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Welcome to EverLife’s Lotus Garden.
Enter this sacred space where insights
abound. Your views, beliefs, feelings, and desires are the flowers you see all around you
as you walk down the garden path — each one is a blossom emanating from your inner
wisdom.
Your insights unceasingly teach you,
nurture you, and protect you. Each is like an extraordinarily radiant lotus flower
floating on the shimmering waters that flow through your mind. Now pick one out, admire it
and smell its fragrance. Does it cause you to reflect on how you came to this point in
your existence or to wonder about the challenges that loom before you? Here in the garden
of your life the lotus flower represents your eternal self. It is your absolute essence
— a blossom of supremely pure, indestructible fulfillment. All you need do is to wish
the lotus within you to arise and you are ready for profound new insights.
Proceed to the spot where an ancient sage
has taken permanent residence near the waterfall feeding the stream that circles this
garden. Count on this venerable storyteller, Lifeforce, to bring you to the verge of
divine inspiration, as you listen to him tell and decipher parables from the Lotus Sutra.
They will cause your mind to blossom fields of new insights. Or, you may proceed to the
center of the Lotus Garden. There you will encounter an 8-petal fountain. You may find
that the streams of thought springing from each petal may be of personal importance to
you. Although written more than 700 years ago by Nichiren, Japan’s quintessential
sage of the Lotus Sutra, these valuable insights have contemporary relevance. Moreover,
they may inspire the essential lotus within your life to manifest upon the waters of your
present condition.
• The Garden Path — On Truth and
Faith
• Lifeforce — Parables from the Lotus Sutra
• Fountainhead of Pure Insights — Messages
from Nichiren
The Garden Path
Beware of those, the expression goes, who would lead you down the garden path. The
warning is a reminder that among us are some who would take advantage of our willingness
to believe them. A person’s Faith (in something or someone), the proverb suggests,
may be blind. It advises that anyone’s perceptual instincts may be vulnerable to
falsehood. While wisdom one gains from life experience teaches that Truth and Faith are
not interchangeable, a person who becomes a "believer" will always believe that
the two are the same.
As the placebo effect used in scientific experiments confirms, just the perception of
equating Faith and Truth, even if it is falsely placed, may create a powerful effect. At
the heart of this matter is the natural and universal inclination people have to find
Truth in that which they believe. As ultimate Truth is too abstract a notion for the
conscious mind to pursue, human beings replace it with a conceivable goal: to find a
"better place." Existence in a "better place" may be defined in
innumerable ways — in life or in death, in sickness or in health, in material form or
in spiritual terms, within oneself or in relationships.
No matter how it is constituted, however, the vision that any particular person has of
their "better place" belies a deep and abiding desire for Truth. Ancient sages
recognized that the apparent "better place" human beings instinctively desired
in a variety of ways masked the "true" desire that compelled all to find pure
Truth itself. The Buddha described the metaphoric substitutes arising from the
subcognitive mind as "illusions" — a temporary substitute for the real
thing. While Indic culture of his day regarded "illusions" as falsehoods that
presented obstacles to enlightenment, the Buddha eventually explained that the
"desires" humans exhibited actually facilitate the subcognitive search all
humans are conducting for the Truth in all things. Invariably, he pointed out that while
nothing of a temporary nature could measure up to absolute Truth, the inherent desire all
beings possessed for absolute fulfillment beckoned the inner mind to continue the search.
As you progress along the Lotus Garden’s pathway, keep in mind that humans by
nature are always in danger of misplacing their Faith and mistaking mere perceptions for
Truth. Ironically, those who are determined to walk fearlessly through the garden of their
own illusions will become truly discerning.
Lifeforce
The path will lead you just beyond the Lotus Garden’s Falls where you will find
EverLife’s resident storyteller. In a spot bathed in tranquil light a venerable
Chinese sage, Lifeforce, sits on a raised cushion embroidered with the image of a lion.
The stream spirals around him as if the water refuses to leave his side. His palms pressed
together he chants continuously. His constant thought is for "all of humanity to
receive the impartial blessings of the Supreme Treasure [of Everlasting Life] that is
always spreading wisdom, peace and happiness throughout the world and the entire
universe."
Only approach Lifeforce if you wish to gain his advice. To hear him speak of the Lotus
Sutra is to hear Truth and Faith in perfect harmony. If you are ready to do so, a large,
white Lotus Flower seat will appear from the spiral stream. If you sit upon it, Lifeforce
will begin to unravel one of these Parables from the Lotus Sutra:
#1:
The Great Rain Cloud — Perfect
Enlightenment manifests in different ways among different types of beings. The confluence
of the unique aspects of individuals and Buddhism’s singularly all-encompassing
cosmic Law is the subject of this celebration of human diversity. While a great rainfall
nourishes all plants equally, different species of plant life use the water to grow and
express their identity in different ways.
