[General Guideline of HBS]
Rev. Nisso Fukuoka
Q: HBS has a stringent rule that their parishioners should not pray Gods and Buddhas of other religions. Isn't that too strict as a rule?
One Who Prays This, and the Other is Unfaithful in Religion
A: It may be a rigid rule. However, I would like to ask you a contrary question. What would you do if you turned your soul to another man and your husband and others began to censure you. In such an instance, would you just pass it off by saying, “don't say such a fastidious thing?". I'm sure you will rebut it by saying, “I am not a type that would cheat on my husband". The world of religion is the same. To revere Gods or Buddhas indiscriminately is a sign of flirtation and being unfaithful to a religion. Originally, religion had to be one to one pure relationship. One reason why HBS imposes such restriction is because it carries out the true pure religion.
The Lotus Sutra Scripture Embraces All Existence
There are other reasons. The Scripture, the Odaimoku, is a pure and unadul‐terated religion, which embraces all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Guardian King of Heaven. Therefore, there is no need to pray Gods or Buddhas of other sects, or to display their figurines. Chanting the Odaimoku is tantamount to praying all Gods or Buddhas. Please refer to the “Namukuon No Mon" (Homage Formula To The Buddha And The Saints) of “One Session of the Fine Congregation". You can see for yourself the large number of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Guardian Kings of Heaven we pray.
Gokyoka:
"One will always be protected by Shakyamuni Buddha,
Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Guardian Kings of Heaven
By upholding the Odaimoku".
Conforming to the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha
Another reason for HBS' strict rule, as Shakyamuni Buddha stated, is that there is no useful purpose in praying to God or Buddhas of other sects.
Shakyamuni Buddha expounded on Buddhist teachings for approximately forty years. However, the Lotus Sutra was not revealed as the supreme sutra of all sutras until his final discourse. At that time he stated: “Now that I have exposed the true teachings of the Lotus Sutra, one should disregard all other sutras," (Fujyu—yokyo—ichige). Consequently, HBS upholds only the Odaimoku elucidated in the eight chapters—15—22of the Essential Section of the Lotus Sutra.
Gokyoka:
"The Scripture for the Mappo Period
Is the Namumyohorengekyo Odaimoku only.
Therefore, disregard all other Scriptures"
From Cradle to the Grave
Q: I now understand the reasons why HBS prohibits us from praying to Gods or Buddhas of other sects, but now, what should we do to fulfill our wishes?
A: We normally refer to “one's whole life Span" as “from cradle to the grave", but HBS coverage is more thorough, For instance, we can wish for the mother and child's welfare at conception. And as the child grows, the nature of the wishes changes from schooling to employment. When you purchase a car, ask the Priest for a “car Scripture", which can be displayed in the car for your protection while driving. A funeral service is held for the deceased. Merit—transference services in the posthumous Buddhist names of ancestors are held every month on the date of death. A separate “Goeko" service is held on the anniversary date of the third and seventh year, either at the temple or in the home of the parishioner, by reciting the “One Session of Fine Congregation". There is no other religion that places so much emphasis on their ancestors. During a funeral service, the Head Priest of the temple and the congregation participate in the recitation of the “One Session of the Fine Congregation" (Myoko Ichiza) and the Odaimoku in unison. There is no other religion as splendid as HBS. Having had the opportunity to become a member of HBS, one should faithfully believe in the Odaimoku, and avoid turning your soul to other Gods or Buddhas. Let us have a fixed determination to rely on the Gohonzon to take care of all of our problems.
Gokyoka:
"The common people who do not understand the true teachings (of HBS) tend to visit various temples and shrines."
07. Pure Religion
- [TOP]
- One Who Prays This, and the Other is Unfaithful in Religion
- The Lotus Sutra Scripture Embraces All Existence
- Conforming to the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha
- From Cradle to the Grave
