How to deal with multiple denominations

This is my first time asking a question.
It's about mantras and sutras from different denominations.

My father's parents' house was of the Shingon sect, and my mother's parents' house was of the Yutsunenbutsu sect.
My paternal grandfather, who cared about me when I was very weak when I was young, taught me to put my hands on the little Buddha by chanting “Onkaka Kabisanmaeiwaka” seven times every morning.

At my mother's parents' house, we grew up in an environment where the chief priest distributed paper with the Heart Sutra written on it at memorial services, and we all recited the sutras.

As a matter of course, I am familiar with each of the two different denominations, and I have never felt any sense of incongruity.

Nevertheless, when I first heard the Minami Myōhō Rengekyo at my husband's parents' house after getting married, I was shocked by culture, although this may be an exaggeration. My husband's parents' house belongs to the Nichiren sect.

It's not a sense of incongruity or disgust; rather, it makes me feel a sense of loneliness.

When I looked up the Nichiren sect that it might be resolved if I were familiar with it, I learned that the Lotus Sutra was absolute and strict with other denominations, so my loneliness increased, and in addition, my anxiety grew.

I still love reading Kukai-san's books, and I feel at ease with the Heart Sutra and Jizo's mantra.

On the other hand, I also feel that reciting sutras and mantras from other denominations in one's heart is punishable.
In the future, I don't want to be alone, so I want to go to the same grave as my husband.

I want to cherish the sutras and mantras I'm used to, but I want to take care of another denomination in the future... can I attain Buddhism in the future?
Is it still rude to focus on sutras and mantras from other denominations?
I'm really worried about my half-hearted self.

5 Zen Responses

Think about it on a Buddha basis

Buddha did not start Buddhism. This is the first person to notice human truth. It's a story about being saved when they noticed that.

If the truth differs depending on religion or denomination, then it's probably a false religion that's out of place.

So don't worry. Any denomination shows us the way to salvation if it is real. Any mantra is fine. It's important to face yourself. So denying other religious denominations itself is a strange story.

First of all, they are all Buddhists.

A relationship where I met many sutras

I read your question.

First of all, let me say it.

You're not being punished at all.

Rather, I think they are people who have been blessed with a good relationship.

Onkakakabisanmaeisowaka

It's Jizo's mantra, isn't it?

Your grandfather, who cared about you when you were young

“I hope they grow up safely”

They probably told me with that wish.

This is such a thankful story.

Also, the Heart Sutra at my mother's parents' house.

And at the place of marriage, the Lotus Sutra.

Unbeknownst to you, you have been blessed with many Buddhist relationships.

The fool began imitating ascetic practices when he was five years old.

Shingon sect.

Nichiren sect.

Zen.

Tendai sect.

Jodo sect.

Jodo Shinshu.

I learned across denominations.

Currently, I am a monk of the Jodo Shinshu sect.

If you work at a memorial service in the Tokyo metropolitan area,

When I thought it was the Jodo Shinshu sect, it was actually a different denomination.

Such things are not uncommon.

If you look at the Dharma names and kajime,

What denomination did your ancestors belong to,

I can almost imagine it.

While consulting with the bereaved families,

I am working at a memorial service suitable for that family.

The sutras that are cherished differ depending on the denomination.

Heart Sutra

Lotus Sutra

Kannon Sutra.

The Amitabha Sutra.

Each one is a precious sutra.

What is important is

We are not bound by sectarian differences.

According to the teachings that the Buddha taught,

Right now, I'm being met by myself.

Why don't you take it that way?

Jizo is a memory of my grandfather.

I recited the Heart Sutra at my mother's parents' house.

Then I came across the Lotus Sutra through a relationship with my husband.

All of these are important Buddhist relationships for you.

In the future, I want to go to the same grave as my husband.

I think it's a very natural wish.

Please don't worry.

The heart that adores Jizo

The heart that appreciates the Heart Sutra

A heart that respects the Lotus Sutra

We're never going to fight.

You are already protected by many relationships.

Please don't worry,

Also to Jizo

Also in the Lotus Sutra

Put your hands together.

Gassho

Jōkōji Shaku Yasuaki

Blindfolded people were touching elephants.
“What kind of animal is an elephant?”
When asked, the person touching it answered.
“It's an animal with a big, long nose”
“It's an animal with big ears”
“It's a big animal that is rugged and comfortable to touch.”
“It's an animal with a long, thin tail.”
“It's an animal with big fangs”
Which one is correct? All of them are correct, right? They're all the same elephants.
Buddhism and sects are the same. Every denomination is the same Buddhism. It's just that the part you're touching is different.
The Buddha is always there for you, even if you are in touch with multiple denominations.
Please don't worry.

Please don't worry

I read it.
I read about you up until now and your husband's parents' house and your thoughts on each denomination. I feel like you can also understand how lonely you feel. I understand your feelings from the bottom of my heart.

Buddhism is a teaching that the Buddha did not learn and opened up to. All denominations are Buddhist teachings. Please don't worry, and please continue teaching and working for each denomination.

You can say the Heart Sutra, the Namu Amida Buddha, or the Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō. All of them are Buddha's teachings, teachings to save everything, and work.

I pray to the Buddha, God, and your ancestors so that you can continue to believe in the Buddha's teachings, work with all your heart and be kind, and live a clean and healthy life with everyone. We wholeheartedly agree

Namu Amida Buddha
Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō
Nanmu Daishi Hensho Kongo
Namu Shakamuni Buddha

Nanmubutsu Nanmubutsu Nanmuzou

For each and every one of us, it is a precious relationship with the Buddha. As a stronghold of life

Listening to your story, it makes me feel warm, wondering how they came into contact with Buddhism and the wishes of their families and ancestors who made connections with the Buddha so that they became familiar with it. I'm happy to see how many wishes I received and how nurtured I was.

That goes for my husband's family too. While doing that, everyone has respected their ancestors and honored the Buddha. Therefore, the Buddha enshrined in a Buddhist altar is called the principal image.

My relationship with my husband means I met the Buddha again, who cherishes you. How reassuring is that?

How have you kept your purpose? It is probably because there was an absolute belief and devotion that this teaching is what history has been passed down to this point. However, for each person, it is a precious relationship with the Buddha.

On the side of the Buddha, who is watching over you, there is no deadline that ends today. Every Buddha wishes for you. Let's cherish that relationship. Let's use this as a stronghold of life while thinking and chanting in your heart.

Gassho

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