Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, November 4, 2012:

 

If you truly fear the sufferings of birth and death and yearn for nirvana, if you carry out your faith and thirst for the way, then the sufferings of change and impermanence will become no more than yesterday's dream, and the awakening of enlightenment will become today's reality.

Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man
Recipient unknown; written in 1265

On Curing Karmic Disease

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, November 3, 2012:

 

Your boils have resulted from only one offense—slandering the correct teaching. The Mystic Law you now embrace surpasses the moon-loving meditation. How could your boils possibly not be healed and your life span not extended?

On Curing Karmic Disease
Written to the lay priest Ota Jomyo on November 3, 1275

Excuses

Spiritual Story: Excuses by by The Monk Theophane"

"Why not?" that was the first thing he said. He had never seen me before. I hadn't said a word. "Why not?" I knew he had me.

I brought up excuses: "My wife... the people I have to work with ... not enough time... I guess it's my temperament..."

There was a sword hanging on the wall. He took it and gave it to me. "Here, with this sword, you can cut through any barriers." I took it and slipped away without saying a word.

Back in my room in the guesthouse I sat down and kept looking at that sword. I knew that what he said was true.

But the next day I returned his sword. How can I live without my excuses?

A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, November 2, 2012:

 

You should realize that it is because of a profound karmic relationship from the past that you can teach others even a sentence or phrase of the Lotus Sutra.

A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering
Written to Shiji Shiro on April 28, 1261

The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, November 1, 2012:

 

It must be ties of karma from the distant past that have destined you to become my disciple at a time like this. Shakyamuni and Many Treasures certainly realized this truth. The sutra's statement, "Those persons who had heard the Law dwelled here and there in various Buddha lands, constantly reborn in company with their teachers," cannot be false in any way.

The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life
Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on February 11, 1272

Do Not Question the Search

Spiritual Story by Sri Ramakrishna

A man was about the cross a river, when master Bibhishana came over, wrote a name on a leaf, tied it to the man's back, and said:

"Don't be afraid. Your faith will help you walk on the waters. But the minute you lose faith, you will drown."

The man trusted Bibhishana, and began to walk on the waters, without any difficulty. At a certain point, he had an overwhelming desire to know what his master had written on the leaf tied to his back.

He took it and read what was written:

Oh god Rama, help this man to cross the river.

Is that all?, thought the man. And who is this god Rama, anyway?

The moment this doubt became lodged in his mind, he was submerged and drowned in the strong current.

The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, October 31, 2012:

 

Question: Is it possible, without understanding the meaning of the Lotus Sutra, but merely by chanting the five or seven characters of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo once a day, once a month, or simply once a year, once a decade, or once in a lifetime, to avoid being drawn into trivial or serious acts of evil, to escape falling into the four evil paths, and instead to eventually reach the stage of non-regression?

Answer: Yes, it is.

The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written on January 6, 1266

The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period af the Thus Come One's Passing

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, October 30, 2012:

 

Shakyamuni's practices and the virtues he consequently attained are all contained within the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo. If we believe in these five characters, we will naturally be granted the same benefits as he was.

The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period af the Thus Come One's Passing
Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273

The Supremacy of the Law

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, October 29, 2012:

 

If a boat is handled by an unskilled steersman, it may capsize and drown everyone aboard. Likewise, though someone may have great physical strength, if he lacks a resolute spirit, even his many abilities will be of no use.

The Supremacy of the Law
Written to Oto and her mother, Nichimyo, on August 4, 1275

Crossing the Water

Spiritual Story by Sri Ramakrishna

A farmer's daughter duty was to carry fresh milk to customers in various villages had, one of whom was a priest. To reach his house, the milkmaid had to cross a good-sized stream. People crossed it by a sort of ferry raft, for a small fee. One day the priest, who performed worship daily with the offering to God of fresh milk, finding it arrived very late, scolded the poor woman. "What can I do?" she said, "I start out early from my house, but I have to wait a long time for the boatman to come." Then the priest said (pretending to be serious), "What! People have even walked across the ocean by repeating the name of God, and you can't cross this little river?" This milkmaid took him very seriously. From then on she brought the priest's milk punctually every morning. He became curious about it and asked her how it was that she was never late anymore. "I cross the river repeating the name of the Lord," she replied, "just as you told me to do, without waiting for the ferry." The priest didn't believe her, and asked, "Can you show me this, how you cross the river on foot?" So they went together to the water and the milkmaid began to walk over it. Looking back, the woman saw that the priest had started to follow her and was floundering in the water. "Sir!" she cried, "You are uttering the name of God, yet all the while you are holding up your clothes from getting wet. That is not trusting in God!"

The Supremacy of the Law

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, October 29, 2012:

 

If a boat is handled by an unskilled steersman, it may capsize and drown everyone aboard. Likewise, though someone may have great physical strength, if he lacks a resolute spirit, even his many abilities will be of no use.

The Supremacy of the Law
Written to Oto and her mother, Nichimyo, on August 4, 1275

The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One's Passing

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, October 28, 2012:

 

Showing profound compassion for those unable to comprehend the gem of the doctrine of three thousand realms in a single moment of life, the Buddha wrapped it within the five characters [of Myoho-renge-kyo], with which he then adorned the necks of the ignorant people of the latter age.

The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One's Passing
Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273

The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, October 27, 2012:

 

The function of fire is to burn and give light. The function of water is to wash away filth. The winds blow away dust and breathe life into plants, animals and human beings. The earth nourishes the grasses and trees, and heaven provides nourishing moisture. The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo are also like that. They are the cluster of blessings brought by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, disciples of the Buddha in his true identity.

The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life
Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on February 11, 1272

Freedom Parrot

Spiritual Story: by by Osho

A man, a great man, a fighter for freedom was traveling in the mountains. He stayed in a caravanserai for the night. He was amazed that in the caravanserai there was a beautiful parrot in a golden cage, continually repeating "Freedom! Freedom!" And it was such a place that when the parrot repeated the word "Freedom!" it would go on echoing in the valleys, in the mountains.

The man thought: "I have seen many parrots, and I have thought they must want to be free from those cages... but I have never seen such a parrot whose whole day, from the morning to the evening when he goes to sleep, is spent in calling out for freedom." He had an idea. In the middle of the night, when the owner was fast asleep, he got up and opened the door of the cage. He whispered to the parrot, "Now get out."

