my buddhist blog number 123

Hi Everybody,
We've been exploring the meaning of the mantra nam myoho renge kyo that we chant as a central part of our practice as Nichiren Buddhists. We've talked about nam which is the committal word which has a range of meanings such as I summon up  or  I make great effort. And we went on to talk about the meaning of myoho which essentailly describes the relationship between the myo or spiritual aspects of our life and the ho or physical aspects. And we touched upon the way in which the regularity of the practice strengthens the vitality of this spiritual diemnsion in our lives. That's basically where we pick up the theme today.

Rather more difficult to accept, indeed one of the most difficult concepts to understand, particularly if you have a background in science I suspect, is the Buddhist belief that all material existence, everything on Earth both animate and inanimate hasa physical and a spiritual aspect. Everything but everything we are told, has both myo and ho; the tree, the rock, the river, the mountain.

That is undoubtedly a difficult idea to take on board, although Buddhism is by no means alone in holding this view. Throughout the length and breadth of human history, artists and poets have been constantly seeking to open our eyes to this view of reality, in all languages and in all cultures. Wordworth for example, the great English romantic poet, when he famously described the myoho of a lake and a bunch of daffodils.

The waves beside them danced but they outdid the sparklin g waves in glee,
A poet could not be but gay,
In such a jocund company,
I gazed...and gazed..but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought;
For oft when on my couch I lie,
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon my inner eye
Which is the bliss of solitude,
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

Buddhism simply stresses this aspect of the continuity and the close association that runs through all things, so it teaches that we are not separate from, but closely linked to everything around us. Thus in Buddhist terms, statements such as being in harmony with, or being at odds with one's environment are not simply figures of speech. They are held to represent a fundamental truth, a truth that is the basis for the Buddhist principle of oneness of self and environment. Essentially this argues that as we change, as we gradually strengthen and reveal our Buddha nature through our practice, so that change resonates through our environment.

Right. Enough said I think for one day!
I'll be back mid week to continue the thread.
I nust say I'm really enjoying going over the ground again.
I learn somethingnew every time I do it.
Best wishes,
William
PS The Case for Buddhism is available from Amazon and on Kindle.