To understand why you should practice Nichiren's Buddhism you must first understand what "Mappo" is all about. You more than likely think the world is going to hell in a hand basket, right? Well, guess what? It is, but this should come as no surprise to anyone who has read the Lotus Sutra and the writings of Nichiren and others. After the historic buddha (Sakyamuni) died, buddhism identified three periods of propagation (the spread of Buddhism). These three periods were called Shoho, Zoho and Mappo. The first two were to last a millennium each. They have come and gone. The last or Mappo would begin with the emergence of the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin (1222-1282) and last for 10,000 years or more. Now, Mappo, let's call it from here on out, "The Latter Day of the Law", was predicted to be a time of great strife and confusion. . . Hell in a hand basket. It describes a time when Buddhism as a religion (as well as all religions) would lose their power to help people. It is a time when nobody would agree on what is right and what is wrong. It is a time when world religions battle each other either out of philosophical differences or out of the shear fear of losing their power over people. It is a time when governments will preach a sense of wanting to help it's citizens, yet lack the commitment from those same citizens to make a change. It is a time when family's can't survive, when crime, hate and anger will strangle the youth as well as the aged. Think about it, every day you turn on the news and what you see and hear is enough to make you want to end it all, because everyday someone is doing just that. The Latter Day of the Law is a time when people are not just ending it all for themselves, but for others around them also. It is a time when the world is in a world of hurt and nothing can eliminate the pain.But you know what? The earth's destiny was written long ago and it's all coming to pass. There is not a religion in the world that see's it any other way. Christians, Jews, Moslems. . . everyone of them says life here will never be a happy, harmonious, enlightened place. All say, that heaven is where true happiness, harmony and enlightenment can be found. But, there is one religion that says even though we are at this degraded period in our history, "The Latter Day of the Law" (or whatever you want to call it) a change in destiny is possible. Only one religion can give you the tools to redeem that which is our birthright. . .the founding fathers had a vision of it when they said, All men/women have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.This is why you first have to understand that even though you experience negativity in your life and see the world falling apart, it is what was predicted long ago. This crazy, horrid life condition of the planet right now is needed in order to awaken the souls of those like you that were also predicted to arise and fix it. By realizing that The Latter Day of the Law is the springboard needed to begin a great change in mankind and you, and by you embracing the practice of Nichiren Buddhism, you have taken a step toward being part of the world's salvation as well as your own.There is a quotation in the Lotus Sutra, Hoben Chapter that we recite each week (Sunday services): "Sharihotsu, nyorai no shuju fun betsu gyo ses-sho ho, gon ji nyunan, ekka shushin."The quotation means, "People of Mappo, the True Buddha (Nichiren Daishonin) has the power to define the various laws, teach them in a skillful way and gladden the hearts of all with merciful words."Nichiren Daishonin told people in Mappo (Sharihotsu) how he was able to give them immeasurable delight, as the sutra reads, "Ekka shushin" (gladden the hearts of all).Nichiren Daishonin assumed a very strict attitude in redeeming people from unhappiness. If he did not expound the True Buddhism simply because people disliked to hear it, he could not have delivered a single person from suffering.Likewise, in the practice of introducing others to Nichiren Buddhism if we hesitate we cannot help them to become all that they can be and enjoy life and live in harmony with their environment. They may at first be critical, but it is only because they either do not understand (still asleep) or they are caught in the tornado of Mappo. When one is asleep they can be awaken, but when one is caught in a tornado there is almost no hope of change. Only when the environment changes and the tornado disappears will they see the light. That is why it is imperative to introduce as many people a you can so we will be able to calm the environment. This is how the True Buddha "gladdens the hearts of all."In the end, "Ekka shushin" is true. As one embraces the practice of Nichiren Buddhism they can change their destiny and lead a truly happy and enlightened life. Devote yourself to this practice for at least seven years and you will truly see a change in yourself and your environment. Nichiren Buddhism is not about instant fixes, it is about fundamentally changing the destiny of the planet which translates to changing your deepest negative karma.If this first sermon makes any sense to you, or if it strikes a cord I would love to have you comment via thebuddhistpreacher@gmail.com.
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