But he was very surprised that the parrot was clinging to the bars of the cage. He said to him again and again, "Have you forgotten about freedom? Just get out! The door is open and the owner is fast asleep; nobody will ever know. You just fly into the sky; the whole sky is yours."

But the parrot was clinging so deeply, so hard, that the man said, "What is the matter? Are you mad?" He tried to take the parrot out with his own hands, but the parrot started pecking at him, and at the same time he was shouting "Freedom! Freedom!" The valleys in the night echoed and re-echoed, but the man was also stubborn; he was a freedom fighter.

He pulled the parrot out and threw him into the sky; and he was very satisfied, although his hand was hurt. The parrot had attacked him as forcefully as he could, but the man was immensely satisfied that he had made a soul free. He went to sleep.

In the morning, as the man was waking up, he heart the parrot shouting, "Freedom! Freedom!" He thought perhaps the parrot must be sitting on a tree or on a rock. But when he came out, the parrot was sitting in the cage. The door was open.

The Gift of Rice

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, October 26, 2012:

 

Life is the foremost of all treasures. It is expounded that even the treasures of the entire major world system cannot equal the value of one's body and life.

The Gift of Rice
Recipient and date unknown

Carrots, Eggs, or Coffee

Spiritual Story by Unknown

A young woman went to her grandmother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one would pop up.

Her grandmother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire, and soon the pots came to boil. In the first pot she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her granddaughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see."

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. Her grandmother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The grandmother then asked the granddaughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the grandmother asked the granddaughter to sip the coffee. The granddaughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma then asked,

"What does it mean, grandmother?"

Her grandmother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her granddaughter.

The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, October 25, 2012:

 

Moreover, I chant the daimoku, which is the heart and core of the entire sutra, and I urge others to do likewise. Although the mugwort growing in a hemp field or wood marked for cutting with an inked line may not be straight to begin with, they will as a matter of course become so. In the same way, one who chants the daimoku as the Lotus Sutra teaches will never have a twisted mind. For one should know that, unless the mind of the Buddha enters into our bodies, we cannot in fact chant the daimoku.

The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra
Written to Myomitsu on March 5, 1276

Reply to the Mother of Ueno

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, October 24, 2012:

 

The sutra known as the Lotus Sutra is a scripture that has no match among all the sacred teachings of the Buddha's lifetime. And, as indicated by its words "between Buddhas," it can only be understood between one Buddha and another. Those at the stage of near-perfect enlightenment or below, on down to ordinary mortals, cannot fathom it. This is why Bodhisattva Nagarjuna stated in his Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom that persons below the level of Buddha should simply have faith, and in that way they can attain Buddhahood.

Reply to the Mother of Ueno
Written to the lay nun Ueno on October 24, 1280

Buddha’s Advice to Calm a Disturbed Mind

Spiritual Story by Unknown

Once Buddha was walking from one town to another town with a few of his followers.. This was in the initial days. While they were traveling, they happened to pass a lake. They stopped there and Buddha told one of his disciples, “I am thirsty. Do get me some water from that lake there.”

The disciple walked up to the lake. When he reached it, he noticed that right at that moment, a bullock cart started crossing through the lake. As a result, the water became very muddy, very turbid. The disciple thought, “How can I give this muddy water to Buddha to drink!”

So he came back and told Buddha, “The water in there is very muddy. I don’t think it is fit to drink.” After about half an hour, again Buddha asked the same disciple to go back to the lake and get him some water to drink. The disciple obediently went back to the lake.

This time too he found that the lake was muddy. He returned and informed Buddha about the same. After sometime, again Buddha asked the same disciple to go back. The disciple reached the lake to find the lake absolutely clean and clear with pure water in it. The mud had settled down and the water above it looked fit to be had. So he collected some water in a pot and brought it to Buddha.

Buddha looked at the water, and then he looked up at the disciple and said,” See what you did to make the water clean. You let it be…. and the mud settled down on its own - and you got clear water. Your mind is also like that! When it is disturbed, just let it be. Give it a little time. It will settle down on its own. You don’t have to put in any effort to calm it down. It will happen. It is effortless."

A Fox and a Tiger

Spiritual Story by Unknown

One day a tiger was hunting around in a forest. An unlucky fox was met and caught by the tiger. For the fox, the inescapable destination was very clear -- death. Despite the danger, the fox thought hard to find a way out. Promptly, the fox declared to the tiger, "How dare you kill me!" On hearing the words the tiger was surprised and asked for the reason" The fox raised his voice a bit higher and declared arrogantly: "To tell you the truth, it's I who was accredited by God to the forest as the king of all the animals! If you kill me, that will be against the God's will, you know?" Seeing that the tiger became suspicions, the fox added: "Let's have a test. Let's go through the forest. Follow me and you will see HOW THE ANIMALS ARE FRIGHTENED OF ME." The tiger agreed. So the fox walked ahead of the tiger proudly through the forest. As you can imagine, the animals, seeing the tiger behind, were all terribly frightened and ran away. Then the fox said proudly: "There is no doubt that what I said is true, isn't it?" The tiger had nothing to say but to acknowledge the result. So the tiger nodded and said: "You are right. You are the king."

The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, October 23, 2012:

 

No matter how earnestly Nichiren prays for you, if you lack faith, it will be like trying to set fire to wet tinder. Spur yourself to muster the power of faith. Regard your survival as wondrous. Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other.

The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra
Written to Shijo Kingo on October 23, 1279

General Stone Tiger

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, October 22, 2012:

 

Although unworthy, I propagate the Lotus Sutra; hence heavenly devils have competed to deprive me of food. Understanding this, I have no complaint, but I believe that I survived this time only because Shakyamuni Buddha entered your body to help me.

General Stone Tiger
Written to Shijo Kingo on October 22, 1278

General Stone Tiger

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, October 21, 2012:

 

The mighty warrior General Li Kuang, whose mother had been devoured by a tiger, shot an arrow at the stone he believed was the tiger. The arrow penetrated the stone all the way up to its feathers. But once he realized it was only a stone he was unable to pierce it again. Later he came to be known as General Stone Tiger. This story applies to you. Though enemies lurk in wait for you, your resolute faith in the Lotus Sutra has forestalled great dangers before they could begin. Realizing this, you must strengthen your faith more than ever.