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#2:
The Burning Mansion — A group of children are trapped in a burning mansion. Their
father calls out to them to run out of the house. However, they are so completely
engrossed in play that they do not hear him. How does he save them? [More to come]
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#3:
The Prodigal Son — This is the original version of an ancient religious story. It
serves as an oracle to predict the restoration of Humanity’s lost birthright: the
rediscovery of Perfect Enlightenment. [More to come]
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#4:
The Gem in the Coat — A rich and kindly man attaches a jewel inside the coat of a
poor friend asleep in a drunken stupor. This parable speaks of original grace: a time
before time when all beings received the gift of Life. It suggests that while people
suffer, the means for "everlasting wealth" has always been theirs. [More to
come]
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#5:
The Elixir of Wisdom — Innocent children ingest a poison that makes them lose
their mind. Although their father is a physician, when he offers them an antidote they
refuse to take it. He then must take unusual steps to deal with the situation. [More to
come] |
Fountainhead of Pure Insights
Relax to the sound of the water and take this wisp of time to sit here and reflect on
your life — past, present and future. Then look into one of the eight petals that
form the lotus-shaped fountain. Each petal opens to reveal relevant excerpts from
Nichiren’s Messages (Jpn. Gosho) — a collection of his hand written documents,
including letters, observations, analyses and doctrinal commentaries. Select a petal and
follow his words as they guide you deep into your ultimate self. May the pure insights
contained in these messages inspire you to find the peace, direction and meaning you are
seeking. (Parenthesis: name of recipient and year message was written, if available).
The eight petals are:
#1: The Petal of Good Fortune
‘Our eyebrows are very close and heaven is very far, yet we cannot see either of
them. The Buddha exists in our hearts, but we cannot see him either. How could that be,
you wonder? Our body originates from sperm and egg. It harbors the three poisons of greed,
anger and ignorance. It is a prisoner to carnal desire. How can the Buddha dwell in such a
place? Let me explain. A white lotus flower blooms upon a muddy pond, fragrant sandalwood
grows in compost soil, delicate cherry blossoms arise from the hard bark of
trees...similarly, unfortunate words can emanate from a sweet mouth to ruin a person,
while great deeds can arise from a shallow mind to bring one good fortune and the respect
of the wise...misfortune will follow those who defame the Lotus Sutra, even if they appear
to have a kind disposition...those who praise it will be graced by the Buddha with a life
that is as fragrant as sandalwood, even if they be wanting of any wisdom whatsoever.’
— NICHIREN (Lady Omosu, Date unavailable. New Year’s Message)
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#2: The Petal of Compassion
‘Since the lifetime of Sakyamuni (appx. c. 500. B.C.E.) when wisdom was more
abundant, the general capacity of people to develop spiritually has deteriorated gradually
to its shallowest point in this present Age [of Decadence]. As he foresaw that at this
time it will be needed most, the Enlightened One bequeathed his most profound, most
compassionate and most powerful teaching to the people of our time...As the fury of a wave
increases with the strength of the wind, and the intensity of a flame grows when wood is
added...[likewise] a person who puts this legacy to practice for only a single day in this
difficult and impure world can grow in wisdom more than if he had practiced for a hundred
years in the heavenly circumstances of a pure land.’
— NICHIREN (Priest Sammi Ajari, c. 1275 or 1277)
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#3: The Petal of Fruition
‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo is the complete title of the Lotus Sutra. The symbol of the
lotus in this context is profound...The diverse nature of the plant world is such that
flowers may precede the appearance of fruit or the fruit may appear before any
flowers...The lotus is the only known exception. It produces both blossom and fruit
simultaneously. Moreover, its fruit is its seedpod. Similarly, all the other sutras teach
that one must cultivate good causes and avoid planting bad ones until hopefully one would
attain enlightenment at some future time. The Lotus Sutra is uniquely different in that
its effects coincide with the making of a cause...A mouth that utters its title instantly
evokes Perfect Enlightenment, much as the reflection of the moon may be seen on a pond as
soon as it peeks from behind the eastern mountains, or an echo is heard reflected from the
mountains as soon as one calls out...[Therefore] whether one hundred, a thousand, or more
people delight in this Lotus Sutra, without a single exception, the blossom of buddhahood
emerges in their life along with the seedpod that brings buddhahood to others.’
