from Kosei@May 2008 \



Buddhismfs worldview is based on the doctrine of dependent origination.
This can be
basically understood as the relationship between causes and conditions.
In other words, it can be expressed in the familiar formula: gWhen this
exists, that
exists; with the arising of this, that arises. When this does not exist,
that does not exist; with the cessation of this, that ceases.h Through
one of the basic practices of Rissho Kosei-kai?guiding someone new to the
faith, sharing the teachings with other members, and participating in hoza
sessions?we can experience the Law of dependent
origination.
gGuidinghmeans forging ties with the Buddha. gSharing the teachingsh
means inviting other members to opportunities for getting in touch with
the Dharma.
gParticipating in hoza sessionsh provides the chance to reflect with
fellow practitioners on oneself and others in accordance with the teachings.The
three elements can be
understood as one, and what is common to them all is to value the importance
of encounters and to learn from them.
When we visit someone for guiding and sharing the teachings, we sometimes are not
well received by that person. If this happens repeatedly, calling upon
others can
become burdensome. If our wish to help someone find happiness is not understood
by that person, our consideration for that person may weaken. However,
such occasions can provide us with a golden opportunity to learn from the
relationship we have with
such a person.
Our encounters with others should be accepted as appropriate chances to
objectively examine ourselves and our attitudes. Through such self-reflection,
we will gradually receive the Dharma and make it our own.
Putting Our Hands Together in Reverence
Since we grasp the teachings of the Buddha through our interactions with
others, the reality is that all of us will sometimes meet with whom it
is difficult to get along. In order to be able to put our hands together
reverently before people with whom we do not get along, the fact that we
are first able to put our hands together reverently for ourselves is of
great importance. When we can do that, then we can truly put our hands
together reverently for others.
From the viewpoint of the doctrine of dependent origination, every one
of us is equal to each other in receiving the gift of precious life from
heaven and earth.
And since all living beings are permeated by the law of impermanence, we
all certainly will die. When we look squarely at this fact, we come to
understand the preciousness of our lives and so naturally understand the
preciousness of the lives of others. We then can truly put our hands together
reverently before everyone.
When we are able to put our hands together reverently before everyone we
meet, we receive the geyes of wisdomh by realizing that all life is interconnected.
This means we can then truly worship, with hands folded reverently, before
the Eternal Buddha.
Forging Ties with the Buddha
Learning from Encounters