Nature is like a mirror
Nature is like a mirror. It remains still, but I move. It seems unchanging, yet I am constantly changing. The mirror of nature reflects my inner world, the essence of humanity, and the great, all-embracing expanse of life itself. Only when we are connected to nature, engaged with nature, are we truly alive and vigorous. To really be alive, one must be under the sun, the moon, the shining stars and surrounded by the beautiful greenery and pure waters of the natural world.
Changing own destiny
Ultimately, we are responsible for our own destiny. It may seem to us that our fate is predetermined, whether by our genes or by our environment. What really matters, however, is how we can improve ourselves from this moment forward, how we can change the circumstances that we find ourselves in. This enormous transformative force is what Buddhism is all about. In this struggle lies the source of never-ending youth and vitality. 19/8
Purpose of religion
Perhaps the chief purpose of a philosophy or religion is to help us understand the meaning of death and why we are alive. Without understanding where we have come from and where we are going, we cannot establish our own sense of identity to the fullest. Aging and its symptoms can, if nothing else, prompt us to seek rejuvenation. Ultimately, that rejuvenation can be found not in forestalling symptoms but in embracing a larger understanding of our own lives, which Buddhism elucidates. 18/8
The oneness of life and its environment
The Buddhist teaching of the oneness of life and its environment tells us that humanity and the natural world are one. That is why if we wish to protect the environment, we must transform and purify the three poisons—greed, anger and foolishness—that exist in people's lives. The principle of human revolution focuses on precisely that: inner transformation at the most fundamental level. 17/8
To err is human
As long as we are human, we are bound to make mistakes. We all fall prey to flawed beliefs and views. What distinguishes a forward—looking person from an intransigent one, a virtuous person from a dishonest one, however, is whether one can candidly admit to one's mistakes and take bold steps to redress them. 16/8
Leaders fighting for happiness of humanity
The world is growing increasingly interrelated and interdependent. We have reached a point where, in order to deal with not only environmental problems but every other issue confronting humankind, leaders with a broad, global perspective are indispensable. Everything hinges on how many capable leaders we can produce who are willing to fight wholeheartedly for the world's future and the happiness of humanity. 15/8
Chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the happiness
In Nichiren Buddhism, we are encouraged to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the happiness of those who—for whatever reason—displease, anger or even hurt us. Often this is not easy. But, inevitably, we come to see the better side of most people. 14/8
The good and evil of human life
Buddhism teaches that human life is endowed simultaneously with both good and evil. The human mind is interpreted as partaking of ten different conditions, or states, including, at one end of the scale, hell, which is filled with suffering; hunger, dominated by greed; and animality, characterized by fear of the strong and contempt for the weak. At the other end are the Bodhisattva and Buddha conditions—states of mind in which people strive to help others by eliminating suffering and imparting happiness. Buddhism further teaches that the nature of life is for good and evil to be essentially inseparable. 13/8
Everyone can achieve enlightment
When you look at those of superior capacity, do not disparage yourself. The Buddha's true intention was that no one, even those of inferior capacity, be denied enlightenment. Conversely, when you compare yourself with persons of inferior capacity, do not be arrogant and overproud. Even persons of superior capacity may be excluded from enlightenment if they do not devote themselves wholeheartedly. -Nichiren 12/8
Heart of the Sage
One who has mastered himself is truly free. Freedom lies in the heart of the sage, servitude in the heart of the fool. 11/8
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