Hello,

I am planning on trying the 2nd Life class as well. I may be a bit late, since I
don't get home until about 5pm :)

I look forward to it!

--- In nichirenshubuddhism@yahoogroups.com, "Rev. Ryuoh Faulconer" <ryuoh@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> The instructions are on the web page at
> http://secondlife.com/
> after you have downloaded the viewer and created an avatar then visit
> the Nichiren Sangha web page at
> http://www.nichiren-shu.org/boston/pages/SL.htm
> click on the slurl then teleport to Myoho Ji.
>
> with Gassho,
> Rev. Ryuoh Faulconer
>
>
>
> Nichiren Buddhist Sangha of Greater New England
> 15 Locust St. # 1
> Haverhill,  MA 01830
> 978-912-7136
> in Boston 617-314-7782
> cell 617-595-8250
> http://www.newenglandbuddhist.org
>
> Gassho = A gesture of joining one's palms and putting them on the breast as a
token of reverence. Reverence; Salutation.
>
>
>
>
> On Dec 14, 2009, at 10:49 AM, Gollinsinc@... wrote:
>
> >
> > Hello-
> >
> > I would like to participate in this class as well. Please provide link-up
instructions.
> >
> > Thank you,
> >
> > Mike Gollins
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Michele Chavez <micheledc@...>
> > To: nichirenshubuddhism@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Mon, Dec 14, 2009 9:07 am
> > Subject: Re: [Nichiren Shu Buddhism] Study Class
> >
> > Hi Rev. Faulconer. I would love to take that class! I'll check out
> > econd Life today and put the class on my calendar. Thanks so much for
> > ffering it! Are you going to post this on Facebook as well?
> > Michele
> > On 12/14/09 5:40 AM, Ryuoh Faulconer wrote:
> > Dear Sangha and Friends,
> > Many ministers have been using technology to teach and spread the Dharma.
Rev.
> > yuei has his teachings on the internet on his forum page, Rev. Myokei, Rev.
> > effus and myself have been using UStream to broadcast our services and
> > eachings. I put up a Temple in Second Life and starting this Wednesday will
be
> > ffering Lotus Sutra Study Classes at Myoho Ji in Second Life. Please
consider
> > isiting the Second Life Temple and participating in a class or service.
Second
> > ife is a free application. You will need a high speed connection to the
> > nternet. The Lotus Sutra study is currently at 5 pm Eastern Time. If I get
> > roups of people who would like a class at another time, I would be willing
to
> > o so. I am also working on getting the other ministers into this forum which
> > an be more interactive for teaching. I hope I will see some of you in SL.
You
> > an go to the Nichiren Buddhist Sangha of New England web site to learn more
> > bout Second Life and to see a link to Myoho Ji.
> > with Gassho,
> > Rev. Ryuoh Faulconer
> > (Ryuoh Faulks in SL)
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> > -----------------------------------
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > Individual Email | Traditional
> > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> > =
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Hi,

The instructions are on the web page at
http://secondlife.com/
after you have downloaded the viewer and created an avatar then visit
the Nichiren Sangha web page at
http://www.nichiren-shu.org/boston/pages/SL.htm
click on the slurl then teleport to Myoho Ji.

with Gassho,
Rev. Ryuoh Faulconer



Nichiren Buddhist Sangha of Greater New England
15 Locust St. # 1
Haverhill,  MA 01830
978-912-7136
in Boston 617-314-7782
cell 617-595-8250
http://www.newenglandbuddhist.org

Gassho = A gesture of joining one's palms and putting them on the breast as a
token of reverence. Reverence; Salutation.




On Dec 14, 2009, at 10:49 AM, Gollinsinc@... wrote:

>
> Hello-
>
> I would like to participate in this class as well. Please provide link-up
instructions.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Mike Gollins
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Michele Chavez <micheledc@...>
> To: nichirenshubuddhism@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Mon, Dec 14, 2009 9:07 am
> Subject: Re: [Nichiren Shu Buddhism] Study Class
>
> Hi Rev. Faulconer. I would love to take that class! I'll check out
> econd Life today and put the class on my calendar. Thanks so much for
> ffering it! Are you going to post this on Facebook as well?
> Michele
> On 12/14/09 5:40 AM, Ryuoh Faulconer wrote:
> Dear Sangha and Friends,
> Many ministers have been using technology to teach and spread the Dharma. Rev.
> yuei has his teachings on the internet on his forum page, Rev. Myokei, Rev.
> effus and myself have been using UStream to broadcast our services and
> eachings. I put up a Temple in Second Life and starting this Wednesday will be
> ffering Lotus Sutra Study Classes at Myoho Ji in Second Life. Please consider
> isiting the Second Life Temple and participating in a class or service. Second
> ife is a free application. You will need a high speed connection to the
> nternet. The Lotus Sutra study is currently at 5 pm Eastern Time. If I get
> roups of people who would like a class at another time, I would be willing to
> o so. I am also working on getting the other ministers into this forum which
> an be more interactive for teaching. I hope I will see some of you in SL. You
> an go to the Nichiren Buddhist Sangha of New England web site to learn more
> bout Second Life and to see a link to Myoho Ji.
> with Gassho,
> Rev. Ryuoh Faulconer
> (Ryuoh Faulks in SL)
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> -----------------------------------
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> Individual Email | Traditional
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
> =
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello-

I would like to participate in this class as well.  Please provide link-up
instructions.

