by Rev. Shokai Kanai

Three Thousand Realms in One Thought means there are three thousand different phenomena that exist in one instant moment of our thinking. It is a theory on how our current thoughts affect others, the world and even the universe. With this theory in mind when we chant the Odaimoku, "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo," our thoughts not only stay within a single mind but also become part of a larger power that can affect entire societies and will be able to bring Buddhahood to all beings.

When we chant or meditate, many worldly thoughts flash in our minds all in a matter of seconds, such as: our family's food, clothing, shelter, money, illness, or car. This is because all thoughts are related to the three thousand worlds.

Chih-i (538-597), the founder of the T'ien-T'ai Sect in China states that all human beings have Ten States of Minds. We are sometimes angry, greedy, ignorant, harmful, calm, joyful, mindful, selfish, helpful, or compassionate.

He also divided all human beings into Ten Realms. The ten realms start at the bottom with the Realm of Hell where there exists extreme suffering. Second is the Realm of the Hungry World, with the criminals in jail and greedy people. Third is the Realm of Animals with people who act on instinct. Fourth is the Realm of Asuras with the gang members and thugs. Fifth is the Realm of Humans, which we ordinary human beings are in. Sixth is the Realm of Heaven with the nobles. Seventh is the Realm of Shomon, who are the listeners to the Buddha's teachings. Eighth is the Realm of Engaku, for those seeking truth by themselves. Ninth is the Realm of Bodhisattva, for those striving to attain Buddhahood for others as well as for self. Lastly is the Realm of Buddha for those compassionate people.

Everyone in these ten realms have ten states of mind. Even a murderer may try to save someone else by sacrificing his own life. A person whom many people think is a sage may have a vengeful mind. A person in the hell realm also has Buddha nature and is able to become a Buddha, while a Buddha can have a state of angry mind; therefore, that Buddha is able to understand people in the hell realm and to save them.

Chapter Two of the Lotus Sutra reveals the Ten Suchness or the ten factors of existence. It is the theory that everything exists in relation to others. For instance, all objects or bodies (tai) have their forms (so) and natures (sho) like warm or cold within the objects. These form, nature and body have power (riki) within themselves. That original power within themselves act (sa) with direct causes (in) and environmental conditions (en) like temperature, place or time affects (ka) others. That effect brings forth reward and retribution (ho). Because everything exists with relationship of these nine factors, it is called (honmatsu kukyo to). Chih-i classified our minds in the ten stages first, then classified all people around the world in ten realms, then classified all objects to the ten factors and finally classified all phenomenon in the three constituent worlds. These are the sentient beings, like all living beings, the non-sentient beings, like earth, water, air to support living beings, and the five aggregates. The five aggregates are:

Multiply the ten stages of mind and the ten realms of living being make one hundred. Multiply these one hundred realms and ten suchness make one thousand. These one thousand factors multiplied by three constituent worlds make 3,000.

"I am hungry now. Shall I eat something?" That thought brings about an action that relates to the three thousand worlds. That is to say: land to produce food with favorable environmental conditions, people to produce the food, people who sell it, people who buy the food, and our sense of satisfaction when eating the food. It is important for us to understand the ultimate reality that our thought of eating involves three thousand worlds. One tiny body and the vast universe is one life related to each other.

We cannot find the term, "Three Thousand World in One Thought" in any sutras. But it is revealed in Chapter 2 and 16 of the Lotus Sutra. According to Nichiren Daishonin, all Buddhas realized this ultimate reality and became Buddhas. We are going to receive the merits of their enlightenment by chanting the Odaimoku.

The five characters of "Myo," "Ho," "Ren," "Ge," and "Kyo" are the life of the Eternal Buddha; therefore, when we chant it, the life of the Eternal Buddha becomes one with us.

Buddhist sects other than the schools of the Odaimoku have talked about the relation of cause, condition and effect. However, Nichiren Daishonin was the one who broke the relation of cause, condition and effect. He said they were all in one. Long striving practices are not necessary for us any more. Distance in place and difference in time disappeared with the theory of the "Ichinen Sanzen" or The Three Thousand Realms in One Thought. The Eternal Buddha and all of us become one. The lotus flower is a good example because when it blooms its seeds are already inside the flower. Cause and effect are together. Buddha exists within us. It is the teaching of the Lotus Sutra.

In conclusion, we do not have to understand the theory of the Three Thousand World in one Thought. St. Nichiren said that for those who do not understand the theory of "Ichinen Sanzen," Sakyamuni Buddha wraps the jewel of this theory in the five characters of the "Myo, Ho, Ren, Ge, and Kyo" with his great compassion and hangs it around our necks. We are Buddhas at least when we chant "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo."