The Power of Prayers for the Deceased

The Question of Our Ancestors

Sensei addressed an important question: What happens to our ancestors who passed away in the grip of great suffering?

He explained that the journey of the deceased depends on their accumulated karma. Some may already have been reborn and are now grappling with the effects of their karma in a new existence. Others may still be in an intermediate state, awaiting rebirth.

And even among those reborn, there’s no guarantee they will return as human beings. Based on their karma, they may be reborn as animals or other forms of life. Sensei noted that the sutras clearly describe how rare and precious it is to be born as a human being.

The Transformative Power of Daimoku

However, no matter what form or state our ancestors may currently be in—whether human, animal, or otherwise—Sensei emphasized the transformative power of Daimoku. “If we, their living descendants, uphold correct faith and chant for them to attain Buddhahood, our Daimoku will affect their lives, removing their suffering and imparting joy,” he explained.

This is because Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the fundamental law of the universe, permeating every corner of existence. Through chanting, we connect with the essence of life itself, reaching and uplifting even those who cannot chant for themselves.

Chanting for Those Reborn as Animals

Sensei highlighted a significant point: ancestors who have been reborn as animals are unable to chant Daimoku on their own. In such cases, they rely entirely on the earnest prayers and Daimoku of their descendants.

For those reborn as human beings, our chanting can guide them toward encountering Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. This connection may eventually lead them to embrace the practice and transform their lives.

“Chanting earnest Daimoku,” Sensei emphasized, “is the only way to lead our ancestors to happiness.”

Rejecting Superficial Practices

In some traditions, the practice of buying wooden memorial tablets is believed to help deceased ancestors attain Buddhahood. Sensei firmly refuted this idea, pointing out that Buddhahood cannot be bought or sold.

“If that were the case, Buddhahood would be a purchasable commodity,” he said. True happiness for our ancestors is achieved through our sincere faith and practice, not through material offerings.

The Journey of Those Who Have Faith

For those who upheld unwavering faith in Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism during their lifetime, Sensei shared a reassuring perspective.

“They will, after death, immediately be reborn as human beings in places near the Gohonzon, where they can once again savor the great joy of devoting their lives to kosen-rufu,” he said.

This continuity of mission and joy underscores the profound impact of practicing faith during one’s life.

Proof of Our Ancestors’ Happiness

Sensei also explained a simple way to assess whether our ancestors have attained Buddhahood: by examining our own happiness. “The key to determining whether our ancestors have attained Buddhahood is whether we, their descendants, have become happy through faith,” he said.

This connection reflects the deep interdependence of all life. When we live joyfully and meaningfully through faith, we bring happiness to our ancestors as well, demonstrating their attainment of Buddhahood.

Key Takeaways:

1. Daimoku Reaches All Life States: No matter where or in what form our ancestors exist, our sincere chanting can relieve their suffering and bring them joy.

2. Faith Transforms Karma Across Generations: By upholding faith, we create happiness not only for ourselves but for our loved ones, both living and deceased.

3. True Offering is Spiritual, Not Material: Buddhahood cannot be bought; it is achieved through sincere prayer and connection to the universal law.

4. Continuity of Mission Through Faith: Those who practice with steadfast faith in this lifetime are reborn near the Gohonzon to continue their mission for kosen-rufu.

5. Our Happiness Reflects Theirs: The joy we experience in our lives is the proof of our ancestors' attainment of Buddhahood.

[Closing Reflection]
"The connection between us and our ancestors is eternal, transcending life and death. Through faith and the practice of chanting Daimoku, we can uplift them, ensuring their happiness while deepening our own. Let’s honor this profound responsibility and continue to chant for those who came before us, knowing that our prayers bring light and joy to the entire network of life."

Disclaimer: "This podcast is based on teachings and guidance shared by Sensei, as interpreted and paraphrased for educational and inspirational purposes. While key quotes and ideas are retained to ensure accuracy, the majority of the content has been rewritten to provide fresh insights and storytelling. This content is not intended to replace official texts or guidance but to encourage personal reflection and practice. Listeners are encouraged to refer to original Soka Gakkai literature and resources for further study and understanding."

This story is inspired from NHR Volume 3