Thank you,

Mike Gollins



-----Original Message-----
From: Michele Chavez <micheledc@...>
To: nichirenshubuddhism@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, Dec 14, 2009 9:07 am
Subject: Re: [Nichiren Shu Buddhism] Study Class


Hi Rev. Faulconer.  I would love to take that class!  I'll check out
econd Life today and put the class on my calendar.  Thanks so much for
ffering it!  Are you going to post this on Facebook as well?
Michele
On 12/14/09 5:40 AM, Ryuoh Faulconer wrote:
  Dear Sangha and Friends,
  Many ministers have been using technology to teach and spread the Dharma. Rev.
yuei has his teachings on the internet on his forum page, Rev. Myokei, Rev.
effus and myself have been using UStream to broadcast our services and
eachings. I put up a Temple in Second Life and starting this Wednesday will be
ffering Lotus Sutra Study Classes at Myoho Ji in Second Life. Please consider
isiting the Second Life Temple and participating in a class or service. Second
ife is a free application. You will need a high speed connection to the
nternet. The Lotus Sutra study is currently at 5 pm Eastern Time. If I get
roups of people who would like a class at another time, I would be willing to
o so. I am also working on getting the other ministers into this forum which
an be more interactive for teaching. I hope I will see some of you in SL. You
an go to the Nichiren Buddhist Sangha of New England web site to learn more
bout Second Life and to see a link to Myoho Ji.
  with Gassho,
  Rev. Ryuoh Faulconer
  (Ryuoh Faulks in SL)



  ------------------------------------

  Yahoo! Groups Links







-----------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
    Individual Email | Traditional
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

=


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Rev. Faulconer.  I would love to take that class!  I'll check out
Second Life today and put the class on my calendar.  Thanks so much for
offering it!  Are you going to post this on Facebook as well?

Michele

On 12/14/09 5:40 AM, Ryuoh Faulconer wrote:
> Dear Sangha and Friends,
> Many ministers have been using technology to teach and spread the Dharma. Rev.
Ryuei has his teachings on the internet on his forum page, Rev. Myokei, Rev.
Jeffus and myself have been using UStream to broadcast our services and
teachings. I put up a Temple in Second Life and starting this Wednesday will be
offering Lotus Sutra Study Classes at Myoho Ji in Second Life. Please consider
visiting the Second Life Temple and participating in a class or service. Second
Life is a free application. You will need a high speed connection to the
internet. The Lotus Sutra study is currently at 5 pm Eastern Time. If I get
groups of people who would like a class at another time, I would be willing to
do so. I am also working on getting the other ministers into this forum which
can be more interactive for teaching. I hope I will see some of you in SL. You
can go to the Nichiren Buddhist Sangha of New England web site to learn more
about Second Life and to see a link to Myoho Ji.
> with Gassho,
> Rev. Ryuoh Faulconer
> (Ryuoh Faulks in SL)
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

Dear Sangha and Friends,
Many ministers have been using technology to teach and spread the Dharma. Rev.
Ryuei has his teachings on the internet on his forum page, Rev. Myokei, Rev.
Jeffus and myself have been using UStream to broadcast our services and
teachings. I put up a Temple in Second Life and starting this Wednesday will be
offering Lotus Sutra Study Classes at Myoho Ji in Second Life. Please consider
visiting the Second Life Temple and participating in a class or service. Second
Life is a free application. You will need a high speed connection to the
internet. The Lotus Sutra study is currently at 5 pm Eastern Time. If I get
groups of people who would like a class at another time, I would be willing to
do so. I am also working on getting the other ministers into this forum which
can be more interactive for teaching. I hope I will see some of you in SL. You
can go to the Nichiren Buddhist Sangha of New England web site to learn more
about Second Life and to see a link to Myoho Ji.
with Gassho,
Rev. Ryuoh Faulconer
(Ryuoh Faulks in SL)

First General Meeting of the Association of Nichiren Shu Italy
Sunday, 20th December, 2009

Hours: 10,00 to 16,00

Place:  Renkoji Temple, Villasanta (MB), Italy

Hello everyone,

Over these past few days, we are beginning to feel the real cold has begun to
arrive, and soon we will conclude this year while waiting the new year.

Nichiren Shu has been present here in Italy and promoting the Dharma since 2001,
the temple was founded in 2005. And finally in 2009 we were able to form the
(non-profit) religious Association Nichiren Shu Italy. On
20th December 20, we will hold the first general meeting at Renkoji Temple in
Villasanta (MB), to decide on programmes, read the statute, consider
and propose other possible rules of procedure while discussing and planning
the various activities we wish to develop throughout 2010 and in the future.

The meeting will begin with Gongyo at 10am precisely and will ends at about
16,00. Lunch
will be at the temple (take away pizzas and others). The
meeting will conclude within and no later than 16,oo so that those who have
travelled from afar will be able to return in time. Plese kindly note that
although
the name of our association is "Asscoizaione Nichiren Shu Italia" (The
Association of Nichiren Shu in Italy),
our association includes all members of Renkoji Temple: not only in Italy but
also all
members throughout France, Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, Greece and Poland. The
name uses the term Italia, because it was registered in Italy, and as a
forerunner to hopefully future branch or sister associations in all the various
respective European countries.

Ultimately,
we also vote on certain issues, limited to associated members only, but all are
invited to
listen and help our association in order to better promote the Dharma
and our activities here in Italy and throughout Europe (including Spain, France,
Switzerland, Portugal, Greece, Poland, etc. ...). Since
2001, many people have worked with all his heart to establish the
Nichiren Shu in this country and other European countries, and we hope
that this meeting will be the next great step towards growth and development
in the future. For this reason, your presence and continued support, as well as
your ideas are highly welcomed and appreciated. My sincere thanks to all.

Gassho,
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo
Rev Shoryo Tarabini

For
additional details, please write me via e-mail
(RevShoryoTarabini@...) or via a message through Facebook (shoryo
Tarabini), or you may ring me directly at the temple at the following number:
+39
039/2051334




Prima riunione generale dell'Associazione Nichiren Shu Italia
Domenica, 20 dicembre 2009
orario: 10,00 - 16,00
presso il Tempio Renkoji, Villasanta (MB)


Carissimi tutti,

In questi giorni, si sente il vero freddo che
comincia ad arrivare, e fra poco concluderemo quest'anno mentre
aspettiamo il nuovo anno.

