In chapter three of Parable, there is a verse “born from the mouth of the Buddha, evolved from the Law, and have obtained a place in the Buddha-law.” This means, by listening to the dharma preached from the mouth of Buddha, one's view of life and world will change. To even simplify the meaning, we are expressing the state of ‘truly being reborn through completely changing the way we perceive and think,’ with the verse “we are reborn from the mouth of Buddha.” Through this rebirth, we will receive suitable merit of dharma.

Our first birth is our birth as human beings from our mothers. Our second birth occurs when we listen and awaken to the teaching of Buddha.

Moreover, “have obtained a place in the Buddha-law,” means Mr. A will receive apportion of merit according to his capacities and Ms. B will receive according to hers. If we substitute vegetables for humans, it can be restate it as carrots will grow to be carrots and radishes will grow into radishes. This does not mean that we will try to cultivate carrots into radishes.

If there is a person who can raise carrots into radishes through religion, that person is very suspicious and unreliable. “Have obtained a place in the Buddha-law” does not mean make carrots into radishes, rather, it means if you are a carrot, be the best carrot, and if you are a radish, be the best radish.

From Shabyomui
Kosei 04/2004

<<<Back>>>

Copyright ©2003 Rissho Kosei-kai Hawaii, All Rights Reserved