Damned Devotee

Spiritual Story by Anthony de Mello

The devotee knelt to be initiated into discipleship. The guru whispered the sacred mantra into his ear, warning him not to reveal it to anyone. "What will happen if I do?" asked the devotee. Said the guru, "Anyone you reveal the mantra to will be liberated from the bondage of ignorance and suffering, but you yourself will be excluded from discipleship and suffer damnation." No sooner had he heard those words, than the devotee rushed to the marketplace, collected a large crowd around him, and repeated the sacred mantra for all to hear. The disciples later reported this to the guru and demanded that the man be expelled from the monastery for his disobedience. The guru smiled and said, "He has no need of anything I can teach. His action has shown him to be a guru in his own right."

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, May 30, 2012:

All children are gems, full of precious potential. There is hope in every child since life itself is full of hope. Should the hopes of children be stifled or broken, that would be our responsibility as adults. It pains my heart to see what goes on in today's society. I do not want to see the eyes of children darkened with fear and clouded with tears of sorrow. Society must be absolutely transformed. Children are mirrors that reflect adult society. When adults are ailing and their vision clouded, children will also suffer. Let us wipe away the tears of sorrow from the face of each child! We must protect children and give them courage, strength and vitality. It is parents who nurture children, the hope of humanity. How noble parents are! What a great mission and responsibility they fulfill.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, May 30, 2012:

Those who make many friends have greater opportunities for growth and self-development; as such they make society a better place and lead happy, satisfying lives. In every situation, human relations—communication and personal interaction—are vital. We need to initiate and nurture friendships and contacts with many people, both within the organization and in society at large. Our lives will open and be enriched to the extent that we do so.

Reply to Kyo'o

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, May 30, 2012:

But your faith alone will determine all these things. A sword will be useless in the hands of a coward. The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith. Then one will be as strong as a demon armed with an iron staff.

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

Buddha Is Abused

Spiritual Story by Anthony de Mello

Buddha seemed quite unruffled by the insults hurled at him by a visitor. When his disciples later asked him what the secret of his serenity was, he said: "Imagine what would happen if someone placed an offering before you and you did not pick it up. Or someone sent you a letter that you refused to open; you would be unaffected by its contents, would you not? Do this each time you are abused and you will not lose your serenity."

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, May 29, 2012:

Shakyamuni proclaims, "People who are vigilant do not die; people who are negligent are as if dead." This is definitely true. Unremitting diligence in our Buddhist practice—brave and vigorous exertion—infuses our lives with the great life force of the eternal Buddha. In contrast, people who try to get by in life through cunning and deception enact a living death.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, May 29, 2012:

We who embrace the Mystic Law will not suffer on account of old age or death. As long as we keep the flame of faith alive, the fire of life force will forever burn brightly within us; we can live with great confidence transcending birth and death. Faith is the engine that enables us to live with hope throughout our lives.

This Person Advances through the World

Daily Wisdom

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

 

The present time corresponds to the first five hundred years of the Latter Day of the Law. Passages of the sutra clearly state that at this time Bodhisattva Superior Practices will appear and bestow the five characters of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo on all the people of Japan. And they reveal that he will face exile and execution. I am also like the envoy of Bodhisattva Superior Practices because I spread this doctrine.

"This Person Advances through the World"
Written to Ikegami Uemon no Tayu Munenaka on December 3, 1279

Best Tea In Japan

Spiritual Story by Anthony de Mello

There was a group of elderly gentlemen in Japan who would meet to exchange news and drink tea. One of their diversions was to search for costly varieties of tea and create new blends that would delight the palate. When it was the turn of the oldest member of the group to entertain the others, he served tea with the greatest ceremony, measuring out the leaves from a golden container. Everyone had the highest praise for the tea and demanded to know by what particular combination he had arrived at this exquisite blend. The old man smiled and said, "Gentlemen, the tea that you find so delightful is the one that is drunk by the peasants on my farm. The finest things in life are neither costly nor hard to find."

