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Written by Ekan Ikeguchi, Ph.D.
Everyone has the opportunity to achieve Nirvana during their
lifetime, Fuse (Donating) Sharing and Giving “One for all, and all for one.” We do not actually need very much to survive. The rich
are able to give to the poor. The poor are also able to do
things for others, such as cleaning the city or picking up trash
from forests and rivers. It is not the act of doing for others that makes you noble; rather it is the mindset that you have the privilege of filling the hole yourself. True sharing and giving is feeling privileged to be able to do things for others. Jikai (Morality) Following a disciplined lifestyle. Suppose that one person decides not to follow a rule. Upon seeing this, another person thinks, "well, if he is doing it…" and decides to also break the rule. One person’s decision not to follow manners or not to follow a rule causes another to do the same. Similarly, many other people will continue to break the rule. One person's disregard for the rules gives birth to similar disregard by many other people. Rules exist in this world for the benefit of everyone, so that we can live a happy, secure, and peaceful life.
Ninniku (Forbearance) Accepting and overcoming hardships. A seed that falls on the ground first grows one short thin root.
A sprouting young plant perseveres through rain, wind, snow, and scorching sun, as it slowly and consistently spreads its roots deep in the earth. In time, the stem becomes a massive trunk, and the branches become filled with deep green leaves. Similarly, people, as long as we are alive, are also destined to go through hardships and sad times. Just as a tree growing in a stormy place digs its roots deeper into the earth, when we experience such things as severe sicknesses, social isolation, and restrictions, or we experience emotions such as suffering, loneliness, sadness, and humiliation, we also build our foundations. We find ourselves being able to see things that we could not see before and feel things that we could not feel before, and accept them. Whenever we experience hardship, if we persevere through strong will and steadiness of heart, each experience becomes a seed for growth of the human soul. Shojin (Effort) To train oneself in the ways of Buddha. To live is to ponder. To live is to have clarity. To live is to be in darkness. To live is to shine. To live is to run. To live is to stop.
There are times when one feels that all hope is dashed and despair reigns, and there are times when one feels that he has reached the highest pinnacle and is shooting towards the farthest stars. One to the other, a person's life continually swings like a pendulum. Shojin is to become closer to the Buddhist way, caring and compassionate. Care gives peace to others. Compassion washes away despair. Within the day-to-day life filled with ups and downs, these are the times where Buddhist ways are the most needed. Zenjo (Meditation) Getting closer to the truth through training. There is no special teaching that can teach one how to calm the busy and chaotic soul of a human being. Someone else cannot teach the rightful state of one’s heart and soul. There is a state of self-being called “Śūnyāta,” meaning emptiness. “Śūnyāta” is a selfless state, where a person is in agreement with the ways of the universe. It is also a state of realization, and it exceeds the capacity of human words. When the inward essence of a person is aligned with the truth, this person is able to gain access to eternal wisdom. Training is one effective way for a person to grow and develop. To attain truth through training, one should throw away such things as social position, money, and pride – these are all things of which we were void when we first came to this world. By doing so, the fog that clouds one's heart will be cleared, and one will uncover new realizations. Training is not just for monks and trainees of a temple. Training is to plant one's feet and focus all of one's spirit to one's work. “Śūnyāta” is the state of losing oneself in training, a clean spiritual state without desires of worldly decorations, fame, or fortune. “Śūnyāta” is aligned with the ways of the universe. Chie (Wisdom) Understanding the true essence and realizing the truth. In a world filled with worldly desires and confusion, it is easy to allow evil such as hatred, doubt, resentment, impatience, jealousy, and malice to consume one’s heart. On the other hand, elements of joy such as love, trust, appreciation, relaxation, cheering, understanding, and good intention can instantly fill the heart with a sense of peace. In this world filled with many emotions and many distractions, it is easy to forget that we are all naturally a Buddha; we, instead, tend to be consumed by our desires and forget what is really important. The power to uncover the truth and find enlightenment is Chie (wisdom). Chie cannot be learned in a prestigious school. It cannot be gained with power. It cannot be gained even if one is filled and surrounded by love. Seeing the truth requires the development of a pure will that transcends the emotions and does not waiver in any situation. It is accepting and forgiving of everything; it does not differentiate between good and evil. Truth is without attachment.
