Why practice Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism?

Practicing Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism will make you happy, secure and prosperous.  It will make you more enlightened.  It will let you become one with the Universal Law.

In practical terms, what does it mean to be “one with the Universal Law”?  The answer is nothing remarkable.  Here is a list of hints and clues:

Enjoying life’s challenges, not only the smooth times.  Turning every obstacle into an impetus for personal growth.  Turning one’s sufferings into one’s mission – the mission to overcome the suffering in order to be encouraging to others faced with similar circumstances.

Achieving a balance in daily life.  More appreciation.  More determination.  More optimism.  More energy.  Better relationships.  Caring more about others.  Respecting other people more.  Respecting other life-affirming religions and their practitioners.

Being law abiding.   Not needing to be a substance abuser.  Being ethical - but, from enthusiasm to do the right thing, not from guilt.  Standing up with integrity even in the face of workplace politics and discrepancies.  At the same time, experiencing uncanny protection in one’s work environment - as well as one’s social and natural environment. 

Respecting the natural environment.  Respecting animals - being kind to them, and without condescension.  Realizing that just because it’s a bug, it doesn’t thereby automatically deserve to die (people should nevertheless protect their homes from infestations).

Some people may express more enlightenment by becoming vegetarians.  Others by eating less meat than before, and by avoiding meats where the animals are raised inhumanely. 

Some people may express more enlightenment by refraining from hunting.  Others may express more enlightenment by hunting more carefully - taking pains to become a good woodsman and marksman, so as to make the kill swiftly and surely.  Feeling genuine gratitude for the sacrifice made by the quarry.  Hunting primarily for meat to be eaten, not explicitly for trophies.  Feeling sincerely good about the conservation role of hunting - thinning herds to prevent mass starvation.

(In this sect we have no explicit Precepts or specific rules of conduct.  Behavioral improvements do happen, but they arise from one’s growing inner enlightenment, and are undertaken voluntarily.  That’s because we believe external codes of conduct cannot lead to lasting changes; in the long run, people must become internally persuaded to do better, of their own volition.)

Cherishing life is a sign of increasing oneness with the Universal Law.  And being less afraid of death is an indication of increasing enlightenment.  Cherishing life more and fearing death less, are two improvements that tend to develop together.

Oneness with the Universal Law also means living a natural lifestyle - living as nature intended us to.  Such as rising in the morning, working all day, and sleeping at night (of course, some people have to work the night shift). 

When a young couple is suddenly faced with an unexpected pregnancy and they are barely able financially to support a child, being one with the universal law means accepting the challenge to struggle to upgrade their finances, and having the child despite all difficulties.  This shows respect for the sanctity of human life, which is part of being one with the universal law.  On the other hand, if the couple takes the easy way out and has an abortion, that is slandering the universal law, because it is showing contempt for human life.

Other signs of being one with the Universal Law:  Being self restrained when necessary.  Having exuberance, being joyful, being playful - in measure, and when appropriate.  Being tolerant when appropriate; being relentlessly discerning when necessary.  Controlling one’s anger, refraining from unnecessary violence, yet courageously defending the innocent and the helpless when required.  Exercising.  Quitting smoking.  Taking better care of one’s health.

Being strict yet compassionate with oneself.  Always looking for self improvement, while always forgiving oneself (and others) for being less than perfect.  

Gerald T.Aitken