General Stone Tiger
Written to Shijo Kingo on October 22, 1278

Letter from Teradomari

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, October 20, 2012:

 

From here we are going to cross the sea to the island province of Sado, but at the moment the winds are not favorable, so I do not know when we will depart. The hardships along the way were worse than I could have imagined, and indeed more than I can put down in writing. I will leave you to surmise what I endured. But I have been prepared for such difficulties from the outset, so there is no point in starting to complain about them now. I shall accordingly say no more of the matter.

Letter from Teradomari
Written to Toki Jonin on October 22, 1271

The Drum at the Gate of Thunder

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, October 19, 2012:

Though the moon is forty thousand yojanas high in the heavens, its reflection appears instantly in a pond on the earth; and the sound of the drum at the Gate of Thunder is immediately heard a thousand, ten thousand ri in the distance. Though you remain in Sado, your heart has come to this province. The way of attaining Buddhahood is just like this. Though we live in the impure land, our hearts reside in the pure land of Eagle Peak. Merely seeing each other's face would in itself be insignificant. It is the heart that is important.

The Drum at the Gate of Thunder
Written to the lay nun Sennichi on October 19, 1278

The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, October 18, 2012:

Without exception, all these Buddhas, bodhisattvas, great sages, and, in general, all the various beings of the two worlds and the eight groups who appear in the "Introduction" chapter of the Lotus Sutra dwell in the Gohonzon. Illuminated by light of the five characters of the Mystic Law, they display the dignified attributes they inherently possess. This is the object of devotion.

The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon
Written to Nichinyo on August 23, 1277

General Stone Tiger

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, October 17, 2012:

 

In the eighth volume of Great Concentration and Insight and in the eighth volume of The Annotations on "Great Concentration and Insight" it says, "The stronger one's faith, the greater the protection of the gods." This means that the protection of the gods depends on the strength of one's faith. The Lotus Sutra is a fine sword, but its might depends upon the one who wields it.

General Stone Tiger
Written to Shijo Kingo on October 22, 1278

The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, October 16, 2012:

 

None of you who declare yourselves to be my disciples should ever give way to cowardice.

The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra
Written to the lay nun Konichi in 1276

The Sutra of True Requital

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, October 15, 2012:

 

Do not these interpretations make clear that, among all the teachings of the Buddha's lifetime, the Lotus Sutra is first, and that, among the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, that of women attaining Buddhahood, is first? For this reason, though the women of Japan may be condemned in all sutras other than the Lotus Sutra as incapable of attaining Buddhahood, as long as the Lotus Sutra guarantees their enlightenment, what reason have they to be downcast?

The Sutra of True Requital
Written to the lay nun Sennichi on July 28, 1278

The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, October 14, 2012:

 

Make every possible effort for the sake of your next life. What is most important is that, by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo alone, you can attain Buddhahood. It will no doubt depend on the strength of your faith. To have faith is the basis of Buddhism.

The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon
Written to Nichinyo on August 23, 1277

Propagation by the Wise

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, October 13, 2012:

 

The present age has developed exactly as the Buddha predicted it would, and Nichiren may be the person of wisdom whom the Buddha described. Though some people wish to help me, either their determination is weak, or, though firmly resolved, they are unable to act on their intentions. Thus, you are one of the very few whose action match their will. You surpass others in your resolve, and it is because of your devoted support that I have been able to survive.

Propagation by the Wise
Written to Shijo Kingo on September 6, 1276

The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, October 12, 2012:

 

This Gohonzon is also found only in the two characters for faith. This is what the sutra means when it states that one can "gain entrance through faith alone." Since Nichiren's disciples and lay supporters believe solely in the Lotus Sutra, honestly discarding the expedient means and never accepting even a single verse of the other sutras, they can enter the treasure tower of the Gohonzon. How reassuring!

The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon
Written to Nichinyo on August 23, 1277

The Fourteen Slanders

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, October 11, 2012:

 

Take these teachings to heart, and always remember that believers in the Lotus Sutra should absolutely be the last to abuse one another. All those who keep faith in the Lotus Sutra are most certainly Buddhas, and one who slanders a Buddha commits a grave offense.

The Fourteen Slanders
Written to the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on December 9, 1276

Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, October 10, 2012:

 

And yet you say that, without inquiring into what is right and what is wrong, you will follow your parents' orders; without attempting to determine what is correct and what is erroneous, you will obey the words of the sovereign. To a fool, such conduct may appear to be loyal and filial, but in the opinion of a wise person, there can be no greater disloyalty, no greater departure from filial piety.

Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man
Recipient unknown; written in 1265

Letter to Priest Nichiro in Prison

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, October 9, 2012:

 

Admirable Nichiro, because you have read the entirety of the Lotus Sutra with both the physical and spiritual aspects of your life, you will also be able to save your father and mother, your six kinds of relatives, and all living beings. Others read the Lotus Sutra with their mouths alone, in word alone, but they do not read it with their hearts. And even if they read it with their hearts, they do not read it with their actions. It is reading the sutra with both one's body and mind that is truly praiseworthy!

Letter to Priest Nichiro in Prison
Written to Chikugo-bo Nichiro on October 9, 1271

The Place of the Cluster of Blessings

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, October 8, 2012:

 

Where there is water, fish dwell. Where there are woods, birds gather. On the mountain island of P'eng-lai there are many jewels, and on Mount Malaya sandalwood trees grow. There is gold in the mountains from which the river Li-shui flows. Now this place, too, is like that. It is the place of the cluster of blessings where the Buddhas and bodhisattvas dwell.

The Place of the Cluster of Blessings
Written to Shijo Kingo on October 8, 1280

Banishment to Sado

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, October 7, 2012:

 

It seems to me that on the path to attain Buddhahood it may invariably be when one has done something like lay down one's life that one becomes a Buddha. I think that perhaps it is encountering such difficulties as have already been explained in the sutra—being cursed, vilified, attacked with swords and staves, shards and rubble, and banished again and again—that is reading the Lotus Sutra with one's life. My faith springs up all the more, and I am confident about my next existence.

Banishment to Sado
Written to Enjo-bo in October 1271

Lessening One's Karmic Retribution

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, October 6, 2012:

The Nirvana Sutra teaches the principle of lessening one's karmic retribution. If one's heavy karma from the past is not expiated within this lifetime, one must undergo the sufferings of hell in the future, but if one experiences extreme hardship in this life [because of the Lotus Sutra], the sufferings of hell will vanish instantly. And when one dies, one will obtain the blessings of the human and heavenly worlds, as well as those of the three vehicles and the one vehicle.

