Buddha asked him where the money had come from. So the monk told him how he had acquired it, relating everything exactly as it had happened.
The Buddha then declined the offering, saying: "The surplice is the Dharma robe for the enlightenment of all Buddhas over the three existences. I do not have the power to require such an offering." So the monk asked, "Then what should I do with the money that I received for my surplice?" In response, the Buddha asked him, "Do you have a dear mother?" When the monk replied that he did, the Buddha told him, "You ought to offer this money from the surplice to your mother."
The monk then said to Shakyamuni, "The Buddha is the most venerable being in the threefold world. He is the eye of all living beings. Even if it were a robe broad enough to wrap in itself the entire universe, or a surplice large enough to cover the earth, the Buddha is certainly worthy of such an offering. My mother is as ignorant as a cow and more thoughtless than a sheep. How could she possibly be worthy of the offering of a surplice?"
The Buddha replied: "Who gave birth to you? Your mother did. Doesn't she therefore fully deserve to receive the offering of this surplice?"
This unlined kimon was a present given by a merciful mother, more than 90 years old, to you, her beloved son [Toki Jonin]. She must have strained her eyes and expended her life to make it.
As the son, you must have sent it to me knowing that it would be difficult for you to repay the debt for this robe. And it will also be difficult for me, Nichiren, to repay it. Even so, I do not think it would be proper for me to return it.
That's because if I wear this robe and report these matters in detail before the god of the sun, then they will without fail be known to Taishaku, Bonten and all the Buddhist gods. It is but one robe, but all heavenly deities throughout the universe will surely acknowledge your meritorious conduct. Like dew joining the ocean, or soil being added to the earth, your good fortune will neither be lost in lifetime after lifetime, nor decay in world after world.
With my deep respect,
Nichiren
The fifth day of the second month [1275]
(Toki Dono Gohenji, GZ-968)
"Even a single seed, when it is planted, will grow and produce many seeds."
(Onkoromo Narabini Hitoe Gosho, GZ-971)
"Each of the 69,384 characters of the Lotus Sutra is a Buddha."
(Onkoromo Narabini Hitoe Gosho, GZ-971)
"The most forgetful person in the world [Surihandoku]."
(?, GZ-976)
"I consider your wife's illness as if it were my own, and I am praying to the heavenly deities day and night for her recovery."
(?, GZ-978)
"adding oil to a lamp."
(?, GZ-978)
"Even misfortune turns into fortune"
(Dojoshin Shugo no Koto, GZ-979)
"The mind is the master of the body."
(Dojoshin Shugo no Koto, GZ-979)
"The stronger one's faith, the greater the [Buddhist] gods' protection"
(Dojoshin Shugo no Koto, GZ-979)
"If an ordinary mortal living in the Latter Day of the Law hears this teaching [of the Lotus Sutra], not only will that person attain Buddhahood but his or her parents will as well. This is the most filial act possible."
(Shimon Butusjo Gi, GZ-984)
"When you make your way to Eagle Peak, you should proclaim, 'I have contributed four kan of coins for the construction of the world's foremost hall dedicated to the Lotus Sutra."
(Toki Nyudo Dono Gohenji, GZ-995)
"[Of all the translators,] Kumarajiva is the only one who did not mix his personal views with the Lord Buddha Shakyamuni's scriptures."
(Ota Dono Nyobo Gohenji, GZ-1007)
"A long time ago, a woman called Konjunyo made an offering of one piece of gold to be used as gold leaf to adorn a wooden statue of the Buddha. Thereafter, for ninety-one kalpas, she was reborn to enjoy a life endowed with golden splendor."
(?, GZ-1012)
"[The Hoben chapter is the] essence of the theoretical teaching."
(Ota Saemon no Jo Gohenji , GZ-1015)
"How truly wondrous it is that you should cherish this sutra more than your own life!"
(Ota Saemon no Jo Gohenji, GZ-1015)
"The Lotus Sutra is beneficial medicine for all illnesses of body and mind. Therefore it states, 'This sutra is beneficial medicine for the illnesses of all mankind. If one is ill and can hear of this sutra, his illness will vanish immediately, and he will find perpetual youth and eternal life'."
(Ota Saemon no Jo Gohenji, GZ-1015)
