On the Gohonzon

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DISCUSSION ON THE MEETING TOOLBOX GOHONZON Just as you look into a mirror when you make up your face, to beautify the face of the soul, you need a When you chant to the mirror that reflects the depths of Gohonzon, the door to your your life. This mirror is none other microcosm is opened to the than the Gohonzon of “observing entire universe, the macro- one’s mind,” or more precisely, cosm, and you experience a observing one’s life. (My Dear great, boundless joy, as if Friends, p. 97) you were looking out over the entire cosmos. You feel great satisfaction and Second Soka Gakkai rejoicing, a great wisdom— President Josei Toda as if you held the entire likened the Gohonzon to a universe in your palm. The happiness-manufacturing Nichiren Daishonin taught that microcosm enfolded by the machine, but only when embracing the Gohonzon is macrocosm reaches out to we have correct faith can itself enlightenment. Thus, by enfold the macrocosm in its we benefit from the infinite believing in and embracing the own embrace. (My Dear powers of the Law and the Gohonzon, which embodies the Friends, p. 48) Buddha. And the SGI state of Buddhahood and the teaches this correct faith. “mutual possession of the Ten (My Dear Friends, p. 280) Worlds,” one can observe and manifest the world of Buddha- hood existing in his or her life. (My Dear Friends, p. 34) In Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism, to “observe one’s own mind” means faith in the Gohonzon. Therefore, a mind-observing wealthy person is a wealthy person of faith. Such a wealthy person is one who perceives and believes that his or her life is itself the supreme treasure house and who opens this The Gohonzon is the concrete treasure house. (My Dear Friends in manifestation of the very existence of America, p. 34) Nichiren Daishonin, who taught kosen- rufu. Because of that, if you only do gongyo and chant daimoku and don’t take any other action for the sake of kosen-rufu or improving your own life, the Gohonzon will not have its true, full efect. (My Dear Friends, p. 41) Hi! Help us improve the Toolbox! Please send comments, suggestions, short videos, sample intro-to-Buddhism scripts, ice-breakers etc., to: [email protected].

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