272 How the Gods Protect the Place of Practice

272 How the Gods Protect the Place of Practice

Author: The Ignorant Trio July 4, 2023 Duration: 6:29

Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month of what is thought to have been 1276. The letter is a reply, it is generally believed, to Toki Jōnin, who had apparently written about a dream in which some danger to the Daishonin and his followers was revealed by the ten demon daughters.


After thanking Toki for the offering he had also sent, the Daishonin refers to the Buddhist principle that if one’s mind is strong, the protection of the deities Same Name and Same Birth, who are always with one, will also be firm. If this is so, he urges, how much truer must it be of the gods who protect the place of practice.


He also encourages Toki with a story from The Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra describing a thief who gained the golden head of a deity’s image simply by reciting the words “Namu Buddha,” or “Hail to the Buddha.”

The Daishonin points out that, in the light of this story, even though one may be guilty of faults, one may escape major difficulties if one is devoted to the three treasures of Buddhism.


Furthermore, he says that he views the divine instructions from the ten demon daughters as a sign that difficulties can be avoided and that good fortune is on its way.


And it is the Lotus Sutra, he emphasizes in conclusion, that allows one to change poison into medicine, difficulties into good fortune.

https://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/wnd-2/Content/272


Finding quiet moments for study and reflection can feel nearly impossible in the rush of daily life. Gosho Reading (Nichiren Buddhism) offers a simple, accessible way to engage with the writings of Nichiren Daishonin, turning mundane tasks into opportunities for spiritual nourishment. Hosted by The Ignorant Trio-three women who approach the material with genuine curiosity rather than scholarly authority-each episode features a clear, thoughtful reading of passages from the Gosho. You might hear them while commuting, cooking, or folding laundry, allowing the teachings to settle into the rhythm of your day. The hosts, occasionally joined by guests, read the letters and treatises with a focus on clarity and presence, creating a shared space for listening rather than academic analysis. This podcast doesn’t aim to lecture or interpret heavily; instead, it provides the text itself, spoken aloud, so listeners can absorb the wisdom directly and find their own connections. It’s a companion for those seeking to integrate practice into a busy schedule, making the profound teachings of Nichiren Buddhism available in a practical, auditory format. Join The Ignorant Trio for these readings and discover how listening can become its own form of daily practice.
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Gosho Reading (Nichiren Buddhism)
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