Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is a Buddhist network that actively promotes peace, culture and education through personal change and social contribution.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Final Mock Test for First level entrance

Final Mock Test

Complete the following lines-

1. “..A great revolution in _____________will help achieve a change _________________ , and __________________________
________________________all mankind.”

2. “The heart ___________________________________the mystic law. Have _____________. A______________________ answered.”

3. “No matter how _____________________________________
________________________________________to wet tinder.”

4. “Some are __________________________, _______________, ________, kites, and owls, ___________________________, or even shot_______________________________________wide. Such__________ _________________________________________dragon.”

5. “Think of this ________________________________________
_________________________________________the earth.”

6. “So they__________________. It is ______________________ and ________, _______________________________________ _______________________________unharmed.”


Answer the Following-

1. “My wish is that all my disciples make a great vow”.
a. What is the “vow” that is being referred to?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. Who was the recipient of this Gosho?
_________________________________________________________

c. When was it written?
_________________________________________________________


2. What does the carp climbing the waterfall called dragon gate signify?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Who was “Ueno the Worthy”? Why was he called so?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Who was the recipient of the gosho titled “”The strategy of lotus Sutra”
______________________________________________________________

5. What does “Applying the Strategy of lotus sutra” signify?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. What do the obstacles faced by carp signify?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Answer the Following Questions

1. Who are the Buddhist gods?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. What are three ways in which we can lessen our karmic retribution?

______________________________________________________________

3. “Transcending all differences” means______________________________
______________________________________________________________

4. _____________ and ____________ are the selfish states.

5. _________, __________,_________,__________ are the four evil paths.

6. What is the significance of renege or Lotus Flower?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. The two aspects of practice are -___________________________and ________________________________________.

8. Honzon means_________________
9. Kosen Rufu Day is celebrated on __________
10. President Ikeda joined Soka Gakkai on __________________
11. Atsuhara persecution took place on__________________

12. What does oneness of Self and Environment mean to you?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________


13. In judging the validity of a teaching the best standards are those set of ___________ and ______- proof and even more valuable is _______________.

14. The inclusion of___________ and_____________language in title of lotus sutra signify_________________________

15. Mutual possession of ten worlds means that______________________
_____________________________________________________________

16. “Ten worlds” signify___________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________

17. July 3 is called the day of_________________________ because ___________________________________________________

18. Embracing the_______________ is itself _________________
19. Practice for others include_____________________________, ________________________, ________________________
20. What does many in body one in mind mean to you?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

21. “Priesthood issue” refers to_______________________________________
________________________________________________________________

22. Operation “C” is________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Match the following

February 16, 1222Nichiren Daishonin DiesApril 2Soka Gakkai’s founding dayJuly , 1960Inscription of Dai-gohonzon6th Nov 1279 match with Rissho ankoku ron was submitted to the govt.October 12, 1279The dragon gate was written.October 13, 1282November 18Josei Toda diesNichiren Daishonin was born



One Night before Study Exam

Faith, Practice and Study

· Three fundamental elements of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism are faith, Practice and Study.
· Both practice and study arise from faith.
· Faith
o Means to believe in the Gohonzon.
o Does not mean Blind faith or acceptance
· Practice
o Practice has two aspects practice for oneself and practice for others.
o Practice for oneself means to consistently do morning and evening gongyo and chant NMRK
o Practice for others means to share Buddhism with others, pray for others’ happiness and participate in meetings and other activities.
· Study
o Study means to study the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin with seeking spirit.

The Three Proofs

· “In judging the relative merit of Buddhist doctrines, I, Nichiren believe that the best standards are those of reason and documentary proof. And even more valuable than reason and documentary proof is the proof of actual law.”
· There are three proofs set by Nichiren Daishonin, namely
o Documentary proof means that Buddhist teachings are based upon the sutras
o Theoretical proof means that a doctrine is compatible with reason and logic.
o Actual proof means the content of doctrine leads to actual results when put to practice.

Kosen Rufu

· Kosen Rufu means to “widely declare and spread”.
· Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is the essence of Lotus Sutra.
· Nam Myoho Renge Kyo appears in the 23rd Chapter of Lotus Sutra. Refers to fifth five hundred years after death of Gautama Buddha or the beginning of the latter day of the law.
· Also, called as World Peace. It will come about as faith in the mystic law spreads.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

· It was declared on April 28, 1253.
· Myoho-Renge Kyo is the title of the Lotus Sutra.
· Nam means devotion. It is Sanskrit word.
· Myoho means Mystic Law.
· Myo means unfathomable /beyond concept/ true entity of Life.
· Ho means Law/ manifestation.
· Renge means Lotus Flower.
· Kyo means Sutra/ teaching of Buddha.
· The inclusion of both western and eastern language signifies the universality of the teaching.
· Nichiren teaches that embracing the law itself is enlightenment.
· “Nam-Myoho-renge-Kyo will spread for ten thousand years, and more, fro all eternity.”
· “Nam-Myoho-renge-Kyo” is to be widely declared and spread.

What is the significance of renge or Lotus Flower?

1. Lotus flower seeds and flowers at the same time, representing the simultaneity of cause and effect.
2. Lotus grows in muddy pond, which means Buddha hood emerges from life of a common mortal.

Gohonzon

· The Gohonzon that we all have are copies of the one transcribed by Nichikan Shonin.
· In the centre of Gohonzon it is written “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo-Nichiren”. It is surrounded by characters representing Buddhist gods, Buddhas and the ten worlds.
· Go means worthy of honor and honzon means object of fundamental respect.
· Gohonzon embodies the life of Nichiren Daishonin or Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.
· “Embracing the Gohonzon itself is enlightenment.”
· Inscribed on October 12, 1279.

What is significance of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo?
When we chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo to the Gohonzon we can bring forth our Buddha nature and fuse our lives with the Gohonzon.

Itai Doshin - Many in Body, One in Mind

· Itai Doshin means many in body one in mind.
· “Many in body” mean that each of us has a unique mission, talent and set of circumstances. It also means transcending all differences between oneself and others.
· “One in mind” means despite our individuality we need to be united in spirit.
· “One in Mind” also means being committed to realizing Kosen rufu. It also means standing up with shared sense of purpose.
· Kosen Rufu is a great wish of Buddha who seeks to lead all people to enlightenment.
· “One in Mind” also means making this great wish of Buddha one’s own and courageously working for Kosen Rufu.

Karma

· In Buddhism karma means that every mental, verbal and physical action – that is everything we think, do or say imprints a latent influence in one’s life.
· Karma literally means action.
· It is accumulation of causes we make and their effects.
· Our actions in past have shaped our present, and our actions in present will in turn determine our future.
· Law of karmic cause and effect exists over past, present and future.

Changing Poison into medicine

· This principle means that because we chant to the gohonzon, whenever we experience loss, pain or failure, we have the power to change that suffering into joy and good fortune.
· Poison refers to our earthly desires, evil karmas and sufferings.
· Medicine refers to virtues of law, wisdom and enlightenment.
· The power contained in the Myo of Myoho renge Kyo is that of a master physician who skillfully turns poison into medicine.
· Key to change poison in medicine is chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Lessening one ‘s Karmic Retribution

· It is one of the benefits gained through one’s faith and practice of Lotus Sutra.
· Means that one will experience the effects of bad karma from past to a lesser degree than would normally be true.

How can we lessen our karmic retribution?
We can lessen our karmic retribution in three ways-
1. By the power of wisdom.
2. By the blessings obtained by the practice of the good.
3. By blessings one gains through protecting the Law.
Ten Worlds

· Refers to the life conditions through which our life fluctuates from moment to moment.
· Hell – One feels totally trapped in one’s circumstances. Dominated by rage and impulse to destroy.
· Hunger- Dominated by insatiable desires, relentless cravings. Like desire for food, power, and wealth.
· Animality- Governed by instinct, no sense for reason and living only for present.
· Anger – Dominated by selfish ego, competitiveness, arrogance.
· Humanity- Dominated by a calm state, fair judgment, and control on desires with reason. It is vulnerable to shift into lower worlds.
· Heaven- State of pleasure experienced when the desires are fulfilled.
· Learning- Condition in which person expands his awareness and understanding. Self improvement. A selfish state.
· Realisation- State in which one discovers partial truth through one’s observation. It is a selfish state.
· Bodhisattva- Aspiration of enlightenment not only fro self but for others too.
· Buddhahood- State of indestructible happiness, perfect and absolute freedom, governed by compassion, courage and energy.


HELL

HUNGER Three Evil Paths Four Evil Paths

ANIMALITY

ANGER Six Lower Worlds.

HUMANITY/TRANQUILITY

HEAVEN/RAPTURE

LEARNING
Two Selfish States
RELISATION/ABSORPTION

BODHISATTVA Four Higher/Noble Worlds.

BUDDHAHOOD

Mutual Possession of the ten worlds

· Means that each of the ten worlds contains all ten within itself.
· Implication is that all people, in whatever state of life they may be in, have the ever-present potential to manifest Buddhahood.
· Buddhahood is nothing separate; it exists in the nine worlds.
· The purpose of our Buddhist practice is to elevate the basic life-tendency and eventually establish Buddhahood as one’s fundamental state.
· Every individual can bring forth his Buddha nature, dormant in the other nine worlds, thereby accompolishing his or her self-reformation.

Oneness of Life and Environment
· Refers to the inseparable relation between the individual and his environment.
· Life manifests itself in both the living subject and the objective environment.
· When we bring out our innate Buddha nature, it manifests and transforms our environment wherever we are.
· “..A great revolution in just a single person will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation, and further, will enable a change in the destiny of all mankind.”
· Our enlightenment is not confined to ourselves but exerts an influence on our families, communities, nation and ultimately all humanity.

Buddhist Gods
· Who are Buddhist gods? Anyone or anything in our environment, working to protect and sustain life or to support our efforts to attain enlightenment and achieve Kosen Rufu may be regarded as Buddhist Gods.
· They are positive functions of the universe.
· Only when we devote ourselves to our practice- do gongyo and daimoku regularly do these protective forces inherent in environment work fully and effectively.
· “Our daily practice or Gongyo is a solemn ceremony that increases without limit the power and brilliance of the Buddhist gods, which pervade the entire universe.”

Priest Hood Issue
· Refers to events and information related to Nichiren Shoshu’s attacks on SGI.
· Headed by Nikken Abe, the High Priest
· “Operation C” – led by Nikken Abe to cut off and disband Soka Gakkai. It consisted of nine questions, accusing President Ikeda of criticizing the High Priest.
· Roots of this issue lie in a feudalistic attitude towards the believers.
· SGI has called for Nikken’s resignation and has been educating people on the same.
Importance of priesthood Issue
· Gives us an opportunity to deepen our understanding on Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism
· Understanding the issue can help us educate others and help them become aware of it.
· It teaches us how to deepen our faith
· It causes us to ask,” what is the meaning of correct faith and practice?”
· Daishonin says, “Simply to chant one four-phrase verse or the daimoku, and to protect those who do so, is called the essential practice.”

Important Dates for Soka gakkai

· February 4 :
o Known as Indian kosen Rufu day.
o In 1961, President Ikeda buried a commemorative plaque with inscription “Toyo-Kofu” at bodhgaya.

· March 16
o Known as Kosen Rufu Day
o In 1958, On this day Josei Toda handed over the task on Worldwide kosen Rufu to youth Division.
o 6000 youth members were present at taiseki-ji temple.

· May 3
o Known as Soka gakkai day
o In 1951 on this day Josei Toda became the second president of Soka gakkai.

o In 1960, on this day Daisaku Ikeda became the third President of Soka Gakkai.
· April 2
o In 1958 on this day Josei Toda passed away.

· July 3
o Known as day of Mentor and Disciple
o On July 3, 1945 Josei Toda was released from the prison.
o On July 3, 1957 President Ikeda was arrested.
o Coincidence was that President Ikeda was arrested at7pm and Josei Toda was released at 7pm

· August 24
o In 1947 on this day President Ikeda decided to Join Soka Gakkai.

· October 2
o On this day, President Ikeda set out on his travels for worldwide Kosen Rufu.

· November 18
o On this day in 1930 Soak Gakkai was formed with Tsunesaburo Makiguchi as its first President.

· July 1260
o Rissho Ankoku ron was submitted to the government.

· May 12 1961
o Exile to Izu peninsula

· September 12, 1271
o Tatsunokuchi Persecution

· October 10,1271
o Exile to Sado Island.

· September 21, 1279
o Atsuhara persecution.
o 20 farmers were arrested and 3 killed.
o On this day Nichiren daishonin decides to inscribe the dai Gohonzon.

· October 13, 1282
o Nichiren daishonin dies in Ikegami.

· October 12, 1279
o Nichiren Daishonin Inscribes the Dai Gohonzon.

· April 28,1253
o Nichiren Daishonin chants Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for the first time.
o Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin was established.

· February 16, 1222
o Nichiren Daishonin was born in Awa Province.