Lessening One's Karmic Retribution
Written to Ota Saemon-no-jo, the lay priest Soya and the Dharma Bridge Kimbara on October 5, 1271

Lessening One's Karmic Retribution

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, October 5, 2012:

 

One may be letter-perfect in reciting the Lotus Sutra, but it is far more difficult to act as it teaches.

Lessening One's Karmic Retribution
Written to Ota Saemon-no-jo, the lay priest Soya and the Dharma Bridge Kimbara on October 5, 1271

The Problem to Be Pondered Night and Day

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, October 4, 2012:

In the light of the above points, this shows, my followers, that you had better cut short your sleep by night and curtail your leisure by day, and ponder this! You must not spend your lives in vain and regret

The Problem to Be Pondered Night and Day
Written to Toki Jonin on August 23, 1275

Letter to Shomitsu-bo

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, September 4, 2012:

Question: Why do you alone spew forth such evil words about other people? Answer: I, Nichiren, am not condemning others. I am only pointing out the questionable places in their doctrines. If they want to get angry at me, then let them!

Letter to Shomitsu-bo
Written to Shomitsu-bo in 1277

The Embankments of Faith

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, September 3, 2012:

Suppose there is a ship that sails on the open sea. Though the ship is stoutly built, if it is flooded by a leak, those on the ship are sure to drown together. Though the embankment between rice fields is firm, if there is an ant hole in it, then surely, in the long run, it will not remain full of water. Bail the seawater of slander and disbelief out of the ship of your life, and solidify the embankments of your faith.

The Embankments of Faith
Written to the lay nun Sennichi on September 3, 1275

Hell Is the Land of Tranquil Light

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, October 3, 2012:

One who, on hearing the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, makes even greater efforts in faith is a true seeker of the way. T'ien-t'ai states, "From the indigo, an even deeper blue." This passage means that, if one dyes something repeatedly in indigo, it becomes even bluer than the indigo leaves. The Lotus Sutra is like the indigo, and the strength of one's practice is like the deepening blue.

Hell Is the Land of Tranquil Light
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu's mother on July 11, 1274

The True Aspect of All Phenomena

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, October 2, 2012:

At first only Nichiren chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, but then two, three, and a hundred followed, chanting and teaching others. Propagation will unfold this way in the future as well. Does this not signify "emerging from the earth"? At the time when the Law has spread far and wide, the entire Japanese nation will chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, as surely as an arrow aimed at the earth cannot miss the target.

The True Aspect of All Phenomena
Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on May 17, 1273

On Persecutions Befalling the Sage

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, October 1, 2012:

I do not know whether these trials equal or surpass those of the Buddha. Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, T'ien-t'ai, and Dengyo, however, cannot compare with me in what they suffered. Had it not been for the advent of Nichiren in the Latter Day of the Law, the Buddha would have been a teller of great lies, and the testimony given by Many Treasures and by the Buddhas of the ten directions would have been false. In the 2,230 and more years since the Buddha's passing, Nichiren is the only person in the entire land of Jambudvipa who has fulfilled the Buddha's words.

On Persecutions Befalling the Sage
Written to all followers (and entrusted to Shijo Kingo on October 1, 1279)

The Teaching, Practice and Proof

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, September 30, 2012:

The meaning of this passage is that 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 seeds of Buddhahood for the first time, and their benefit is therefore "inconspicuous."

The Teaching, Practice and Proof
Written to Sammi-bo on March 21, 1275

The Three Kinds of Treasure

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, September 29, 2012:

The number of those endowed with human life is as small as the amount of earth one can place on a fingernail. Life as a human being is hard to sustain—as hard as it is for the dew to remain on the grass. But it is better to live a single day with honor than to live to 120 and die in disgrace. Live so that all the people of Kamakura will say in your praise that Nakatsukasa Saburo Saemon-no-jo is diligent in the service of his lord, in the service of Buddhism, and in his concern for other people.

The Three Kinds of Treasure
Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277

The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, September 28, 2012:

Never seek this Gohonzon outside yourself. The Gohonzon exists only within the mortal flesh of us ordinary people who embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon
Written to Nichinyo on August 23, 1277

The Unmatched Blessings of the Law

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, September 27, 2012:

What the Lotus Sutra, T'ien-t'ai, and Miao-lo intend to say is that the act of accepting and upholding or protecting and embracing one verse of the Lotus Sutra surpasses the act of making offerings to all living beings, or making offerings to arhats, or even of filling the entire major world system with the seven kinds of treasures as an offering to all Buddhas.

The Unmatched Blessings of the Law
Written to the lay priest Nishiyama on May 11, 1279

On Recommending This Teaching to Your Lord and Avoiding the Offense of Complicity in Slander

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, September 26, 2012:

Although at heart you are of the same mind as Nichiren, since your person is in service to your lord, it would have been extremely difficult for you to have avoided the offense of complicity in slander. How admirable it is that, despite this, you communicated this teaching to your lord and urged him to take faith in it. Even though he may fail to accept it now, you have managed to avoid the offense of complicity.

On Recommending This Teaching to Your Lord and Avoiding the Offense of Complicity in Slander
Written to Shijo Kingo on September 26, 1274

Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, September 25, 2012:

Ever since I began to study the Law handed down from Shakyamuni Buddha and undertook the practice of the Buddhist teachings, I have believed it is most important to understand one's obligations to others, and made it my first duty to repay such debts of kindness. In this world, we owe four debts of gratitude. One who understands this is worthy to be called human, while one who does not is no more than an animal.

Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man
Recipient unknown; written in 1265

On the Four Stages of Faith and the Five Stages of Practice

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, September 24, 2012:

Though muddy water has no mind, it can catch the moon's reflection and so naturally become clear. When plants and trees receive the rainfall, they can hardly be aware of what they are doing, and yet do they not proceed to put forth blossoms? The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo do not represent the sutra text, nor are they its meaning. They are nothing other than the intent of the entire sutra. So, even though the beginners in Buddhist practice may not understand their significance, by practicing these five characters, they will naturally conform to the sutra's intent.

