Transcript Ten_States_of_Life - SGI-USA South Bay Community center

The
10
Worlds
LA Beach Cities Region:
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1. The 10 (ten) Worlds A Graphical
Depiction follows this page
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
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Hell
Hunger
Animality
Anger
Tranquility
Rapture
Learning / Reflection
Absorption / Realization
Bodhisattva
Buddhahood
1. Hell
A State of abject misery. In this condition one feels continuous
torment and anguish. One feels trapped and powerless as if in a
prison.
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2. Hunger: insatiable desire
It is characterized by greed. Desires dominate one’s life.
Characterized by selfish greed which leads to destruction as
evidenced by pollution
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3. Animality: a life on instinct
Where on follows their instinct without thought
our reason. The law of the jungle, the strong
prey on the weak and the weak fear the strong.
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4. Anger: world of conflict
A person dominated by ego. He or she thinks he is better,
and knows better, than everyone else, and works exclusively
for his own benefit.
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5. Tranquility: human being
One controls his instinctive desires with reason.
This the humane, calm and reasonable state of
mind in which one is at peace with himself and
others.
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6. Rapture: overwhelming joy
Sometimes called heaven, is the exhilaration
experienced through the satisfaction of a desire.
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7. Learning: Self reflection
In this state one has an open mind and applies
oneself to self-development through learning from
others, and gains wisdom through self-reflection
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8. Absorption: realization
Similar to learning. However, rather than learning from
others one gains insight and wisdom from introspection and
intuition.
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9. Bodhisattva: caring for others
One experiences this state when devoted to helping others.
The great compassion of the state of bodhisattva is in the
most caring nurses, doctors and teachers who are dedicated
to the welfare of others even at the expense of their own
comfort.
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10. Buddhahood
Buddhahood is a dynamic state that is difficult
to describe. We can partially describe it as a
state of perfect freedom, in which we are
enlightened to the ultimate truth of life. It is
characterized by infinite compassion and
boundless wisdom. In this state, we can
resolve harmoniously what appear from the
standpoint of the nine worlds to be insoluble
contradictions. A Buddhist sutra describes the
attributes of the Buddha’s life as a true self,
perfect freedom from karmic bonds throughout
eternity, a life purified of illusion, and absolute
happiness. Also, the state of Buddhahood is
physically expressed in the Bodhisattva Way or
actions of a Bodhisattva.
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The Ten Worlds
The ten worlds depict the basic states of
life and the mutual possession of the ten
worlds show that no matter what state of
base state of life we are in; it is still
possible to manifest the state of
Buddhahood.
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The Ten Worlds
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2.
3.
4.
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Manifesting Buddhahood depends on;
The effectiveness of the teaching (Nichiren’s
Buddhism) and the practice.
The body of believers (SGI organization) to
support each believer in the journey.
A mentor to show the correct way to use the
practice in the modern world and be an example
of its potential and possibilities.
The sincerity of the believers consistent efforts.
The Ten Worlds
The Ten worlds explain the human condition.
1.
2.
That our life condition changes from moment to moment.
The changes are based on both internal and external
factors.
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3.
Simply explains everyone has potential for great good or
bad.
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4.
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External events and occurrences in our environment.
Internal relationships inside our life and how we interpret
and react to the outside world.
In other words ones life state is based on ones own efforts,
moment to moment, day to day, year to year.
Challenging and over coming our fundamental negative
tendencies are the core essence of Nichiren’s Buddhism.
The Ten Worlds
Encourages self determination and
development
1.
2.
3.
4.
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Encourages people to seek the teachings and
their own potential as the inspiration and
guiding points of their personal development.
Encourages a mutually self determined (with
fellow friends/believers) environment.
Discourages codependence and reliance on
others to be the givers of this potential.
Developing “fighting” happiness spirit.
The Ten Worlds
Thoughts associated with Negative potential;
Relates back to 10 Worlds
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Disbelieve in self and ones abilities
Dependence on outside circumstances
for self fulfillment
Trapped
Cowardice
Anger
Blaming others for our unhappiness.
Constant Complaining / sharing misery
The Ten Worlds
Thoughts associated with the 10th world
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Believe in self to overcome any circumstance
Respect for others for the same potential
Courage
Hope / Optimism
View point of their live as living story / Mission
Ability to face each of life's challenges honestly
and earnestly.
And more!
The Ten Worlds
Challenging Negative potential is the core of
Buddhist Practice.
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Negative potential or beliefs cloud our
perception of our potential and of others.
Challenging and overcoming these tendencies
cut to the core of our unhappiness
Taking on these challenges allows us to
recognize and overcome some of the most
difficult situations in our lives (external).
This process allows for the construction of a
peaceful society or Kosen-Rufu
The Ten Worlds
Quotes for SGI-President Ikeda on these Points
“The key is courage. It is courage, and, at the same time, the
fundamental life force that wells forth in our lives when
we summon up courage. More simply, it is the latent
strength we posses within us. When we bravely struggle
to protect the Law, the power of our courage dispels the
mist of fundamental delusion that shrouds our hearts and
allows the limitless power of the Law to flow from our
lives. We reveal the life-state of Buddhahood that is one
with the Mystic Law.”
The World of Nichiren Daishonin’s Writings Vol I pg 158.
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The Ten Worlds
Quotes for SGI-President Ikeda on these Points
“It is the fundamental principle that when we
change, the world changes. It is the principle
that leads to the concepts of ‘human revolution’
and ‘establishing the correct teaching for the
peace of the land’.
Everything is up to us; it’s not about others. If
we don’t understand this, we are not upholding
the Mystic Law”
The World of Nichiren Daishonin’s Writings Vol I pg
127.
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The Ten Worlds
Quotes for SGI-President Ikeda on these Points
About the writings of Nichiren Daishonin
“The Diashonin’s writings contain a supreme universal philosophy earnestly
sought by people everywhere. They include guidelines that illuminate
the future and are filled with a message of hope that revitalizes those
who have none. They contain wisdom that enriches people’s lives,
encouragement that spurs people to action, and compassion that leads
all people to happiness. Moreover, they are filled with the courage to
battle negative forces, and the sharp sword of reason that can defeat
the devilsish nature inherent in life. They have passion that fuels
advance, sincerity that cherishes the thoughtfulness of others, strong
conviction that cuts through delusion, and principles of leadership that
open the path to victory.
The Daishonin’s writings constitute teachings on the human nature and life.
They serve as a mirror that reflects the realities of daily life and the
human existence, and they offer penetrating insight into society and
nature. In addition , they explain the Buddhist practice for pursuing
happiness and creating peace.
The Soka Gakkai is eternally based on these teachings.”
The World of Nichiren Daishonin’s Writings Vol I pg 64
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