1. LEARNING from the WRITINGS The HOPE-FILLED TEACHINGS of NICHIREN DAISHONIN SGI PRESIDENT IKEDA’S LECTURE SERIES “Lessening One’s Karmic Retribution”

2. Great Hardships Lead to the Attainment of Buddhahood Encountering great hardship (not punishment) for the sake of the Lotus Sutra is the path that leads directly to attaining Buddhahood

3. The Significance of Hardships First, Nichiren Daishonin presents the principle of lessening one’s karmic retribution. Second, he cites examples from the past to clarify that those who spread the correct teaching of Buddhism will inevitably experience persecution. Third, he cites various sutra passages to indicate that his having come under harsh attack for propagating the Law signifies that he has read and lived the Lotus Sutra.

4. The Significance of Hardships There is no such thing as a life free of hardships... Unless we are aware of our inner strength to withstand hardships, we will find one difficulty giving rise to another, and we will ultimately be crushed by their weight... It is of utmost importance to teach them (people in the Latter Day of the Law) about their inner power to triumph over suffering. This is the teaching of Nichiren Buddhism. (LB, p. 73)

5. Lessening One’s Karmic Retribution Equals Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime A person could expiate even the heaviest negative karma from past lifetimes through receiving retribution in a lighter form in this present existence.

6. Lessening One’s Karmic Retribution Equals Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime The first point is in regard to Nichiren’s declaration that the suffering of hell will vanish instantly. The second point is that lessening karmic retribution is also the gateway to attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime.

7. The Benefit of the Purification of the Six Sense Organs Despite being abused and vilified, Bodhisattva Never Disparaging ceaselessly tried to convey the fundamental tenet of the Lotus Sutra. As a result, he received the benefit of purifying of the six senses.

8. 1-5 Five Senses Nine Consciousness 6 Mind 7 Sub-Conscious 8 Storehouse 9 Buddha Nature Pure

9. The Benefit of Protecting the Law In an evil age, the practice of shakubuku serves to protect the law clarifying the correct teaching of Buddhism. Shakubuku is the driving force for lessening karmic retribution and transforming karma.

10. Action is the Direct Path to Changing Our Karma In Nichiren Buddhism, action is of key importance. Nichiren selflessly strove to open the path to Buddhahood for all people.