What We Treasure
Over the past few days the topic of the blog has been generally on why we practice Buddhism, the difficulty of staying focused and so forth. Continuing on with that theme today let’s again look at why we practice Buddhism.
“We will not spare even our lives. We treasure only unsurpassed enlightenment. We will protect and keep the Dharma in the future if you transmit it to us.” (Lotus Sutra, Chapter XIII)
When we think of treasure sometimes I suppose we think of wealth or riches, you know, pirates treasure perhaps. Treasure is defined as ‘something of great worth or value; a collection of precious things.’
The greatest treasure we have is our lives; it is the only thing we have that can not be replaced. Our lives, like many precious gems, gold or silver, can be made prettier, more pleasing by constant cleaning, polishing, and refining. And the single most effective way of doing all of that to our lives is by practicing the Dharma, and as Nichiren followers, the way we do that is by changing Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.
By chanting Odaimoku we not only polish up the treasure of our life, we also deepen our relationship and connection to the Dharma. It takes continuous steady effort. It is over the long haul that we will gain the most benefit and the longest lasting benefit from our practice.
“We will wear the armor of endurance because we respect and believe you.” (Lotus Sutra, Chapter XIII)
As we practice for ourselves we also practice for others, the two are intertwined, and inseparable as Bodhisattva practices.
“When we hear of a person who seeks the Dharma in any village or city, we will visit him and expound the Dharma to him if you transmit it to us. Because we are your messengers, we are fearless before multitudes. We will expound the Dharma. Buddha, do not worry!” (Lotus Sutra, Chapter XIII)
As I have mentioned before, the most effective way of sharing the Dharma with others is by practicing the Dharma ourselves and slowly but surely improving our own lives. As we become happy we are better able to show others how to become happy.
It is easy to become discouraged, it is hard to continue, yet every day we chant Odaimoku we are making steady progress towards eliminating suffering in our lives. Let us resolve within ourselves to hold onto the treasure of the Dharma, the priceless gift given to us by the Buddha. The more we treasure that gift, the more we treasure the Dharma the greater its influence will be on the treasure of our life.
“We vow all this to you and also to the Buddhas who have come from the worlds of the ten quarters. Buddha, know what we have in our minds!” (Lotus Sutra, Chapter XIII)
