Mother’s Day falls on this Sunday, and so I reflect on my aging mother and the role she played in the path I have taken in the Buddha’s teaching.
My mother is and since before I was born, devoted to the Lotus Sutra through her Nichiren practice. While still in her womb, she chanted the Daimoku – the invocation of devotion to and refuge in the Lotus Sutra – Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo – one million times. Of course I have no specific recollection, but without doubt, the sounds and rhythms of the Daimoku, the Name of the Lotus Sutra, is soaked into the primal levels of my mind. I do remember in my earliest memories, meetings in rooms with hundreds of people chanting the Daimoku, the vibration in the air, the peace and contentment, the warmth of safety and protection. For me, that is the sound of the universe.
As a child, I learned to recite sections of the Second and Sixteenth Chapters of the Lotus Sutra – the Expedient Means and Life Span Chapters, respectively. I chanted the Daimoku countless times throughout my life, and even now it echoes in my mind and I say it under my breath from time to time. I expect, I hope, it will be the last sound I hear when I die.
It was this gift from my mother that set me securely in the posture of refuge in the Lotus Sutra.
Throughout the history of Buddhism, mothers have figured in the lives of the great teachers. Of course it started with Maya, Shakyamuni’s mother, who gave her life in order that the Buddha could illuminate the world. Asanga and Vasubhandu, the half brothers who laid the foundation of the Yogacara teachings, were born of a devout mother. Similarly Kumarajiva and Saichō. There are others I cannot presently recall, and no doubt many others of whom I have never heard. I am not comparing myself to these figures except in the respect that like them, their travels on the path of Buddhadharma started with their mothers.
So on this occasion, with tears streaming down my face, I commemorate my praise and gratitude to my mother and all the mothers who bring all of the Buddha’s emissaries into the world, especially those who tread the path of Buddhadharma themselves.
Thank you, Mommy.
Namu Butsu. Namu Hō. Namu Sō.
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