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, May 28, 2012:

The belief taught in the Lotus Sutra provides no easy answers, no escape route from the difficulties of human life. In fact, it rejects such easy answers; instead it implores us to take up the two tools for exploring life, belief and understanding, and use them to continually challenge and work to perfect ourselves. And it also provides us the energy to do just that.

What is true joy in life?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, May 28, 2012:

What is true joy in life? This is a difficult question—and one which has occupied a great many thinkers and philosophers. Joy can quickly give way to suffering. Joy is short and suffering long. Also what passes for joy in society is superficial. It cannot compare with the joy deriving from the Mystic Law. The key then lies in cultivating a state of mind where we can declare without reservation that life itself is a joy. This is the purpose of our Buddhist practice.

Letter to Gijo-bo

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, May 28, 2012:

"Single-mindedly desiring to see the Buddha" may be read as follows: single-mindedly observing the Buddha, concentrating one's mind on seeing the Buddha, and when looking at one's own mind, perceiving that it is the Buddha.

Letter to Gijo-bo
Written to Gijo-bo on May 28, 1273

A Miser's Death

Spiritual Story by Anthony de Mello

A miser had accumulated five hundred thousand dinars and looked forward to a year of pleasant living before he made up his mind how best to invest his money, when suddenly the Angel of Death appeared before him to take his life away. The man begged and pleaded and used a thousand arguments to be allowed to live a little longer, but the angel was obdurate. "Give me three days of life and I shall give you half my fortune," the man pleaded. The angel wouldn't hear of it and began to tug at him. "Give me just one day, I beg of you, and you can have everything I accumlated through so much sweat and toil." The angel was adamant still. He was able to wring just one little concession from the angel�a few moments in which to write down this note: "Oh you, whoever you are that happen to find this note, if you have enough to live on, don't waste your life accumulating fortunes. Live! My five hundred thousand dinars could not buy me a single hour of life!"

The Opening of the Eyes

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, December 31, 2012:

 

I, Nichiren, am the richest man in all of present-day Japan. I have dedicated my life to the Lotus Sutra, and my name will be handed down in ages to come.

The Opening of the Eyes
Written to Shijo Kingo in February 1272

The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, December 30, 2012:

 

In the yard around the hut the snow piled deeper and deeper. No one came to see me; my only visitor was the piercing wind. Great Concentration and Insight and the Lotus Sutra lay open before my eyes, and Nam-myoho-renge-kyo flowed from my lips. My evenings passed in discourse to the moon and stars on the fallacies of the various schools and the profound meaning of the Lotus Sutra. Thus, one year gave way to the next.

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

To My Friends

May 27, 2012

The key to kosen-rufu's progress
is for leaders to take the initiative.
Let's take bold action and
communicate with clarity
to ensure that we can make a
breakthrough in growth and development.

The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, December 29, 2012:

 

To hope to attain Buddhahood without speaking out against slander is as futile as trying to find water in the midst of fire or fire in the midst of water. No matter how sincerely one believes in the Lotus Sutra, if one is guilty of failing to rebuke slander of the Law, one will surely fall into hell, just a single crab leg will ruin a thousand pots of lacquer. This is the meaning of the passage in the sutra, "Because the poison has penetrated deeply and their minds no longer function as before."

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

The Swords of Good and Evil

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, December 28, 2012:

 

In the next life you should use this sword as your staff. The Lotus Sutra is the staff that helps all the Buddhas of the three existences as they set their minds on enlightenment. However, you should rely upon Nichiren as your staff and pillar. When one uses a staff, he will not fall on treacherous mountain paths or rough roads, and when led by the hand, he will never stumble.

The Swords of Good and Evil
Written to Hojo Yagenta on February 21, 1274

A Miser and His Gold

Spiritual Story by Anthony de Mello

A miser hid his gold at the foot of a tree in his garden. Every week he would dig it up and look at it for hours. One day, a thief dug up the gold and made off with it. When the miser next came to gaze upon his treasure, all he found was an empty hole. The man began to howl with grief, so his neighbors came running to find out what the trouble was. When they found out, one of them asked, "Did you use any of the gold?" "No," said the miser. "I only looked at it every week." "Well then," said the neighbor, "for all the good the gold did you, you might as well come every week and gaze upon the hole."

A Gift of Pearls

Spiritual Story by Anthony de Mello

The guru sat in meditation on the riverbank when a disciple bent down to place two enormous pearls at his feet, a token of reverence and devotion. The guru opened his eyes, lifted one of the pearls, and held it so carelessly that it slipped out of his hand and rolled down the bank into the river. The horrified disciple plunged in after it, but though he dived in again and again till late evening, he had no luck. Finally, all wet and exhausted, he roused the guru from his meditation: "You saw where it fell. Show me the spot so I can get it back for you." The guru lifted the other pearl, threw it into the river, and said, "Right there!"

Roots of Good Fortune

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, December 27, 2012:

 

Your own offerings were not made to me, Nichiren, but to the Lotus Sutra. Therefore, we must leave it to Shakyamuni Buddha, Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas of the ten directions [to fathom the greatness of] the resulting benefits.

Roots of Good Fortune
Written to the lay nun Kubo on December 27, 1281

The Bodies and Minds of Ordinary Beings

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, December 26, 2012:

 

In addition, we live today in a time of trouble, when there is little that ordinary people can do. And yet, busy as you are, in your sincerity of heart you have sent me thick-stemmed bamboo shoots of the moso variety as offerings to the Lotus Sutra here in the mountains. Surely you are sowing good seeds in a field of fortune. My tears flow when I think of it.

The Bodies and Minds of Ordinary Beings
Recipient and date unknown

A Betting Man

Spiritual Story by Anthony de Mello

A man and his wife went to visit friends in another part of the country and were taken to a racecourse. Fascinated by the sight of horses chasing one another around a track, the two of them kept betting all evening till they had no more than two dollars left. The following day the man prevailed upon his wife to let him go to the course alone. There was a horse with a fifty-to-one odds on it in the first race. He bet on the horse and it won. He put all the money he won on another long shot in the next race and again he won. He kept doing this all evening and his entire earnings came to fifty-seven thousand dollars. On the way back home he passed by a gambling den. An inner voice, the same that seemed to have guided him in his choice of horses, said, "Stop here and go in." So he stopped, went in, and found himself standing in front of a roulette wheel. The voice said, "Number thirteen." The man put the entire fifty-seven thousand on number thirteen. The wheel spun, and the croupier announced, "Number fourteen." So the man walked back home with nothing in his pocket. His wife called out to him from the porch, "How did it go?" The husband shrugged his shoulders. "I lost the two dollars," he said.

The Fourteen Slanders

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, December 25, 2012:

 

And if we go by the words of the Lotus Sutra, you should also teach the sutra to the best of your ability. When the world makes you feel downcast, you should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, remembering that, although the sufferings of this life are painful, those in the next life could be much worse. And when you are happy, you should remember that your happiness in this life is nothing but a dream within a dream, and that the only true happiness is that found in the pure land of Eagle Peak, and with that thought in mind, chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

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

Letter to Niike

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, December 24, 2012:

 

Becoming a Buddha is nothing extraordinary. If you chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with your whole heart, you will naturally become endowed with the Buddha's thirty-two features and eighty characteristics. As the sutra says, "hoping to make all persons equal to me, without any distinction between us," you can readily become as noble a Buddha as Shakyamuni.

Letter to Niike
Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280

Wondrous Powers

Spiritual Story by Roger D. Abrahams

An old man had three children, all boys. When they had grown up to manhood, he called them together and told them that now he was very old and no longer able to provide, even for himself. He ordered them to go out and bring him food and clothing. The three brothers set out, and after a very long while they came to a large river. As they had gone on together for such a time, they decided that once they got across they would separate. The eldest told the youngest to take the middle road, and the second to go to the right, while he himself would go to the left. Then, in a year's time, they would come back to the same spot. So they parted, and at the end of a year, as agreed, they found their way back to the riverside. The eldest asked the youngest what he had gotten during his travels, and the boy replied: "I have nothing but a mirror, but it has wonderful power. If you look into it, you can see all over the country, no matter how far away." When asked in turn what he had gotten, the second brother replied: "Only a pair of sandals that are so full of power, that if one puts them on one can walk at once to any place in the country in one step." Then the eldest himself, said: "I, too, have obtained but little, a small calabash of medicine, that is all. But let us look into the mirror and see how father fares." The youngest produced his mirror, and they all looked into it and saw that their father was already dead and that even the funeral custom was finished. Then the elder said: "Let us hasten home and see what we can do." So the second brought out his sandals, and all three placed their feet inside them and, immediately, they were borne to their father's grave. Then the eldest shook the medicine out of his bag, and poured it over the grave. At once their father arose, as if nothing had been the matter with him. Now which of these three sons has performed the best?

The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, December 23, 2012:

 

In view of all this, your sincerity in sending a gift of five strings of blue-duck coins whenever the opportunity arises truly entitles you to be known as one who propagates the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra in Japan. As first one person, then two persons, then a thousand, ten thousand, a hundred thousand and then all the people throughout the country come to chant the daimoku, before you know it their blessings will accrue to you.

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

Letter to Shomitsu-bo

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, December 22, 2012:

 

Since we are now living in the latter age when people are shallow in wisdom and puffed up with pride, it is unlikely that anyone will heed the points I have made in the discussion above. But when a sage or worthy appears, then the full truth of the matter will no doubt become clear. Because I care about you, I have written this letter as a guide. I hope you will study it when you have time.

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

Why We Shout When In Anger

Spiritual Story by Unknown

A Hindu saint who was visiting river Ganges to take bath found a group of family members on the banks, shouting in anger at each other. He turned to his disciples smiled and asked. 'Why do people shout in anger shout at each other?' Disciples thought for a while, one of them said, 'Because we lose our calm, we shout.' 'But, why should you shout when the other person is just next to you? You can as well tell him what you have to say in a soft manner.' asked the saint Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the other disciples. Finally the saint explained, . 'When two people are angry at each other, their hearts distance a lot. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other to cover that great distance. What happens when two people fall in love? They don't shout at each other but talk softly, Because their hearts are very close. The distance between them is either nonexistent or very small...' The saint continued, 'When they love each other even more, what happens? They do not speak, only whisper and they get even closer to each other in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other and that's all. That is how close two people are when they love each other.' He looked at his disciples and said. 'So when you argue do not let your hearts get distant, Do not say words that distance each other more, Or else there will come a day when the distance is so great that you will not find the path to return. They may end up in divorce courts, for instance.'

The Supremacy of the Law

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, December 21, 2012:

 

Likewise the people of Japan, by becoming enemies of the Lotus Sutra, have brought ruin on themselves and their country. And because I proclaim this, I am called arrogant by those of little understanding. But I do not speak out of arrogance. It is simply that if I did not speak out I would not be the votary of the Lotus Sutra. Moreover, when my words prove later to be true, people will be able to believe all the more readily. And because I write this down now, the people of the future will recognize my wisdom.

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

Reply to Onichi-nyo

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, December 20, 2012:

 

In the past, Virtue Victorious offered a mudpie to the Buddha, and was reborn as King Ashoka. . . . A poor woman cut off her hair and sold it to buy oil [for the Buddha], and not even the winds sweeping down from Mount Sumeru could extinguish the flame of the lamp fed by this oil. Accordingly, your offerings of two and three strings of coins are far greater even than those of the ruler of Japan, who may offer the nation and build a pagoda adorned with the seven kinds of treasures that reaches to the heaven of the thirty-three gods.

Reply to Onichi-nyo
Written to Onichi-nyo in 1280

Waves In An Ocean

Spiritual Story by Mitch Albom

A little wave was bobbing along in the ocean, having a grand old time. He's enjoying the wind and the fresh air--until he notip'=ces the other waves in front of him, crashing against the shore. "My God, this is terrible," the wave says. "Look what's going to happen to me!" Then along comes another wave. It sees the first wave, looking grim, and it says to him, "Why do you look so sad?" The first wave says, "You don't understand! We're all going to crash! All of us waves are going to be nothing! Isn't this terrible?" The second wave says, "No, YOU don't understand. You're not a wave, you're part of the ocean."