La
Nichiren Shu ¨¨ presente qui in Italia e sta promuovendo il Dharma dal
2001, il tempio ¨¨ stato fondato nel 2005. E, finalmente nel 2009 siamo
riusciti a formare l'Associazione relgiososa (non a scopo di lucro)
della Nichiren Shu Italia. Il 20 dicembre, ospiteremo al tempio di
Renkoji a Villasanta (MB), la prima riunione generale per decidere i
programi, leggere lo statuto, esaminare e proporre possibile altre
regole interne, nonch¨¨ discuttere e programmare le varie attivit¨¤ che
vorremo svolgere nel 2010 e in futuro.

La riunione comincier¨¤
con Gongyo alle ore 10 in punto, e finir¨¤ verso le ore 16. Si far¨¤
pranzo al tempio (pizza ad asporto e altre cose) in modo di continuare
la riunione e concludere tutto entro e non oltre le ore 16.

Alla
fine, ci sarano anche votazioni, limitate solo ai soci, ma tutti sono
invitati a venire per ascoltare e contribuire alla ns associazione in
modo di meglio promuovere il Dharma e le ns attivit¨¤ qui in Italia e gli altri
paesi europee del sud. Dal
2001, tantissime persone hanno lavorato con tutto il cuore per
stabilire la Nichiren Shu in questo paese e altri paesi europei, e speriamo che
questa
riunione sar¨¤ il prossimo passo per una grande crescita e sviluppo nel
futuro. Per questa ragione, la vs presenza e supporto, nonch¨¨ il Vs
input e idee saranno molto graditi e apprezzati. Grazie di cuore a
tutti.

Gassho,
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo
Rev. Shoryo Tarabini

Per
ulteriori dettagli si prega di scrivermi un'email
(RevShoryoTarabini@...) o un messaggio tramite facebook (shoryo
tarabini), nonch¨¦
telefonare direttamente il tempio al seguente numero: 039/2051334
_________________________________________________________________
Windows Live: Keep your friends up to date with what you do online.
http://www.microsoft.com/middleeast/windows/windowslive/see-it-in-action/social-\
network-basics.aspx?ocid=PID23461::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-xm:SI_SB_1:092010

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi,

Yes ty for these prayers, they are really cool. Patrick and I will use them for
service too :)

Gassho
Erin

--- In nichirenshubuddhism@yahoogroups.com, Michele Chavez <micheledc@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi Rev. Ryuei,
>
> Thanks for posting this! Coincidentally, Sarge and I got the new Dharma
> books this last week.  (We've been getting used to holding them and not
> dropping and unwinding all the pages.)
>
> I'm going to print this out for us and we will do the service on Tuesday.
>
> Thanks again!
> Michele
>

Hi Rev. Ryuei,

Thanks for posting this! Coincidentally, Sarge and I got the new Dharma
books this last week.  (We've been getting used to holding them and not
dropping and unwinding all the pages.)

I'm going to print this out for us and we will do the service on Tuesday.

Thanks again!
Michele

Hi everyone,

Sorry I have been absent for so long but I can no longer access my yahoo groups
with my laptop at home and at work it takes a long time to view any yahoo pages
for some reason.

Anyway, I'll find a way to resolve those problems later.

For now I'd like to share a version of the Jodo-e aka Bodhi Day aka Buddha's
Enlightenment Day (December 8th in the Japanese reckoning) that you can use at
home if you cannot come to a temple.

The following refers to the pages of the Dharma book put out by the NBIC. The
special Invocation and Final Prayer are taken from a rough translation of the
ones that are basic in Nichiren Shu. Now this is not the complete ceremony. The
complete ceremony incorporates a lot of Shomyo (special East Asian liturgical
hymns), and in a temple (like at San Jose) we will incorporate things like the
lighting of candles and such). But again this is only for if you are not near a
temple:

Bodhi Day Service

Bowing to the Three Treasures p. 2
Three Treasures p. 3
Invocation p. 5 and/or the following:

Special Praise
We most humbly consider Siddhartha, the Prince of King Shuddhodana of
Kapilavastu in Central India, who observed aging, sickness, death, and that all
conditioned things are impermanent, and then sought for the wondrous goal of
emancipation. At the age of 29 he left his home. From that time on he made great
efforts in seeking the Way by visiting spiritual sages and taking up ascetic
practices for six years. However, these could not resolve the problem of
impermanence and suffering. Turning from them, he sat on the Vajra Dharma Throne
under the Bodhi Tree at Uruvela near Bodhgaya by the bank of the Nairanjana
River to meditate and enter samadhi. This happened when he was 35. Although the
Devil King Mara used various forms of temptation and intimidation he was able to
overcome them all. He considered the four noble truths, the eightfold path, and
dependent origination both backwards and forwards. On the dawn of December 8th
at the first light of the morning star he attained complete perfect awakening.
How can we praise him enough? How can we praise him enough? Hail to Eternally 
Awakened Original Teacher Shakyamuni Buddha.

Verses for Opening the Sutra p. 9
Chapter 2 p. 15 (or 11)
Chapter 16 p. 40 (or 35)
Recitation of Odaimoku
Difficulty of Retaining the Sutra p. 66

Special Prayer:
Today we celebrate the attainment of awakening by Shakyamuni Buddha, our most
venerable teacher, by respectfully decorating the altar, offering incense,
flowers, candle light, tea, sweets, and food. In the right way we show our deep
respect. We respectfully follow this wonderful practice. In all these ways we do
all we can to celebrate this momentous occasion in the life of the Buddha.

