SGI Intermediate Exam

REPUDIATING THE ERRORS OF THE NICHIREN SHOSHU PRIESTHOOD UNDER NIKKEN

100

What are the greatest offenses a person can commit that are described in the Buddhist teachings?

Five Cardinal Sins

Reference:

The five cardinal sins (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 123)

200

People who encourage people to abandon the Lotus Sutra and thereby close off the path to Buddhahood for all people (See The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, pp. 118–19)

Enemies of the Lotus Sutra

Reference:

Those who encourage people to abandon the Lotus Sutra and thereby close off the path to Buddhahood for all people (See The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, pp. 118–19)

300

On November 7, 1991, the priesthood sent the Soka Gakkai a ____________________.

“Remonstrance to Disband”

Reference:

“Remonstrance to Disband” (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 120)

400

Nikken’s aim was to sever relations with the Soka Gakkai and take control of its members, turning them into subservient followers of the priests. In 1990, he conceived and put into action a surreptitious plan he named Operation C. “C” meaning to do what to the Soka Gakkai.

Cut

Reference:

Operation C (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 120)

500

The Nikken Sect claims that the high priest is an infallible object of worship or veneration. In Twenty-six Admonitions, ____________________ said: “Do not follow even the high priest if he goes against the Buddha’s Law and propounds his own views” (Gosho zenshu, new ed., p. 2196; Gosho zenshu, p. 1618).

Nikko Shonin

Nikko Shonin (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, pp. 123–24)

STUDYING THE WRITINGS OF NICHIREN DAISHONIN

100

In the writing “The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon” Nichiren Daishonin states, “Never seek this Gohonzon ____________________.”

Outside yourself

Reference:

outside yourself (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 192)

200

What does “establishing the correct teaching” depend upon?

The transformation of the heart and mind at the individual level

Reference:

The transformation of the heart and mind at the individual level (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 189)

300

In “On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land,” Nichiren Daishonin says that the way by which people can resolve their suffering and bring peace and security to society is by reforming “the ____________________ that we hold in our heart.”

Tenets:

Reference:

tenets (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 189)

400

A ____________________ can be described as a society that values the ideal of realizing happiness for self and others based on the Buddhist spirit of respect for human beings and life.

Buddha Land

Reference:

Buddha land (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 190)

500

Who did Nichiren Daishonin address “The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon” to?

Nichinyo

Reference:

Nichinyo (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 192)

NICHIREN DAISHONIN AND THE LOTUS SUTRA

100

In “The True Aspect of All Phenomena,” Nichiren Daishonin writes: “Now, no matter what, strive in faith and be known as a votary of the Lotus Sutra, and remain my disciple for the rest of your life. If you are of the same mind as Nichiren, you must be a ____________________. And if you are a ____________________ there is not the slightest doubt that you have been a disciple of Shakyamuni Buddha from the remote past” (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 385). Please choose the same phrase that fits in both blanks.

Bodhisattva of the Earth

Reference:

Bodhisattva of the Earth (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 140)

200

According to the Lotus Sutra, after Shakyamuni’s passing, when will the Bodhisattvas of the Earth actually appear?

In the Latter Day of the Law

Reference:

In the Latter Day of the Law (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, pp. 139–40)

300

What does the Lotus Sutra’s “Life Span of the Thus Come One” chapter reveal about Shakyamuni’s enlightenment?

He is the eternal Buddha who had been enlightened since the remote past.

Reference:

He is the eternal Buddha who had been enlightened since the remote past. (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 137)

400

What is the truth or reality of all things that Buddhas, through their vast and profound wisdom, are able to perceive?(five word phrase)

True aspect of all phenomena

Reference:

the true aspect of all phenomena (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 134)

500

The two doctrines the Lotus Sutra are founded on.

The “true aspect of all phenomena” and the “attainment of Buddhahood in the remote past”

Reference:

The “true aspect of all phenomena” and the “attainment of Buddhahood in the remote past” (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 134)

THREE THOUSAND REALMS IN A SINGLE MOMENT OF LIFE

100

One's life as it exists at any given moment.

Three thousand realms in a single moment

Reference:

One’s life as it exists at any given moment (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 149)

200

In the doctrine of “three thousand realms in a single moment of life,” what does “three thousand realms” indicate?

All phenomena—all things and their varied functions

Reference:

All phenomena—all things and their varied functions (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 149)

300

"A great human revolution in just a __ ______ _______ will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation and, further, will enable a change in the destiny of all humankind.” (three word phrase)

a single individual

Reference:

“Three thousand realms in a single moment of life” (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 150)

400

Anyone in any of the Ten Worlds, in response to the right conditions, can manifest the world of Buddhahood and become a Buddha pertains to what principle? (six word phrase)

mutual possession of the Ten Worlds

Reference:

Anyone in any of the Ten Worlds, in response to the right conditions, can manifest the world of Buddhahood and become a Buddha. (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 152)

500

An external condition or influence that stimulates the internal cause, functioning as a supporting or auxiliary cause to bring about an effect as it pertains to the "ten factors of life". (one word)

Relation.

Reference:

An external condition or influence that stimulates the internal cause, functioning as a supporting or auxiliary cause to bring about an effect. (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 153)

THE MISSION AND PRACTICE OF THE BODHISATTVAS OF THE EARTH

100

Those who are qualified and entrusted with the task of spreading the Lotus Sutra in the evil age after his passing (found in the Lotus Sutra's 15th chapter)

Bodhisattvas of the Earth

200

The role of Bodhisattvas of the Earth do as found in the Lotus Sutra’s 21st chapter (two key words)

Vow to teach and spread the fundamental Law for attaining Buddhahood

300

Nichiren Daishonin awakened within his own life to the Law of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which is the essence of the Lotus Sutra. What three things did he expect his disciples to take as well in order to protect, support and guide all people to enlightenment. (three short phrases)

Vowed to become the pillar, the eyes, and the great ship

400

The great vow of Nichiren Daishonin.

kosen-rufu

Reference:

kosen-rufu (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 170)

500

People who lead others to the correct teaching or help others practice toward enlightenment. (two word phrase)

Good friends.

Reference:

“good friends” (The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 171)