GOSHO- The Dragon Gate

· It was written at Minobu.
· Written on sixth day of eleventh month of second year of Koan- 6 Nov 1279.
· Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu.
· Reply to Nanjo Tokimitsu about the report submitted about his role in protecting the Daishonin’s followers in Atsuhara area.
· Daishonin calls him “Ueno of Worthy.” as an honour for his courage.
· If the carp represents human being then carp climbing the wall signifies the difficulty in attaining Buddhahood.
· The Dragon gate refers to the waterfall or rapids on the middle reaches of the Yellow River.
· “We beg that the merit gained through these gifts may be spread far and wide to everyone, so that we all other living beings, all together may attain the Buddha Way.”
· “Some are swept away by strong currents, some fall prey to eagles, hawks, kites, and owls, and others are netted scooped up, or even shot with arrows by fishermen who line both the banks of the falls ten cho wide. Such is the difficulty a carp faces in becoming a dragon.” Here if the carp represents the Human Being then difficulty represents the obstacles faced in attaining Buddhahood.
· “Think of this offering as a drop of dew rejoining the ocean, or a speck of dust returning to the earth.”
· “My wish is that all my disciples make a great vow”. The vow here refers to the vow to attain Buddhahood oneself and at the same time to lead others to Buddhahood.”

GOSHO- The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra

· Written in the twenty third day of tenth month of the second year of Koan- 23rd Oct 1279.
· Written to Shijo Kingo.
· The Daishonin teaches Kingo that faith must always come first, before any other tactic or strategy, and that faith in the Mystic law is the ultimate factor that determines victory or Defeat.
· It is a reply to Shijo Kingo’s Letter to Daishonin telling how he had been ambushed by enemies among his fellow Samurai, but had managed to escape unhurt.
· “All others who bear you enmity or malice will likewise be wiped out.”
· “The heart of strategy and swordsmanship derives from the mystic law. Have profound faith. A coward cannot have his prayers answered.”

· “No matter how earnestly Nichiren prays for you, if you lack faith, it will be like trying to set fire to wet tinder.”
· “Spur yourself to the power of faith. Regard your survival as wondrous. Apply the strategy of lotus sutra before any other.”
· “All those who bear your enmity or malice will likewise be wiped out.”
· “So they have finally attacked you. It is matter of rejoicing that your usual prudence and courage, as well as your firm faith in Lotus sutra enabled you to survive unharmed.”
· “You must have escaped death because of this deity’s protection. Mariachi gave you skill of swordsmanship, while I, Nichiren have bestowed on you the five characters of the title of the Lotus Sutra.”
· “Applying the strategy of Lotus Sutra means that in all matters first to pray to the Gohonzon and then take an action. Faith must come first before any action.
· “Therefore, you must summon up the great power of the faith more than ever. Do not blame the heavenly gods if you exhaust your good fortune and lose their protection.”


Revision Paper

REVISION PAPER

Q1. Nichiren Daishonin was born on
a. February 16,1222
b. March 16, 1222
c. April 16, 1222

Q2. Nichiren Daishoinin chanted Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for first time.
a. April 28, 1253
b. April 28, 1263
c. April 28, 1273

Q3. Nikko Shonin is designated as Nichiren Daishonin’s legitimate successor.
a. October 13, 1282
b. October 13, 1280
c. October 13, 1285

Q4. Nichiren Daishonin had faced _____________ major persecutions.
a. 4
b. 6
c. 8

Q5.May 12, 1261 is significant for
a. Nichiren Daishonin was sent to exile to Izu Peninsula
b. Nichiren Daishonin was sent to exile to Sado Peninsula
c. Nichiren Daishonin was sent to exile to the Kamakwa

Q6. Tatsunokochi Persecution took place on
a. Sep 12, 1271
b. Sep 10, 1281
c. Sep 18, 1271

Q7. Nichiren Daishonin was also sent to exile to Sado Island on
a. Oct 10, 1271
b. Oct 10, 1281
c. Oct 10, 1291

Q8. Indian Kosen Rufu Day is on
a. Feb 4
b. Feb 14
c. Feb 24

Q9. The Founding Day of the Soka Gakkai is on
a. Nov 18
b. Dec 18
c. Oct 18

Q10. “ Oct 2 “ is significant for us
a. President Makiguchi became the First President of the Soka Gakkai
b. President Toda handed over his mission of world wide Kosen Rufu to the youth
c. President Ikeda set out on his travels for worldwide Kosen Rufu

Q11. Atsuhara Persecution took place on
a. Sep 21, 1279
b. Oct 10, 1279
c. May 12, 1271

Q12. The 4 major persecutions faced by Nichiren Daishonin are
a. Izu Peninsula, Kama Kura exile, Sado Island, Tatsunokochi
b. Izu Peninsula, Tatsunokochi, Sado Island, Atsuhara
c. Izu Peninsula, Kama Kura exile, Sado Island, Atsuhara persecution

Q13. Which day is significant as “ Day of Mentor and disciple”?
a. July 3
b. June 3
c. January 3

Q14. Why is “ March 16” significant to us?
a. Soka Gakkai Day
b. Founding Day of Soka Gakkai
c. Kosen Rufu Day



Sgi Test

TICK THE CORRECT ANSWER

Q 1. Buddhist Gods are described as
a. devilish forces of our environment
b. positive forces of our environment
c. activities we do for Kosen Rufu

Q 2. The three pillars of our practice are
a. faith, practice, Gosho
b. faith, practice, guidance
c. faith, practice, Study

Q 3. Anyone or anything that is working in our environment to protect life
a. Friends relatives
b. Neighbours
c. Buddhist Gods

Q 4. A person in the world of hell will perceive the environment to be
a. Friendly
b. Supportive
c. Hellish

Q 5. The purpose of our Buddhist practice is to elevate the basic life tendency and establish
a. Buddhahood as ones fundamental state
b. Animality as one’s fundamental state
c. Anger as one’s fundamental state

Q 6. The lower worlds are ____ in number.
a. 2
b. 4
c. 6

Q 7. The number of higher worlds are
a. 2
b. 4
c. 6

Q 8. “ FAITH “ means to believe in the
a. Gongyo
b. Gosho
c. Gohonzon

Q 9. Study means to study the teachings of
a. Nikko Shonin
b. Nichiren Diashonin
c. Nichimoku Shonin


Q 10. Both practice and study arise from
a. Lotus Sutra
b. Faith
c. Gosho

Q 11. There are _________ number of proofs set forth by Nichiren Daishonin.
a. 3
b. 2
c. 5

Q 12. “To widely declare and spread Buddhism “means literally
a. Faith
b. Study
c. Kosen Rufu

Q 13. The title of the Lotus Sutra is
a. Myoho Renge Kyo
b. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
c. Renge Kyo

Q 14. Nam means
a. devotion
b. Namaskar
c. Compassion

Q 15. Myoho means
a. Law of gravity
b. Universal law
c. Mystic law

Q 16. Renge means
a. Lotus
b. Lily
c. Rose

Q 17. Kyo means
a. Flower
b. Incense stick
c. Sutra

Q 18.” A great Revolution in just a single person will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation and ____________________.
a. Further, will enable a change in the destiny of all mankind.
b. Further , will enable a change in the destiny of society
c. Further, will enable a change in the destiny of community.


Q 19. The individual and the environment are __________ and inseparable.
a. two
b. one
c. multiple

Q 20. At any moment, one of the ten states will be manifest and the other ____________ become dormant. Every individual can bring forth his __________ nature, dormant within the other nine worlds.
a. 9, Bodhisattva
b. 9, caring
c. 9, Buddha hood

Q 21. The 6 lower worlds are
a. Hell, Hunger, Realisation, Learning, Humanity, Anger
b. Hell, Hunger, Animality, Anger, Humanity, Heaven
c. Hell, Hunger, Animality, Anger, Humanity, Learning



Q 22. Hell, Hunger and Animality are called the ___________ paths.
a. Karmic
b. Buddha
c. Evil

Q 23. The 4 higher worlds or noble paths are
a. Learning, Realisation, Bodhisattva and Buddha hood
b. Learning, Realisation, Heaven and Buddha hood
c. Learning, Realisation, Bodhisattva and Animality

Q 24. Lessening Karmic retribution means reducing the __________ and ________ of the negative effects of past karma.
a. intensity, effect
b. intensity, period
c. intensity, operation

Q 25. Many in body is ________ and one in mind is _________--.
a. Itai, Shimbun
b. Itai, Seiko
c. Itai, doshin

Q 26. Honzon means the __________ and Go means _____________-.
a. object of respect, honour
b. object of fundamental respect, worthy of honour
c. object of respect, supreme

Q 27. The Dai Gohonzon was inscribed on
a. 12 Oct 1278
b. 12 Oct 1279
c. 12 Oct 1282

Q 28. Nichiren Daishonin first declared Nam Myoho Renge Kyo on
a. 28 April 1253
b. 28 April 1263
c. 28 April 1273



Wish you all good luck for your entrance Exam,i really hope this page can be of good help on your preparation.

The power of Smile !

I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree.

The last class I had to take was Sociology.

The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been
graced with.

Her last project of the term was called "Smile."

The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions.

I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway, so, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.

Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning.

It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.

We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did.

I did not move an inch... an
overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.

As I turned around I smelled a horrible "dirty body" smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men.

As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was "smiling".

His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.

He said, "Good day" as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.

The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.

I held my tears as I stood there with them.

The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted.

He said, "Coffee is all Miss" because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).

Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.

That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.

I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.

I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the
blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.
He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Thank you."

I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, "I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope."

I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, "That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope."

We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.

We are not church goers, but we are believers.

That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.

I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand.

I turned in "my project" and the instructor read it.

Then she looked up at me and said, "Can I share this?"

I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.

She began to read and that is when I knew that we
as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.

In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my husband, son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.

I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn: UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.

Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to

LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.

If you think this story has touched you in any way, please send this to someone you care for .

There is an Angel sent to watch over you.

In order for her to work, you must pass this on to the people you want watched over.

An Angel wrote:
Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

To handle yourself, use your head.

To handle others, use your heart.

God Gives every bird it's food, but He does not throw it into its nest.
LIVE with the spirit of a winner and carry smile in both dark and light, as Hitler once said, everyone follows you in light but your own shadow does not follow you in dark.

Kind words!!!

Sometimes we just need to be reminded!

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by

holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked,

"Who would like this $20 bill?"

Hands started going up.

He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you

but first, let me do this.

He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill.

He then asked, "Who still wants it?"

Still the hands were up in the air.

Well, he replied, "What if I do this?"

And he dropped it on the ground

and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.

He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty.

"Now, who still wants it?"

Still the hands went into the air.

My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson.

No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it

because it did not decrease in value.

It was still worth $20.

Many times in our lives,

we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions

we make and the circumstances that come our way.

We feel as though we are worthless.

But no matter what has happened or what will happen,

you will never lose your value.

Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased,

you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you.

The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know,

but by WHO WE ARE and WHOSE WE ARE .

You are special- Don't EVER forget it ."

If you do not pass this on, you may never know the

lives it touches, the hurting hearts it speaks to,

or the hope that it can bring.

Count your blessings, not your problems.


"And remember: amateurs built the ark ... professionals built the Titanic.


If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.

Overcoming Fear and Healing Wounds

We cannot escape childhood without being wounded. Every time we made demands of others and they refused us, we were diminished in our self-worth. Each time we asked for love and it was withheld, our self-value decreased. Whenever we attempted to prove ourselves and we failed, we lost some of our power.

As we repeated these experiences, patterns of inadequacy developed, and fears of various kinds took root in our subconscious. Then as we grew up and became more self-sufficient we worked hard at overcoming our diminished self-worth, our decreased self-value, and our loss of power. But we have not been totally successful. The reason is that underlying all our efforts are the fears buried in our subconscious. What is unknown within us usually controls us.

Typically, we do not want to face our fears. Why? Because we are afraid of them. We are afraid that they will pull us back into the experiences of failure we associate with them. So we try other strategies to succeed. We use a variety of defenses to suppress the unwanted feelings associated with previous failures and fear. And we try to consciously control our environment, people and relationships. We all have control issues!

None of this really works, but we live with it anyway. It gives us a false sense of security. But what a tremendous amount of energy we waste on avoiding, repressing, denying and ignoring what we need to face.

we learn about our fears, and how to face them. We connect with our old wounds and learn to heal them. We gain the courage we need to become more integrated and whole.

Throughout our entire life, from the moment we were born – and perhaps before – there is one fundamental desire we all have. We all want connection. We all want love – to be loved and to express love. To be loved makes us feel that we are okay as we are, that we have value and worth. And to share our love gives us the connection to our power, which is the ability to love and support others according to their needs.

Ignoring the healing of our wounds makes us unconsciously demand attention and caring from others. It makes us dependent on others in so many ways for our own sense of self.

Not facing our fears keeps us from making meaningful and loving connections with others. Fear says we are separate and we need to be defensive. It says that we cannot trust others and let them in. Fear blocks us from loving. Fear and love cannot occupy the same space. Fear is rooted in the personality, love within the soul.

