<< Previous Article
Honnin-Geshu—Sowing the Genuine Seed of Buddhahood (6/11)
When we chant Honmon Happon shoken (本門八品所顕), Jōgyō shoden (上行所伝), Honnin-geshu no Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō (本因下種之南無妙法蓮華経), we accumulate Kudoku (功徳)—the merits of the enlightenment of the Primordial Buddha. Kudoku serves two primary functions: expiating your Zaishō (罪障) and bringing forth positive results.
Zaishō represents the energy that produces unpleasant repercussions. “Zai (罪)” means the “sins” accumulated from past wrongdoings, and “Shō (障)” refers to the “bad effects” caused by those sins. When people commit evil acts, they accumulate Zaishō, which will result in negative consequences in the future. These effects might be as severe as the wrongdoing itself or even worse. Every negative action, such as harassing, hating, or speaking ill of someone, adds to our Zaishō. This negative energy causes equally adverse events to happen to us. Zaishō is the energy stored in our soul and carried over into future lives as the soul reincarnates. Sometimes, you might wonder, “Why am I experiencing so many hardships while others seem to be full of happiness?” This is because your Zaishō, which has accumulated over a long time, is greater than that of others. One function of Kudoku is to erase Zaishō and prevent misfortunes.
The other function of Kudoku is producing positive results—answering your prayers. This reward is called Goriyaku (御利益). There are two types of Goriyaku: benefits received in this life and the benefit of attaining Buddhahood in the future (after death). The more Kushō-gyō (口唱行) (the practice of chanting the Odaimoku) we perform, the more Kudoku we accumulate. Thanks to Kudoku, we can live happy and peaceful lives in the present world (e.g., your prayers are answered, you avoid misfortunes, and so on) and attain Buddhahood when we die.
The rewards we receive in a visible way in the present world are called Genshō no Goriyaku (現証の御利益). As explained above, Goriyaku means “one’s prayer is answered.” Genshō (現証) literally means “something that clearly appears in a visible state.” For example, mental and physical disorders that doctors have given up on are cured, schoolwork or business improves, misfortunes and calamities are averted, and so on. By answering such prayers, the Gohonzon (the object of worship) makes us realize the wonder of the Odaimoku and strengthens our faith. Only HBS members can receive Genshō no Goriyaku because HBS teaches the true teachings of Buddhism, and members faithfully follow and practice them.
How wonderful Kushō-gyō is! It is incredibly beneficial and easy to practice, yet profoundly deep. Therefore, HBS members have instructors who teach them about true Buddhism and the HBS faith, including the Odaimoku, Kushō-gyō, and Nichiren Shōnin. These instructors are called Kyōmu (教務) (Buddhist priests in HBS, including myself!). Next, I will explain the role of Kyōmu and who they are.
