Human Revolution Flashcards
(40 cards)
There are many ways to describe the idea of “Human Revolution”. How does the article describe HR from the perspectives of attaining buddhahood, lesser self vs. greater self and the Ten worlds?
- the development of inner potential for enlightenment.
- A person who transforms acting of genuine concern for others.
- change in fundamental life state.
In the mentor and disciple relationship rather than mimicking the mentor or seeking the mentor’s approval what essentially drives the disciple?
Sharing the same vow as the mentor - to relieve the suffering of all people and continuously taking action to that end.
What well known statement is cited from Ikeda’s novel “HR” that refers to the impact one person’s HR can have on all humanity?
A great HR in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation and of all humankind.
In his writing “Many in Body, One in Mind” what does ND say can be achieved when people act based on the spirit of many in body, one in mind?
They will achieve their goals
What does “Many in body” refer to?
Diversity (many in body)
What does “One in mind” mean?
Sharing a noble purpose (same mind, same heart)
What analogy does Ikeda use to describe relationship between the mentor and disciple and the spirit of many in body one in mind?
- they are like two wheels of a cart.
- must make continued efforts toward unity.
How can the difference between the Lotus Sutra and pre-lotus sutra teachings be explained based on
A. attainment of Buddhahood by persons of the two vehicles
B. attainment of Buddhahood in one’s present form
C. Earthly desires are enlightenment
D. sufferings of birth and death are nirvana.
A. All people will attain BuddhaH if they practice the sutra’s teachings
B. All ordinary people can attain BuddhaH as they are.
C. the potential for BuddhaH exists even within states of delusion and desire.
D. ND taught the endless cycle of birth and death is natural to all life and can never be extinguished.
What are the three paths and the three virtues? What does it mean to change poison to medicine?
Paths: 1. Earthly desires 2. Karma 3. Suffering Virtues 1. the Dharma body 2. wisdom 3. emancipation to transform the three paths to three virtues
What does changing poison to medicine mean when applied to our daily lives?
we can persevere in chanting and overcome our problems of suffering, enjoying the benefit.
What does Ikeda say is the only way to awaken to life’s eternity?
cause the greater eternal self to emerge in the small self (self purification)
In his writing “Hell is the land of the tranquil light” ND says what about disciple who passed away?
When he was alive, he was a buddha in life and now he is a buddha in death.
What does ND state in “the Heritage of the ultimate law of life” about those who chant NMRK in their final moments?
They will be received into the hands of 1000 buddhas who will free them from all fear and keep them from falling into the evil paths of existence.
What is said to occur at the seventh level of consciousness?
the subconscious drive to differentiate self from others, it determines how things make you feel and includes one’s sense of right and wrong
The 8th level also called the ALAYA consciousness is the karmic storehouse. In contrast to traditional buddhist views, how does ND say we can change our karma for the better?
countering every past bad cause with a good cause.
In “Hell is the land of the tranquil light” ND teaches you should base your mind on the 9th consciousness and carry out your practice in the six consciousnesses, what does that mean?
those who practice, reveal the qualities of a buddha in their everyday behavior.
What does the two Chinese characters jihi - the japanese term for compassion mean?
to give happiness and to remove suffering
What does Toda say about courage and compassion?
to practice buddhism with courage translates into compassion
For Nichiren Buddhists what is the primary practical means for awakening and giving expression to true compassion?
Introducing others to buddhism.
To favor certain people over others is a natural human tendency. But how does a buddha view all people when it comes to relieving their suffering and leading them to buddhahood?
A buddha holds no preferences when it comes to relieving people’s sufferings.
In his writing “the real aspect of the gohonzon” ND states that he was the first person to reveal the gohonzon which even great teachers before him were able to express. What phrase does ND use in describing this “great mandala”
It is the object of devotion that depicts Shakyamuni buddha and others, it is in no way my invention
In his lecture, Ikeda says the Gohonzon is a perfect manifestation of 3 important principles in the lotus sutra’s ceremony in the air. What are the 3 principles?
the gohonzon is a perfect manifestation of
- the true aspects of all phenomena
- foundational principles of the mutual possession of the 10 worlds
- 3000 realms in a single moment of life.
Ikeda says the Gohonzon includes without exception all the various beings of the 10 worlds. the principle that all living beings when illuminated can display the dignified attributes that they inherently possess. what does that mean?
when all functions of the 10 worlds are enveloped in the light of wisdom and compassion of the world of buddhahood, we can give expression to the power of supreme goodness and create enduring value.
What are the 4 debts of gratitude?
Debt of
- gratitude paid to one’s mother and father
- gratitude paid to the ruler of the nation
- gratitude paid to all living beings
- gratitude paid to the 3 treasures (buddha law and order)