To My Friends

May 21, 2012

At critical junctures in one's life,
encouraging dramas always
come into play.
Brimming with life force, let's
take actions that "replace suffering
with joy," infusing the lives of
friends with courage and conviction.

(*)"Reply to Kyo'o," WND I, p. 412

Words of the Week

May 21, 2012

"What sickness can...be an obstacle?"(*)
Chanting daimoku with the power of a roaring lion,
let's advance powerfully, wisely and cheerfully,
making health our utmost priority.

The Kalpa of Decrease

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, December 19, 2012:

 

Great evil portends the arrival of great good. If all of Jambudvipa were to be thrown into chaos, there could be no doubt that [this sutra would] "be widely propagated throughout Jambudvipa."

The Kalpa of Decrease
Recipient and date unknown

The Selection of the Time

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, December 18, 2012:

 

In commenting on this passage, I have this to say: Shakyamuni taught that the shallow is easy to embrace, but the profound is difficult. To discard the shallow and seek the profound is the way of a person of courage.

The Selection of the Time
Written to Yui in 1275

The Pure and Far-Reaching Voice

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, December 17, 2012:

 

The Buddha's utterances have become the works that compose the entire body of sutras and bring benefit to all living beings. And among the sutras, the Lotus Sutra is a manifestation in writing of the Thus Come One Shakyamuni's intent; it is his voice set down in written words. Thus the Buddha's heart is embodied in these written words. To illustrate, it is like seeds that sprout, grow into plants, and produce rice. Though the form of the rice changes, its essence remains the same.

The Pure and Far-Reaching Voice
Written to Shijo Kingo in 1272

Great Bodhisattva Hachiman

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, December 16, 2012:

 

The scripture known as the Nirvana Sutra lists the beings that have been able to attain the way through the Lotus Sutra, and the list includes such filthy creatures as dung beetles, vipers, and scorpions. To express the wonderful power of the Lotus Sutra, Bodhisattva Nagarjuna says that it enables even such creatures as dung beetles to attain Buddhahood.

Great Bodhisattva Hachiman
Written to Nichigen-nyo on December 16, 1280

Two Kinds of Food

Spiritual Story by C.M. Kay

One day while travelling with a companion, Nanak took shelter in the house of a poor, low-caste Hindu carpenter named Lalo. He took a liking to Lalo and stayed with him for two weeks. Then he heard that people were gossiping. They said, "Nanak is a high-caste Hindu; why should he be staying with a low-caste man? It is not proper." One day a wealthy landlord of the neighborhood decided to give a big feast and to invite all the four castes of Hindus -- brahmins, military, merchants and manual laborers. A brahmin friend of Guru Nanak came to him and told him about the feast. "You really must go," he said. But Nanak did not believe in castes, and considered all men equal. He did not like the idea, and said, "I do not belong to any of the four castes, so why invite me?" "Ah," said the brahmin, "now I see why people call you a 'heretic'. Malik, the landlord, will be very displeased with you if you refuse his invitation." And he walked away. Nanak did not go to the feast, and, sure enough, afterwards Malik came and confronted him. "Why did you dishonor me by staying away?" "Well," replied Nanak, "I do not crave fine food. But if this offends you, then I will eat some of your food." But Malik was still not happy, and accused Nanak of ignoring his own caste and eating and staying with Lalo, a low-caste man. "Then give me my share of elegant food from your banquet," said Nanak," and turning to Lalo he asked him to bring him something from his stock of simple food. When both foods were set before Guru Nanak, he took Lalo's coarse food in his right hand and Malik's fine food in his left, and squeezed them both. Lo and behold, from Lalo's food milk flowed out, and from Malik's, blood!

"The person who gets the farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore."

