Elvis and Buddhism page two

Did you know that National Geographic Magazine named Memphis, Tennessee as one of the top 20 Must see locations in the World for 2013?

It is not just National Geographic Magazine. Forbes magazine and others name Memphis, Tennessee as one of the best Weekend visits you can take in America.

Graceland the Home of Rock and Roll Legend Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee

In the Gosho "The Gift of Rice Nichiren Daishonin writes: "The true path lies in the affairs of this world. The Golden Light Sutra states, “To have a profound knowledge of this world is itself Buddhism.” The Nirvana Sutra states, “All of the non- Buddhist scriptures and writings in society are themselves Buddhist teachings, not non-Buddhist teachings.”

There is a difference between the teachings of Buddhism and Japanese culture. Many people who study Buddhism confuse Asian Culture with Buddhism. The Asian Culture is so dominate in Buddhism in America is that many cannot delineate Buddhism from Culture.

Memphis, Tennessee is the "SOUL OF AMERICA." When we think of America and what makes us Americans one must look at the "Soul of America." If you as a reader wish to learn about the "Soul of America" you should visit Memphis, Tennessee. If you are a person who is looking to understand Buddhism via our Proud Black Buddhist Website we give you the real 411.

The Gosho (Nichiren Daishonin Writings) reads: The true aspect of all phenomena Gosho reads: "The “Expedient Means” chapter in the first volume of the Lotus Sutra states, “ The true aspect of all phenomena [can only be understood and shared between Buddhas. This reality consists of the appearance, nature . . . and] their consistency from beginning to end.” The Buddhist Teachings of Ichinen Sanzen gives a clear understanding of Elvis Presley.

Let us begin to share and study Buddhism from a "Macroscopic View" as opposed to the Microscopic views as those that have been taught to us via our Japanese Buddhist teachers who have visited Memphis, Tennessee over 40 years ago. In March of 2008 I wrote a letter to my new Japanese Nichiren Shoshu Priest Rev. Iwaki. I suggested to Rev. Iwaki that he as our new Priest take the time to learn about the history and culture of people in Memphis, Tennessee who he was mandated to serve.

Imagine that the National Geographic Magazine and almost all world travel magazines list Memphis, Tennessee as one of the "must see locations in the world." We note to anyone: "If you desire to see the Soul of America you should visit Memphis, Tennessee. How could any religious teachers visit Memphis, Tennessee and expect the serve the people of Memphis without understanding the culture and history of Memphis, Tennessee? If anyone is sincere about learning the culture of America and its history you cannot leave off Memphis, Tennessee.

Memphis, Tennessee has a unique African American culture whereas a unque Buddhism could manifest. Over a decade ago in 2003 Memphis, Tennessee was home of the largest African American Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist group in America. The Nichiren Shoshu Priest totally dismantled the African American Buddhist culture in Memphis and there is almost no Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism in Memphis, Tennessee.

It is truly amazing that the National Geographic Magazine named Memphis, Tennessee as one of the must see locations in the world. We in Memphis have a unique history and culture. It is no wonder that Memphis is the home of the "Proud Black Buddhist Website." Any Japanese leader who intends to teach Buddhism in Memphis should take into account our unique history and culture.