Gosho Quotes on the Gohonzon
“Dwelling in
the Gohonzon are all the Buddhas, bodhisattvas and great saints, as well
as the eight groups of sentient beings of the two realms who appear in
the first chapter of the Lotus Sutra. Illuminated by the five characters
of the Mystic Law, they display the enlightened nature they inherently
possess. This is the true object of worship.” — From the “Real Aspect of
the Gohonzon”
“This Gohonzon
is the supreme mandala never before known” [Ibid.]
“Like a lantern
in the dark, like a strong supporting arm on a treacherous path, the Gohonzon
will protect you, Lady Nichinyo, wherever you go.” [Ibid.]
“Never seek
this Gohonzon outside yourself. The Gohonzon exists only within the mortal
flesh of us ordinary people who embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.”
[Ibid.]
“The Gohonzon
is found in faith alone.” [Ibid.]
“Nichiren was
the first to inscribe this great mandala as the banner of propagation of
the Lotus Sutra.” [Ibid.]
“Shakyamuni,
Taho, and all the other Buddhas in the ten directions represent the world
of Buddhahood within ourselves. By searching them out within us, we can
receive the benefits of Shakyamuni, Taho, and all the other Buddhas.” —
From “The True Object of Worship”
Nichikan Shonin
wrote:
“This is the
origin of all Buddhas and sutras and the place to which they return. The
blessings of the myriads of Buddhas and sutras throughout space and time,
without a single exception, all return to this Gohonzon which is the Buddhism
of the seed. It is just like the tree's hundreds and thousands of branches
and leaves which can all be traced to the same root. This Gohonzon therefore
provides vast and boundless benefits. Its mystic functions are vast and
profound. So if you take faith in this Gohonzon and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
at all, no prayer will go unanswered, no sin will remain unforgiven, all
good fortune will be bestowed, and all righteousness proven.” From Selected
Lectures on the Gosho, Vol. 1.
Suggested websites:
SGI-USA website
— www.sgi-usa.org
The Imagery
of Nichiren’s Lotus Sutra –– www.gakkaionline.net/imagery
Faith Practice
and Study: Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism –– www.gosho.net
Diagram
of the Nichikan Gohonzon
