So why do we chant the Japanese title of the Lotus Sutra rather than one of the many languages of the world and specifically the original Indian or Sanskrit.

Dignity of the process of life. MyoHoRenGeKyo is this dignity, of life, of awakening, of Buddhaness. To respect this in any and all Life Conditions is our resolve.

In closing, I offer some additional thoughts on the Samsaric ideas of Death and Eternity in comparison with Buddhist ideas of time. Nichiren closes with encouragement for the grandmother of a young monk who is resolved on the Lotus Sutra teaching of MyoHoRenGeKyo.

Here Nichiren describes the origins of this tradition and the fact that it remains in Buddhism to this day as a lesson of mental development throughout the scholarship and development of Buddhist teaching to people's capacity. Although no longer relevant as a teaching tool for training perception, the tradition continues in Buddhism circles and schools.

DEATH! How do you deal with it? Okay, so I talk about "life" after death and uh...

I address some recent questions and emails....

In closing this petition written by Nichiren for Shijo Kingo, Nichiren uses the opportunity to restate Yoritomo's steadfast support for Lotus Sutra teaching as taught by Nichiren and urges lord Ema to consider shifting his own allegiances to Nichiren in order to attain his own buddhahood.

Shoju, Shakubuku, what or how do these forms of teaching look like in the world. Sammi-bo takes on a 'bad' teacher; a teacher that goes for popularity rather than authentic truth in teaching Shakyamuni's Buddhism.

Nichiren continues to encourage the young Tokimitsu to remain steadfast in his practice of MyoHoRenGeKyo and advises him on his filial responsibility to his deceased father as well as his own family.

Our practice is challenged constantly by influence from others but most prominently by our own world of desires, obstacles, doubts and epiphanies. We cannot become complacent lest we loose our own enlightenment and influence others to do the same.