The power to heal our wounds and face our fears is not found in the personality. It comes from our very essence, the soul within.

Significance of January 26

History

January 26, 1975 – this was the day that the Soka Gakkai International was founded at a meeting on Guam, that beautiful island of lush tropical green and exotic blooms floating in the blue coral sea. There were no presidents, no ministers, no reporters there that day. But ordinary citizens. These ordinary men and women were actually great pioneers who had pledged to dedicate their lives to the mission of propagating Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism and bringing peace to the world.

Soka Gakkai literally means “Society for the creation of value”. In 1975, in response to the needs of an increasingly international membership, the Soka Gakkai International was formed with Dr. Daisaku Ikeda as our third existing President.

On that day, Ikeda Sensei said to the members present:

“The sun of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism has begun to rise on the horizon. Rather than seek after your own praise or glory, I hope that you will dedicate your whole lives to sowing the seeds of the Mystic Law for the sake of peace throughout the entire world. I shall do the same.”

In the service of its members and society at large, SGI centers its activities on developing the positive human potentials for individual happiness and global peace and prosperity. The members of SGI share a profound commitment to the value of peace, culture and education.

Since 1983, Daisaku Ikeda has written an annual proposal on issues of peace and human security. These are released on January 26, commemorating the founding of the SGI in 1975.

Today, through the courageous and compassionate efforts of pioneer members exerting themselves with spirited tenacity and determination, we now have some 12 million members in around 190 countries and regions, including Japan.

So let us continue our journey of courage and hope into this New Year, joyfully and intrepidly.

investment of time and money

Warren Buffett, Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, is arguably the world's greatest investor and the third richest man with a net worth exceeding $52 billion (Rs 213,200 crore). He is also a great philanthropist: last year he declared plans to give away over $37 billion (Rs 151,700 crore) in charity, to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
But he is not just a man with a large heart and a matching wallet. Also known as The Sage of Omaha, he is also full of wisdom and wit.


Here are some of his gems of advice for investors who look at the stock market to make a fortune, culled from various publications, his speeches and writings:

• 'Never invest in a business you cannot understand.'
• 'Always invest for the long term.'
• 'Remember that the stock market is manic-depressive.'
• 'Buy a business, don't rent stocks.'
• 'Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.'
• 'Stop trying to predict the direction of the stock market, the economy, interest rates,or elections.'
• 'I never attempt to make money on the stock market. I buy on the assumption that they could close the market the next day and not reopen it for five years.'
• 'Wall Street is the only place that people ride to in a Rolls-Royce to get advice from those who take the subway.'
• 'Buy companies with strong histories of profitability and with a dominant business franchise.'
• 'It is optimism that is the enemy of the rational buyer.'
• 'As far as you are concerned, the stock market does not exist. Ignore it.'
• 'The ability to say 'no' is a tremendous advantage for an investor.'
• 'If you're doing something you love, you're more likely to put your all into it, and that generally equates to making money.'
'My idea of a group decision is to look in the mirror.'
• 'Most people get interested in stocks when everyone else is. The time to get interested is when no one else is. You can't buy what is popular and do well.'
• 'The smarter the journalists are, the better off society is.'
• 'Success in investing doesn't correlate with IQ once you're above the level of 25. Once you have ordinary intelligence, what you need is the temperament to control the urges that get other people into trouble in investing.'
• 'Diversification is a protection against ignorance. It makes very little sense for those who know what they're doing.'
• 'You're neither right nor wrong because other people agree with you. You're right because your facts are right and your reasoning is right - that's the only thing that makes you right. And if your facts and reasoning are right, you don't have to worry about anybody else.'
• 'There seems to be some perverse human characteristic that likes to make easy things difficult.'
• 'In the short run, the market is a voting machine but in the long run it is a weighing machine.'
• 'It's only when the tide goes out that you learn who's been swimming naked.'
• 'Somebody once said that in looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don't have the first, the other two will kill you. You think about it; it's true. If you hire somebody without the first, you really want them to be dumb and lazy.'
• 'There are three kinds of people in the world: those who can count, and those who can't.'
• 'It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to lose it.'
• 'The first rule is not to lose. The second rule is not to forget the first rule.'
• 'Wide diversification is only required when investors do not understand what they are doing.'
• 'Only buy something that you'd be perfectly happy to hold if the market shut down for 10 years.'
• 'We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy only when others are fearful.'
• 'Our favourite holding period is forever.'
• 'If past history was all there was to the game, the richest people would be librarians.'
• 'Why not invest your assets in the companies you really like? As Mae West said, 'Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.''
• 'Your premium brand had better be delivering something special, or it's not going to get the business.'
• 'You are neither right nor wrong because the crowd disagrees with you. You are right because your data and reasoning are right.'
• 'We do not view the company itself as the ultimate owner of our business assets but instead view the company as a conduit through which our shareholders own assets.'
.'Unless you can watch your stock holding decline by 50% without becoming panic-stricken, you should not be in the stock market.'
• 'The critical investment factor is determining the intrinsic value of a business and paying a fair or bargain price.'
• 'Risk can be greatly reduced by concentrating on only a few holdings.'
• 'Much success can be attributed to inactivity. Most investors cannot resist the temptation to constantly buy and sell.'
• 'Lethargy, bordering on sloth should remain the cornerstone of an investment style.'
• 'An investor should act as though he had a lifetime decision card with just twenty punches on it.'
• 'An investor needs to do very few things right as long as he or she avoids big mistakes.'
• 'Turnarounds' seldom turn.'
• 'The advice 'you never go broke taking a profit' is foolish.'
• 'It is more important to say 'no' to an opportunity, than to say 'yes.'
• 'It is not necessary to do extraordinary things to get extraordinary results.'
• 'An investor should ordinarily hold a small piece of an outstanding business with the same tenacity that an owner would exhibit if he owned all of that business.'
• 'It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently.'
• 'In the business world, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield.'
• 'A public-opinion poll is no substitute for thought.'
• 'It's far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price.'
• 'The business schools reward difficult complex behavior more than simple behavior, but simple behavior is more effective
• 'Look at market fluctuations as your friend rather than your enemy; profit from folly rather than participate in it.'
• 'The investor of today does not profit from yesterday's growth.'
• 'Of the billionaires I have known, money just brings out the basic traits in them. If they were jerks before they had money, they are simply jerks with a billion dollars.'
• 'I never attempt to make money on the stock market. I buy on the assumption that they could close the market the next day and not reopen it for five years.'
• 'I don't look to jump over 7-foot bars: I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over.'
• 'I always knew I was going to be rich. I don't think I ever doubted it for a minute.'
• 'We enjoy the process far more than the proceeds.'
• 'You do things when the opportunities come along. I've had periods in my life when I've had a bundle of ideas come along, and I've had long dry spells. If I get an idea next week, I'll do something. If not, I won't do a damn thing.'
• 'I buy expensive suits. They just look cheap on me.'
• 'Let blockheads read what blockheads wrote.'
• 'I do not like debt and do not like to invest in companies that have too much debt, particularly long-term debt. With long-term debt, increases in interest rates can drastically affect company profits and make future cash flows less predictable.'
• 'My grandfather would sell me Wrigley's chewing gum and I would go door to door around my neighbourhood selling it. He also sold me a Coca-Cola for a quarter and I would sell it for a nickel each in the neighbourhood, so I made a small profit. I was always trying to do something like this.'
• 'A public-opinion poll is no substitute for thought.'

Can We Gain Listening Wisdom from an Owl?

"There was an old owl who sat in an oak.
The more he watched; the less he spoke.
The less he spoke; the more he heard.
Why can't we be like that wise old bird?"

That's an interesting hoot that deserves some pondering.

One of the biggest causes of stressed or broken relationships is ineffective communication. Both people speak, but nobody sits quietly, watches, and listens.

"He (or she) just doesn't listen to me!"

In our business, we hear this frequently about husbands, wives, children, bosses, clients, and colleagues. This seems to be particularly true when there are disagreements or conflict. In "The Couples' Comfort Book," author Jennifer Louden says, "When in conflict, people listen for a maximum of 14 seconds."

What occurs then?

When the listening stops, here are some things that begin: interrupting, yelling, ignoring, escaping, cowering, probing, and preaching.

Is it possible this "lack of listening" is the reason for the disagreement, misunderstanding, and conflict?

I think so, and I believe this "lack of listening" phenomenon occurs far more regularly in our relationships than most of us would care to admit, whether there is conflict or not.

As I strive to become more consciously aware of my thinking, speaking, and behavioral habits, I see it in myself. How do I know this?

* My mother-in-law recently stayed with us for a week. Immediately after several different conversations, I realized I couldn't recall exactly what she just said. My mind was wandering elsewhere. Hmmm!

* A client was explaining something to me about his business, and I assumed I knew what he thought and felt. In reality, I found later that I had no flippin' idea. A mind-reader I am not.

* I interrupted my son, Jamie, before he was finished speaking. I was going to fix it for him, or defer to my own autobiographical story.

* Carol was explaining something to me, and I became aware that I already had a rebuttal formed to prove that I was right and she was wrong, and yet I hadn't listened effectively, or asked for clarification to totally understand her perspective.

Am I afflicted with an extremely bad case of psychological defection (please humor me!), or do similar things occur for you?

I believe comparable situations are why many conversations seem to go round and around, tempers flare, feelings get hurt, and directions get misconstrued -- neither person has actually listened to understand.

Maybe this is "normal" in society. However, when I look at statistics on marital breakdown, family violence, employee retention and satisfaction, workplace stress, and mediation battles, it helps me to recognize that I don't want to be "normal." I'd rather be different -- stand out on a positive, effective limb, like the owl.

Here are my easy "observant-owl" strategies, and I challenge you to apply these too. Naturally, it's your choice, just as it is mine.

* Attention – focus on the other person. Set aside all other thoughts and actions. Avoid distractions: other people or conversations, nearby activities, phone calls, e-mails, TV, music.

* Connection – pace, or match to build greater rapport and trust. Make eye contact, notice facial expressions, eye movement, breathing rate, other body language, and then match these. I'm not meaning you should imitate him/her. Sit in a similar way (not exactly the same), match their breathing rate, smile when they smile, etc. When you are subtle with this, they feel comfortable speaking with you because you are "just like them."

* Listen – to understand the words and the associated feelings. Ask for clarification on anything you don't totally understand. It is not important that you agree; it is vitally important to understand.

* Wait – allow silence. When the other person ends his/her statement, wait and count -- one wise old owl, two wise old owls, three wise old owls... The silence is golden and indicates to the other person that you care about him/her, and want to ensure they have completed what they wanted to say.

* Think – in this silence-time, ponder on your understanding of the conversation, and formulate your thoughts proactively, rather than reactively.

* Reply respectfully – either with clarifying questions or with your own wise thoughts. Use inclusive, engaging statements such as, "Yes, and I feel...," "I respect your opinion and I see that...," "I hear what you are saying and..." Avoid "No," "But," "You're wrong," "That's stupid," or any other statement that sets up invisible walls of defense or separation.

* Verbalize your complete thought and repeat the cycle.

When I give the other person this "psychological air-time" (it is a gift), and really listen to understand, they will usually return the gift to me. They may not be consciously aware of the process. They will feel valued and respected. It's a win/win conversation.

I believe that every person has exceptional knowledge and wisdom, and most people are happy to share their expertise with others, when someone will listen. I continue to learn so many valuable things from others when I close my mouth and open my eyes, ears, and heart.

I have finally learned that I am not the "king of the beasts." I do realize that I am an important and valuable member of this forest community -- where cooperativeness, helpfulness, respect, and love will help us all to survive and thrive.

You are a member of the community too. What are joy and happiness worth to you?

If you want to eliminate or minimize arguments, sarcasm, disrespect, anger, resentment, and heartache, these easy "observant-owl" strategies will work for you too. I guarantee it is worth the effort.

I'm investing more of my time perched on a good sturdy branch, watching, listening, and learning. I'd be honored to have you join me, and there is an abundance of room.

A Lesson in Forgiveness

Why You Should Give Your Partner the Benefit of the Doubt

Have you ever given your partner the benefit of the doubt? If you’re in a committed relationship, you probably have without even realizing it. Giving someone you love the benefit of the doubt runs on a continuum. On one end, it might mean that you completely ignore something they did that annoyed you. On the other, with bigger “offenses,” it means that you’ll approach their behavior with calmness and a healthy dash of understanding.

Picture this: After one too many spiked egg-nogs at the office holiday party, your partner serenades your boss with a wobbly “I Just Called to Say I Love You” while you hide behind a coat rack.

Even though your boss seems amused, you’ve got grounds for a World War III kind of fight, the kind of earth-quaking fight that before now you could barely imagine, let alone instigate. But wait. You take a few steps back, think about how your partner has never been drunk before (maybe he’s got a low alcohol tolerance? And it is the holiday season, after all…), and reason, “He’s been under so much stress lately. I’ll cut him some slack this time.” So the next morning, instead of replacing his hair gel with Nair and blasting him out of bed with a bullhorn at 5:00 AM, you calmly mention that he really tied one on the night before and his behavior embarrassed you something fierce.

