Propagation by the Wise
Chapter2(Revealing the Wise Person of the Latter Day of the Law)
But let us set aside the story of Ajātashatru. If I were to repeat the teachings given by the Buddha to King Ajātashatru, the Japanese would consider them to be merely my own fabrications. But since you are my disciple and supporter, I will reveal them to you. The Buddha states: “After my death, in the Latter Day of the Law, the land will be filled with those who pretend to be pious by observing the five ascetic practices1 as Devadatta did. They will persuade an evil ruler to act against the one person of wisdom. They will curse or strike him, cause him to be exiled, and even make an attempt on his life. At that time there will be ominous changes in the heavens and strange occurrences on earth, as well as violent winds, famines, and epidemics greater than ever witnessed before, and these disasters will continue year after year. The land will be attacked by another country.” This is the substance of the tenth volume of the Protection Sutra.
The present age has developed exactly as the Buddha predicted it would, and Nichiren may be the person of wisdom whom the Buddha described. Though some people wish to help me, either their determination is weak, or, though firmly resolved, they are unable to act on their intentions. Thus, you are one of the very few whose actions match their will. You surpass others in your resolve, and it is because of your devoted support that I have been able to survive. The heavens are certainly aware of this; the earth surely knows about it, too. If any misfortune were to occur to you, it could only mean that heaven wanted my life itself. Wherever one may be, whether in the mountains, on the seas, in the skies, or in the cities, one cannot escape death. Nevertheless, a sutra explains that even one’s fixed karma can be changed.2 T’ien-t’ai’s commentary also states that one can prolong one’s fixed span of life.
As I have advised you before, until the Mongol forces actually attack this country, continue to conduct yourself in a circumspect manner.
Notes
1. The five ascetic practices refer to the five precepts expounded in Hinayana Buddhism: to wear discarded ragged clothes, to seek alms, to have only one meal a day, to remain out of doors always, and to avoid sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, and salty food.
2. This statement is adopted from a passage in The Annotations on “The Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra.” Karma is the potential force inherent in one’s life that influences one’s future. Fixed karma means a span of life fixed by karma. The reference in the next sentence to T’ien-t’ai’s commentary indicates Great Concentration and Insight.
Lecture
In the previous section, it was revealed that Buddhism cannot spread without the cooperation of a “Wise Person” and a “Patron.” Building upon this, the current section provides powerful encouragement, stating that in the Latter Day of the Law, Nichiren Daishonin is that very “Wise Person,” and Shijo Kingo is the exceptional patron who assists him. Consequently, it is inconceivable that the protective heavenly deities—the guardians of Buddhism—would fail to protect Kingo.
Shijo Kingo was a prominent believer who stood at the forefront of the practitioners in Kamakura. He was a devoted follower who never ceased sending offerings to the Daishonin, both during the harsh exile to Sado Island and after the Daishonin entered Mount Minobu. The Daishonin credits Shijo Kingo for the fact that he has been able to survive to this day. He expresses his profound conviction and boundless compassion by stating that any harm befalling Shijo Kingo would be the same as ending the Daishonin’s own life.
Changing the Unchangeable: The Principle of “Fixed Karma”
“Wherever one may be, whether in the mountains, on the seas, in the skies, or in the cities, one cannot escape death. Nevertheless, a sutra explains that even one’s fixed karma can be changed.“
Fixed Karma (Jogyo) vs. Unfixed Karma (Fujogyo)
-
Fixed Karma (Jogyo): This refers to karma predetermined by past causes that necessitates a specific result or retribution. Whether good or bad, it is “fixed” when the past causes were strong enough to make the resulting effect certain.
-
Unfixed Karma (Fujogyo): This refers to karma where the direction is only loosely set; it is weak enough to be changed through one’s caution, attitude, and efforts in this lifetime.
The Three Causes of Fixed Karma
Fixed karma is said to be created through three types of actions:
-
Habitual Actions: Deeds repeated so often they become deeply ingrained.
-
Acts of Pure Intent: Actions performed with a sincere and profound heart.
-
Prayer to the Three Treasures: Acts related to the Buddha, the Law, and the Priest.
These causes are etched deeply into one’s life and strongly dictate the future. Once karma becomes “fixed,” it is traditionally believed that one cannot escape it, no matter where one hides—be it in the mountains, the sea, the sky, or the city.
The Principle of Changing Destiny (Shukumei Tenkan)
Conversely, the Daishonin teaches that no matter what kind of fixed karma one has created in the past, if one offers powerful prayers to the Three Treasures (the Correct Law) in the present, practices with a pure heart, and maintains the consistency of Faith, Practice, and Study, one can transform even the worst fixed karma. By doing so, one establishes the “supreme fixed karma” toward attaining Buddhahood. This is the fundamental principle of transforming one’s destiny through the correct practice of Buddhism.
Comments