Myohorengekyo Koku-e &
the Threefold Lotus Sutra Project

~ participating in a personal renaissance ~

The Opening Introduction from Myohorengekyo Koku-e

みょう ほう  れん  げ  きょう  こ  くう  え

妙法蓮華經虚空會

 Myōhōrengekyō Kokū-e

Ceremony in the Sky -- The Assembly in Space

Saddharma Pundarika Sutram - Second Assembly in Akasha

Chapters 11 through 22

Introduction

The assembly above the Purified Saha World that takes place in the Vacuum of Clear Air reveals the major teachings of the World-Honored One -- Sakyamuni in the aspect of Eternal Buddha. Here at the assembly in space we are faced directly with our own Eternal Nature -- a nature void of self-identity which is neither pluralistic nor singular in totality. Here, the reality of our interrelationship with all things sentient and otherwise is confronted in timeless terms. We discover that because ego lacks real permanence and our interconnectedness with all things is solely to be depended on, that we loose nothing, and in truth gain the keys to all reality and truth.

If we peer deeply into the characters of these Chapters, shown is the nature of time and space in the realm of all-possibility, hope, aspiration, and blinding radiant realness.

More important is that here we are given freely the teachings as living guides for our daily lives.  When viewed from a higher standpoint we are shown the important, precious, and volatile presence of the moment within all eternity. We in essence are shown how to live in an eternal manner in our everyday lives, to intimately know eternity in the moment, and therefore touch the truth and the very core of the Buddha's enlightenment. We can in actuality share our spiritual nature with others. We are shown what that spiritual nature is and why we so deeply need its practical flowering in our mind, heart, and lives.

In the Koku-e Chapters we realize that Buddhism is not a religion of self-centered accomplishment, that the Enlightenment of one is the nirvana of us all; that the suffering of any being is the agony of everyone.

When we open the seal to the first teaching in Buddhism, the reality of self as anything other than a dynamic witness shatters many chains of suffering if we truly take this truth and apply it into and throughout our lives. This teaching when partaken of becomes the real Eucharist of current modern religion. But in truth, it is not a `secret mystery.` It is not guarded by a priesthood, nor is it proprietary, opened or understood only by the few. The Eucharist of the seal of Buddhism is ineffably open and freely offered. All we really need do is walk through the door and breathe in deeply.

What is so awe inspiring about the Hokekyo and in particular the Koku-e Chapters, are the precious and gentle teachings that slowly unfold before the practitioners eyes even after years and sometimes decades of recitation, devotion and practice. Each character, phrase, and stanza is overflowing with meaning. These pictographs are a vast stream of content that reveal instruction conducive to each of our lives in whatever stage we may find ourselves. Each reading finds us encountering more of ourselves, deeper truths, clearer insight, greater appreciation, and more efficient tools to transform our lives. Every approach to the sutra by any of us, young or old, holds treasure appropriate to the individual. It does not matter our level of intelligence, our social standing, what area our talents lie within, whether we call ourselves Buddhist, nor even if we `get` all that is taught. It only matters that we wrap ourselves in the intent of the Original One and strive to end the sufferings of mind.

The Eternal Buddha is not an `other` nor are they `self ` -- The Original One is a dynamic partnership. By seeing the practical in our lives as the point of departure and showing compassion to ourselves and others we begin revealing this partnership. To begin and persevere is the key. As we see the reality behind the truth of non-self, we begin to free ourselves from the perpetuation of abuse. We see the original intent and reasoning behind the guiding strength inherent within modes of discipline and ethical behavior for ourselves and begin to grasp the importance of insightful self-discipline. Understanding this we become working partners with our religious leaders instead of blind followers or prisoners to a dynamic personality.

To actualize this partnership means first applying compassion for ourselves and understanding the rules and regulations that we have accepted into our own lives. Beginning to apply reason and compassion, the starting points of insight, we reveal for ourselves the original intent behind the guidelines we have accepted.

Seeing this, we understand the nature of freedom. We begin to see freedom in the light of personal responsibility which has little to do with a serendipitous wandering through life, but still encourages an open mind to new experiences and exploration of heart. Thus, around us, we begin to explore and discover while simultaneously participating in a personal renaissance. Guided by the sutra, we are upheld, encouraged, protected and shown the path we all will tread.

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