We most humbly consider the accumulation of the merit of the true practice of
the Bodhisattva that fills the Dharma realms of the ten directions. The
accumulated virtue of the Buddha stage's fruition of awakening spreads over all
like the heaven of the highest truth. The compassionate vow of "I am always
thinking" never stops. The loving thought of "How shall I cause all living
beings" is without bias. Observing the time and discerning the capacity, his
transformations are limitless. Stored within him is the secret doctrine of the
revelation of the origin in the Life Span [chapter]. Covering up his light and
hiding his virtue in order to care for the capacity of sentient beings he sat
upright for six years. He showed the principle of returning the favor of a holy
monk to ordinary monks. He considered the five periods and eight teachings that
would lead people to maturity and the harvest buddhahood. In addition to that,
he laid the foundation for the sowing of the seed of buddhahood in the Latter
Age. We cannot imagine the greatness of his favor and the enormity of his
virtue. We have determined to protect and uphold the True Dharma without sparing
our lives. We offer that determination as a millionth of our repayment of that
favor. May we encounter the sacred phrase, "That old vow of mind has now been
fulfilled" and receive the wondrous benefit of "I once vowed that I would cause
all living beings to become exactly as I am." (p. 37 of the Lotus Sutra) "Your
face is most wonderful. Your light illumined the worlds of the ten quarters. I
once made offerings to you. Now I have come to see you again." (p. 302) We
appreciate your great compassion and great loving-kindness.

[Other prayers here]

May the merits we have accumulated by this offering be distributed among all
living beings, and may we and all other living beings attain the enlightenment
of the Buddha.

May all the Dharma-realms equally benefit.

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo

Four Great Vows p. 78

If you don't have the Dharma book but instead have the Sacred Services of
Nichiren Shu then just use the equivalents of the things above. Basically just
do what you usually do for a service but use the Special Praise and the Special
Prayer above.

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,
Ryuei


******************************************************************

Rev Faulconer of the New England sangha will be visiting Minobu, Ikegami
Honmonji, and Nichiren Shu temples in Kamakura this spring after the overseas
ministers conference and is inviting anyone interested in seeing those places to
join him.  The date is not firm yet, but will probably be in late April or May.

If you are interesting in going, please contact Rev Faulconer.  Contact
information is provided below:

http://nichiren-shu.org/boston/pages/contact.htm

Gassho
Pam

I read an article about Huston Smith this morning that mentioned the
Five Remembrances.

http://tinyurl.com/ygf47b6

"He thought about the "Five Remembrances" that some Buddhist monks chant
each day: I will lose my youth, my health, my loved ones, everything I
hold dear and, finally, life itself by the very nature of being human.

Smith said those remembrances told him that the transient nature of life
does not mean people should love others less but more.

Smith then recalled a quote from Buddha: "Suffering, if it does not
diminish love, will transport you to the furthest shore.""

I looked up the Five Remembrances and found this on Wikipedia in an
article about the Upajjhatthana Sutta:

1. I am sure to become old; I cannot avoid ageing.
2. I am sure to become ill; I cannot avoid illness.
3. I am sure to die; I cannot avoid death.
4. I must be separated and parted from all that is dear and beloved to me.
5. I am the owner of my actions, heir of my actions, actions are the
womb (from which I have sprung), actions are my relations, actions are
my protection. Whatever actions I do, good or bad, of these I shall
become their heir.

I'd never heard of these before.  Is there a Nichiren Shu view of the
Five Remembrances?

Michele

Hi Michael,

I was wondering if you could share about the Jode-e Service (8
December)?  I was reading about it on the Nichiren Shu website, which
explained it is to celebrate the Buddha attaining enlightenment.  It
didn't say what the ceremony is like and what it involves.

Thanks,
Michele

A profile of Rev. Myokei of Myoken Temple in the Houston Chronicle:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/religion/6717424.html

Hi,

Erin already did a great job of answering this, but I'd like to express my own
observations.

One thing is that "Jukai" actually means "receiving the precept" and in other
forms of Buddhism would indicate taking different numbers of precepts as well as
the Three Refuges that Erin spoke of. In Nichiren Shu, Jukai refers to receiving
the Diamond Chalice Precept which is to uphold Namu Myoho Renge Kyo in thought,
word, and deed. Myoho Renge Kyo - the Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Teaching -
is itself the root of the Three Refuges.

Every Nichiren Shu service incorporates the Three Refuges in one form or
another, but they are highlighted with special significance when one is
intending to not just be a "fellow traveler" of Buddhism but to actually make a
commitment to taking up the Buddha Dharma.

Also, I think it is sad that some forms of religion mistake adolescent
hystrionics (at whatever age) for authentic spirituality. The Buddha put no
stock in emotional outbursts and in fact even turned away from altered states of
consciousness as being any kind of spiritual panacea. The eightfold path is
instructive as to what the Buddha did feel was important:

1. Right View - this does not mean subscribing to some creed or dogma but to
really make an effort to understand the pervasiveness of suffering and that
suffering has causes which can be cut off, and that we can realize the end of
suffering, and that there is a path to that end.

2. Right Intention - here is where the Buddha dealt with emotions - to curb our
attachment and aversion and instead to cultivate loving-kindness, compassion,
sympathetic joy, and equanimity.

3-5. Right Speech, Action, Livelihood - to live without harming others or
ourselves.

6. Right Effort - this is about making the effort to curb bad habits and to
cultivate good ones.

7. Right Mindfulness - this is what makes Buddhism different from many other
religions. Instead of praying to deities or trying to attain altered states of
consciousness, the Buddha taught that we should be mindful or attentive to the
present realities of our inner and outer life (mental and physical) and to see
for ourselves the selfless interdependent impermanent nature of all things.

