Why Do Obstacles Arise After I Start Chanting?
Obstacles arise after you start chanting because your sincere practice directly confronts fundamental darkness. The sudden appearance of challenges proves your faith is correct and active. Chanting Namu Myoho Renge Kyo triggers resistance from negative functions. It simultaneously accelerates the purification of past karma. You are actively transforming your life.
The Three Obstacles and Four Devils
Nichiren categorizes the specific challenges that trouble a practitioner's progress as Sansho Shima. This translates to the Three Obstacles and Four Devils. The Three Obstacles are internal and external hindrances. Bonno-sho refers to earthly desires arising from your own greed and anger. Go-sho represents karma created by past negative causes. This often manifests as opposition from your immediate family. Ho-sho presents as painful retribution manifesting through opposition from secular authorities. The Four Devils are deeper functions that drain your life force. The most formidable is the Devil King of the Sixth Heaven. He manipulates others to obstruct your Buddhist practice.
Purifying Karma Through Faith
These obstacles are the doctrinal mechanism through which you purify negative karma from past lifetimes. This principle is called lessening karmic retribution. Nichiren explains that heavy karma from the past requires expiation now. Facing hardships for the sake of the Lotus Sutra in this life makes the sufferings of hell vanish instantly. Nichiren uses a profound analogy to explain this purification process. Iron heated in the flames and pounded brings its internal flaws to the surface. The blacksmith then forges it into a fine sword. Your present obstacles act as flames. They purify your life into indestructible gold.
Overcoming Resistance to Attain Buddhahood
You must view Sansho Shima as an expected battle against fundamental darkness. You must resolve to pursue the Buddha way single-mindedly. Lack of courage prevents you from attaining Buddhahood. Nichiren urges practitioners to recognize the Devil of the Sixth Heaven hiding behind the actions of opposers. You confront these difficulties with joy and unwavering conviction. You overcome these challenges by refusing to be frightened. You continue to chant Namu Myoho Renge Kyo continuously. This changes the poison of these obstacles into the medicine of enlightenment. Your obstacles provide the fuel that makes the fire of your enlightenment burn higher.
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