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