(Dedicated to members practicing in Argentina)
Today, the day I am writing this, is August 27, 2019, the anniversary of the Matsubagayatsu persecution endured by Nichiren Shonin. It was during this event when thousands of lay believers of the Nembutsu-only school were incited to riot by their clergy with the tacit approval of the government. The incident took place in Kamakura, Japan.
On the evening of the 27th, Nichiren was prompted to leave his dwelling by the urgings of a white monkey. The monkey then led Nichiren up into the hills above his hut. From there it was obvious to Nichiren that if he had ignored the monkey and remained in his hut he most likely would have burned to death or been seriously injured by the rioters.
Frequently when I talk about this event people most often want to focus on the ‘miracle’ of the intervention of the monkey and Nichiren’s escape. While that is certainly interesting, and makes for a good exciting plot line, I don’t think it is the most important lesson for us to dwell upon.
What I like to consider is the fortitude of Nichiren, who was only 39 years old. Surviving the incident is something for us to be thankful for certainly. More important though, I believe, should be our gratitude that after this experience Nichiren continued to preach, teach, and spread the Dharma. If Nichiren had called it quits, even after being rescued by the monkey then it is likely we would not be gathering together and chanting Odaimoku.
For each of us the greater lesson here is not to be discouraged by our obstacles. It is certain that most of our challenges in life will not be resolved by miraculous interventions. Given that fact if we focus on the extraordinary events that allowed Nichiren to survive then we may feel as if the Odaimoku does not benefit us to the degree it did Nichiren. I believe that would be an inaccurate comparison, one that would provide fertile ground for doubt.
The important thing in our lives is to live through our troubles with the same determination and single mindedness that Nichiren exhibited when faced with his own difficulties. Most of us will not face life-threatening persecution for our faith. Some of us may face persecution because we are ass-holes, but few will be persecuted simply because of chanting Odaimoku.
While I have certainly had more than my fair share of extraordinary solutions to my life challenges, most of the time the thing I have gained through chanting is wisdom and courage. Wisdom to be open to solutions I had not previously considered, and courage to persevere even when it may seem hopeless.
I was informed the other day that the members in Argentina were eating only soup because they did not have enough money for food. The economy there is in shambles, inflation is skyrocketing, and food and essentials costs more and more every day. Also wages are stagnant and low, never enough to buy the things needed for basic living.
I can not promise you, or anyone, will see a “white-monkey” appear revealing a solution. Rather I can attest that continuing to uphold your faith, chanting with joy and confidence you can gain the courage to not only endure but thrive in ways you never thought possible.
Notice I said chanting with confidence and great joy. I think this is fundamental. When you can approach your faith, not in desperation, but in true joy and confidence, then an even greater joy wells up within you and even more courage strengthens your resolve.
In my book Contemplating Illness, (Contemplando la Enfermedad) which is now available in Spanish, I talk about when I first began chanting. At the time I was in the United States Marine Corps and facing some serious challenges from my commanders. I was new in faith, I was young, only 21, I was scared. When I chanted then it was as if I was throwing hand-grenades at the Gohonzon with each Odaimoku. Have you ever chanted with that kind of energy, and desperation? I’m guessing many have.
It isn’t wrong to chant that way. It actually normal to an extent. It doesn’t mean you doubt the possibilities. You are not weak.
But consider this for a moment. For those who have practiced for a period of time, perhaps you can recall some incidents that have resolved themselves with not much effort or worry. Now when you are faced with something major we think that we need to stress out, tense our muscles, scrub our beads, and scream our heads off. Of course you can do those things, but you don’t need to. Rather chant with determination that this will be resolved, find a place in your faith and life that can say, “I don’t know how it will work out, but I promise I will continue in my faith until it is resolved, and as I live and practice my faith, I will do so with joy and confidence.”
That’s hard to do, perhaps sometimes it is the hardest thing to do.
I am praying for your faith and courage, and I pray that your suffering be turned into a wonderful life changing experience which will propel you to enlightenment in this life.
With Gassho,
Kansho Jeffus, Shonin