On the Four Stages of Faith and the Five Stages of Practice
Written to Toki Jonin on April 10, 1277

The Two Kinds of Illness

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, September 23, 2012:

Miao-lo said, "Wise men can perceive the cause of things, as snakes know the way of snakes." The present epidemics are like the virulent boils of King Ajatashatru that could not be cured by anyone but the Buddha. They can only be eliminated by the Lotus Sutra.

The Two Kinds of Illness
Written to Shijo Kingo on June 26, 1278

The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, September 22, 2012:

I cannot see the sun in the daytime or the moon at night. In winter there is deep snow, and in summer the grass grows thick. Because so few people come to see me, the trail is very hard to travel. This year, especially, the snow is so deep that I have no visitors at all. Knowing that my life may end at any time, I put all my trust in the Lotus Sutra.

The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra
Written to the lay nun Konichi in 1276

The Persecution at Tatsunokuchi

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, September 21, 2012:

I cannot adequately express my gratitude for your frequent letters. At the time of my persecution on the twelfth, not only did you accompany me to Tatsunokuchi, but also you declared that you would die by my side. This can only be called wondrous.

The Persecution at Tatsunokuchi
Written to Shijo Kingo on September 21, 1271

The Fourteen Slanders

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, September 20, 2012:

All those who keep faith in the Lotus Sutra are most certainly Buddhas, and one who slanders a Buddha commits a grave offense. When one chants the daimoku bearing in mind that there are no distinctions among those who embrace the Lotus Sutra, then the blessings one gains will be equal to those of Shakyamuni Buddha.

The Fourteen Slanders
Written to the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on December 9, 1276

The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, September 19, 2012:

Is it not the meaning of the sutra and commentary that the way to Buddhahood lies within the two elements of reality and wisdom? Reality means the true nature of all phenomena, and wisdom means the illuminating and manifesting of this true nature. Thus when the riverbed of reality is infinitely broad and deep, the water of wisdom will flow ceaselessly. When this reality and wisdom are fused, one attains Buddhahood in one's present form.

The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood
Written to Soya Jiro Hyoe-no-jo Kyoshin on August 3, 1276

The Properties of Rice

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, September 18, 2012:

I entrust you with the propagation of Buddhism in your province.

The Properties of Rice
Written to the lay priest Takahashi, date unknown

Letter from Sado

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, September 17, 2012:

Even a word or a phrase of the correct teaching will enable one to gain the way, if it suits the time and the capacity of the people. But though one studies a thousand sutras and ten thousand treatises, one will not attain Buddhahood if these teachings are unsuitable for the time and the people's capacity.

Letter from Sado
Written to Toki Jonin on March 20, 1272

Letter to Jakunichi-bo

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, September 16, 2012:

Therefore, those who become Nichiren's disciples and lay believers should realize the profound karmic relationship they share with him and spread the Lotus Sutra as he does. Being known as a votary of the Lotus Sutra is a bitter, yet unavoidable destiny.

Letter to Jakunichi-bo
Written to Jakunichi-bo Nikke on September 16, 1279

The Farther the Source, the Longer the Stream

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, September 15, 2012:

The deeper the roots, the more luxuriant the branches. The farther the source, the longer the stream. All sutras other than the Lotus Sutra have shallow roots and short streams, while the Lotus Sutra has deep roots and a distant source. That is why the Great Teacher T'ien-t'ai stated that the Lotus Sutra would survive and spread even in the evil latter age.

The Farther the Source, the Longer the Stream
Written to Shijo Kingo on September 15, 1278

Letter from Echi

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, September 14, 2012:

The government's persecution of me has clearly demonstrated my faith in the Lotus Sutra. There is no doubt that the moon wanes and waxes and that the tide ebbs and flows. In my case, too, since punishment has already occurred, benefit must be forthcoming. What is there to lament?

Letter from Echi
Written to Toki Jonin on September 14, 1271

Reply to the Followers

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, September 13, 2012:

Now Nichiren's lifelong prayer and desire will be achieved in an instant. And this fits the Buddha's prediction regarding the fifth five hundred years, just as one half of a tally matches the other.

Reply to the Followers
Written to followers in Kamakura on March 21, 1278

The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, September 12, 2012:

A brilliant orb as bright as the moon burst forth from the direction of Enoshima, shooting across the sky from southeast to northwest. It was shortly before dawn and still too dark to see anyone's face, but the radiant object clearly illuminated everyone like bright moonlight. The executioner fell on his face, his eyes blinded. The soldiers were filled with panic. Some ran off into the distance, some jumped down from their horses and huddled on the ground, while others crouched in their saddles. I called out, "Here, why do you shrink from this vile prisoner? Come closer! Come closer!" But no one would approach me.

The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra
Written to the lay nun Konichi in 1276

The Person and the Law

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, September 11, 2012:

Because this mountain is where this wondrous votary of the Lotus Sutra dwells, how can it be any less sacred than the pure land of Eagle Peak? This is what [The Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra means when] it says, "Since the Law is wonderful, the person is worthy of respect; since the person is worthy of respect, the land is sacred."

The Person and the Law
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on September 11, 1281

The Three Kinds of Treasure

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, September 10, 2012:

More valuable than treasures in a storehouse are the treasures of the body, and the treasures of the heart are the most valuable of all. From the time you read this letter on, strive to accumulate the treasures of the heart!

The Three Kinds of Treasure
Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277

Reply to Matsuno

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, September 9, 2012:

As I have been saying for some time, in your situation as a lay believer, you should just single-mindedly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo morning and evening, day and night, and observe what happens at the last moments of your life. At that time, hasten to the summit of perfect enlightenment, and look around you in all directions. The entire realm of phenomena will have changed into the Land of Tranquil Light. . . . Buddhas and bodhisattvas all being caressed by breezes of eternity, happiness, true self, and purity. We, too, will surely be among their numbers.

Reply to Matsuno
Written to Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on September 9, 1277

Letter to the Lay Nun of Ko

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, September 7, 2012:

The blessings from making offerings to a votary of the Lotus Sutra in the latter age exceed even those from making offerings to a Thus Come One endowed with the ten honorable titles, while those who persecute a votary of the Lotus Sutra in the defiled age will have their heads split into seven pieces.