Giving your partner the benefit of the doubt is a simple and effective way to nurture your relationship.

Happiness and love are good reasons to be in a relationship. But what happens when your relationship—for a little while—stops bringing you happiness? Are you ready for the times when finding your car keys will be easier than feeling happy in your relationship? Will a need for instant gratification or a “what’s in it for me?” attitude influence hasty decisions about the relationship? Or will you hang in there and work toward the happiness you know your relationship is capable of bringing? In order to do this, you will need to adopt a “benefit of the doubt” mindset.


You should give your partner the benefit of the doubt because:

~You and your partner will fight a lot less.

~All relationships go through ups and downs. And all people have “off” days and “on” days.

~All partners (yes, even you) act like selfish eight-year-olds from time to time.

~Unbroken stretches of nothing but pure happiness is unrealistic.

~Being part of a committed relationship means putting your needs aside, at least temporarily.

~Your partner (and the relationship itself) may have earned some “benefit of the doubt” credits. Think back to how often things have gone well in your relationship.



You shouldn’t give your partner the benefit of the doubt when:

~Your partner is abusive.

~Your relationship has only brought suffering.

~You feel manipulated into giving your partner the benefit of the doubt.

~Your partner is no longer committed to the relationship, no matter what you do or how hard you try.


Odds are, you know someone who overlooks egregious, relationship-destructive behavior in his/her partner and chalks it up to giving him/her the benefit of the doubt. But that’s not what that person is doing: indeed, he or she is only overlooking egregious, relationship-destructive behavior that won’t get any better during that unhealthy silence of denial. Each partner must be committed to the relationship and must feel responsible for his/her behavior in order for the benefit of the doubt mindset to work. After all, giving the benefit of the doubt means temporarily suspending judgment while looking at the big picture of a healthy, mutually satisfying union.

So how about giving this mindset a try? Giving your partner the benefit of the doubt is an act of forgiveness. It’s one of the times when you can place your partner and the relationship above your own needs. Think of it as an act of hope and an act of trust—you anticipate something positive on the horizon, so in this moment you choose to give your partner the benefit of the doubt.

Fundamental Darkness of life

The only world in which "defeat" exists as a reality is the one darkened by the false idea that what may have happened to us a moment ago is the same as what's possible for us to achieve now.

The Spiritual Secret that Allows You to Defeat Any Discouragement


As we all know, there are trying times when states of discouragement literally dog us -- following us around as if they're waiting for us to fall down, never to rise again. On these days, our own lackluster emotions are hounded by thoughts barking at us that nothing is right with our lives. Sound familiar? On these same days, even our smallest wish to part ways with these painful states gets pushed under by waves of doubt so that our resolve to not sink into a malaise feels like a futile struggle against the inevitable!

When falling into deeper and deeper states of feeling discouraged, we can almost hear these unspoken words within, "What's the point? Why bother?" Then, as though we have heard from the Fates themselves, we accept the dreariness of some "can't do" negative state as our guide. Is this how it must be? Must we identify ourselves with what discourages us? The answer to these questions is decidedly no!

Negative states, all dark energies that enervate us, only succeed at draining us because they are capable of making us see mentally and emotionally charged images of past defeats. These images, drawn from the storehouse of our memories, seem so real that they validate the existence of our negative conclusions, which brings us to a key lesson deserving of our special attention.

The only power dark, discouraging states hold over us is that they get us to identify with feelings of being powerless. And when such strong feelings of futility are accompanied by what is seen, in our own mind's eye, as being valid because we are given over to unconsciously recall the considerations that make them so, then boom! The trap is sprung. We become the unwitting captives of our own negative imagination! Had enough of feeling like you are never enough? Good! Let the following truths do their healing work.

First, we must know in our hearts that our True Nature is not created to live as a captive of any dark condition. If you have never heard this before, then hear it now: no power on earth can restrain the soul that seeks its liberation in the uncontainable truth.

Next we realize, to whatever depth we can conceive, that our own awareness is a living and intelligent feature of the ever-present Now within which it dwells -- and that this same timeless Now is omnipresent. It dwells everywhere already, knowing no boundaries. And here we catch a glimpse of another timeless truth: nothing in the universe can capture our awareness any more than a cloud has the power to envelop the sky.

What these last few discoveries teach us is that our awareness of discouragement, or any negative state for that matter, transcends its boundary and already dwells beyond the limits of its confining darkness. This brings us to this discouragement-busting truth: whenever we will lend our attention to the inner task of working to transcend some dark state at work within us, then in that same moment, even if we don't see the immediate fruits of our effort, we will have already begun to release ourselves from its restrictions. For our effort to be conscious of our condition instead of remaining its captive, fresh energies flood over and through us, lifting us into the new understanding that who we really are can never be held back! Our willingness to bring that dark, discouraged state into our awareness of it, instead of allowing it to define what we are aware of, has changed our very relationship with life!

Now the upward path ahead, which was closed off to us only a moment before, opens wide its narrow gate as we open ourselves to the endless resources of a Living Truth. The Now nature newly active within us cannot be walled in by anything, which means that the limitations of former restrictions no longer exist for us. The darkness that once dominated us is literally dismissed because we have chosen the Living Light itself to be our advocate.

So now we know: the Way is already made for us to live in perfect contentment; we need never again suffer for no reason. More than this, we may take great comfort in knowing that nothing in the universe can stop us from realizing this victorious order of our own being, because the Divine has already seen to the truth of it. We need only agree to pay the cost of this higher consciousness, and we will find that the coins we need are already right there in our pocket.

Effective Communication Goes Against Human Nature

Communication is the most common presenting problem of couples in my practice. Yet, it is not truly the main problem. Even if couples utterly fail to talk, negotiate, or make decisions, there’s a bigger problem than communication.

When you're in a tense, difficult or nasty discussion with your partner, the problem isn't communication. The problem is your distressed emotional reaction about what they are saying. If your distress is severe enough, you are on the way to being at your worst.

When you are at your worst, you're likely to bring out the worst in your partner. But you really hope your partner will respond with their higher self. You hope they will break the pattern. Meanwhile, they’re hoping that you will break the pattern. You know where that leads.

Here's how it breaks down. When you are in a bad discussion with your partner:
Communication is a problem.
But it is not the problem.
The problem is your ineffective responses during the stressful discussion.

Your ineffective responses can be grouped into a few basic categories:
Finger pointing
Whining
Resentful accommodation
Withdrawal
Confusion

There are a lot of variations of each of these categories but they have one thing in common. They are all painful reflexes to a difficult discussion. Because they are reflexes, they don't take rehearsal or planning. When was the last time you had to remind yourself to get defensive at your partner for being sarcastic?

When you feel bad, angry, hurt, disappointed or frustrated, it's a reflex to want your partner to treat you better. If only they’d act more in accordance to your standards and desires, which bring you emotional relief, your life and relationship would be better, easier, more satisfying.

There is a part of everybody that wants our partner to change first. We want them to change to relieve us from our distress. We’re trying to get relief from our distress more than we’re trying to communicate. This is a normal and natural desire and reflex. But when this desire becomes the foundation for relationship change, there is “trouble in River City.”

Yes, I know you can build a legitimate case on the dastardly things your partner does when they go on tilt. That is a problem. But it is not the problem. The problem is improving how you react to their pain. That is what takes effort, planning and rehearsal.

How hard is this concept to implement? Intellectually, I know that when my wife, Ellyn, annoys me I should improve my reaction. But there is still a part of me that thinks, "Hey, I didn't get married to be reminded to take out the trash, put away my mail, pick up my shoes, etc. Why should I have to improve my response to Ellyn's distress?" Faced with the choice between leaving victimhood or proving that Ellyn needs to “chill” I get busy on the proof.

Have you noticed that in every argument each person starts from a different point of view and is bound for a different destination? And the more heated the argument the more each tries to airbrush out their own flaws. The problem is more than, "We can't talk."

I don't think Disraeli believed the problem was simply communication when he stated, "It destroys one's nerves to be amiable every day to the same human being."

Discussions with our partner are just one way we express our jumble of values, interests, concerns, goals, insecurities, dreams and hopes. The painful gap between effective communication and negative results is caused by fear, lack of self awareness, or lack of skills.

Perhaps you're now thinking, "Gosh, maybe I was better off believing the problem was just communication. Now what?"

Next time you’re heading into a difficult discussion with your partner, take a minute to relax with a couple of deep breaths. Exhale fully so that you’re forced to inhale more oxygen. Think about how you aspire to be during a sensitive discussion. If you were coming from your higher self, what would that look like? Write these qualities on a sheet of paper or a note card and have it in front of you during the next charged discussion.

Watch Your Language!

The language you use every day -- your word choice, sequence, and tone -- plays a more critical role in how you're perceived than you may imagine. How you respond to a question, a compliment, even a comment on the weather, affects what people think about you, your abilities, and your work in very subtle yet very powerful ways.

Let's look at three examples, including some simple changes you can make to have the most positive impact on your career and your relationships.

1. Yes, thanks, that WAS a good job.
How you respond to a compliment influences people's perception of your confidence and ability (or lack thereof). Like most people, you've probably found that compliments are harder to accept than criticism. From early childhood, you were almost certainly taught to ask for feedback (a.k.a. criticism) and to be modest about (i.e., discourage) compliments.

When you do the "aw, shucks, it weren't nuthin'" shuffle, brushing the compliment off with embarrassment or downplaying your accomplishment, people BELIEVE you. Believing your response, they overlook the hours of overtime put in by your team, the expertise and skill that were required, and the polish you put on the finished result.

On the other hand, if you adopt a superior stance by taking all the credit for a team effort or claiming that only you out of all the people in the organization could possibly have pulled it off, you'll be written off as arrogant and dangerously independent (not a team player).

Instead, practice a middle-ground approach, preferably by role-playing with a friend outside the office. Get comfortable with language that asserts your confidence and competence without false pride or arrogance. "Yes, thanks, my team and I did a really terrific job!" is a great response. "Thank you. I appreciate you recognizing the effort it took to get that done well," is another.

When someone compliments you personally, consider asking for more detailed feedback. A compliment can feel uncomfortable because it often implies judgment -- positive judgment, to be sure, but judgment nonetheless. "You're a great facilitator," is a judgment that inevitably causes comparison in your mind to all the facilitators you know who are better than you are, creating instant disbelief and discomfort.

Thank the speaker and ask, "What about my facilitation really worked for you?" This draws out specific comments ("I like how you make sure everyone gets equal time") that are actually useful to you in developing your facilitation skills.

2. Accentuate the Positive
Have you noticed that people complain in habitual ways? They use the same words to describe all the things they're not happy about. One person might call anyone he disagrees with a "schmoozing backstabber." Someone else might say any disappointing event -- whether in the past or anticipated -- was a "disaster."

Did it occur to you that your complaining habits are just as obvious to others as theirs are to you?

Management views complainers as losers. Therefore, complainers never get the best projects and are consistently passed over for promotion. You may not be an out-and-out complainer, but you almost certainly have typical complaining habits and hot-button circumstances that trigger those habits.

Pay attention for a few days to identify your habit. What triggers your complaints, and what words do you typically use? (If you can't figure it out, enlist the help of a trusted friend.)

Then pick more positive ways of expressing yourself. If positive replacements feel too artificial, try a factual way of describing the person or situation, without any emotional load.

The "schmoozing backstabber" might be "politically savvy," or could just be "Joe." That "disastrous project" might be "unfortunately delayed because of new requirements," or just "the printer upgrade project."

Save your complaining and venting for friends, spouses, and partners *outside* the office. Your career will thank you for it.

3. Choose 'Want' instead of 'Need'
Take a few days or a week to experiment with what happens when you use "want" instead of "need," "should," "gotta," "have to," and "must."

"I want to leave for work now."

"I want to finish this report by the end of the day."

"I want to go to the staff meeting."

If this feels awkward, especially if you feel as if you're lying to yourself, add on the reason WHY you want to do these things.

"I want to leave for work now because I have a better day when I'm at the office on time."

"I want to finish this report by the end of the day because my boss needs it first thing in the morning."

"I want to go to the staff meeting because when I don't go, my teammates say sarcastic things about my priorities and my boss gets mad."

You may find it such a pleasant way of looking at the world that you adopt "want" as your word of choice in every possible situation. In fact, I have a good friend who creates "want to do" lists instead of "to do" lists. She finds it significantly more motivating!

MOCK QUESTION PAPER FOR INTRODUCTORY

1) THREE OBSTACLES & FOUR DEVILS WHAT R THEY ? & HOW CAN U OVERCOME THESE? PLS EXPLAIN BRIEFLY.

2) HOW CAN U MAKE THE BEST USE OF THE 3 BASIC COMPONENTS OF OUR DESIRES?

3) MUTUAL POSSESSION OF THE TEN WORLDS CAN BE SEEN AS THE “INCLUSION OF BUDDHAHOOD IN THE NINE WORLDS”---PLS EXPLAIN THESE LINES

4) WHAT R THE 3 POWERFUL ENEMIES & HOW DID DAISHONIN FIGHT AGAINST THEM TO BECOME VICTORIOUS?

