Taking Refuge in the Three Treasures

This year marking the centennial anniversary of the founder’s birth, Rissho Kosei-kai reaches the 68th year since its founding. Its activities have been carried out in manifold ways. The development of an organization means that its activities related to society evolve from being simple and similar to being complex and diverse, and the ramifications of those activities is the proof of its maturity.
　　　　As the Member’s Vow states, each of our religious practices consists of perfecting ourselves, while at the same time it links one with peace in the home, community, nation, and world. All are consistent and are imbued with the wish to perfect ourselves.
　　　　And yet, I sometimes hear people say, “Constantly busy with activities and events, I have no time for myself.” As is indicated by the expression “Many trails, lost sheep,” (when there are many courses, one can be perplexed in choosing one to follow), if we allow things to become complicated, we will lose our spiritual free time, and can lose sight of what is important.
　　　　In order to break out of this, it is important in our daily lives to allow ourselves leeway to do nothing, isn’t it? Shakyamuni was said to often sit in meditation. When we discern things with a quiet, calm mind, what is important becomes clear in and of itself.
　　　　What is important for us as Buddhists is to revere and take refuge in the Three Treasures (the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha). This means that we make the Buddha, the teachings of the Buddha, and the community of people who share the same faith the basis of our trust. Because Buddhism is a teaching of self-awakening, a sense of devotion to the Three Treasures is cultivated at hoza sessions where we become aware of the Dharma through self-examination and daily conversation and dialogue.

Displaying the True Value of Each Person

These days, personal values are diversifying, free and individual lifestyles are much sought after. In other words, we can lead our lives without being imposed upon or restricted by others, without copying others, but independently according to our own personality. Since our lifestyles need not formalized or fixed, as Buddhism teaches us that all things are formless, it is important for all us to do our very best according to our nature and abilities. What we must not forget to ask ourselves now is what matters most in life. If we lose sight of this, we are apt to lead self-centered lives.
　　　　Well, the Eternal Buddha uses the myriad skillful means that are at his disposal to lead living beings to enlightenment. The activities and events of our organization, too, function as manifestations that are particularly suited to the people of our own time, its members. The real value of those activities and events can be fully appreciated only when the members are involved with them on their own initiative. Just as it is said that what one likes to do, one will do well, so it can be said that people who work at the things they are good at will continue to do them, since they become their purpose in life and display the true value of each individual.