1. We often quarrel with family members and friends. War is a quarrel between nations.
2. We should be good friends with people the world over and try to co-exist with all living things.
3. The experience of war has become little more than a legend told by older people. However, the terror and distress they experienced during the war should be handed down from generation to generation.
4. The earth is not the property of human beings only. It belongs to all living things.
5. “The Oasis of the Universe”-Let’s take good care of the blue earth that brightens the universe.
- Issued by: Nichiren-shu Shumuin (Administrative Headquarters, Nichiren Order of Buddhism.)
- 32-15, Ikegami 1-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo 146
Telephone: 03-751-7181
“The Earth Is an Oasis of the Universe.”
The earth appeas to be a brilliant blue ball when viewed from spacecraft flying several hundred thousand kilometers away. Since it is the only heavenly body where life exists, it looks like an oasis of the universe. This is the impression of many astronauts who have traveled into space.
The earth should not be monopolized by man. It should be shared by all living beings including man, animals, plants and bacteria. We are not permitted to destroy or contaminate the environment of the earth for our own convenience. This is the fundamental thought of Buddhism.
“The country is in rums.
Yet its mountains and rivers stay intact.
Spring has come to the ruined castle.
Grasses and trees grow thick around there.”
Tu Fu
The Chinese poet describes his impressions of how nature remains despite a defeat in war which has changed the destiny of the people. The situation is now different. The outbreak of nuclear war will bring destruction to nature. Mountains and rivers will be doomed to devastation. Grasses and trees will never grow again. Most living things will die out. The earth will loose its brilliance.
It is feared that conflict among the superpowers may possibly develop into a unclear war. War must be avoided by all means.
We have become very greedy. Nations and individuals are frantically seeking their own interests. Greed necessarily brings about anger and hatred, which are the causes of conflict.
To realize peace we must abandon greed and make the “principle of thankfulness” the basis of civilization. Buddhism teaches that “all phenomena are produced by causation.” This means that nothing–be it living or non-living things, natural or artificial phenomena–can exist by itself. The existence of anything is dependent on the existence of others. When we become thankful for others, we learn to be contented. Here arises dialogue, mutual understanding, the spirit of tolerance and friendship.
In his writings Nichiren repeatedly stresses the importance of peace. He says,
“You must be awakened promptly to the true teaching of Buddha Sakyamuni. Then the world will become the land of the Buddha. How can the Land of Buddha decline or be destroyed? If the nation does not decline and the land is not destroyed, we can be safe and calm:”
Uphold Righteousness and Bring Peace to the Country
We are promoting the “Rissho Peace Movement” in accordance with Nichiren’s teachings. Peace will never be realized while we are standing idly by. Let’s join hands and speak out worldwide for the realization of peace.
Why not listen to the teachings of Nichire Shu on the phone? You will feel refreshed and warm-hearted. Themes change every week on Sunday.
Nichiren-shu Teachings on the Phone
Tokyo: 81-3-540-2104
Osaka: 81-6-575-2104
Nichiren-shu Announcements
Tokyo: 81-3-540-3900
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