The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life Faith Phyllis L. Goodson, Presenter

FAITH

“People only see what they are prepared to see.” Ralph Waldo Emerson “We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” Anais Nin “…You [SGI members] are a testament to President Ikeda’s unbridled resolve to encourage you until he sees that you see what he sees in you.” Lawrence E. Carter Sr.

Faith “Be resolved to summon forth the great power of faith and chant Nam-myoho-renge- kyo…Never seek any other way to inherit the ultimate Law of life and death, and manifest it in your life.”

Deep Faith “Shakyamuni Buddha…the Lotus Sutra…and we ordinary human beings are in no way different or separate from one another. To chant Myoho-renge-kyo with this realization is to inherit the ultimate law of life and death…”

Deep Faith #1 We must chant to the Gohonzon with confidence that our lives are Nam-myoho- renge-kyo—No distinction Chant with the profound insight that now is the last moment of one’s life. Death can come at any moment Keep focused on the true purpose Continue to advance with the last ounce of energy Be SINCERE

Strong Faith #2 “Never forsake it in any lifetime whatsoever…” Consistent faith Continuous practice faith Stay connected How to enable all people to realize the wonderful potential inherent in their lives Protect the Law: raise capable people

Protect the Law “Fostering capable people serves to protect the Law, and the creation of a steady stream of capable people gives rise to a mighty river of kosen-rufu” Kaneko Ikeda, LB Jan-Feb, 2006, p. 12

Committed Faith #3 “All disciples and lay supporters of Nichiren should chant Nam- myoho-renge-kyo with the spirit of many in body but one in mind, transcending all differences among themselves…”

Committed Faith #3 “Unity of purpose---the spirit of “many in body”, one in mind”----is essential in the realm of Buddhism, but it is by no means easy to attain. How is it to be accomplished? Through the “heart”, says the Daishonin, who asserts, “It is the heart that is important” (WND, 1000). Daisaku Ikeda, WT 11Nov05, p3

#3 Many in Body, But One in Mind Many in Body Strength like titanium alloy Challenging requiring effort The key to uniting is the stand alone spirit

“Mind” means faith aimed at realizing kosen-rufu “…One mind, transcending all differences among themselves.” Shared vision, purpose, hopes, vow toward widespread propagation Alignment and commitment No opposition or rejection of others “It is vital that all of us, regardless of age or position, strive to unite in our hearts and minds and work for kosen-rufu with a shared sense of purpose and commitment.” Daisaku Ikeda, WT 11Nov05, p3

Two Types of Human Relationships Based on the Law Oneness of Mentor-Disciple (warp) Unity of “Many in body, but one in mind” (woof)

Summary Deep Faith, Strong Faith and Committed Faith Be resolved to summon forth the great power of faith and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo…Never seek any other way to inherit the ultimate Law of life and death, and manifest it in your life.

Thought Provoking Questions What does unity of “many in body, but one in mind” look like or sound like? What kinds of behaviors create barriers to unity?