Shakyamuni Buddha was awakened to the the law affecting all the beings in the universe.
For a long time he pondered the problems of the world.
He comprehended that the universal truth applies to everyone.
Shakyamuni Buddha expounded this truth in various sermons. The sermons were later compiled as sutras.
The most profound sutra is the Sutra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Law, or the Lotus Sutra.
Of all the truths revealed in the Lotus Sutra, nothing inspires more confidence than the knowledge that the Eternal Buddha is the source of all existence. The Eternal Buddha, invisible but everywhere immanent in the universe, is actually the great life-force, the source of energy that permeates all living beings.
When we try to visualise this life-energy of the universe, an image does not readily come to mind. Yet, without a specific image, it is difficult to focus our thoughts on this life-force. It is difficult to focus our minds on this source of existence.
Without focusing our thoughts, we are not strongly moved in the depths of our hearts. Without being moved, we cannot commit ourselves in faith.
For human beings, it is perhaps natural to simbolise in a human form the life-energy of the universe because we can hold such an image in our minds. Through an image of the man who preached the teachings, we are moved and we can reflect on the depth of the teaching.
In Buddhism, it is most natural to symbolise the great life-force of the universe through an image of Shakyamuni Buddha who, appearing in this world, not only preached the Dharma (truth) but was a living example of his teaching.
For this reason, Rissho Kosei-kai members express reverence before an image of the Eternal Buddha.
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