“Walking the path of wisdom as a human being” There are small desires and grand desires; there is a small self and a grand self. Small desires are personal desires for the benefit of only oneself, while grand desires are for the happiness of all people. The small self is a view of just oneself, while the grand self is a view that includes all things in the universe, allowing one to align oneself with eternal Truth. If we are able to hold grand desires and not be consumed by small desires, throw away the small self and become one with the grand self, then this world will become heaven on earth. It is Goodness and Truth that makes us into human beings. These two are one and the same. Buddhism guides us on this path of Goodness and Truth through the Ten Noble Precepts. The first three relate to physical acts, the next four to vocal acts, and the final three to mental acts. Abstain from killing All things with life have parents which gave them birth. Although all living things are physically separate entities, we are all connected. The grand universe does not separate or segregate; all living things, like oneself and one’s children, are all the same. We are all connected. Therefore, a person must have care and compassion towards all living things. Value life and carefully protect life. This is our precept. Abstain from stealing In this world, it is not unusual that power is used as a force over reason, or money used to persuade against reason, or ethics for individual benefits. However, even if one has a simple life without fame or fortune, as long as one understands the difference between right and wrong and holds to good ethics, there will be no need to envy fame or worldly fortunes. This world fluctuates like the tides of an ocean, and, if one realizes this, then there will be no excess pride and extravagance during times of fame and fortune, and there will be no envy or sadness during times without. Abstain from committing adultery Sometimes, the desires between a man and a woman can be much greater than even their basic desires for food. The universe, hence, the will of God, created men and women different from each other. In order to live the path of Truth, one cannot be attached to this difference nor be ignorant of this fact. For a married couple to go against the path of Truth is like going against the laws of both heaven and earth. In nature, the heavens bring rain, thunder, and sunlight, and the earth responds to these elements. Similarly, the husband and wife have their roles and relationships in humanity. The path for the married couple, as human beings, must be most wary of hatred and mistrust, and they must honor most the notion of respect and trust. These laws are as apparent as the natural laws of the heaven and earth. Desires between men and women that go against the Truth might be the strongest of desires; such desires can lead to a path of fixation from which it is difficult to turn away. Abstain from lying The Truth of the universe resides in human beings and is manifested in people’s thoughts and emotions. The Truth also resides in animals, in mountains, rivers, plants, and trees. Nature does not lie, and nature does not deceive. Everything appears as it actually is. However, we humans tend to forget that every living thing, including ourselves, is part of the universe. By expressing the true forms of things, the Truth is revealed. Buddhist teaching preaches the Truth and the words of Buddha can explain the wisdom that abounds in the universe. Abstain from using bad language The head of a family, the president of a company, the prime minister… the words of leaders bear a great amount of responsibility. The words of leaders have, one on hand, the power to give happiness and joy to the family, employees, or citizens. On the other hand, one careless word also has the power to bring suffering, or unwillingly move hearts, societies, and nations. The higher the influence of a leader, the more cautious the leader must be of his intentions and thoughts. Continuous training in wielding the clear and pure consciousness of Buddha is necessary. Abstain from slandering others Words have the power to become both deadly poison and potent medicine. Good or bad, words have a strong influence and can change a person’s life. Bad words can be self-destructive and, at times, can even destroy whole nations. The ill effects of disrespectful or selfish words will eventually come back to the originator. Conversely, words that are filled with care and compassion can instantly save lives or guide the hearts and minds of people toward peace. Abstain from speaking frivolously We have a desire to be liked and accepted by people that we like, by people with power, by people with abilities, and by people that we respect. On the contrary, toward people other than the above, we tend to have feelings of segregation, prejudice, and superiority. It is common in this world that people have interest only in people. When it comes down to it, it may be that people have interest only in themselves. “I like myself the most.” “I am the most important thing in the world.” These kinds of thoughts create segregation between self and others. However, in the laws of the universe, all living things are one and equal. In other words, the whole universe is the same as yourself. By realizing this universal truth and putting it into practice, feelings of love and trust will sprout between people, and one will be able to foster care and compassion and enjoy emotional interactions throughout one’s life. Abstain from coveting A person with fame and fortune may have the adoration of many; however, this person is not a sacred person. A person has a tendency to adhere to and be held back by the current situation, especially a comfortable and easy one. The attachment becomes even greater if one’s desires are fulfilled. The more one gains, the more one fears loss. From this fear, comes suffering. To take as much as desired, this attachment is the reflection of a common heart. To care for others, giving peace and taking away their suffering, is the reflection of a sacred heart. A person who lives with compassion, by the teaching of the Buddha, regardless of whether he is emanating light or not or how humble he may look, this is the sight of a sacred person. Abstain from giving way to anger Anger and hatred are the sources of disturbance of peace. However, holding these feelings back is not an easy task. Anger and hatred form in one’s heart, and although the heart is a part of oneself, bending it to one’s will is difficult. A person has “consciousness,” “feelings,” and “heart.” A person before birth, in the mother’s womb, already has “consciousness”. However, it is not certain if there are “feelings” of joy, anger, and sadness at that state. Over years of time and experience interacting with this world, one’s “feelings” develop into one’s “heart”. In one’s “consciousness” there are no such feelings of anger and hatred. “Consciousness” is the world of “Śūnyāta” or nothingness. Abstain from holding false views There is a universal law: All things are transient. Everything that is born will diminish. Everything with form will deteriorate. Buddha preaches both “the causes of suffering” and “the wisdom to happiness.” “Wisdom to happiness” is to be sharing and giving. Give peace to others. Endure hardships and grow. Be compassionate. Be caring. Take away the suffering of others. Purify the body, soul, and actions. Speak with words of good intent. Appreciate and value life. Have a caring heart. See from the perspective of the universe…. It is not necessary to learn difficult things or to have lots of money to sing loudly the happiness of life. By living the path of wisdom, there will be heaven on this earth. Acknowledgement Special thanks to Cindy Carlson, Asian/Pacific Studies Institute, Duke University, for English review.
