FAITH AND FORMALITIES IN THE FUJI SCHOOL
Bond of Faith Between Master and Disciple
The Way of Master and Disciple
Part One
The Daishonin wrote the following: "This sutra can only be known through its transmission from master to disciple." ("Ichidai Shokyo Taii," Gosho Zenshu Pg. 398)
The passage means that the profound enlightenment of the Lotus Sutra is transmitted from the master to his disciple. Nichiren Shoshu has upheld this tenet from olden times and has used the following analogy to teach the master disciple relationship. "The master is like the needle, and the disciple is like the thread."
A fundamental principle in our denomination is "the impossibility of attaining enlightenment without a master." This means that it is impossible for a person to achieve Buddhahood independently, without seeking the teachings from his master, who gives him instructions at every possible juncture and opportunity.
Moreover, if the disciple violates this master-disciple relationship or if he seeks to outdo his master in matters of faith, he will bring upon himself the effect of the sufferings of eternal hell, even if he, like his master, embraces the Lotus Sutra. Nikko Shonin warns us of this by stating:
"In this Buddhism, the master instructs the disciple and leads him to Buddhahood. If dissension arises in this relationship between the master and disciple, even if the disciple follows the same Lotus Sutra, he will fall into the hell of incessant suffering." (Sado no Kuni Hokkeko Shu Gohenji)
There are two important principles that are related to the way of the master and disciple. The "oneness of master and disciple" describes the relationship in which the disciple faithfully follows the master in the practice of Buddhism. The direct path to enlightenment lies in practicing Buddhism by correctlyfollowing the way of the master and disciple. Conversely, if a person deviates from the way of the master and disciple, his behavior amounts to a confrontation against the master and, thus, is a cause for him to fall into hell.
The Bond of Faith Between Master and Disciple
In the practice of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism, it is important to follow the principle of faith based on the bond between master and disciple. Therefore, the faith and practice of all Hokkeko members must be based on this principle. This has a significant effect on the activities within the Hokkeko organization. In those Hokkeko chapters where there is a firmly established foundation of faith based on the bond between master and disciple, one finds that the practice of the members is solidly rooted and is constantly undergoing remarkable progress. In our denomination, even after the passing of several hundred years, faith based on the bond between master and disciple represents the correct attitude that we must maintain as disciples associated with the teaching of the Daishonin and the spirit of Nikko Shonin.
Furthermore, the basis for the bond of faith between master and disciple; in the Buddhist practice of our denomination, lies in the relationship between the High Priest, who has received the Heritage of the Law, and the chief priest of the branch temples along with the believers who pursue a devoted practice. Moreover, it is also important to maintain a pure faith in which we regard the chief priests of the district temples (who are appointed by the High Priest) to be our immediate masters.
The True Master is Nichiren Daishonin
The fundamental doctrine of master and disciple in Nichiren Shoshu can be found in the "Heritage Between Nichiren and Nikko" (Ikegami Transfer Document). With absolutely no disparity, Nikko Shonin, with his life, received and practiced the Mystic Law of Myoho Renge Kyo, in the eternal manifestation of the enlightenment of Nichiren Daishonin, who is our master and the founder of our denomination. He also correctly accepted and continued the Daishonin's practice of leading all people to enlightenment.
The first of the Twenty-Six Warning Articles by Nikko Shonin states: "You must uphold the doctrines of the Fuji School and propagate them with absolutely no deviation from the teachings of our master." ('Twenty-six Admonitions of Nikko," Gosho Zenshu, Pg. 1617)
Another article reads:
"In our school of Buddhism, you should embrace the Gosho with your life and uphold the true essence as instructed by our master." ('Twenty-six Admonitions of Nikko," Gosho Zenshu, Pg. 1618)
Indeed, these articles represent documentary proof of the doctrine of the bond of faith between master and disciple, and furthermore, they show that Nikko Shonin's life manifested this principle.
The Ninth High Priest Nichiu Shonin teaches us the following:
"The manifestations and formalities of our practice are none other than our faith and Myoho Renge Kyo. Thus, the internal manifestation of the enlightenment of Nichiren Daishonin, the founder of our faith, and Nikko Shonin, the founder of the Head Temple, is Myoho Renge Kyo." ("On the Formalities of True Buddhism,"{Kegi Sho}, "Selected Works of the Fuji School" (Fuji Shugaku Yoshu), Vol. 1, Pg. 61)
The master pledges to teach his disciples and lead them to Myoho Renge Kyo. The disciples should be determined to sincerely accept and embrace Myoho Renge Kyo. Their spirits form a bond and unite under Myoho Renge Kyo. Thus, the ultimate foundation of our Buddhist practice lies in the bond of faith between the master, Nichiren Daishonin, and the disciple, Nikko Shonin.
The Denomination in Which the Heritage is Transferred From Master to Disciple
Nichiren Shoshu has traditionally been known as the Buddhist denomination that passes on its heritage from master to disciple. At the end of the "One Hundred and Six Articles" (Hyaku-Rokka Sho) the Daishonin wrote:
"Only one person, Byakuren Ajari Nikko, who has received direct instructions, shall receive the essential Heritage. He shall be the High Priest over all.Without fail, he shall receive the entirety of the correct teachings of Nichiren ... You must regard Nikko and the successive High Priests as you have regarded me during mylife." (Gosho Zenshu, Pg. 869)
Moreover, in the "Transfer Document of Seven Articles Concerning the Gohonzon (Gohonzon Shichika no Sojo), a passage reads: "Regard all the successive High Priests to be Nichiren." (Seiten, Pg. 379)
Thus, it is clear that Nikko Shonin received the Heritage of True Buddhism from the Daishonin and became his successor. After Nikko Shonin accepted the Heritage, be became the master. Both the priests and lay believers in Nichiren Shoshu considered him to be their master. As his disciples, they advanced forth in their Buddhist practice, embracing the bond of faith between the master and disciple. The internal manifestation of the enlightenment of Nichiren Daishonin has been passed down systematically to the successive High Priests, Thus, each High Priest is the master. The believers, then, must form the bond of the master-disciple faith with the current High Priest and persevere in their faith and practice. Herein lies the key to attaining the benefit of enlightenment in one's present form.
We must center around the Head Temple where the Dai- Gohonzon of the High Sanctuary of True Buddhism is enshrined. We must also carry through our Buddhist practice based on the directions given to us by the High Priest, who possesses the Heritage of the Law. These two elements form the double pillars of strength that will bring about true faith and unity -- "different bodies but one in mind" -- in Nichiren Shoshu.