Immovable
Fudo Myo Day
Fudo is one of two esoteric deities appearing in the mandala in Nichiren Buddhism either represented in calligraphic form or in statue. Nothing has been uncovered by Nichiren that would explain definitively why Fudo and Aizen appear when they are not specifically mentioned in the Lotus Sutra. There is some speculation, but to my knowledge nothing beyond that exists by way of explanation.
Fudo is depicted as a fearsome deity surrounded by flames, sitting on a rock holding a sword and rope or lasso. Fudo is a prominent deity found in Shingon practices.
It is said that Fudo stands at the gates of hell and prevents believers from entering into the realm of suffering and fire. That is one image that I like to think about. Another is the fact that Fudo sitting on the rock represents immovability, he is firmly planted on and will not be moved from the rock upon which he sits guarding against hell.
Please do not think that my images and ideas are in anyway a supposition about what Nichiren may have been thinking. My ideas are mine alone, they are just my thoughts.
Today I would like to leave you with the idea of immovability. When we practice the Lotus Sutra I think we should strive to develop a faith and practice that will not be easily swayed or diverted because of the temporary phenomena we experience, either good or bad.
The Lotus Sutra provides us with the solid foundation upon which to carry out our Buddhist practice day by day. We certainly will have joys and we will have sufferings or obstacles yet if we become immovably rooted on the ‘rock’ of the Lotus Sutra then no matter how the flames may rage around our lives we can surely overcome them and become victorious.
Our practice, study and faith grow daily even if only gradually so. The rock upon which we base our lives becomes larger and larger, stronger and stronger. Our connection to Buddhism strengthens each day through good times and bad times.
