The Search For Enlightenment

The Gosho discussed before the Gohonzon ceremony yesterday as well as the message Jayne wrote in my card, was about Nichiren’s letter regarding the relationship between us and the Gohonzon.

“This Gohonzon is the essence of the Lotus Sutra and the eye of all the scriptures. It is like the sun and the moon in the heavens, a great ruler on earth, the heart in a human being, the wish-granting jewel among treasures, and the pillar of a house.

When we have this mandala with us, it is a rule that all the Buddhas and gods will gather round and watch over us, protecting us like a shadow day and night, just as warriors guard their ruler, as parents love their children, as fish rely on water, as trees and grasses crave rain, and as birds depend on trees.

You must trust in it with all your heart.”

With my deep respect,
Nichiren

As always, Nichiren explains the connection using beautifully evocative examples, that even today, over 900 years after the letter was written show us exactly what he means.