8. Right Concentration - the Buddha did not disregard mental training that can
lead to altered or so-called "spiritual states." He saw that these can be
encouraging and peaceful abidings, and more importantly can lead to more clear
and wholesome states of mind. So the Buddha taught methods whereby one can
overcome sensual craving, hatred, restleness, drowsiness, and debilitating doubt
and instead attain states of rapture, tranquility, and ultimately an open aware
even-mindedness that greatly facilitates mindfulness and insight. He also taught
forms of concentration on helpful intentions towards others - like boundless
loving-kindness, or on inspiring subjects of contemplation like Buddha, Dharma,
and Sangha.

Buddhism is not about a single emotionally fraught moment of buying into some
system of beliefs. Rather it is an invitation to use these methods that the
Buddha found lead to freedom from suffering for oneself and others.

I have found that when I use these methods they have helped save me a great deal
of grief and even enabled me to achieve a certain perspective and attitude
conducive to equanimity. When I don't put these into practice I invariably cause
unecessary suffering for myself and others. So they have proven themselves in
practice.

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo is about getting in touch with the source of all of this -
a commitment to true nature in every moment.

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,
Ryuei

--- In nichirenshubuddhism@yahoogroups.com, "sanders.jean@..."
<sanders.jean@...> wrote:
>
> Having been raised in a faith where there had to be a "conversion experience"
admitting you accept Jesus into your heart and an actual baptism, as I have been
reading about Buddhism, I am curious if really there is a literal "conversion"
ceremony one goes through similar to what I have been taught in the past ?
>
> Also, in addition to the great books that have been suggested to me in prior
posts, are there any good biographical books of other Buddhists that I might
find informative and beneficial ?
>
>
> Thanks for all the interesting and great information so far !
>
> Have a great day everyone :)
>

--- In nichirenshubuddhism@yahoogroups.com, "bugsybutch" <bugsybutch@...> wrote:
>
> Thank you for your thoughtful reply Mike. I've not as yet decided what
> I'm going to do with the Nikken gohonzon and I have another gohonzon
> dilemma. Robin Beck actually sent me three of those postcard size
> gohonzon on Kodak paper and one of them got wrecked. What would be the
> proper way for me to dispose of it? Jay:)


If one is a member of Nichiren Shu, then turn in the item to your minister for a
ritual cremation.

If you are not a member of Nichiren Shu you can still turn these things in to a
minister, or you can just burn it yourself in a respectful manner and perhaps
chant Odaimoku or even the Jigage as you do so.

The point is to not just throw such things into the trash, as what they depict
should not be reduced to common garbage.

This is yet another reason why Nichiren clergy (never mind which school) really
frown upon all this buying and trading and selling of Omandalas as though they
were baseball cards.

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,
Ryuei

Hello,

Yes all forms Buddhism, Nichiren Shu included, have a ceremony or practice of
conversion. In short it is often called "Taking Refuge" and this includes
turning to the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. This means that one has
decided to follow the Buddhist path and to return to the three jewels (Buddha,
Dharma, Sangha) for guidance.

In Nichiren Shu one undertakes Jukai to uphold the Lotus Sutra. This is in
conjunction with the aforementioned refuge above. Receiving Jukai is a very
important part of the path and it can involve some months of working with a
minster coupled with study and practice. After one becomes sure they wish to
follow the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren, then one would take Jukai.
There is ceremony conducted and the person takes vows before the minister and
sangha.

Concerning the Baptist style of being born again, I can't speak to whether they
are the same experience as I've never been a Christian. I can say that the
Buddhist tradition encourages investigation and asking questions in regards to
taking refuge. In many sutras, the person takes refuge only after the Buddha has
answer a question or helped someone on the path. That is when one develops faith
and reliance as the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha as being a source of wisdom and
compassion. Additionally, taking refuge is also a daily practice and prayer-
it's a continual work in progress so to  speak!

It's not really in the same category of being on the road to Damascus and struck
down by God. There is , of course, an emotional aspect to Buddhist conversion,
but I don't believe that it is regarded with the same type of "cure all" fervor
that appears in some Christian traditions.

Peace,
Erin

--- In nichirenshubuddhism@yahoogroups.com, "sanders.jean@..."
<sanders.jean@...> wrote:
>
> Having been raised in a faith where there had to be a "conversion experience"
admitting you accept Jesus into your heart and an actual baptism, as I have been
reading about Buddhism, I am curious if really there is a literal "conversion"
ceremony one goes through similar to what I have been taught in the past ?
>
> Also, in addition to the great books that have been suggested to me in prior
posts, are there any good biographical books of other Buddhists that I might
find informative and beneficial ?
>
>
> Thanks for all the interesting and great information so far !
>
> Have a great day everyone :)
>

Having been raised in a faith where there had to be a "conversion experience"
admitting you accept Jesus into your heart and an actual baptism, as I have been
reading about Buddhism, I am curious if really there is a literal "conversion"
ceremony one goes through similar to what I have been taught in the past ?

Also, in addition to the great books that have been suggested to me in prior
posts, are there any good biographical books of other Buddhists that I might
find informative and beneficial ?


Thanks for all the interesting and great information so far !

