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The Property of Rice
And it is also this way with rice. While the rice itself is the same, that rice which nourishes a slanderer of the Law
supports the life of one who destroys the seeds of Buddhahood, enabling him to become a more powerful enemy than ever. And
yet, does it not sustain his life so that he will in the end be won over to the Lotus Sutra? On the other hand, rice which
nourishes the votary of the Lotus Sutra must be rice of the utmost compassion, because it benefits all living beings. This
is what is meant by the Buddha's relics turning into rice. I cannot express my joy at your having sent a messenger all the
way here at such a time. Can it be that Shakyamuni Buddha or the Bodhisattvas of the Earth have entered into your body?
I entrust you with the propagation of Buddhism in your province. Because the seeds of Buddhahood sprout in response to the proper influence, one expounds
the teaching of the one vehicle. If Jibu-bo, Shimotsuke-bo or the others should arrive, I will send them without delay. And
if you have an opportunity to see Lord Matsuno, please carefully explain what I have said.
Sazanpia is one of my favorite places to go and help my students with
their English. I started teaching their in 1996 or so. Many students have passed under the bridge. I see them from time
to time at the local "matsuri" - festivals of Nobeoka. They always say, hello. And, it is a pleasure to see that they
have grown.
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| Sazanpia-March-29-2008.JPG |
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