Letter to the Lay Nun of Ko
Written to the lay nun of Ko on June 16, 1275

The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, September 6, 2012:

Even if my counsel is heeded, if I am not given due respect as the votary of the Lotus Sutra, then the country will perish. How ominous that the authorities have turned hundreds of persons against me and have even banished me twice! This country is surely doomed, but since I have asked the gods to withhold their punishment on our land, it has survived until now. However, that punishment has finally descended because these unreasonable actions continued.

The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra
Written to the lay nun Konichi in 1276

The Selection of the Time

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, September 5, 2012:

These passages from the sutras speak of powerful enemies of the correct teaching. Such enemies are to be found not so much among evil rulers and evil ministers, among non-Buddhists and devil kings, or among monks who disobey the precepts. Rather they are those great slanderers of the Law who are to be found among the eminent monks who appear to be upholders of the precepts and men of wisdom.

The Selection of the Time
Written to Yui in 1275

Letter to Shomitsu-bo

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, September 4, 2012:

Question: Why do you alone spew forth such evil words about other people? Answer: I, Nichiren, am not condemning others. I am only pointing out the questionable places in their doctrines. If they want to get angry at me, then let them!

Letter to Shomitsu-bo
Written to Shomitsu-bo in 1277

The Embankments of Faith

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, September 3, 2012:

Suppose there is a ship that sails on the open sea. Though the ship is stoutly built, if it is flooded by a leak, those on the ship are sure to drown together. Though the embankment between rice fields is firm, if there is an ant hole in it, then surely, in the long run, it will not remain full of water. Bail the seawater of slander and disbelief out of the ship of your life, and solidify the embankments of your faith.

The Embankments of Faith
Written to the lay nun Sennichi on September 3, 1275

The Third Doctrine

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, September 2, 2012:

I hear that these priests have been slandering me for some years now. These mosquitos and gadflies, as it were, are such fools that they groundlessly revile Nichiren, who is like the lion king, when they have neither listened to nor seen him.

The Third Doctrine
Written to Toki Jonin on October 1, 1277

How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra

Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, September 1, 2012:

In kindling a fire, three things are needed: a good piece of steel, a good flint, and good tinder. The same is true of prayer. Three things are required—a good teacher, a good believer, and a good teaching—before prayers can be effective and disasters banished from the land.

How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra
Written to the lay nun Myoho in 1277

Letter to the Brothers

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, August 31, 2012:

Believers in the Lotus Sutra should fear those who attempt to obstruct their practice more than they fear bandits, burglars, night raiders, tigers, wolves, or lions—even more than invasion now by the Mongols.

Letter to the Brothers
Written to Ikegami Munenaka and Ikegami Munenaga on April 16, 1275

New Year's Gosho

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, August 30, 2012:

Misfortune comes from one's mouth and ruins one, but fortune comes from one's heart and makes one worthy of respect.

New Year's Gosho
Written to the wife of Omosu on January 5, year unknown

Letter to the Priests of Seicho-ji

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, August 29, 2012:

[As a youth] he received great wisdom from the living Bodhisattva Space Treasury. He prayed to the bodhisattva to become the wisest person in Japan. The bodhisattva must have taken pity on him, for he presented him with a great jewel as brilliant as the morning star, which Nichiren tucked away in his right sleeve. Thereafter, on perusing the entire body of sutras, he was able to discern in essence the relative worth of the eight schools as well as of all the scriptures.

Letter to the Priests of Seicho-ji
Written to the priests of Seicho-ji temple on January 11, 1276

The Supremacy of the Law

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, August 28, 2012:

Everyone in Japan, from the sovereign on down to the common people, without exception has tried to do me harm, but I have survived until this day. You should realize that this is because, although I am alone, I have firm faith.

The Supremacy of the Law
Written to Oto and her mother, Nichimyo, on August 4, 1275

The Bodies and Minds of Ordinary Beings

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, August 27, 2012:

Mugwort that grows in the midst of hemp or a snake inside a tube [will as a matter of course become straight], and those who associate with people of good character will consequently become upright in heart, deed and word. The Lotus Sutra exerts a similar influence. The Buddha will look upon one who simply puts faith in this sutra as a good person.

The Bodies and Minds of Ordinary Beings
Recipient and date unknown

The Sutra of True Requital

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, August 26, 2012:

It is easy to sustain our concern for someone who is before our very eyes, but quite a different thing when that person is far away, even though in our heart we may not forget him. Nevertheless, in the five years. . . that have already passed since I came to live here in the mountains, you have sent your husband from the province of Sado to visit me three times. How great is your sincerity! It is firmer than the great earth, deeper than the great sea!

The Sutra of True Requital
Written to the lay nun Sennichi on July 28, 1278

On Upholding Faith in the Gohonzon

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, August 25, 2012:

This Gohonzon is the essence of the Lotus Sutra and the eye of all the scriptures. It is like the sun and moon in the heavens, a great ruler on earth, the heart in a human being, the wish-granting jewel among treasures and the pillar of a house. When we have this mandala with us, it is a rule that all Buddhas and gods will gather round and watch over us, protecting us like a shadow day and night, just as warriors guard their ruler, as parents love their children, as fish rely on water, as trees and plants crave rain, or as birds depend on trees.

On Upholding Faith in the Gohonzon
Written to the lay nun Myoshin on August 25, 1275

The Problem to Be Pondered Night and Day

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, August 24, 2012:

If there is one who can cause others to awaken to and take faith in a teaching such as this, then that person is their father and mother, and also their good friend. This is a person of wisdom.

The Problem to Be Pondered Night and Day
Written to Toki Jonin on August 23, 1275

The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, August 23, 2012:

How wondrous it is that, around two hundred years and more into the Latter Day of the Law, I was the first to reveal as the banner of propagation of the Lotus Sutra this great mandala that even those such as Nagarjuna and Vasubandhu, T'ien-t'ai and Miao-lo were unable to express! This mandala is in no way my invention. It is the object of devotion that depicts Shakyamuni Buddha, the World-Honored One, seated in the treasure tower of Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas who were Shakyamuni's emanations as perfectly as a print matches its woodblock.

The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon
Written to Nichinyo on August 23, 1277

Reply to Jibu-bo

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, August 22, 2012:

By considering the magnitude of the punishment suffered by those who harbor enmity toward the Lotus Sutra, we can understand the magnitude of the benefits obtained by devoting oneself to it.