5) “MAN & HIS ENVIRONMENT ARE INSEPARABLE”WHY & HOW CAN U PROVE THIS CONCEPT?

6) BRIEFLY EXPLAIN ABOUT THE ONENESS OF BODY & MIND?

7) WHO ARE THE SHOTEN ZENGIN ? & HOW DO U ACTIVATE THEMIN THE UNIVERSE?

8) WHAT R THE 4 NOBLE VIRTUES OF BUDDHA? WHO WERE ENTRUSTED WITH THE MISSION OF KRF & WHY ? PLS EXPLAIN.

9) PLS EXPLAIN THESE LINES BRIEFLY—THE DAISHONIN WRITES,”THE BUDDHA’S WILL IS THE LOTUS SUTRA, BUT THE SOUL OF NICHIREN IS NOTHING OTHER THAN NAM-MYOHO-RENGE-KYO”
R
9B) “BUT YOUR FAITH ALONE WILL DETERMINE ALL THESE THINGS. A SWORD IS USELESS IN THE HANDS OF A COWARD. TH MIGHTY SWORD OF THE LOTUS SUTRA MUST BE WIELDED BY ONE COURAGEOUS IN FAITH. THEN ONE WILL BE AS STRONG AS A DEMON ARMED WITH AN IRON STAFF”

10) “ALTHOUGH I & MY DISCIPLES MAY ENCOUNTER VARIOUS DIFFICULTIES, IF WE DO NOT HARBOUR DOUBTS IN OUR HEARTS, WE WILL AS A MATTER OF COURSE ATTAIN BUDDHAHOOD”---- WHO HAS SAID THESE WORDS & TO WHO, IN WHAT CONTEXT? WHAT MESSAGE IS HE TRYING TO CONVEY?
R
10A) “ FOOLISH MEN ARE LIKELY TO FORGET THE PROMISES THEY HAVE MADE WHEN THE CRUCIAL MOMENT COMES”? WHO R THESE FOOLISH PEOPLE & WHAT PROMISES DID THEY MAKE & WHEN? BRIEFLY EXPLAIN.

11) HOW MANY TIMES DAISHONIN WAS EXILED & PERSECUTED & WHY? WHAT TREATISE DID HE SUBMIT THE THEN GOVT., & FOR WHAT PURPOSE?
12) WHAT IS ETERNAL BOND OF ONENESS OF MENTOR & DISCIPLE?WHEN WAS THE FOUNDING OF SGI DONE & WHAT IS SGI’S SPIRIT?
13) WHO HAS GOT ENLIGHTENMENT IN THE PRISON? WHO WAS HIS MENTOR & WHO WAS HIS DISCIPLE HOW R THEY CONNECTED TO EACHOTHER?
14) WHAT IS THE TEMPLE ISSUE? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR US 2 KNOW?
15) WHO WAS AFFECTED BY OPERATION “C” & WHOSE THOUGHT WAS THAT? WHAT WERE THE RESULTS OF THIS OPERATION”C”/





Sample paper 1A

Set of questions from Flowering of Faith: these are only to assist with learning and are not representative of the Introductory exam in any way and should not be construed as such.

Closed Book test – part 1.

Fill in the blanks:
1. Mutual possession of _____ worlds means that the world of ____________ is present in all of the ________ Worlds.
2. “As practice progresses and understanding grows, the ________ obstacles and _______ devils emerge in confusing forms, vying with one another to interfere …”
3. Nichiren Daishonin identified himself as the Bodhisattva _____________ practices, leader of the ___________ of the __________.
4. The function of making others feel safe and supported is _______________.
5. “The stronger one’s ________, the greater the protection of _______.”


Say True or False and then explain your choice in a couple of sentences:
1. When we get problems it means we are not practicing correctly.
2. Earthly desires in themselves are enlightenment
3. Esho Funi is the principle of oneness of body and mind
4. If our life state is high, we recover faster from illness.
5. True self represents a state of awareness of life’s eternity across three existences.

Short answers:
1. What does Nichiren Daishonin advice us to do when obstacles and devils show up as our practice grows?
2. Which hindrance to our practice is considered the toughest to overcome and why?
3. How is Mahayana Buddhism different from Hinayana Buddhism – give at least one key difference?
4. What are the basic types of earthly desires?
5. What is the difference between the second type and third type of powerful enemy?
6. How does understanding the mutual possession of ten worlds help us?
7. What’s the difference between the devils and the obstacles?
8. Why are earthly desires necessary?
9. How can one by changing self bring about change in the environment?
10. The four noble qualities represented by the four leaders of the Bodhisattvas are …
11. Who are the Buddhist gods? What is one key property of the Buddhist gods?
12. Explain zuiho bini and how it is relevant to us today.






















Sample paper 1B

• Mutual Possession of the Ten Worlds
1. Explain the concept mutual possession of the ten worlds.
2. What is the difference between pre-lotus sutra teachings and the lotus sutra teachings?
3. Why is it important to understand the concept of Mutual Possession of the ten worlds?
4. How can we manifest the supreme state of Buddhahood in our lives?
5. A Buddha is different from ordinary people. Is this true or false?
• The Three Obstacles and Four Devils
6. What are the three obstacles and four devils?
7. What do the three obstacles and four devils hinder?
8. Which hindrance is said to assume various forms in order to cause one to discard one’s Buddhist practice?
9. Which hindrance is the most difficult to overcome?
• Earthly Desires Lead to Enlightenment
10. How can earthly desires lead to enlightenment?
11. How can we direct our earthly desires towards enlightenment?
12. The Lotus blooms in muddy waters. How can we correlate this with our practice?
• Three Powerful Enemies
13. Who are the three powerful Enemies?
14. Which of the three powerful enemies is the most powerful?
• Oneness of Life and its Environment
15. What is the concept of Esho funi?
16. In ‘On Attaining Buddhahood in this Lifetime’, the Daishonin writes, “If the minds of living beings are ____________, their ________ is also ________, but if their minds are pure, so is their land.”
17. Why is it important to view ourselves and our environment as essentially one?
• Oneness of Body and Mind
18. What does the Japanese term Shikishin-funi mean?
19. How can we manifest the true aspect of oneness of body and mind?
• Bodhisattvas of the Earth
20. Who are the Bodhisattvas of the earth?
21. Which noble qualities of a Buddha are represented by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth?
22. Which Bodhisattva represents true self?
23. Which Bodhisattva corresponds to eternity?
24. Which Bodhisattva corresponds to purity?
25. Which Bodhisattva corresponds to happiness and a life state of spiritual peace and enlightenment?
• Precept of Adapting to Local Customs
26. What does the Japanese term zuiho bini mean?
27. What does the Buddhist Precept of Adapting to Local Customs indicate?
28. What is Sensei’s biggest concern in the area of Buddhist Precept of Adapting to Local Customs?
• Benevolent Deities
29. Who are the benevolent deities?
30. Which prayer do we offer to the benevolent deities?
31. When and how did the benevolent deities protect the Daishonin?
32. How can we strengthen the benevolent deities?










Sample paper 2

QUESTIONS TO FACILITATE STUDY TOWARDS INTRODUCTORY EXAMINATION

QUESTIONS ON BUDDHIST CONCEPTS

MUTUAL POSSESION OF TEN WORLDS

1. What was the pre-Lotus Sutra teachings concept of the ten worlds?

2. How did the theory of the ‘Mutual Possession of the Ten Worlds’ revolutionize this concept?

3. What is one of the component principles of Tien-t’ai’s doctrine of three thousand realms in a single moment of life?

4. What does ‘Mutual Possession’ mean?

5. What is the important point of the principal of the ‘Mutual Possession of the Ten Worlds’?

6. The principles of the ‘inclusion of Buddhahood in the nine worlds’ and the inclusion of the nine worlds in Buddhahood’ hold great importance. Why?

7. “The Life Span” Chapter of the Lotus Sutra refers to what aspect of Shakyamuni’s enlightenment?

8. In “The Life Span” Chapter of the Lotus Sutra, the Daishonin discerned the means for :
• attaining Buddhahood without having to discard one’s body as an ordinary person of the nine worlds
• actualizing the principle of the ‘Mutual Possession of the Ten Worlds’

9. A life-state in the nine worlds is steeped in:
• _______________________
• _______________________
• _______________________

10. The key to transforming a life state in nine worlds into Buddhahood is:
• ___________________________________
• ___________________________________
• ___________________________________

THREE OBSTACLES AND FOUR DEVILS

11. Explain in simple terms the three obstacles and four devils which are listed in the Nirvana Sutra?

12. The Gosho states,
• “As _________ progresses and ___________ grows, the __________ obstacles and four _______ emerge in confusing forms, vying with one another to interfere…

• One should be neither ______________ nor _______________ by them.

• If one falls under their influence, one will be led into the paths of _______. If one is frightened by them, one will be prevented from practicing the ______________ teaching.

13. Why are devils certain to appear in the course of our practice?

14. When devils and obstacles appear, what is the crucial juncture at which one finds oneself?

15. Obstacles refer to __________ whereas devils are literally translated as robbers of _________ and __________.

16. What are the three obstacles?

17. Briefly explain:
Obstacles Cause Manifestation of obstruction
1) Obstacle of earthly desire



2) Obstacle of karma



3) Obstacle of retribution




18. Briefly explain

Four Devils Manifestation of Hindrance
1) The hindrance of five components


2) The hindrance of earthly desire


3) The hindrance of death


4) The hindrance of the devil of the sixth heaven

19. Which hindrance is regarded as most difficult to overcome?

20. What do devilish functions prey on?

21. “Strengthen your faith day by day and month after month. Should you slacken even a bit, demons will take advantage” (WND -1, p. 997). What does this passage tell us?

22. The practice of Buddhism is a continuous struggle against:
• _______________________
• _______________________

23. If devils do not appear in our practice of Buddhism, what does it indicate?

24. The Gosho states, “Something uncommon also occurs when an ordinary person attains _______________. At such a time, the three __________ and four ____________ will invariably appear, and the _________ will rejoice while the foolish will __________. (WND-1, p. 636)

25. What should we do when the devilish functions occur in our life ? With what conviction should undertake these activites?

26. What is the only way to lead a brilliant and victorious life?

EARTHLY DESIRES ARE ENLIGHTENMENT

27. What is the contrast between the Mahayana and the Hinayana view of earthly desires?

28. The most basic type of earthly desires are represented by :
• ________________
• ________________ and
• ________________

29. What does Greed mean?

30. What does Anger signify?

31. What does Stupidity refer to?

32. What is the basis of all suffering and unhappiness in our lives?

33. It would be simplistic to dismiss desire as wholly evil. Illustrate how desires can be the driving force of civilization?

34. What does the word “are” in the phrase “earthly desires are enlightenment” mean?

35. Illustrate the principle of “earthly desires are enlightenment,” with a metaphor.

36. What happens to our earthly desires when we tap our Buddha nature, through practice to the Gohonzon?

THREE POWERFUL ENEMIES

37. Briefly explain, who are the three powerful enemies?

38. Miao-lo summarizes the three powerful enemies as:

THREE POWERFUL ENEMIES ACTION TAKEN AGAINST PRACTITIONERS
1) Arrogant lay people

2) Arrogant Priests


3) Arrogant false sages



39. Which is the most formidable of the three powerful enemies?

40. Nichiren Daishonin was able to identify himself as the votary, or true practitioner of the Lotus Sutra because, just as prophesized in the sutra, he was
• ________________________________________________________
• ________________________________________________________
• ________________________________________________________

ONENESS OF LIFE AND ITS ENVIRONMENT
41. MATCH THE FOLLOWING:

Esho Funi
Indicates “two(in phenomena) but not two (in essence).”
Esho
Reward or effect
Shoho
Abbreviation of nini-funi
Eho
The oneness of life and its environment
Funi
Denotes a living being
Nini funi
Combination of the first syllables of eho and shoho
Ho of shoho & eho Environment on which a living being is dependent for its life activities and survival

42. Why does each living being have its own unique environment?

43. Esho Funi as a concept goes further than denoting just the inseparable relationship between man and his environment. What does this principle show/teach us?

44. The way we see our environment differs depending on
• ___________________________________
• ___________________________________

45. Life extends its influence into the surroundings. What is our environment a reflection of?

46. Nichiren Daishonin writes in ‘ On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime: “Ifthe minds of living beings are ___________, their land is also impure, but if their minds are pure, so is their lands. There are no two lands, _______ or __________ in themselves. The difference lies solely in the _______ or evil of our minds.”

47. Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism enables us to transform the place where we are now into, ‘a Land of Eternally Tranquil Light” and there construct a palace of happiness. How can we achieve this happiness?
ONENESS OF BODY AND MIND

48. Briefly explain the principle of oneness of body and mind.

49. Match the following:

Shikishin-funi Indicates “two(in phenomena) but not two (in essence).”
Shiki
Abbreviation of nini-funi
Shin
Oneness of body and mind
Funi That which has form and colour or physical existence
Nini-funi That which has neither form nor colour, such as mind, heart and soul


50. Though the material and the spiritual are two separate classes of phenomena, they are indivisible. Illustrate this with an example of a person

51. What is a very important function of matter and spirit as an inseparable whole?

52. The record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings reads, “ ( Concerning the term dedication of one’s life) ‘____________ refers to the element of physical form as it pertains to us while ‘_________’ refers to the element of mind as it pertains to us. But the ultimate teaching tells us that _________ and ________ are not two.”

53. According to Nichiren Daishonin, how can we manifest the true aspect of ones wherein body and mind are in complete harmony?

BODHISATTVAS OF THE EARTH

54. Who are Bodhisattvas of the Earth?

55. They are described in which chapter of the Lotus Sutra?

56. Shakyamuni Buddha entrusted the propagation of the mystic law in the Latter Day of the Law to the Bodhisattvas of the Earth in the ________ world.


57. The Bodhisattvas of the Earth are lead by four bodhisattvas. They are:
1) ___________________________________
2) ___________________________________
3) ___________________________________
4) ___________________________________

58. Who is the leader among these four bodhisattvas?

59. In which chapter of the Lotus Sutra does Shakyamuni transfer the essence of the Lotus Sutra to the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, entrusting them with the mission of propagating it in the Latter Day of the Law?

60. The four bodhisattvas are the embodiment of the four noble qualities of a Buddha. These noble qualities are:
• ___________________
• ___________________
• ___________________
• ___________________
61. MATCH THE FOLLOWING:
Name of the Bodhisattva Quality of a Buddha
BODHISATTVA SUPERIOR PRACTICES PURITY

BODHISATTVA BOUNDLESS PRACTICES HAPPINESS

BODHISATTVA PURE PRACTICES TRUE SELF

BODHISATTVA FIRMLY ESTABLISHED PRACTICES ETERNITY


62. Match the following :
Quality of a Buddha STATE OF LIFE
HAPPINESS
• Awareness that one is a Buddha.
• A state of life characterized by Firm sense of independence and
• Conviction that remains unfazed by hardships
PURITY
• A state of being awakened to life’s eternity across the three existences of past, present and future
• A vast and boundless state of mind based on the eternal law of cause and effect
• A state that is free of suffering caused by fear of death, which stems from ignorance of the eternity of life
ETERNITY
• Represents the function of continuously manifesting the pure life of the Buddha and
• Purifying all phenomena while remaining untainted by the defilements of the world
TRUE SELF
• A life state of spiritual peace and enlightenment.
• Brims with a strong life-force and enjoyment of life, never wavering in the face of hardships
• Represents the function of making others fee safe and supported.


63. When we undertake the mission of the Bodhisattva of the Earth, what life state do we manifest in or lives and what does it enable us to achieve?

64. Nichiren Daishonin identified himself with which Bodhisattva?

65. In ‘The True Aspect of All Phenomena’ Nichiren Daishonin states: “ There should be no ___________________ among those who propagate the five characters of myoho-renge-kyo in the Latter Day of the Law, be they _________ or women. Were they not Bodhisattvas of the Earth, they could not chant the _____________. “

66. According to the lotus Sutra, what are the qualities that the Bodhisattvas of the Earth possess?

BENEVOLENT DEITIES

67. Briefly describe the shoten zenjin or benevolent deties?
68. What form do they appear in?
69. Some of the Benevolent deities include:
• _______________________
• _______________________
• _______________________
• _______________________
70. In the Lotus Sutra, who are regarded as the gods?

71. Whom do the benevolent deities serve to protect?

72. Benevolent deities are not in any way the object of ______________.

73. From the viewpoint of Buddhism’s profound life philosophy, it is not mere coincidence but logical for benevolent deities to appear. What brings forth the phenomena of shoten zenjin at a crucial moment?

74. In the Gosho, ‘Genera Stone Tiger’ the Daishonin states, “The stronger one’s _____________, the greater the ___________ of the gods. This means that the protection of gods depends on the _____________ of one’s faith.

75. In ‘ The Treatment of Illness’, the Daishonin writes “ The fundamental nature of __________________manifests itself as Brahma and Shakra whereas the fundamental _______________ manifests itself as the devil king of the sixth heaven”.

76. In the above passage what are Gods viewed as?

77. How can we who practice the Mystic Law change circumstances into the workings of Buddhist gods?

PERCEPT OF ADAPTING TO LOCAL CUSTOMS

78. Briefly explain the Buddhist percept of adapting to the local custom?

79. What does the Buddhist concept of zuiho bini mean?

80. With regard to the Buddhist percept of adapting to the local custom, what was Shinichi’s biggest fear, as expressed in the New Human Revolution?










Sample paper 3
Questions Based on the Concepts---
Please Note:
1. These questions are meant to help you learn better
2. They are not indicative in any which way of how the paper will be set
Mutual Possession of Ten-Worlds
Q1.What does the pre lotus-sutra teachings expound on the Ten-Worlds?

Q2.What do ‘Mutual possession of the Ten-Worlds” mean?

Q3.How is this principle important to transform life steeped in Earthly desires, karma and suffering.

Q4.Do you have to change form to attain Budhha-Hood?
Three obstacles and four devils
Q1. What do the 3 obstacles and 4 devils mean?

Q2. Distinguish between obstacles and devils?

Q3. List three obstacles and four devils.

Q4. What should one do when they arise?

Q5. Why are these obstruction necessary?

Q6. When do these devilish forces attack?

Q7. What will happen if you allow these obstructions to effect you?
Earthly Desires are Enlightenment
Q1. What is the difference between Mahayana and Hinayana teachings on Earthly desires and Enlightenment?

Q2. Which are the Earthly desires that lead to suffering?

Q3. Explain Earthly desires are Enlightenment with help of an example or metaphor?

Q4. How can we transform earthly desires into Enlightenment?
Three Powerful Enemies
Q1. What are three powerful enemies?

Q2. Which of three is the most formidable of thr three powerful enemies?

Q3. Why is Nichiren Daishonin the true votary of the Lotus-Sutra?
Bodhisattvas Of the Earth
Q1. Who are Bodhisattvas of the Earth?

Q2. In which chapter of the Lotus-Sutra do they appear?

Q3. Describe the emergence of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth.

Q4. Name the four leaders of the BOE.

Q5. Describe the qualities of each BOE.
Oneness of life and environment
Q1. Explain esho funi in detail. What is eho? What is sho? What is ho? Of sho?

Q2. How does the principle of esho funi work to make us happy?

Q3. How can we apply this principle to change the land we live in?

Q4. What is the relation between man and his environment? How can they affect one another?

Q5.Are there two lands? Where does the pure land exist?

Q6 .where does the grand palace of happiness exist ?
Q 7 What is the key to accessing that grand palace of happiness
Oneness of Body and mind
Q1. Explain the principle of oneness of body and mind.

Q2. Explain shiki-shin funi.

Q3. How are material and spiritual seemingly separate phenomena indivisible?
Benevolent Deities
Q1. What are shoten zenjin?

Q2. What is the function of benevolent deities?

Q3. How can we activate the benevolent deities?

Sample paper 4

QUESTIONS TO FACILITATE STUDY TOWARDS INTRODUCTORY EXAMINATION

LIFE OF NICHIREN DAISHONIN

CHILDHOOD

1. When was Nichiren Daishonin born?
2. What was his family’s occupation?
3. Where was Nichiren Daishonin born:
Village ________________________
Region ________________________
Country ________________________
4. His parents named him _______________(Splendid Sun)
5. At what age did Nichiren Daishonin become a novice monk? Which temple?
6. In those days why did temples serve as centers for learning?
7. What was the state of Buddhism at that time?

BECOMING THE WISEST PERSON IN JAPAN

1. As Zennichimaro advanced in his studies what doubts arose in his mind?
2. What did he resolve to do?
3. What did he single-mindedly sought to become?

THE YEARS OF STUDY

1. In his search for truth, Zennichimaro thoroughly studied the doctrines of the following schools:
• ___________________
• ___________________
• ___________________

2. Zennichimaro was ordained as a priest:
• On______________________
• At the age of ______________
• By _________________, the chief priest of Seicho-ji.

3. On becoming a priest he took a religious name Zesho–bo _______.

4. To further his studies, Rencho traveled to :
• _______________
• temples of __________
• Monasteries of Mount Hiei and Mount Koya near _________

5. After some ______ years of study, he finally became convinced that Shakyamuni’s ultimate teaching was found in the _______ Sutra.

PROCLAMATION OF NAM -MYOHO-RENGE-KYO

1. What did the priests do when Rencho returned at the end of his long years of study?

2. What happened on the early morning of 28 April, 1253?

3. Briefly describe, three important events that took place in the meeting later that day?

4. What are the “ four dictums”

5. In pronouncing the so called “four dictums”, what did Nichiren Daishonin effectively declare?

6. What was the consequence?

7. Who helped Nichiren Daishonin escape?

8. Where did Nichiren Daishonin settle after escaping the arrest warrant?

9. In November 1253 who became Nichiren Daishonin’s first disciple?

10. Some of Nichiren Daishonin’s early disciples were priests, others belonged to the_________ families.

11. Nichiren Daishonin’s first disciples were:
• _______________________
• _______________________
• _______________________
• _______________________
ON ESTABLISHING THE CORRECT TEACHING FOR THE PEACE OF THE LAND

1. What calamities were ravaging the country at that time?

2. In March 1259 and in April 1260, in accordance with the custom, what did the government proclaim? Why? What was the outcome?

3. In 1258 Nichiren Daishonin went to __________ temple, which had all of ______________’s sutras in its library.

4. Whom did he meet there?

5. Why did Nichiren Daishonin consult all the sutras in Jisso-ji’s library?

6. What did he conclude?

7. The Buddhist schools in Japan, at that time were founded on which teachings of Shakyamuni?

THE FIRST REMONSTRATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT

1. Nichiren Daishonin formulated the conclusion of his research in a treatise entitled _________________________________________________.

2. On 16 July 1260, he presented the treatise to ________ _________.

3. Who was Hojo Tokiyori?

4. The treatise entitled ‘On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land’ is known as Nichiren Daishonin’s __________ remonstration with the government.

5. What conviction did Nichiren Daishonin express in this treatise?

6. Whom did he particularly criticize?

7. Honen was the founder of ________ ________ school

8. The Great Collection sutra and the Medicine Master sutra elaborate the _________ calamities and the ___________ disasters.

9. What were the TWO disasters, Nichiren Daishonin predicted would happen, if the country continued to reject the correct teaching, Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.

10. Nichiren Daishonin knew perfectly well that he would encounter violent persecution if he addressed his treatise to Hojo Tokiyori, but did so nonetheless. WHY?

PERSECUTION AT MATSUBAGAYATSU AND EXILE TO IZU

1. Matsubagayatsu Persecution
• Took place on which date?
• By followers of which school?
• What did they do?
• Where did Nichiren Daishonin take refuge?

2. In spite of the danger, Nichiren Daishonin returned to Kamakura the following spring. What did he do after his return and why?

3. When was Nichiren Daishonin exiled to Izu Peninsula?

4. On exile to Izu, Nichiren Daishonin was abandoned by the guards on the beach and left to his own fate. Despite the hostility felt towards exiles, Nichiren Daishonin was taken in and cared for by a fisherman and his wife. What does this indicate?

5. After how many years was Nichiren Daishonin pardoned from Izu? Which year?

6. In which writing does Nichiren Daishonin write about his pardon from Izu exile?

THE KOMATSUBARA PERSECUTION

1. Briefly describe the incident known as Komatsubara Persection.

2. In January 1268, an event confirmed Nichiren Daishonin’s prediction of foreign invasion made in ‘‘On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land.’ What had happened?

3. In April 1268, Nichiren Daishonin sent ‘The _____________ for Writing ‘On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land’ to an active member of the government.

4. In October 1268, Nichiren Daishonin sent letters to eleven high-ranking political and religious leaders pointing out that his predictions were now being fulfilled, and calling for a public religious debate to demonstrate the validity of his teachings. His appeal was ignored. Why?

THE SECOND WARNING TO THE GOVERNMENT

1. In 1271, Japan suffered severe ___________

2. What actions did the government take?

3. What public challenge did Nichiren Daishonin issue?

4. What followed and led to Nichiren Daishonin’s ______________ remonstration with the government?

5. When did this second remonstration take place?

6. Nichiren Daishonin repeated which prediction on meeting Hei no Saemon?

7. In which Gosho does Nichiren Daishonin write about his meeting with Hei no Saemon?

8. How did the meeting conclude?

THE TATSUNOKUCHI PERSECUTION

1. When did the Tatsunokuchi persecution take place?

2. Who arrested Nichiren Daishonin?

3. Nichiren Daishonin was treated like a ______________, taken to _____________ beach, an execution site near _____________.
4. Hei no Saemon had decided to have Nichiren Daishonin _____________
5. Who is Hachiman?
6. Which disciple along with his three brothers accompanied Nichiren Daishonin barefooted to Tatsunokuchi?

