Author Archives: HenryLa

Earthly Desires “Men/women of devout faith, the teachings which the Buddha expounded are all for the purpose of saving people from their suffering. Sometimes I spoke of myself, sometimes of others; sometimes I presented myself, sometimes others; sometimes I showed … Continue reading →

Sutra literally means a rope or thread that holds things together, in a sense refers to an aphorism (or line, rule, formula), or a collection of such aphorisms in the form of a manual, or book. Sutra’s are generally regarded … Continue reading →

Birth of the Buddha   The birth of the historical Buddha, Gautama Shakyamuni, not being exactly known is celebrated annually between April 8th and May 18th, depending on the Country and Buddhist Sects understanding; an Enlightened One or Thus Come … Continue reading →

The Gohonzon of Nichiren There have been mandala’s of sacred art for thousands of years. And it was in the dark ages of Japan in the 13th Century, the Sage Nichiren, inscribed the Moji-Mandala, consisting of Chinese characters and ancient … Continue reading →

Profound Meaning of Mothers Day “Those who visit this place can instantly expiate the errors they committed since the infinite past transform their [earthly] illusions into wisdom, their errors into truth, and their sufferings into freedom…”  Nichiren 11th day of … Continue reading →

Becoming A Buddha          The Buddha-way is one of respect for self. An important aspect of our physical, mental and spiritual Health is to meditate for at least twenty minutes each day just for self.  So, today’s … Continue reading →

Perfect Meditation is not some kind of mystical state, it is not filled trying to evoke the gods, though we may well find quiet chanting a calming of ones energy fields. It is not necessarily going deep into silence; it … Continue reading →

Three Kinds of Treasure                                Three Kinds of Treasure, Joy, Health and Happiness. Mind, Body, and Spirit, the Trinity of our lifetime. The Five Challenges: Family, Relationships, Career, Health and Economics a part of daily life. Being human is not easy … Continue reading →

Mutual Possession of Life’s Challenges “Men of devout faith, the sutras which the Tathagata* expounded are all for the purpose of  saving people from sufferings.  Sometimes I spoke of myself, sometimes of others; sometimes I presented myself, sometimes others; sometimes … Continue reading →

Unlimited Powers          In the second chapter of the Lotus Sutra, that which we repeat with our daily Liturgy, we hear Shakyamuni tell Shariputra:  “Shariputra, the wisdom of the Tathagata is all encompassing and profound. His mercy is … Continue reading →

Four  Noble Truths In his beginning teachings the Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Path as ways to practice faith to assist people to understand that self-discipline is the pathway to Buddhahood.  Noble Truth, what a … Continue reading →

Spring Equinox A cold late Spring has come,  the daybreak already a good half hour into the new morning.  The fences poles and surrounding grounds still capped with crystal diamonds of frost.  Nearby birds chat with one another welcoming the … Continue reading →

Buddha Benefits      When our life is filled with excellent health, happiness, joy, we give thanksgiving for the wonder of being human? We are grateful for the benefits of our good living and offer our daily appreciation with our … Continue reading →

The Treasures of the Heart The Nirvana Sutra says“ I deeply respect You.”  The Lotus Sutra says “All living things possess the Buddha nature.”  We are further advised that when we polish our Buddha mirror our false desires and common … Continue reading →

 Time & Ten Worlds   Within the Buddhist Law we learn that the only sure thing, the only constant, is change. For some this is very frightening, others fight it with all their might to no avail, for the dharma … Continue reading →

Attaining  Buddhahood   The story of the Infinite Mystic Law, the life-span of the Buddha and the theory of “human enlightenment” are all contained in the wisdom teachings of the Buddha as taught in the Former Day of the Law … Continue reading →

Nichiren Feb. 16th 1222 – October 1282 Nichiren  Daishonin    Compassionate Sage Messenger Born in a small fishing village in Eastern Japan,  in 1222, he had caring and loving parents. At age 12 he entered Seicho-ji Temple for schooling and to … Continue reading →

Siddartha Gautama  Shakyamuni The historical first earthly Buddha. The date of his birth is uncertain as record keeping 3,000 years ago is faulty. Historically his passing into Nirvana is February 15 each year.  The son of a regent King of … Continue reading →

Destiny or  Karma During ones struggle to find the time, energy and desire for faith, practice and study in our busy world, I am often reminded of the wonderful story in the Eighth Chapter of our Lotus Sutra. This is … Continue reading →

Beholding the Precious Stupa         from Chapter 11 of Lotus Sutra As the story about becoming a Buddha or “awakened” one continues, the  11th Chapter of the Lotus Sutra is so delightful.  It starts with a beautiful seven color … Continue reading →