• Postgraduate Doctoral Degree, Yamaguchi University, School of Medicine (1999); Bachelor of Arts Degree, Koyasan University, School of Literature, Department of Mikkyo Studies (1959) • Koyasan Dento Daiajari (Grand master of the Dharma Transmission in the Shingon esoteric Buddhism lineage); Chief Abbot, Eboshizan Saifukuji Temple • Board of Directors, Society of Japanese Alternative Medicine; Advisor of the Board, Japanese Society of Preventative Medicine; Chancellor, Saifuku School; Director, Koyasan School; • Professor and Doctor of Medicine, Khavarovsk National Medical College, Russia; Advisor, Adjunct Professor, and Honorary Doctor of History, Center of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Science; Adjunct Professor, Hyogo Medical University; • Guest Lecturer: Kyoto Medical University and Graduate School; Yamaguchi National University, Department of Medicine; Hiroshima National University, Department of Medicine; Hiroshima National University, Department of Dentistry; Kanazawa National University, Department of Medicine; Kurume University, Department of Medicine; Okayama National University, Department of Medicine; Osaka National University, Department of Health & Fitness; Hirosaki National University, Department of Medicine; Oita National University, Department of Medicine; Tottori National University, Department of Medicine; Kochi National University, Department of Medicine; Fukui National University, Department of Medicine; Sangyo Medical University • Performed 1,000,000-stick Goma Ritual (a Shingon Buddhist fire ritual and ceremony during which one million wooden sticks are burned - a feat, which no one else has achieved in history); Performed 8,000-stick Goma Ritual 91 times. • Brazil Geographical Society Cultural Award, (1969, 1974); Asia Peace Award (1995); GPU Peace Award (1998); Mikkyo Fine Arts and Literature Award (2002)
• Born in Aichi Prefecture, Japan (1932) • Masters Degree (1957) and Undergraduate Degree (1955), Kyoto City University of Arts • Painter of traditional Japanese style water-color art • His works include wall paintings of 3 temples designated as World Cultural Heritage in Kyoto, Japan: Daikaku-ji (1992), Daigo-ji (1999), and Kyo-ou-gokoku-ji (2005) • Many of his works are exhibited in museums such as The National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo, The Museum of Modern Art Kamakura and Hayama, Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston, and The Art Institute of Chicago. • More than 86 exhibits around the world
• Doctor of Medicine Degree, St. Marianna University School of Medicine (1983); Postgraduate Doctoral Degree, Kagoshima University, Department of Pharmacology (1991) • President and CEO, Shin Nippon Biomedical Laboratories (SNBL) Group of companies (1997-); President of SNBL, Ltd. (1991) • Fellow, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom (FFPM); Full member, Society of Toxicology (USA); Board of Directors, Japanese Society of Preventative Medicine; Councilor and certified Clinical Pharmacology Physician, Japanese Society of Clinical Pharmacology; Councilor and Certified Toxicologist, Japanese Society of Toxicology • Adjunct Professor, Hokkaido University Graduate School; Adjunct Professor, St. Marianna University School of Medicine; Adjunct Clinical Professor, Kochi University School of Medicine; Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Rhode Island Department of Biomedical Sciences; Lecturer, Kagoshima University, Hiroshima University and Kanazawa University. • National Labor Standards Association, "Creativity Award" (1995); Nikkei Newspaper & the National Land Agency, "Economy and Industry Award" (1997); Minami Nihon Newspaper, "54th South Japan Industry of the Year" (1999)
• Bachelor of Art Degree, National Kaushang Normal University, School of Literature, Department of Literature (1981) • Postgraduate Doctoral Degree, Tokyo University, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, Department of Indian Philosophy and Buddhism (1996) • Assistant Professor, Okayama University, Department of Legal Medicine and Bioethics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2005 -)
• Bachelor of Science Degree, North Carolina State University, Department of Mechanical Engineering (2002) • Executive Assistant to CEO, SNBL, Ltd. (2002 -) |
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Ikeguchi
Ekan, PhD, Dento-Daiajari
Taisuke
Hamada
Ryoichi
Nagata, MD, PhD, FFPM
Huiying
Li, Litt
Fumiyoshi
Iwashima