7. What happenend when Nichiren Daishonin was to be beheaded?

8. Why is this event of UTMOST SGNIFICANCE?

9. Nichiren Daishonin writes “Nichiren was beheaded. It is his soul that has come to the island of Sado”. Explain briefly?

EXILE TO SADO

1. After Tatsunokuchi Persecution and before being exiled to Sado, what did the authorities do with Nichiren Daishonin?

2. Describe the living conditions at Sado?

3. Inhabitants of Sado Island were very hostile. Why?

4. The authorities did not expect the Daishonin to survive the winter, but far from dying, what activities did Nichiren Daishonin undertake at Sado?

5. Briefly describe the Tsukahara debate?

6. In which Gosho does Nichiren Daishonin describe the Tsukahara debate?

7. What happened at the debate and thereafter?

8. In February 1272 another of Daishonin’s prediction came true? What had happened?

9. What was the change in government’s attitude towards Nichiren Daishonin, after this prediction came true?

10. When did Nichiren Daishonin begin to inscribe personal Gohonzon for his closest followers?

11. On Sado, Nichiren Daishonin produced many important writings including :

1) ____________________________________________________
2) ____________________________________________________
3) ____________________________________________________
4) ____________________________________________________

11. Why are these writings important?
12. ‘The Opening of the Eyes’ explains……
13. ‘ The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind’ explains:
1) ______________________________________________
2) ______________________________________________
3) ______________________________________________

THE END OF EXILE
In February 1274, the then regent, Hojo Tokimune, granted Nichiren Daishonin permission to leave Sado Island. This was probably motivated by two events that took place in 1273.

1. What were these events?

2. What did they confirm?

THE THIRD REMONSTRATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT AND DEPARTURE TO MOUNT MINOBU

1. In the third remonstration with the government what did Nichiren Daishonin
predict?

2. In keeping with this prediction, what happened in 1274?

3. Why did Nichiren Daishonin retreat to Mt. Minobu?

4. In Mt. Minobu, Nichiren Daishonin continued to:

1) ____________________________________________
2) ____________________________________________

5. Nearly half of the extant of Nichiren Daishonin’s works dates from the period he was in Mount ____________.

6. Which disciple in particular did Nichiren Daishonin train at Mt. Minobu?

7. Nikko Shonin faithfully recorded Nichiren Daishonin’s lectures in
____________________________________________________

THE ATSUHARA PERSECUTION AND FULFILLMENT OF THE DAISHONIN’S MISSION

1. In 1275 __________ ____________ took the lead in propagating Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings in the Fuji area, centered on the village of ___________, and succeeded in converting many lay people (mostly __________) and priests.

2. Who was Nanjo Tokimitsu?

3. What was the reaction of the local temples to the propagation?

4. How did the assistant chief priest of a Tendai temple in Atsuhara village, harass the Daishonin’s followers? What stance did the followers take?

5. How did Nanjo Tokimitsu conduct himself during the Atsuhara persecutions? What punishment did he have to incur?

6. What realization made Nichiren Daishonin inscribe the Dai – Gohonzon?

7. When did Nichiren Daishonin inscribe the Dai – Gohonzon?

8. How many years after first proclaiming the teaching at Seicho-ji temple did Nichiren Daishonin inscribe the Dai – Gohonzon?

9. Three days after Nichiren Daishonin inscribed the Dai – Gohonzon, what happened to his farmer disciples at Atsuhara?

10. What is collectively known as Atsuhara Persecution?


TRANSMISSION OF THE LAW AND THE DEATH OF NICHIREN DAISHONIN

1. By 1280, Nichiren Daishonin had already decided upon _______________ as his successor.

2. In which document does Nichiren Daishonin state this decision?

3. Why was Nikko Shonin clearly foremost among Nichiren Daishonin’s disciples in faith, practice and study?

4. In September 1282, what did Nichiren Daishonin transfer to Nikko Shonin?

5. In, ‘Document for Entrusting the Law Which Nichiren Propogated throughout His Life ‘ Nichiren Daishonin formally certified Nikko Shonin as
• his _______________and
• the ______________ of the propagation of his Buddhism

6. How long did Nichiren Daishonin live in Mt. Minobu?

7. On October 13, 1282, just before his death, Nichiren Daishonin wrote a second transfer document, ‘Document for Entrusting Minobu-san’, again designating ____________ as his legitimate successor.

8. At what age, when and where did Nichiren Daishonin pass away?

Sample paper 5

QUESTIONS TO FACILITATE STUDY TOWARDS THE INTRODUCTORY EXAMINATION ON NOVEMBER 18, 2007

QUESTIONS ON TEMPLE ISSUE

INTRODUCTION

1. What does “temple issue” refer to?

2. What is the process OF HUMAN REVOLUTION as it unfolds into the broader process we call KOSEN-RUFU?

3. What is the most elemental purpose of Buddhism?

4. Soka Gakkai its inception has been based on purest intent of Buddhism. What is its aim?

5. Buddhism characterizes opposition by authorities as:
• ____________________________________________________
• ____________________________________________________
• ____________________________________________________
• ____________________________________________________

6. In its harshest form, the formula of oppression in the history of Buddhism is always the same. Briefly explain, how does the oppression take place?

7. Meeting opposition in our efforts to spread the Daishonin’s Buddhism , does not mean that the SGI has done something __________and is therefore experiencing ____________.

8. How does the Daishonin explain obstacles being faced by SGI ?

9. According to Lotus Sutra, who is susceptible to negative tendencies and how can we guard against succumbing to such tendencies?

10. What is the only correct action towards anti-Buddhist attitude and behavior ? / What is the stance of Gakkai towards “Nikken Sect” ?

11. What is Nikken sect?

12. What is Soka Renaissance?

13. What has Soka Gakkai achieved by being excommunicated by Nikken?

WHAT IS TEMPLE ISSUE

14. The condition of ____________ Japanese society over the centuries has led to attitudes and orientations among Buddhist priests towards the laity that could best be described as a __________ - ___________ mentality.

15. What is “Operation C”? Who was it inspired and led by?

16. How did “Operation C” begin?

17. What was the criticism against President Ikeda’s suggestion that the choral part of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” be sung at a leaders meeting?

18. What action did Soka Gakkai take vis-à-vis the accusations of priesthood?

19. What was priesthood’s response?

20. What action did Soka Gakkai take when priesthood denied its request for dialogue?

21. The priesthood followed with a series of one sided measures. What were these measures?

22. What happened in November 1991?

23. How did Soka Gakkai respond to the excommunication?

24. What is SGI’s fundamental conviction that has been underscored by the outbreak of temple issue?

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE TEMPLE ISSUE?

25. What does temple issue address?

26. How does the need to understand the temple issue, challenge us as individuals?

27. Why is temple issue an irreplaceable learning opportunity?

28. If we do not understand and transmit the profound implications of the temple issue to future generations, we would be doing a disservice to them. Why?

29. What is correct faith?

30. What will happen if we fail to correctly grasp the meaning of faith?

31. What is the practice of shakabuku?

32. Who propounds the erroneous views?

33. Who can shed light on what is true and what is erroneous

34. In what way does a clear understanding of temple issue us?

35. What is the intent of Nichiren Shoshu towards SGI?

36. According to Nichiren Daishonin, what constitutes the “essential practice”?

37. What is the best way to protect ourselves and our fellow members from being misled by the priesthood?

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT NIKKEN?

38. State a few of the ways in which, Nikken Abe, as head of Nichiren Soshu, has acted counter to the teachings and spirit of the Daishonin’s Buddhism.

39. What is the scheme by Nikken to destroy the harmonious unity of believers, dubbed as?

40. What are the two main plots of this scheme?

41. What is termed as danto movement?

42. Which act of Nikken is unprecedented in the history of world religion?

43. What alteration in the doctrine of Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings has Nikken preached?

44. What does Nikken’s behavior suggest? What has it led to?

45. Nikken’s perverse nature has placed him in direct opposition to the noble cause of _________________.

WHAT IS THE REAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TEMPLE AND THE SGI?

46. The difference between the SGI and Nichiren Shoshu can clearly be seen in atleast four key areas. Briefly describe these differences.

SGI Nichiren Shoshu
VIEW ON EQUALITY
VIEW OF THE GOHONZON
VIEW OF THE “HERITAGE” OF THE LAW
ATTITUDE & BEHAVIOUR

IF THE PRIESTHOOD HAS BEEN MISGUIDED ALL ALONG, WHY DID THE SGI SUPPORT IT IN THE PAST?

47. Why did SGI support the priesthood in the past?

48. What is the concept of Nichiren Daishonin’s ideal called kosen-rufu?

49. When did SGI begin to admonish the priesthood and refute their erroneous teachings in the spirit of admonishing slander?

50. What happened in December 2005?

WHY DID SGI DECIDE TO ISSUE THE GOHONZON?

51. Which year did SGI decide to issue the Gohonzon?

52. Who put forward this proposal to SGI to issue the Gohonzon to its members?

53. The Gohonzon issued by SGI is a reproduction of which Gohonzon?

54. The significance of the SGI’s decision to issue the Gohonzon can be seen from two perspectives. Explain briefly?

WHY DOES NICHIREN SHOSHU CLAIM THAT THE GOHONZON ISSUED BY THE SGI IS “COUNTERFEIT”?

55. The priesthood asserts that the Gohonzon issued by the SGI are “counterfeit” because:
1) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

56. According to Daishonin, what helps us tap the power of the Gohonzon within us?

57. What is the significance of “eye-opening”?

58. What is the key to summon forth the state of Buddhahood?

59. What is Daishonin’s view of the power of prayer?

60. How do we derive benefit from the Gohonzon?

WHY ARE MEMBERS EXCHANGING THEIR NIKKEN-TRANSCRIBED
GOHONZON FOR THE ONE TRANSCRIBED BY NICHIKAN? WHAT IS THE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THESE GOHONZON?

61. What was Nichiren Daishonin’s intent in inscribing the Gohonzon?

62. Why is Nikken least qualified person to act o behalf of Nichiren Daishonin in transcribing the Gohonzon?

63. Why are members exchanging their Nikken-transcribed Gohonzon for the one transcribed by Nichikan?

64. According to Buddhism what is a profoundly good cause?

65. How cause are members making by chanting to the Gohonzon transcribed by Nichikan?


HOW CAN WE HELP THOSE WHO FOLLOW THE PRIESTS (DANTO)?

66. How does Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism describe the strictness of the law of cause and effect?

67. According to the Daishonin’s teachings what is the worst effect a person can receive from slandering the law?

68. What is inconspicuous loss or punishment?

69. Though the law of _________ is strict, Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism is based on ________________.

70. How can we help those who follow the priests (Danto)?







Sample paper 6

Questions Based on the Concepts---

Please Note:
1. These questions are meant to help you learn better
2. They are not indicative in any which way of how the paper will be set

Mutual Possession of Ten-Worlds

Q1.What does the pre lotus-sutra teachings expound on the Ten-Worlds?

Q2.What do ‘Mutual possession of the Ten-Worlds” mean?

Q3.How is this principle important to transform life steeped in Earthly desires, karma and suffering.

Q4.Do you have to change form to attain Budhha-Hood?

Three obstacles and four devils

Q1. What do the 3 obstacles and 4 devils mean?

Q2. Distinguish between obstacles and devils?

Q3. List three obstacles and four devils.

Q4. What should one do when they arise?

Q5. Why are these obstruction necessary?

Q6. When do these devilish forces attack?

Q7. What will happen if you allow these obstructions to effect you?

Earthly Desires are Enlightenment

Q1. What is the difference between Mahayana and Hinayana teachings on Earthly desires and Enlightenment?

Q2. Which are the Earthly desires that lead to suffering?

Q3. Explain Earthly desires are Enlightenment with help of an example or metaphor?

Q4. How can we transform earthly desires into Enlightenment?

Three Powerful Enemies

Q1. What are three powerful enemies?

Q2. Which of three is the most formidable of thr three powerful enemies?

Q3. Why is Nichiren Daishonin the true votary of the Lotus-Sutra?

Bodhisattvas Of the Earth

Q1. Who are Bodhisattvas of the Earth?

Q2. In which chapter of the Lotus-Sutra do they appear?

Q3. Describe the emergence of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth.

Q4. Name the four leaders of the BOE.

Q5. Describe the qualities of each BOE.
Oneness of life and environment

Q1. Explain esho funi in detail. What is eho? What is sho? What is ho? Of sho?

Q2. How does the principle of esho funi work to make us happy?

Q3. How can we apply this principle to change the land we live in?

Q4. What is the relation between man and his environment? How can they affect one another?

Q5.Are there two lands? Where does the pure land exist?

Q6 .where does the grand palace of happiness exist ?
Q 7 What is the key to accessing that grand palace of happiness
Oneness of Body and mind

Q1. Explain the principle of oneness of body and mind.

Q2. Explain shiki-shin funi.

Q3. How are material and spiritual seemingly separate phenomena indivisible?
Benevolent Deities

Q1. What are shoten zenjin?