Have a great day everyone :)

Thank you for your thoughtful reply Mike. I've not as yet decided what
I'm going to do with the Nikken gohonzon and I have another gohonzon
dilemma. Robin Beck actually sent me three of those postcard size
gohonzon on Kodak paper and one of them got wrecked. What would be the
proper way for me to dispose of it? Jay:)
--- In nichirenshubuddhism@yahoogroups.com, ryuei2000 <no_reply@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi Jay,
>
> My line for some years now has been that those practicing
independently should just follow their own conscience and good sense. I
think people fret too much about these ritual objects.
>
> As a Nichiren Shu minister I was taught (and I agree with this) that
the Omandala is not supposed to be treated as a commodity. They are
supposed to be bestowed by the ministers upon members in good standing,
just as Nichiren bestowed them when requested (though he sometimes
refused).
>
> I would hope, member or non-member, that you would indeed turn in an
Omandala back to the school that it came from for ritual cremation if it
is not one bestowed upon you or otherwise intended for you. People
should not be trying to profit from the buying and selling of Omandalas.
If you are using an Omandala you have bought or downloaded or been given
- then I hope it is not one that was bestowed upon some other person (or
more likely a family) originally.
>
> In Nihciren Shu, the emphasis is upon the Odaimoku and faith and not
upon having an Omandala. The Omandlas are supposed to be given by the
minister to someone who has worked with the minister for a period of
time and then taken Jukai (the precept to uphold Odaimoku) or else
someone who is already a member. Nichiren Shu ministers can accept
Omandalas bought in a butsugu store (Buddhist supply shop) and then
eye-open it and bestow it upon the member. In some cases we can even
deconsecrate and reconsecrate an Omandala from some other source (this
is very much case-by-case and some ministers may not wish to do this at
all). But when it comes to people practicing independently or with some
other Sangha that is outside our jurisdiction so to speak. So again I
refer you to my first paragraph.
>
> Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,
> Ryuei
>
>
> --- In nichirenshubuddhism@yahoogroups.com, "bugsybutch" bugsybutch@
wrote:
> >
> > Hi Ruyie. How are you? Jay here. The Gohonzon I'm currently using is
a postcard size one that was mailed to me by Robin Beck. I have the
Gohonzon in a nifty wooden frame I purchased in Phan Thiet, SRV. The
other Gohonzon I have is one I purchased on eBay for $20usd. I think it
was the Rev. Don Ross who wrote in some group, which one I do not
recall, that the Gohonzon I had purchased was a Nikken which at the time
I could of cared less about and I still don't care much about. In my
opinion, a Gohonzon is a Gohonzon is a Gohonzon. That been said, Cody
Spain wrote that my Gohonzon was "illegally" obtained and that I should
return it to the nearest Nichiren Shoshu Temple. So please Mike, I'd
like your advice on this matter. I'm not sure what to do with it. I have
three ideas in mind about this Gohonzon. 1) I should like to resell it
on eBay; I need the cash. 2) I should like to give it away to a person
who would like to own a Gohonzon. 3) I should like to return it to the
nearest Nichiren Shoshu Temple *if* that would indeed be the correct
thing to do. What say you Mike? Jay:) Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.
> >
>

You may already be aware of these sources on the internet.

There is a lot of information on the website for the LA temple
http://la.nichirenshu.org/nav/teachstart.shtml

and on the website for the San Francisco sangha
http://www.nichiren-shu.org/

and Rev. Ryuei has written a good number of articles that can be found at
http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/index.html

There are also a number of books
http://www.nichiren-shu.org/books.html

Hope this helps.
Philip

--- In nichirenshubuddhism@yahoogroups.com, "sanders.jean@..."
<sanders.jean@...> wrote:
>
> Good morning (afternoon or evening depending on where in the world you might
be :) )
>
>
> I have been interested in Buddhism for several years. More specifically, I
became interested in Nichiren Buddhism when I watched Tina Turner's life story
"What's Love Got to Do With It" and read her book.
>
> I was raised in the Baptist faith and while I completely respect it as a
religion, it doesn't seem to fit into my way of thinking and answer my
questions. The biggest one being, if Jesus loved everyone including the
prostitutes and beggars, then how can the Bible say that homosexuals will go to
hell ? Among other things.........
>
>
> I have started to look into The Lotus Sutra a bit and am really not sure where
to go from here. I have been chanting a bit also. Any suggestions or ideas of
where to start would be much appreciated.
>
> I look forward to many interesting insights and ideas from my time here.
>
> With A Curious Heart
>

Basic Buddhist Concepts:Amazon:Books
Address:


http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d.html/ref=mp_s_a_2/178-6343193-5742911?qid=12574448\
22&a=4333012031&sr=8-2

Hi,

On the off-chance you live near a Nichiren Shu temple, that might be
your first course of action. Even if you don't, it would be helpful to
get in touch with the priest at the closest one to you. Aside from that,
check out nichiren-shu.org; also do some more reading - I think the book
Basic Buddhist Concepts by Kogen Mizuno is decent, and I also remember
liking Heart of the Buddha's Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh, tho it's been
years since I read it. There are several Nichiren Shu specific books on
the Nichiren Shu website.

And try to maintain a consistent daily practice of chanting the daimoku.
You don't have to do it for very long at first - someone once told me a
long time ago that it's better to meditate for five minutes every single
day than to do it for an hour once or twice a month.

--Mark


--- In nichirenshubuddhism@yahoogroups.com, "sanders.jean@..."
<sanders.jean@...> wrote:
>
> Good morning (afternoon or evening depending on where in the world you
might be :) )
>
>
> I have been interested in Buddhism for several years. More
specifically, I became interested in Nichiren Buddhism when I watched
Tina Turner's life story "What's Love Got to Do With It" and read her
book.
>
> I was raised in the Baptist faith and while I completely respect it as
a religion, it doesn't seem to fit into my way of thinking and answer my
questions. The biggest one being, if Jesus loved everyone including the
prostitutes and beggars, then how can the Bible say that homosexuals
will go to hell ? Among other things.........
>
>
> I have started to look into The Lotus Sutra a bit and am really not
sure where to go from here. I have been chanting a bit also. Any
suggestions or ideas of where to start would be much appreciated.
>
> I look forward to many interesting insights and ideas from my time
here.
>
> With A Curious Heart
>

Good morning (afternoon or evening depending on where in the world you might be
:) )


I have been interested in Buddhism for several years. More specifically, I
became interested in Nichiren Buddhism when I watched Tina Turner's life story
"What's Love Got to Do With It" and read her book.