— NICHIREN (Ueno-ama Gozen, c. 1281)
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#4: The Petal
of Reality
‘Heaven and hell exist only within our human hearts. One who is deluded on this
point [believing on the contrary that these “places” actually exist in the
afterlife] is an ordinary mortal. However, once awakened to the truth [that all conditions
of existence are inherently and simultaneously omnipresent], this mortal may be called a
buddha [who dwells in an enlightened land]. As the Lotus Sutra possesses the power to
awaken any person to this perfectly endowed [mystic] Reality, those who embrace it realize
that hell and the buddha-land manifest in the same place.’
— NICHIREN (Lady Ueno, c. 1274).
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#5: The Petal of Fortitude
‘When they first embrace the [Lotus] sutra, people experience such an abundance
of happiness that tears of joy flow from their eyes...with the passing of time their
original enthusiasm is likely to fade, even if they continue to practice with
belief...those who lose the spark of devotion sooner or later may stop revering the
teachings and those who teach them, or, even more frightening, lose their way and fall
upon paths that lead to distorted views. To avoid regrets, you should be mindful of these
pitfalls and be diligent in your pursuit until the last moment of your life. Remember, it
takes twelve days to journey across Japan from Kyoto to Kamakura. One who stops after
traveling only eleven days will be unable to admire the legendary view of the clear moon
as it appears over the capital.’
— NICHIREN (Niike Saemon-no-jo, c. 1280)
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#6: The Petal
of Blessings
‘The Supreme Treasure of Everlasting Life (Jpn. Gohonzon) which I have sent for
the sake of your young child embodies the compassionate heart of the Lotus Sutra and the
wisdom eye for all of Sakyamuni’s sutras. Your prayers and this incomparable mandala
are what the moon and sun are to the sky. The blessings you receive will protect you like
a powerful and benevolent sovereign, will maintain you like the blood in your body, will
provide for your needs like a wish-granting jewel, and will uphold you like a pillar
supports a house. When you venerate it, you call forth all the buddhas and heavenly forces
to gather around you. They will accompany you like a shadow and watch over you night and
day, just as guards protect a head of state, parents look after their children, water
takes care of fish, rain nourishes plant life, and trees provide shelter for birds. Trust
in this cluster of blessings with your whole heart.’
— NICHIREN (Myoshin-ama, c. 1275)
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#7: The Petal of Perfect Enlightenment
‘As you steadily continue to chant, one step at a time, whether in difficult or
happy times, both for your own fulfillment and for the sake of helping others, you
unknowingly climb the wonderful mountain of enlightenment. By the time you reach the end
of your life’s journey, you will have scaled its summit. From that vantage you will
be able to view the Land of Tranquil Light. Smooth lapis lazuli will cover the ground in
every direction across the whole universe. The Eightfold Noble Path will be lined with
golden cord. Heavenly flowers will rain from the sky and celestial music will fill the
air. Seated beneath their bejeweled trees all the buddhas and bodhisattvas will express
their absolute joy to see you. Here you will be caressed by the four gentle breezes of
Perfect Enlightenment: eternal boundlessness, indestructible joy, perfect purity, and
supreme essence.’
— NICHIREN (Lord Matsuno, c. 1276)
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#8: The Petal of Everlasting Life
‘For those who wonder what to make of Sakyamuni’s shocking declaration that
he initially attained enlightenment before the beginning of time, I will take you into my
confidence regarding my own inner realization on this matter. First, the Buddha had
recounted that we, mortal beings, have suffered since time immemorial through a myriad of
births and deaths — so much so that we cannot conceive of reaching the ever-distant
shore of enlightenment even in our dreams. [While his disciples watched with gaping
mouths,] in the Lotus Sutra he revealed that the inception of his Perfect Enlightenment
was as old as eternity [and, that his aim in revealing this was to help every mortal
achieve an identity equal to his own]. In this way, he conveyed that we, ordinary humans,
possess the enlightened essence originally endowed to all buddhas before the beginning of
space and time. The Lotus Sutra is the most compassionate of all sutras as it produces the
jewel that all mortals, without exception, have always possessed: that is, the Perfectly
Enlightened Threefold Body of Everlasting Life [whose Universal Reality, Blissful Wisdom,
and Mortal Manifestation constitute our whole self]. From this perspective, you should be
able to assert to those who are unaware of it that the Lotus Sutra is supreme among all
the Buddha’s teachings.’
— NICHIREN (Priest Sammi Ajari, c. 1275 or 1277) |
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2001 EverLife
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