Good morning everyone!
I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all of you for participating
in the April World Peace Prayer Gongyo Meeting coming very early in the
morning and traveling from far distant places, thank you very much!
Together with all of you, I have prayed for world peace. Aside from this, I have also prayed for your happiness and safety as well as for your family’s further prosperity and development.
Well, today I would like to describe the function of god. God is not like
what the Catholics describe as a single, absolute god over the universe.
Furthermore, it doesn’t exist in this world. What is in the universe is
what Buddhism teaches as the law. Everything in the universe moves following
that law. And the foundation of such law is the Mystic Law. And shoten
zenjin or Buddhist gods and deities appear as functions to protect the
people who practice the Mystic Law.
Now, this so called Buddhist gods and deities does not exist with a definite or actual form; but are functions of the various universal phenomena that protect life and society.
Moreover, it doesn’t exist as a separate entity that has its own will apart
from our lives.
The function of our single-minded determination or ichinen reflects in society and the environment and it manifests as various functions. Consequently, it is wrong to worship and respect Buddhist gods and deities themselves.
Only by chanting the Mystic Law, that is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo – the fundamental law of the universe, can the function of Buddhist gods and deities that is inherent in the universe itself, be manifested. Furthermore, the function of Buddhist gods and deities also appear depending upon the strength of our faith. Accordingly, it is indeed very crucial for us to strive in strengthening our faith in order to move the Buddhist gods and deities.
This April again, with the motto of SGI Philippines will engage in the shared struggle of mentor and disciple; SGI Philippines will unite in faith with the spirit of many in body, one in mind; and, SGI Philippines will win happiness and victory, let us cheerfully do our utmost together with our SGI Philippines General Director Cabauatan and Women’s Division Chief, Mrs. Rosita Ngo Dee!
Thank you very much for patiently listening today!
Photo on the top: Flowers in Nagano (Photo by Daisaku Ikeda)
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All rights reserved.
