Now we get to the meat of this discussion regarding doubt. The doubt that what was achieved by Siddhartha as Shakyamuni (great saint of the Shakya Clan) achieved in his enlightenment, is also accessible to any and all who chose to apply themselves seriously to it. Is "Buddha" actually inherent in us all?

What is 'merit' and how is it accumulated? Let's discuss Bodhisattva practice...

What is 'merit' and how is it accumulated? Let's discuss Bodhisattva practice...

This is the crux of Buddhism. By observing the mind, we can trace our thoughts/actions to instantiate any tendency and condition in our minds and then chose to manifest it in our environs. To trace this back before the initial formations of the "thought" is the avenue to liberation.

This profound Gocho is a treatise by Nichiren on the Gohonzon and its representation of the depths of Buddhist thought, teaching and the Dharma (or experience of enlightenment) itself.

This 16th chapter (some older translations like H.Kern from the late 1800's it is the 15th) is the crux of the essential and culminating teachings of the Dharma.

This 16th chapter (some older translations like H.Kern from the late 1800's it is the 15th) is the crux of the essential and culminating teachings of the Dharma.

After the question from beginners of "What does all this say?", of the sounds and rhythms of Gongyo, comes the question, "What do these meditations mean?", sometimes called the Prayers of Gongyo. And the answer is always the same, "It's simple, but it's complicated...".

This last part of this Gosho closes with a final Q&A regarding Nichiren's often mentioned disdain for the True Word school.

Nichiren demonstrates the instantaneous attainment no matter the life condition of the sincere practitioner, and , then launches into his Q-and-A form of teaching doctrinal scholarship.