Reply to Jibu-bo
Written to Jibu-bo on August 22, 1281

The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One's Passing

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, August 21, 2012:

T'ien-t'ai states, "By observing the fury of the rain, we can tell the greatness of the dragon that caused it, and by observing the flourishing of the lotus flowers, we can tell the depth of the pond they grow in." Miao-lo says, "Wise men can perceive the cause of things, as snakes know the way of snakes." When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.

The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One's Passing
Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273

The Three Kinds of Treasure

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, August 20, 2012:

And do not go around lamenting to others how hard it is for you to live in this world. To do so is an act utterly unbecoming to a worthy man.

The Three Kinds of Treasure
Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277

The Wealthy Man Sudatta

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, August 19, 2012:

During [Sudatta's] last period of poverty, when all the people had fled or perished and only he and his wife remained, they had five measures of rice that would nourish them for five days. At that time, five people—Mahakashyapa, Shariputra, Ananda, Rahula and Shakyamuni Buddha—came one after another to beg for the five measures of rice, which Sudatta gave them. From that day on, Sudatta was the wealthiest man in all India, and he built the Jetavana Monastery. From this, you should understand all things.

The Wealthy Man Sudatta
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on December 27, 1280

The Treasure of a Filial Child

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, August 18, 2012:

People have varied tastes. Some prefer good and some prefer evil. There are many kinds of people. But though they differ from one another in such ways, once they enter into the Lotus Sutra, they all become like a single person in body and a single person in mind. This is just like the myriad different rivers that, when they flow into the ocean, all take on a uniformly salty flavor, or like the many kinds of birds that, when they approach Mount Sumeru, all assume the same [golden] hue.

The Treasure of a Filial Child
Written to the lay nun Sennichi on July 2, 1280

King Rinda

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, August 17, 2012:

Rice is what sustains life. It is like the oil that sustains the life of the lamp. The Lotus Sutra is a lamp, and its votary is the oil that sustains it. Or again, the lay supporters are the oil that sustains the lamp of the votary.

King Rinda
Written to Soya Doso on August 17, 1279

The Good Medicine for All Ills

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, August 16, 2012:

A person's death is not determined by illness. In our own time, the people of Iki and Tsushima, though not suffering from illness, were slaughtered in an instant by the Mongols. It is not certain that, because one is ill, one will die. And could not this illness of your husband's be the Buddha's design, because the Vimalakirti and Nirvana sutras both teach that sick people will surely attain Buddhahood? Illness gives rise to the resolve to attain the way.

The Good Medicine for All Ills
Written to the lay nun Myoshin on August 16, probably in 1278

Reply to Kyo'o

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, August 15, 2012:

I, Nichiren, have inscribed my life in sumi ink, so believe in the Gohonzon with your whole heart. The Buddha's will is the Lotus Sutra, but the soul of Nichiren is nothing other than Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

Reply to Kyo'o
Written to Kyo'o and her parents, Nichigen-nyo and Shijo Kingo, on August 15, 1273

White Horses and White Swans

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, August 14, 2012:

Let us openly and clearly outline the virtues of Myoho-renge-kyo! Just as poisonous compounds are changed into medicine, so these five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo change evil into good.

White Horses and White Swans
Written to the lady of Utubusa on August 14, 1280

Happiness in This World

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, August 13, 2012:

Could "enjoy themselves at ease" mean anything but that both our bodies and minds, lives and environments, are entities of three thousand realms in a single moment of life and Buddhas of limitless joy? There is no true happiness other than upholding faith in the Lotus Sutra. This is what is meant by "peace and security in their present existence and good circumstances in future existences."

Happiness in This World
Written to Shijo Kingo on June 27, 1276

The Izu Exile

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, August 12, 2012:

What caused you to inwardly believe in the Lotus Sutra and to make offerings to me during my more than thirty-day stay there? I was hated and resented by the steward and the people of the district even more than I was in Kamakura. Those who saw me scowled, while those who merely heard my name were filled with spite. And yet, though I was there in the fifth month when rice was scarce, you secretly fed me. Have my parents been reborn in a place called Kawana, in Ito of Izu Province?

The Izu Exile
Written to Funamori Yasaburo on June 27, 1261

Unleashing Your Inner Power

Spiritual Story by Jen Blackert

Have you ever felt like you were taught to hide or attack your problems instead of looking to your highest self for direction?

We spend too much time on the small details of daily life and not enough time looking at our future vision and inner viewpoint. The truth is I spent much of my late teens and early adulthood in a state of restless anxiety. It seemed as if I was always chasing something, trying to get something or being someone else or somewhere else.

Eventually, I did get what I desired, whatever it was that I was chasing. Family members would point out I was lucky, or that I could turn any bag of thorns into a bouquet of roses.

Yet, I still wasn't happy...

Yes, there were moments of exhilaration when I knew I was going to get what I had been working for, but there was little true happiness.

In 1997, I began to practice yoga regularly at a local gym. I started attending class during work lunch breaks. Hah, I had used yoga mostly as a way to take longer lunch breaks and escape the daily grind. For me, the hardest part of yoga was final rest. Now, I know that it was difficult because on some level, I feared knowing myself on a deeper level. I didn't really like myself. I was afraid of my other self? Who was this other self? I am just one person. Aren't I?

I realized yoga had become an escape from my dual self. Or should I say my dueling self? Yoga was escape from this "other" voice, this negative self-defeating voice in my head. Hah, while other people choose the use of drugs or alcohol, not me, I chose yoga as my drug of choice. Thankfully, it has awakened me to a life of inspiration, consciousness, and flow.

By 2005, I chose to end my corporate career. By the time I left, I was miserable yet still felt trapped by a high paying salary and absolutely zero respect whatsoever. I was tortured with thoughts, "How could I possibly leave such a high paying job? I can't make this kind of money doing anything else." Who was I to tell myself this?

I told myself, "I can't." No one who loved me would tell me such nonsense, whether they thought it or not. Where did I get such ideas? Maybe I didn't love myself. At a minimum, I was verbally abusive to myself. Who had I become? I, of course, didn't realize this until much later.

And then magic started to happen.

One Saturday in March of 2005, I received a phone call from a man in Arizona. At the time we didn't have a cable phone or caller ID or who knows if I would have even answered the line. My number was not available. The man asked if there was a person who practiced transcendental meditation in our home.

