[General Guideline of HBS]
Rev. Nisso Fukuoka
Question and Answer
Q: For a whole year I prayed in front of the altar expecting that my desired wish will be granted, but there was no sign of meritorious response. The method of my prayer may have been improper. Please advise the true method of conducting a request prayer.
A: Nichiren Shonin stated: “A wish of a follower of the Lotus Sutra will always be realized." (Kito Sho—Praying for a specific purpose). There may have been some obstacles, which acted as a hindrance. Nissen Shonin stated: “They are three hindrances which cause a prayer to go unanswered by the Gohonzon; that is, (1) Abusing the Dharma. (Hobo)—reviling Buddhist teachings, (2) having doubts about the religion, and (3) weakness in religious practices. Possessing any one of those hindrances will cause one's wish to go unanswered.
Other Hindrances:
Worshipping at other non—HBS temples or shrine(s) .
Purchasing amulets of other sects or shrines . Get rid of any items from shrines or other sects that you possess in your home.
Be sure that the altar is kept clean at all times and there are no withered flowers displayed on the altar.
Do not curse/resent/speak ill of priest(s) and fellow parishioner(s).
Disperse all doubts/illusion and chant the Odaimoku intently.
If you feel there is any one or several of the hindrances mentioned above, it might be the cause for not receiving merits (Goriyaku) . Then, offer a vow of repentance and correct your misgivings .
Gokyoka:
"One's prayer reward will go unanswered
unless a vow of repentance
is offered to the Buddha"
An unanswered Reward is a Favorable Reward
Keep in mind that some requests are not granted. That may be a favorable reward.
Nissen Shonin stated:
“To protect parishioners of the Lotus Sutra
favorable reward by the Buddha
may, at times, not be offered
That is, indeed, a favorable reward"
One may purchase lottery tickets and offer them to the altar and pray from morning until night asking for a winning ticket, and, if that wish is granted, a part of the proceeds will be contributed to the temple. However, if the Gohonzon does not grant the wish, it can be considered as a favorable reward. Why? If the wish had been granted to a parishioner, he or she will forget to work diligently and will drift toward gambling. It is like a mother not giving candies to her child to prevent tooth decay and other probable health problems. This is benevolence on the part of the altar and mother.
Another reason for an unanswered prayer. Our religion is a “True Religion". Thus, asking for an unrighteous request will go unanswered. For example. “My in—laws are a burden, so please have them die", or “I wish my business competitor will be immobilized by an automobile accident". Those types of wishes will never be granted. To curse others is tantamount to cursing oneself.
Nissen Shonin stated:
“If you entrust the Gohonzon
rest in peace
as you have placed your wishes
in the hands of Buddha
and not in the hands of common poople".
Place your request(s) with a feeling of, “If this wish is for my benefit, then grant it. If not, it is also alright".
Following “Goshinan" and “Gokyoka" stated:
“Maintaining a soul to spread the teachings
and convert others to Buddhism
all your wishes are contained therein".
(Gokyoka)
“There is no substitute for
acknowledgement of one's wishes
but to chant the Odaimoku".
(Gokyoka)
“The shortest road
for your request
to be granted is
spare no effort".
(Gokyoka)
09. Why is My Wish Not Realized?
