A Happy New Year!
This is Seijun Nagamatsu. New Year's greetings from Japan.
Happy New Year to all HBS members in Japan, India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, including Myoshinji, Choshoji, Daihakurenji Temple, Nepal Betsuin, Kathmandu Meeting Center, and Galle Meeting Center.
I sincerely hope that this year will be a wonderful one for you.
As you know, we are in the midst of one of the greatest periods of change in human history.
The climate crisis is causing large-scale disasters around the world, causing many to lose their homes, possessions, and family.
The evolution of AI will transform society and work. Unfortunately, many people may lose their jobs. This is very frightening.
The number of people suffering from mental illness is also increasing. Even with advances in science and an increase in medications, no cure for the human mind has yet been developed. The suffering of mental illness is endless. There is nothing more frightening than the darkness in the heart.
Now is the time to spread true Buddhism.
True Buddhism, the Primordial Buddhism, the noble Finest Dharma, is needed all over the world.
No problem can be solved by a single country alone. However, many countries have become conservative, supporting nationalism. This is foolish and unfortunate.
In fact, now is the time to join forces across national and ethnic boundaries. As Rabindranath Tagore said, “there was a time when Asia was united by Buddhism.”
He is absolutely right.
Now is the time for the world to be united by true Buddhism.
Please note that the devoted members of HBS, Sri Lanka HBS and Daibyakurenji are many of the Primordial Bodhisattvas who appear in the Eight Chapters of the Lotus Sutra. Each is a leader, each a wonderful being. Don't forget that you were part of the Eight Chapters of the Lotus Sutra. You are one of a kind.
Primordial Buddhism, Honmon Butsuryu Shu, inherits the teachings of the Lotus Sutra's Honmon Happon and the eternally living Lord Buddha, Bodhisattva Jogyo, Nichiren Shounin.
As the new year begins, here are some essential teachings.
Please keep in mind:
・The Odaimoku of Namu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo is medicine for your mind. Sometimes your mind sinks into darkness. When you are in pain, chant Odaimoku, Namu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo towards Gohonzon. Goriyaku is sure to come.
・Namu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo and Odaimoku Chanting are the highest and greatest practice. Without these, there is no Primordial Buddhism.
・If you want blessings, accumulate merit (kudoku). Without merit (kudoku), there will be no blessings. Blessings will not be delivered.
・Goshinjin (faith) means prioritizing priorities. You can either prioritize your own desires, or temple visits (oko), Gohoukous, and various services.
・Respect your Master. It's not only me. It's Ryojun-shi and Seiran-shi. It's Gakutos. Respect each other. No one leaves HBS because they dislike Gohonzon or Odaimoku. They leave because of interpersonal relationships. It's Zaisho and Houbou. It's very unfortunate. It's practice because you're in a circle of people. You must not leave. HBS training cannot be done alone.
・The training that brings the greatest merit, the training that eliminates Zaisho, is "Sankei" and "Shakubuku (Kyoke)." These are the two. This year, do your best, practice Sankei, and Shakubuku & Kyoke.
I hope that this year will be filled with happiness for everyone.
Namu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo,,,,,
Arigatou gozaimasu.
Seijun Nagamatsu
