| Observation of the mind (Kanjin) is to observe Ichinen Sanzen within ones own life, however as in every concept of Buddhism, there is also a caveat in regards to observation of the mind. This is advanced Buddhism and is suited only to people of advanced capacity. Nichiren states: "This matter is the all embracing concern of the very person of Nichiren", and he both explains and defends its practice in regards to the One Vehicle in the "Thesis on the Fundamental Object of Veneration for Contemplating the Mind (Kanjin Honzon Sho)". That doesn't mean that people of lesser capacity cannot lead completely happy lives though, because as was stated earlier, the positivity that is born from practice leads to the person becoming in rhythm with their environment, which leads to a persons basic needs always being fulfilled. This is absolutely guaranteed of the practice of the One Vehicle and has been experienced by millions of people already.
T'ien-t'ai states the following in regards to the practice of Kanjin: "It is for those of keen spiritual capacities. Not everyone is capable of practicing it right away. It is the Buddhism of the first half of the Lotus Sutra. ... The practice of faith may be practiced by those of lesser spiritual capacities, and is especially designed for those in the latter days after the demise of the Dharma. It (the practice of faith) is the Buddhism of the second half of the Sutra. ... Ultimately the two practices are the different but completely complementary facets of the practice of Buddhism. Faith and the spirituality of the Dharma are ultimately inseparable. Spiritual enlightenment requires both aspects of the practice to be in harmony."
Mastering the mind through the practice of Kanjin is extremely hard as it requires a basic understanding of the mechanics of life, but foremost it requires that a person acknowledge and take responsibility for everything that happens to them. It was their cause and their effect and the delivery person is not to blame.
When practicing Kanjin a very profound thing starts to happen. One finds that they begin to practice the precepts without even knowing the precepts. It is a natural progression toward enlightenment, and is the beginning of Absolute Freedom through control of the individual environment. Chapter 10 of the Lotus Sutra says "it is the wisdom that comes of itself." This wisdom is born from practice and comes over a lifetime, not in a single day. It is a process of awakening that only comes through correct practice.
T'ien-t'ai states: "The eyes (of wisdom), the feet (of practice) and the object (of truth) together are called 'the vehicle'. In riding the vehicle, one progresses up through the stages towards enlightenment. ... As one rides this vehicle of enlightenment, one perfects the threefold body of enlightenment. This body follows a threefold track, which includes:
• the nature of absolute reality,
• the illumination of observation &
• the supporting means of attainment.
It is known variously as the threefold Buddha nature, the threefold wisdom, the three Bodhis, the three virtues, the three treasures, etc etc. All of these are different names for the threefold body of enlightenment. It is threefold but it is one. It is one and yet it is three. It is inconceivable. It is also called the treasury of the secret mystery."
Mastering the mind through observation is to not let other people or phenomena influence your environment, dragging you down into the lower worlds. It is also not a method to control another person's environment except to raise them up into the higher worlds. Simply put, it is not a means to affect others, but to affect ones own environment, which then affects others. The end does not justify the means! It is in fact the means that justify the end.
There are five stages along the path to Buddhahood. They are:
1. To realize the fundamental truth of Buddhism
2. To attain the capacity to understand Buddhist doctrine
3. To then begin applying the doctrine to your own life
4. To reach a stage of non-regression
5. To attain absolute Buddhahood.
Observation of the mind begins in stage two and goes beyond through the rest of the stages. |
