The merits of 'Shoshin Hōgo' experienced within the priesthood

Mr. B (hereafter B) says that 'Shoshin Hōgo' is written in modern language, so every time he reads it, he learns something from it, and the words that resonate with him change depending on his state of mind at that moment.

Mr. A (hereafter A) agrees that 'Shoshin Hōgo' conveys the meaning of the scripture directly. With classical Chinese scriptures, the meaning comes through the left brain, requiring a cushion or two before the meaning finally gets through.

B When I read in classical Chinese, I feel almost like my thinking stops (laughs).

A For example, 'Daihi Shindarani' or detailed interpretations are almost impossible, and I can only read while imagining the theme of the scripture.

B Considering that, it's really nice to be able to read and understand the meaning.

A That's true. However, President Okawa does not completely deny traditional scriptures, stating, 'If a person who understands the truth reads it, the Heart Sutra will also be effective,' so I rely on that (laughs).

B That's certainly true (laughs).

A Also, regarding the differences with traditional Buddhism, when I first read 'Shoshin Hōgo', I couldn't quite understand the parts that differed from traditional Buddhist teachings.

B What do you mean by differences?

A For example, 'Shoshin Hōgo' starts with the phrase 'There is light in the great universe.' However, from the perspective of traditional Buddhist teachings, it is 'All is emptiness,' so it would mean that 'light' cannot be acknowledged to exist. Therefore, it becomes something like, 'Since it is emptiness, we shouldn't acknowledge light.'

B I see.

A At that stage of my understanding, I couldn't practice the teaching of 'giving love' as taught in Happy Science.

B Is that so?

A As I progressed in the teachings of Happy Science, I finally understood that 'emptiness' does not mean nothingness, but rather 'everything is made of the Buddha's light.' After that, I was able to learn while discovering the 'true heart of Shakyamuni' within traditional Buddhist teachings, deepening my understanding.

A I basically read it every morning after waking up. On days when there are funerals or ceremonies, I often read it in my room before attending the memorial service.

B I can't say I read it every day, but since my parents were members of Happy Science, I have been reading it regularly since I was young. I also read it during major ceremonies or when I feel influenced by something.

A Influenced by something?

B I tend to experience spiritual influences manifesting in my physical condition. For example, in my twenties, when I was cleaning the place where the bones of the unclaimed deceased were stored at a temple, I thought, 'How sad,' and read the Heart Sutra for them. Suddenly, my shoulders felt heavy, and I got chills, and the next day I developed a high fever and was bedridden. I thought, 'I must have been possessed.'

A Ah, I see (laughs).

B Since then, whenever I clean around the unclaimed deceased, I started playing the 'Shoshin Hōgo' CD. Since then, such things have not happened.

A I also usually play the 'Shoshin Hōgo' CD in my room.

B Additionally, before holding the Zen meditation meeting at the temple every month, I make sure to play the 'Shoshin Hōgo' CD in the main hall. Since there are graves at the temple, I'm not sure if the magnetic field is good (laughs).

A That's true (laughs).

B Since I started playing the CD, I've had unexpected connections during the Zen meditation meetings, and people other than the temple members have started coming, creating a good magnetic field and attracting good connections.

A The teachings of Happy Science encompass not only Buddhism but also other religions, so I have no prejudice against other sects or Christianity. Therefore, while I take refuge in the teachings of Happy Science, I can also coexist as a traditional Buddhist monk.

B That's right. I can positively think that 'each sect has its own merits.'

A When I read books by monks from the Edo period, it seems there were exchanges across sects, such as Soto monks training in Rinzai sect.

B I've also heard that a Soto monk became the founder of a Rinzai temple.

A It seems that the division among sects accelerated around the post-war period.

B Hmm.

A In the Edo and Meiji periods, there was a concept of 'Tsū-Buddhism,' which aimed to learn the common teachings of Shakyamuni across sects, but that has been lost in modern times. As a result, it seems that no one learns from other sects anymore, and the teachings have hit a wall.

B That's unfortunate.

A I believe that by incorporating 'Shoshin Hōgo' and the teachings of Happy Science, the entire Buddhist community will be uplifted. That's why I feel a great responsibility as a monk who believes in Happy Science. I want to continue to strive while constantly refining myself.

B That's right. Even if I can't directly express the teachings of Happy Science as a Buddhist monk, I think I can still be of help in the salvation of those connected to me.

A That's really true.

B Moreover, I believe there are many traditional Buddhist monks who are suffering without understanding the truth, so I want to make an effort to convey it to them as well.

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