I was raised in the Baptist faith and while I completely respect it as a
religion, it doesn't seem to fit into my way of thinking and answer my
questions. The biggest one being, if Jesus loved everyone including the
prostitutes and beggars, then how can the Bible say that homosexuals will go to
hell ? Among other things.........


I have started to look into The Lotus Sutra a bit and am really not sure where
to go from here. I have been chanting a bit also. Any suggestions or ideas of
where to start would be much appreciated.

I look forward to many interesting insights and ideas from my time here.

With A Curious Heart

Thank-you so much for the "cheap" link!

You can get this book in paperback. From Amazon I think I paid about $25.00 with
the shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d.html/ref=_p0/181-1905654-8086530?a=0231142897
The hardcover is three times the price.
Philip

--- In nichirenshubuddhism@yahoogroups.com, amicus@... wrote:
>
> The price is too dear for me!
>
>
> Readings of the Lotus Sutra (Columbia Readings of Buddhist
> Literature):Amazon:Books
> Address:
>
>
>
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d.html/ref=mp_s_a_1/178-6343193-5742911?qid=12570143\
92&a=0231142889&sr=8-1
>

Erin,

Thank you for the reference to Thich Quan Duc. I was deeply touched at the time
by his action back on 06-11-63. To this day, I maintain an ihai in his honor
next to our butsudan.

Here is a link to an essay on the Buddhism Today site that discusses this action
in detail:
http://www.buddhismtoday.com/english/vietnam/figure/003-htQuangduc.htm

Gassho,

Lance

--- In nichirenshubuddhism@yahoogroups.com, "erin_lauer" <erin_lauer@...> wrote:
>
>
>
http://www.amazon.com/Readings-Lotus-Columbia-Buddhist-Literature/dp/0231142897/\
ref=ed_oe_p
>
> "Readings of the Lotus Sutra (Columbia Readings of Buddhist Literature)
(Paperback)"
>
> There is a small box on Amazon that has Paperback/hardcover option listed with
the price just below the title and price.Hopefully this link give the paperback
price.
>
> This is really one of those great books to get for your Dharma library. All of
the articles are very well written and cover a lot of ground in LS study. My
personal favorite is on the chapter on auto-cremation practices, particularly in
China. I had no idea that such a thing was ever done on a consistent basis
throughout history, and it was fascinating to read about. It really gives whole
new meaning to the act of Thích Qu&#7843;ng &#272;&#7913;c.
>
> Peace,
> Erin
>
> --- In nichirenshubuddhism@yahoogroups.com, amicus@ wrote:
> >
> > <<Amazon also carries the paperback edition for $18 new and $13 used.>>
> >
> >
> > Could you post a link to the paperback version? I can't seem to find it.
> > Thanks!
> >
>

http://www.amazon.com/Readings-Lotus-Columbia-Buddhist-Literature/dp/0231142897/\
ref=ed_oe_p

"Readings of the Lotus Sutra (Columbia Readings of Buddhist Literature)
(Paperback)"

There is a small box on Amazon that has Paperback/hardcover option listed with
the price just below the title and price.Hopefully this link give the paperback
price.

This is really one of those great books to get for your Dharma library. All of
the articles are very well written and cover a lot of ground in LS study. My
personal favorite is on the chapter on auto-cremation practices, particularly in
China. I had no idea that such a thing was ever done on a consistent basis
throughout history, and it was fascinating to read about. It really gives whole
new meaning to the act of Thích Quảng Đức.

Peace,
Erin

--- In nichirenshubuddhism@yahoogroups.com, amicus@... wrote:
>
> <<Amazon also carries the paperback edition for $18 new and $13 used.>>
>
>
> Could you post a link to the paperback version? I can't seem to find it.
> Thanks!
>

<<Amazon also carries the paperback edition for $18 new and $13 used.>>


Could you post a link to the paperback version? I can't seem to find it.
Thanks!

Amazon also carries the paperback edition for $18 new and $13 used.

--- In nichirenshubuddhism@yahoogroups.com, amicus@... wrote:
>
> The price is too dear for me!
>
>
> Readings of the Lotus Sutra (Columbia Readings of Buddhist
> Literature):Amazon:Books
> Address:
>
>
>
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d.html/ref=mp_s_a_1/178-6343193-5742911?qid=12570143\
92&a=0231142889&sr=8-1
>

--- In nichirenshubuddhism@yahoogroups.com, "Yoshi" <notyravgfratboy@...> wrote:
>
> In reading the Lotus Sutra, specifically the chapter "Peaceful Practices"
(from the Murano translation), I became a little taken aback, because I know the
Buddha speaks of hardships that practitioners of the Lotus Sutra will face
hardships; however in the Peaceful Practices chapter, the Buddha tells us that
those who practice this Sutra will not scorn others of the various paths, will
not be thrown out of their monasteries, etc. What confuses me (I'd like to note
that it's been quite a while since I've read the earlier chapters) is that
Nichiren-shonin often cites parts of the Sutra telling of the trials
practitioners will face.
> So, I'm asking for clarification and insight in this. Is there a specific
difference in what we practice vs. what Nichiren had to practice as votary of
the Lotus?
>
> Thanks guys, this question has been on my mind for quite some time.
>
> &#21335;&#28961;&#22937;&#27861;&#34030;&#33775;&#32147;
>


The principles guiding Bdv. Nichiren's practice are the same as ours, and they
are drawn from the Lotus Sutra.  As you note, the Peaceful Practices chapter
outlines how one should compose oneself when preaching the Dharma.  When you
read about the trials of, for example, Bdv. Never Disparaging, you will see that
he behaves completely in accord with Peaceful Practices.  He removes himself
from the abuse, and he does not disparage his prosecutors.  Rather, he acts in
such a way as to acknowledge (and perhaps thereby plant?) the seeds of
enlightennment.

