Awaken…16 Devotion to the Three Treasures…18 Eternal Values…21 The Origin of the Soul…24 Renounce the World…26 My Enlightenment…28 The Kingdom of the Mind…29 For the Purpose of a Higher Dimension…32 Seek the Right Mind…34 Like a Lotus Flower…37 The Salvation of Humankind…39 Come, Follow Me…40
CHAPTER TWO Words of Wisdom Nourishment for the Mind…44 Words of Self-Admonition…46 The Middle Way…49 That Which Makes the Soul Shine…52 Humility and Gratitude…55 Practicing Love…58 The Path of Cultivating Yourself…61 The Path of Improvement…70
CHAPTER THREE Do Not Be Foolish What is Foolishness?…76 Do Not Be Greedy…78 A Mind of Offering…79 The Enlightened Ones…81 Know Yourself…83 The Greatest Fool…85 The Value of Kindness…90 The Foolishness of Self-Preservation…92 Do Not Be Troubled by Your Body…95 Do Not Become Angry…98 Do Not Envy…100 Do Not Complain…102 Work Silently…105
CHAPTER FOUR Politics and Economics Within Politics and Economics…110 A Spiritual Backbone…112 The Power to Change the World…114 The Truth About Politics…117 The Truth About Economics…123 Learn to Be Content…129 Progress in an Appropriate Manner…134 Progress from the Middle Way…139 The Middle Way for the Nation…141
CHAPTER FIVE Patience and Success Walk Quietly…148 Times of Loneliness…152 The Road to Success…155 1,Maintain a Peaceful Mind…156 2,Do Not Incur Jealousy…156 3,The Fragrance of Enlightenment…159 The Sound of the Reed…160 Enlightenment Within the Ordinary Life…165 Patience and Virtue…170
CHAPTER SIX What is Reincarnation? The Philosophy of Reincarnation…176 Knowing Dignity…181 The Greatest Truth…184 The Blessed…187 The Road to Happiness…190 Daily Discoveries, Daily Excitement…193 This Life and the Next…195 The Gospel of Hope…200
CHAPTER SEVEN Faith and the Building of Buddhaland Who is Buddha or God?…208 Giving Gratitude to the Great Spirit of the Universe…211 Reverence for the High Spirits…212 The Foundation of Faith…216 Devoting Yourself to Buddha…218 100%Faith…223 The Sin of Disrupting the Harmony Among Disciples…227 Seek the Path with Humility…228 Even If you Should Die…231 Without Faith……234 Utopia Starts in the Home…237 From the Mind to the World…243
Afterword Original Edition…247 Revised Edition…249
Happy Science Contacts …250 Books by Ryuho Okawa…255
Preface
(Revised Edition)
I remember the profound emotion that was felt 2,500 years ago, as I taught my disciples on Mt. Rajgir, in India, overlooking Rajagrha, the capital of the Magadha Kingdom.
At that time, you had shaved heads. You wrapped your bodies in robes dyed the color of persimmons and wept for joy as you listened to my sermons. The age and the nation in which you were born have changed, and so have the clothes that you are wearing.
However, your minds, which feel Buddha’s Truth, are the same. Master and disciple are eternally bound by the Law. Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha are one.
I deliver again to you this eternal book.
October, 1994
Ryuho Okawa
Happy Science
Preface
(Original Edition)
The Rebirth of Buddha, as you will see from the book’s contents, is a message from Buddha to his disciples on the core doctrine of Buddhism. This book is a sure guide to those who have awakened to Buddha’s Truth. At times, this book will also serve as a stern voice of warning.
There are many who have studied Buddhism, but I believe that there has never been as candid a teaching of the essence of Buddhism as is written in these pages. As the teachings are given in a straightforward manner, they are easy to understand and truly approach the heart of the matter.
This book is indispensable for all religious practitioners and should be cherished for all times. It is my fervent hope that you will study each and every page.
In writing this book, I have used a writing method that is different from any of my other books.
First of all, I have written this book in form of a message to all practitioners. I have addressed this book to the monks and nuns, or in modern terms, to all men and women who practice the Truth.
Some parts of my message may seem strict, but the path of Buddha’s Truth indeed takes great discipline. It is impossible to reach the summit of mountain of Buddha’s Truth if you are only half-hearted in your efforts.
Therefore, I believe that there are two ways in which you can read this book. First, for readers who are already on the path of Buddha’s Truth, this book will serve as a reminder and warning of the strictness of this path. Second, for those who are hesitating to enter the gateway to Buddha’s Truth, this book will serve as a introductory textbook, revealing to you the great distance that stretches out before you on this path.
In either case, I believe that you will come to understand that the true intention of Buddha is revealed in this book.
It is my sincere desire that you read my words over and over again.
July, 1989
Ryuho Okawa
Happy Science
Afterword
(Revised Edition)
My disciples,
Be strong.
Conquer all worldly temptation and wrong views, and gather around me.
You must demand an unyielding resolve of yourselves to directly heat the sermons of Buddha. The flower of the udumbara blooms only once every three thousand years, and only one Buddha is allowed to be born in any certain age.
“Come gather to the Rebirth of Buddha.”―This is the motto of all Bodhisattvas of light.