Q2. What is the function of benevolent deities?

Q3. How can we activate the benevolent deities?

Sample paper 7
QUESTIONS TO FACILITATE STUDY TOWARDS INTRODUCTORY EXAMINATION ON

QUESTIONS ON BUDDHIST CONCEPTS

MUTUAL POSSESION OF TEN WORLDS

11. What was the pre-Lotus Sutra teachings concept of the ten worlds?

12. How did the theory of the ‘Mutual Possession of the Ten Worlds’ revolutionize this concept?

13. What is one of the component principles of Tien-t’ai’s doctrine of three thousand realms in a single moment of life?

14. What does ‘Mutual Possession’ mean?

15. What is the important point of the principal of the ‘Mutual Possession of the Ten Worlds’?

16. The principles of the ‘inclusion of Buddhahood in the nine worlds’ and the inclusion of the nine worlds in Buddhahood’ hold great importance. Why?

17. “The Life Span” Chapter of the Lotus Sutra refers to what aspect of Shakyamuni’s enlightenment?

18. In “The Life Span” Chapter of the Lotus Sutra, the Daishonin discerned the means for :
• attaining Buddhahood without having to discard one’s body as an ordinary person of the nine worlds
• actualizing the principle of the ‘Mutual Possession of the Ten Worlds’

19. A life-state in the nine worlds is steeped in:
• _______________________
• _______________________
• _______________________

20. The key to transforming a life state in nine worlds into Buddhahood is:
• ___________________________________
• ___________________________________
• ___________________________________

THREE OBSTACLES AND FOUR DEVILS
11. Explain in simple terms the three obstacles and four devils which are listed in the Nirvana Sutra?

12. The Gosho states,
• “As _________ progresses and ___________ grows, the __________ obstacles and four _______ emerge in confusing forms, vying with one another to interfere…

• One should be neither ______________ nor _______________ by them.

• If one falls under their influence, one will be led into the paths of _______. If one is frightened by them, one will be prevented from practicing the ______________ teaching.

13. Why are devils certain to appear in the course of our practice?

14. When devils and obstacles appear, what is the crucial juncture at which one finds oneself?

15. Obstacles refer to __________ whereas devils are literally translated as robbers of _________ and __________.

16. What are the three obstacles?

17. Briefly explain:
Obstacles Cause Manifestation of obstruction
1) Obstacle of earthly desire



2) Obstacle of karma



3) Obstacle of retribution




18. Briefly explain

Four Devils Manifestation of Hindrance
1) The hindrance of five components


2) The hindrance of earthly desire


3) The hindrance of death


4) The hindrance of the devil of the sixth heaven



19. Which hindrance is regarded as most difficult to overcome?

20. What do devilish functions prey on?

21. “Strengthen your faith day by day and month after month. Should you slacken even a bit, demons will take advantage” (WND -1, p. 997). What does this passage tell us?

22. The practice of Buddhism is a continuous struggle against:
• _______________________
• _______________________

23. If devils do not appear in our practice of Buddhism, what does it indicate?

24. The Gosho states, “Something uncommon also occurs when an ordinary person attains _______________. At such a time, the three __________ and four ____________ will invariably appear, and the _________ will rejoice while the foolish will __________. (WND-1, p. 636)

25. What should we do when the devilish functions occur in our life ? With what conviction should undertake these activites?

26. What is the only way to lead a brilliant and victorious life?

EARTHLY DESIRES ARE ENLIGHTENMENT
27. What is the contrast between the Mahayana and the Hinayana view of earthly desires?

28. The most basic type of earthly desires are represented by :
• ________________
• ________________ and
• ________________

39. What does Greed mean?

40. What does Anger signify?

41. What does Stupidity refer to?

42. What is the basis of all suffering and unhappiness in our lives?

43. It would be simplistic to dismiss desire as wholly evil. Illustrate how desires can be the driving force of civilization?

44. What does the word “are” in the phrase “earthly desires are enlightenment” mean?

45. Illustrate the principle of “earthly desires are enlightenment,” with a metaphor.

46. What happens to our earthly desires when we tap our Buddha nature, through practice to the Gohonzon?

THREE POWERFUL ENEMIES

47. Briefly explain, who are the three powerful enemies?

48. Miao-lo summarizes the three powerful enemies as:

THREE POWERFUL ENEMIES ACTION TAKEN AGAINST PRACTITIONERS
1) Arrogant lay people



2) Arrogant Priests




3) Arrogant false sages






41. Which is the most formidable of the three powerful enemies?

42. Nichiren Daishonin was able to identify himself as the votary, or true practitioner of the Lotus Sutra because, just as prophesized in the sutra, he was
• ________________________________________________________
• ________________________________________________________
• ________________________________________________________

ONENESS OF LIFE AND ITS ENVIRONMENT

50. MATCH THE FOLLOWING:

Esho Funi
Indicates “two(in phenomena) but not two (in essence).”
Esho
Reward or effect
Shoho
Abbreviation of nini-funi
Eho
The oneness of life and its environment
Funi
Denotes a living being
Nini funi
Combination of the first syllables of eho and shoho
Ho of shoho & eho Environment on which a living being is dependent for its life activities and survival

51. Why does each living being have its own unique environment?

52. Esho Funi as a concept goes further than denoting just the inseparable relationship between man and his environment. What does this principle show/teach us?

53. The way we see our environment differs depending on
• ___________________________________
• ___________________________________

54. Life extends its influence into the surroundings. What is our environment a reflection of?

55. Nichiren Daishonin writes in ‘ On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime: “Ifthe minds of living beings are ___________, their land is also impure, but if their minds are pure, so is their lands. There are no two lands, _______ or __________ in themselves. The difference lies solely in the _______ or evil of our minds.”

56. Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism enables us to transform the place where we are now into, ‘a Land of Eternally Tranquil Light” and there construct a palace of happiness. How can we achieve this happiness?
ONENESS OF BODY AND MIND

57. Briefly explain the principle of oneness of body and mind.




58. Match the following:

Shikishin-funi Indicates “two(in phenomena) but not two (in essence).”
Shiki
Abbreviation of nini-funi
Shin
Oneness of body and mind
Funi That which has form and colour or physical existence
Nini-funi That which has neither form nor colour, such as mind, heart and soul


58. Though the material and the spiritual are two separate classes of phenomena, they are indivisible. Illustrate this with an example of a person

59. What is a very important function of matter and spirit as an inseparable whole?

60. The record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings reads, “ ( Concerning the term dedication of one’s life) ‘____________ refers to the element of physical form as it pertains to us while ‘_________’ refers to the element of mind as it pertains to us. But the ultimate teaching tells us that _________ and ________ are not two.”

61. According to Nichiren Daishonin, how can we manifest the true aspect of ones wherein body and mind are in complete harmony?

BODHISATTVAS OF THE EARTH

62. Who are Bodhisattvas of the Earth?

63. They are described in which chapter of the Lotus Sutra?

64. Shakyamuni Buddha entrusted the propagation of the mystic law in the Latter Day of the Law to the Bodhisattvas of the Earth in the ________ world.


65. The Bodhisattvas of the Earth are lead by four bodhisattvas. They are:
5) ___________________________________
6) ___________________________________
7) ___________________________________
8) ___________________________________

61. Who is the leader among these four bodhisattvas?

62. In which chapter of the Lotus Sutra does Shakyamuni transfer the essence of the Lotus Sutra to the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, entrusting them with the mission of propagating it in the Latter Day of the Law?

63. The four bodhisattvas are the embodiment of the four noble qualities of a Buddha. These noble qualities are:
• ___________________
• ___________________
• ___________________
• ___________________


63. MATCH THE FOLLOWING:
Name of the Bodhisattva Quality of a Buddha
BODHISATTVA SUPERIOR PRACTICES PURITY

BODHISATTVA BOUNDLESS PRACTICES HAPPINESS

BODHISATTVA PURE PRACTICES TRUE SELF

BODHISATTVA FIRMLY ESTABLISHED PRACTICES ETERNITY


64. Match the following :
Quality of a Buddha STATE OF LIFE
HAPPINESS
• Awareness that one is a Buddha.
• A state of life characterized by Firm sense of independence and
• Conviction that remains unfazed by hardships
PURITY
• A state of being awakened to life’s eternity across the three existences of past, present and future
• A vast and boundless state of mind based on the eternal law of cause and effect
• A state that is free of suffering caused by fear of death, which stems from ignorance of the eternity of life
ETERNITY
• Represents the function of continuously manifesting the pure life of the Buddha and
• Purifying all phenomena while remaining untainted by the defilements of the world
TRUE SELF
• A life state of spiritual peace and enlightenment.
• Brims with a strong life-force and enjoyment of life, never wavering in the face of hardships
• Represents the function of making others fee safe and supported.

63. When we undertake the mission of the Bodhisattva of the Earth, what life state do we manifest in or lives and what does it enable us to achieve?

64. Nichiren Daishonin identified himself with which Bodhisattva?

65. In ‘The True Aspect of All Phenomena’ Nichiren Daishonin states: “ There should be no ___________________ among those who propagate the five characters of myoho-renge-kyo in the Latter Day of the Law, be they _________ or women. Were they not Bodhisattvas of the Earth, they could not chant the _____________. “

66. According to the lotus Sutra, what are the qualities that the Bodhisattvas of the Earth possess?

BENEVOLENT DEITIES

67. Briefly describe the shoten zenjin or benevolent deties?
68. What form do they appear in?
69. Some of the Benevolent deities include:
• _______________________
• _______________________
• _______________________
• _______________________
70. In the Lotus Sutra, who are regarded as the gods?

71. Whom do the benevolent deities serve to protect?

72. Benevolent deities are not in any way the object of ______________.

73. From the viewpoint of Buddhism’s profound life philosophy, it is not mere coincidence but logical for benevolent deities to appear. What brings forth the phenomena of shoten zenjin at a crucial moment?

74. In the Gosho, ‘Genera Stone Tiger’ the Daishonin states, “The stronger one’s _____________, the greater the ___________ of the gods. This means that the protection of gods depends on the _____________ of one’s faith.

75. In ‘ The Treatment of Illness’, the Daishonin writes “ The fundamental nature of __________________manifests itself as Brahma and Shakra whereas the fundamental _______________ manifests itself as the devil king of the sixth heaven”.

76. In the above passage what are Gods viewed as?

77. How can we who practice the Mystic Law change circumstances into the workings of Buddhist gods?

PERCEPT OF ADAPTING TO LOCAL CUSTOMS

78. Briefly explain the Buddhist percept of adapting to the local custom?

79. What does the Buddhist concept of zuiho bini mean?

80. With regard to the Buddhist percept of adapting to the local custom, what was Shinichi’s biggest fear, as expressed in the New Human Revolution?


• Mutual Possession of the Ten Worlds
1. Explain the concept mutual possession of the ten worlds.
2. What is the difference between pre-lotus sutra teachings and the lotus sutra teachings?
3. Why is it important to understand the concept of Mutual Possession of the ten worlds?
4. How can we manifest the supreme state of Buddhahood in our lives?
5. A Buddha is different from ordinary people. Is this true or false?
• The Three Obstacles and Four Devils
6. What are the three obstacles and four devils?
7. What do the three obstacles and four devils hinder?
8. Which hindrance is said to assume various forms in order to cause one to discard one’s Buddhist practice?
9. Which hindrance is the most difficult to overcome?
• Earthly Desires Lead to Enlightenment
10. How can earthly desires lead to enlightenment?
11. How can we direct our earthly desires towards enlightenment?
12. The Lotus blooms in muddy waters. How can we correlate this with our practice?
• Three Powerful Enemies
13. Who are the three powerful Enemies?
14. Which of the three powerful enemies is the most powerful?
• Oneness of Life and its Environment
15. What is the concept of Esho funi?
16. In ‘On Attaining Buddhahood in this Lifetime’, the Daishonin writes, “If the minds of living beings are ____________, their ________ is also ________, but if their minds are pure, so is their land.”
17. Why is it important to view ourselves and our environment as essentially one?
• Oneness of Body and Mind
18. What does the Japanese term Shikishin-funi mean?
19. How can we manifest the true aspect of oneness of body and mind?
• Bodhisattvas of the Earth
20. Who are the Bodhisattvas of the earth?
21. Which noble qualities of a Buddha are represented by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth?
22. Which Bodhisattva represents true self?
23. Which Bodhisattva corresponds to eternity?
24. Which Bodhisattva corresponds to purity?
25. Which Bodhisattva corresponds to happiness and a life state of spiritual peace and enlightenment?
• Precept of Adapting to Local Customs
26. What does the Japanese term zuiho bini mean?
27. What does the Buddhist Precept of Adapting to Local Customs indicate?
28. What is Sensei’s biggest concern in the area of Buddhist Precept of Adapting to Local Customs?
• Benevolent Deities
29. Who are the benevolent deities?
30. Which prayer do we offer to the benevolent deities?
31. When and how did the benevolent deities protect the Daishonin?
32. How can we strengthen the benevolent deities?