Bdv. Nichiren writes in "The Teaching, Capacity, Time,
and Country" that how we practice depends heavily on the context our environs.

http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=48

Of time, he states:

"The preaching of the Buddhist teachings is similar to this. If one propagates
the teaching without understanding the time, one will reap no benefit but, on
the contrary, will fall into the evil paths. When Shakyamuni Buddha made his
appearance in this world, he was determined to preach the Lotus Sutra. But
though the capacities of his listeners may have been right, the proper time had
not yet come. Therefore, he spent a period of more than forty years without
preaching the Lotus Sutra, explaining, as he says in the Lotus Sutra itself,
that “the time to preach so had not yet come."

Now he is referring to the fact that our time is the "Degenerate Age of the
Law," and that applies to us as well.  So we would do well to heed passages
like:

"However, whether in the Former, the Middle, or the Latter Day of the Law, one
should never in any of these three periods give alms to those who slander the
Lotus Sutra, whether they keep the precepts, break the precepts, or do not
receive them at all. If alms are given to those who slander the Lotus Sutra,
then the land will invariably be visited by the three calamities and seven
disasters, and the persons who give such alms will surely fall into the great
citadel of the hell of incessant suffering."

If someone, thus, teaches that those who practice the Lotus Sutra (or Buddhism
generally) are going to hell, or will destroy the seeds of their Buddha Nature,
or even that the Lotus Sutra is to be held in less regard than another scripture
-- don't support them.  If a culture teaches that women are inferior to men, or
tear down Buddhist statues, or kill thousands, such a culture will meet with
continued disaster.  This need not rely on supernatural causes; human nature
will eventually out in such an environment.

Which leads me to "country":

"Fourth is the consideration of the country. One must never fail to take into
account the kind of country in which one is spreading the Buddhist teachings.
There are cold countries, hot countries, poor countries, rich countries, central
countries, and peripheral countries, large countries and small countries,
countries wholly given over to thieving, countries wholly given over to the

killing of living things, and countries known for their utter lack of filial
piety. In addition, there are countries wholly devoted to the Hinayana
teachings, countries wholly devoted to the Mahayana teachings, and countries in
which both Hinayana and Mahayana are pursued. In the case of Japan, therefore,
we must carefully consider whether it is a country suited exclusively to
Hinayana, a country suited exclusively to Mahayana, or a country suited for the
practice of both Hinayana and Mahayana."

The passage speaks for itself.  Medieval Japan was rooted in Buddhist teaching. 
To the contrary, today in the US most people's understanding of Buddhism does
not extend beyond an awareness of the Dalai Lama being a happy, peaceful person
who suffered persecution at China's hands. So it would make little sense, as a
general matter, to argue the merits of the Lotus Sutra and the O'daimoku over
Tibetan Buddhism.  However, if speaking to someone who read, say, "The Art of
Happiness" and took the view that one can only attain enlightenment by following
Tibetan practices with the hope of becoming a Buddha, then you can take issue --
just as Bdv. Never Disparaging did.

Thus in this sense, our country is a mixed bag.  Indeed, "country" may need to
include "community" in our age, as we can associate with people of all different
levels of understanding of Buddhism.  For example, a recent issue of Tricycle
had an article on Nembutsu, and the author said that Buddhist teachings had all
been wrapped up into chanting Amida's name.  This is a faulty now as it is in
Nichiren's time, and one can take a strong position against it.  On the other
hand, no one is attempting craft laws around this article, or make it a
state-endorsed practice.  So "country" matters in how to address the fault.  A
letter to the editor may be more apt than, say, a letter to the state
legislature where Tricycle is published.

But, reading the above, this leads us to the Teaching and Capacity, and these
are discussed at the start of the Gosho.  I'll leave off here, but as you can
see, each of the principles reflect the other, and thus it becomes clear that
how we practice very context dependent.  As such, the experience of our practice
is going to necessarily be different than that of Bdv. Nichiren.

However, this is not to say that we ignore his teachings, or treat them as
irrelevant.  If we see, for example, an injustice making its way into law, we
should be every bit as courageous and willing to take slings and arrows to stand
against it.  For my own part, I am very grateful and fortunate to live in a
country where I can practice Buddhism freely, and not be jailed or otherwise
persecuted for it.  Many today have no such freedom.  Could I be so brave and
open in such a land?  I would hope so, I pray so. And even so, as strong as Bdv.
Nichiren's words were -- he was a polemicist of sorts -- note how his *actions*
speak.  Even in the face of death, in a land and time not unlike the wild west
or the mountains of Afghanistan -- he never raised a fist.

So for now, where I practice, most often persuasion and a gentle manner will be
called for.

But how do we manage to practice, given this complex web of principles.

Easy.  Chant O'daimoku with faith.  Couple this with study and sharing the
Dharma, but return, return to the O'daimoku.  If we try really hard to live in
accord with the Dharma, our practice will not fail us.

Brian M. McGuire

In reading the Lotus Sutra, specifically the chapter "Peaceful Practices" (from
the Murano translation), I became a little taken aback, because I know the
Buddha speaks of hardships that practitioners of the Lotus Sutra will face
hardships; however in the Peaceful Practices chapter, the Buddha tells us that
those who practice this Sutra will not scorn others of the various paths, will
not be thrown out of their monasteries, etc. What confuses me (I'd like to note
that it's been quite a while since I've read the earlier chapters) is that
Nichiren-shonin often cites parts of the Sutra telling of the trials
practitioners will face.
So, I'm asking for clarification and insight in this. Is there a specific
difference in what we practice vs. what Nichiren had to practice as votary of
the Lotus?

Thanks guys, this question has been on my mind for quite some time.

南無妙法蓮華經