Conspicuous Benefit
Conspicuous benefit appears directly in the present, as a result of our prayers. This type of benefit is usually thought of in terms of immediate results: financial gain, overcoming an illness, escaping from an accident, finding the perfect relationship, and so on. In these cases, it is easy to see the cause and effect relationship between offering a prayer to the Gohonzon and seeing the benefit, or result.
Often, conspicuous benefits will appear when a new member begins practicing, so that he or she can see the power of the Gohonzon. Also, at times when a problem absolutely must be solved, such as an emergency or an illness, conspicuous benefits appear if one is maintaining a strong practice and has a determination to advance kosen-rufu.
Inconspicuous Benefit
Inconspicuous benefit does not does not manifest immediately, so at first, we cannot see it in an obvious manner. This type of benefit accumulates deep in our lives, little by little without us realizing it. At the right time, these inconspicuous benefits manifest. So, inconspicuous benefits eventually do become conspicuous. This also is the type of benefit that we receive constantly, such as receiving protection, overcoming our sufferings, and accumulating fortune deep in our lives through our daily practice to the Gohonzon.
Inconspicuous benefits are often compared to the growth of a tree. If you look at a tree from one day to the next, you can't see it growing. But after a year, if you compare the size, you can see that the growth actually has been substantial. Furthermore, after several more years, the tree will begin to grow fruit.
The Daishonin states in the Gosho, “Teaching, Practice and Proof”
Those who obtained benefit during the Former and Middle Days of the Law received "conspicuous" benefit, because the relationship they formed with the Lotus Sutra during the lifetime of the Buddha had finally matured. On the other hand, those born today in the Latter Day of the Law receive the seed of Buddhahood for the first time, and their benefit is therefore inconspicuous. The teaching, practice and proof of this age differ greatly from those of Hinayana, provisional Mahayana, the pre-Lotus
Sutra teachings or the theoretical teaching of the Lotus Sutra. There is no one now who can gain benefits like those of the Former and Middle Days of the Law.
According to Miao-lo's interpretation, the benefits in the Latter Day are inconspicuous, and people can therefore neither perceive nor understand them. (MWND-4, p. 113)
High Priest Nichinyo Shonin has stated that if we practice consistently each day, we are accumulating fortune and benefit, even if we don't feel it yet, perceive it, or understand it—the fortune and benefit definitely is accumulating.
Since we are common mortals living in the Latter Day of the Law, we are those without the seed of Buddhahood from past existences, and without the great virtuous causes from past existences. In reality, since we do not have good roots from the past through a relationship with true Buddhism, we have instead amassed negative karma.
Therefore, the main benefit that we gain is inconspicuous benefit. However, it's very important to remember that each day, we are accumulating this inconspicuous benefit through our practice to the Gohonzon, and in the future, much of this benefit will manifest and will become conspicuous. Four types of prayer and benefit The Daishonin states:
Concerning prayer, there are conspicuous prayer and conspicuous response, conspicuous prayer and inconspicuous response, inconspicuous prayer and inconspicuous response, and inconspicuous prayer and conspicuous response.
However, the essential point is that , so long as you carry out faith in this sutra, all you wishes will be fulfilled in both present and future existences.
Conspicuous prayer and conspicuous response is when we pray to the Gohonzon for a specific goal and as a result, the benefit appears soon after right before our eyes.
We need to have a very strong, determined prayer and strong faith in order to manifest this type of benefit.
Conspicuous prayer and inconspicuous response is when a specific prayer gradually comes true without our noticing it happening. This means that the fortune to realize this benefit accumulates deep in our life, little by little, without us being aware of it until the benefit appears later.
Inconspicuous prayer and inconspicuous response is when we accumulate fortune and virtue through continuous, subtle prayers made day by day, or from accumulating fortune through daily practice without a specific prayer. Also, through our sincere practice, we can manifest good causes from past lifetimes. Gradually, over a long period of time, we will develop happiness and fortune in all aspects of our life.
Inconspicuous prayer and conspicuous response is when our day to day prayers added to our past practice, and in some cases, good causes from past existences, materialize in the form of an obvious benefit. Thus, even without offering a specific prayer for what we need, a great benefit can unexpectedly manifest at the just at the right time, so that we receive protection, or important opportunities.
A steady, consistent practice is necessary
In order to gain both conspicuous and inconspicuous benefit, a strong and steady practice with powerful faith is necessary, together with a determination to advance kosen-rufu. Nichiren Daishonin states:
Whether or not your prayer is answered depends upon your faith. (MWND-5, p. 305)
He also states:
Unseen virtue brings about visible reward. (ibid., p. 259)
If a person continues to sincerely perform Gongyo, chant Daimoku, and do shakubuku, even if no one sees it, then he or she is accumulating fortune that eventually will become visible reward.
Finally, let's all keep in mind that the true benefit of our practice is the attainment of Buddhahood in this lifetime and the establishment of kosen-rufu. This is the ultimate reason why all of us are practicing.