I said, "No, but I am very spiritual and I practice and teach yoga." He then, asked if it was Kundalini yoga and again I said, "No. I practice Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga." I was starting to get a little defensive and agitated with his questions. Who was this guy and was he questioning me?

I began thinking that it was some kind of joke or perhaps he had found my name on some yoga list. Finally, I asked who he was and why he was calling. He said he was a TMer. At the time, I had no idea what a TMer was. He explained that TM stands for Transcendental Meditation.

It's not a religion or philosophy and it can be practiced by anyone looking to experience more mental clarity or reduce stress. I understood it as a form of meditation, but nothing more. He told me that during meditation he saw my number and had a strong sense that I needed to know that the universe was in support of my new direction.

The next week I spent a week practicing yoga at a spiritual retreat center. After each day of practice we wrote about our experiences. After a few hours of intense yoga we would journal about a given topic or our "after-yoga" thoughts.

My journal entries included random statements such as... "We die in the comfort zone. Step out of your comfort zone. There is peace with truth. There is no peace with self-doubt. Life is full of options. We must have the courage to face the truth." I remember crying because at the time I wasn't following my true path and I felt miserable because of it.

The Monday after the retreat, I wandered back into my corporate office refreshed and relaxed. Then I thought, "What am I doing here? Is this just a pay check for me?"� I knew a job like mine was a dream job for others, but why couldn't I just be thankful for what I had? I made it through the day and cried to my husband about my miserable job that night. He had some inspiring wisdom.

He asked, "How will your life change if you leave this job?

My job will support our current living behaviors until you get up to speed with your own business. You will still have your computer, cable T.V. and your car. Your life won't change. I want you to be happy." It seemed so simple to him, but to me it was huge.

By the end of the day on Tuesday, my hard drive crashed -- not the hard drive of my brain, but my computer's hard drive. I would joke to co-workers, "Do you think God is telling me something?"

Many would just giggle, but one man said very seriously, "Yes! You have all this talent waiting to be let out. What are you doing here? What are you waiting for?" These words stuck with me. What was I waiting for?

Why was I holding on to a job that I disliked? Why was I torturing myself? This is my life!

Like all life journeys you must start by opening your eyes to God's awareness. Patanjali wrote, "When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds; your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world."

Live it now.

Many in Body, One in Mind

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, August 11, 2012:

Even an individual at cross purposes with himself is certain to end in failure. Yet a hundred or even a thousand people can definitely attain their goal, if they are of one mind.

Many in Body, One in Mind
Written to the lay priest Takahashi on August 6, year unknown

Letter to the Lay Priest Domyo

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, August 10, 2012

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. But the only essential point is that, if you believe in this sutra, all your desires will be fulfilled in both the present and the future.

Letter to the Lay Priest Domyo
Written to the lay priest Domyo on August 10, 1276

Unconditional Acceptance

Spiritual Story by Pat Campbell

A couple of years ago I met a dear old lady who I will call Annie (not her real name). She was 97 and very frail and unable to walk but with a mind as bright as a button. I only knew her for a few short weeks before she passed on but I felt I knew her for a lifetime. We shared so much of ourselves in that short time and I feel very blessed to have known her.

I attended Annie’s funeral and it was there that I received the first part of a profound enlightenment. When the eulogies were being given, I suddenly experienced what I call "the God feeling" very strongly. (This intense feeling of total love goes way beyond anything mortal and it has often accompanied major "aha" moments, especially in the early days of my relationship with God. I soon came to understand that God wanted me to know that the new insight or piece of wisdom came from Him. The knowledge that I have acquired during these moments I call "absolute knowings" because I have known beyond a shadow of doubt that these learnings were absolute truth.)

It became apparent to me that God wanted me to listen very carefully to what was being said. Annie's son was talking at the time about the way that Annie totally accepted everyone she encountered in her life, regardless of their situation, belief, habits or attitudes. She truly did know that we are all one and treated everyone equally. And I thought to myself, "What is the lesson here? I do endeavour to accept everyone! This doesn’t seem to be anything that I haven’t already learnt."

It was a few days later before I realised that it was myself that I had to learn to accept unconditionally. I already accepted others as they are (along with their faults) but I have always been very hard on myself for the slightest little mistake or oversight on my part. It was okay for others to be less than perfect but I couldn't accept that in myself.

It never ceases to amaze me how different events in our lives (and past lives) fall together to create a complete story. Shortly after Annie's funeral, I had a thought that kept popping into my head that I had done a terrible wrong to a friend of mine in another lifetime. I didn't want to think about it because it was really a very big transgression but my thoughts kept returning there regardless. And then I had a dream (something I don't do very often as I am more likely to have "waking dreams"). In the dream I was the victim of the same transgression and the perpetrator in this instance was someone I also know very well in this lifetime.

As I was thinking about how these events were related (and also feeling rather bad because I knew my previous transgression was true), I felt what I call "the voice feeling" which is hard to describe. I don’t audibly hear actual words but I "feel" the words instead (and I have to admit that I am just a little envious of Neale Donald Walsch and Barbara Rose who do actually hear God's voice audibly). And the "voice" said to me, "Do you judge the one who wronged you?"

And I thought no I don't, it doesn't make any difference to the way I feel about this person at all. And the "voice" said, "Well why are you judging yourself so harshly for your wrongdoing when you can accept it in another?" And that's when I realised that all of these events occurred so that I might learn to accept myself as readily as I accept others. It is not a lesson totally learnt even now and I do still tend to berate myself for not doing everything I set out to do but I have definitely made some progress and have somewhat relaxed my expectations of myself to a level which is more humanly achievable.

The Supremacy of the Law

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, August 9, 2012:

The Buddha promised in the Lotus Sutra that, for women, the sutra will serve as a lantern in the darkness, as a ship when they cross the sea, and as a protector when they travel through dangerous places.

The Supremacy of the Law
Written to Oto and her mother, Nichimyo, on August 4, 1275

The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, August 8, 2012:

The sutras expounded prior to the Lotus Sutra cannot lead to Buddhahood because they are provisional and expedient teachings that separate reality and wisdom. The Lotus Sutra, however, unites the two as a single entity. The sutra says that the Buddhas open the door of Buddha wisdom to all living beings, show it, cause them to awaken to it, and induce them to enter its path. By realizing this Buddha wisdom, one attains Buddhahood.

The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood
Written to Soya Jiro Hyoe-no-jo Kyoshin on August 3, 1276