-Dale Carnegie

Letter to Jakunichi-bo

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, December 15, 2012:

 

"This person as he advances through this world" means that the first five hundred years of the Latter Day of the Law will witness the advent of Bodhisattva Superior Practices, who will illuminate the darkness of ignorance and earthly desires with the light of the five characters of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. In accordance with this passage, Nichiren, as this bodhisattva's envoy, has urged the people of Japan to accept and uphold the Lotus Sutra. His unremitting efforts never slacken, even here on this mountain.

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

The Drum at the Gate of Thunder

Daily Wisdom

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

 

A woman who embraces the lion king of the Lotus Sutra need not fear any of the beasts of hell, or of the realm of hungry spirits and animals. All the offenses committed by a woman in her lifetime are like dry grass, and the single character myo of the Lotus Sutra is like a small spark. When a small spark is set to a large expanse of grass, not only the grass but also the big trees and large stones will all be consumed. Such is the power of the fire of wisdom in the single character myo.

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

The Sealwoman

Spiritual Story by Clarissa Pinkola Estes

This story is about a sealwoman who has her sealskin stolen from her by a lonely fisherman. He promises to return it after 7 years as long as she lives with him for this time. The woman agrees and returns to his home. The sealwoman has a child and although content enough, she feels increasingly uncomfortable in the outer world. Her hair starts falling out, her eyelids start peeling and her skin cracks. One night the child wakes up to hear arguing. It has been 7 years and the sealwoman is demanding that she have her sealskin back. �I want what I am made of returned to me� cries the sealwoman. The husband refuses to give his wife back the sealskin for fear that she will lose him. The child goes to sleep but wakes up in the night to hear the sound of the wind and goes out into the dark. He comes upon his mothers� sealskin and returns it to her. The sealwoman pulls on her sealskin, grabs her child and heads for the ocean. She breathes into the child�s mouth 3 times and then dives deep into the waters. Together they swim until they are home with her family.

Encouragement to a Sick Person

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, December 13, 2012:

 

I have heard that you are suffering from illness. Is this true? The impermanence of this world is such that even the healthy cannot remain forever, let alone those who are ill. Thoughtful persons should therefore prepare their minds for the life to come. Yet one cannot prepare one's mind for the next life by one's own efforts alone. Only on the basis of the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, the original teacher of all living beings, can one do so.

Encouragement to a Sick Person
Written to Nanjo Hyoe Shichiro on December 13, 1264

On Establishing the Four Bodhisattvas as the Object of Devotion

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, December 12, 2012:

 

Teach this doctrine to others clearly as I have taught you these many years. Those who call themselves my disciples and practice the Lotus Sutra should all practice as I do. If they do so, Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, Shakyamuni's emanations throughout the ten directions, and the ten demon daughters will protect them.

On Establishing the Four Bodhisattvas as the Object of Devotion
Written to Toki Jonin on May 17, 1279

The Sailor's Decision

Spiritual Story by Unknown

After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the church's pastor once again slowly stood up, walked over to the pulpit, and gave a very brief introduction of his childhood friend. With that, an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit to speak, "A father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific Coast," he began, "when a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to shore. The waves were so high, that even though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright, and the three were swept into the ocean." The old man hesitated for a moment, making eye contact with two teenagers who were, for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat interested in his story. He continued, "Grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most excruciating decision of his life....to which boy he would throw the other end of the line. He only had seconds to make the decision. The father knew that his son was a Christian, and he also knew that his son's friend was not. The agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of waves. As the father yelled out, 'I love you, son! He threw the line to his son's friend. By the time he pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beyond the raging swells into the black of night. His body was never recovered." By this time, the two teenagers were sitting straighter in the pew, waiting for the next words to come out of the old man's mouth. "The father," he continued, "knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus, and he could not bear the thought of his son's friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus. Therefore, he sacrificed his son. How great is the love of God that He should do the same for us." With that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence filled the room. Within minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old man's side. "That was a nice story," politely started one of the boys, "but I don't think it was very realistic for a father to give up his son's life in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian." "Well, you've got a point there," the old man replied, glancing down at his worn Bible. A big smile broadened his narrow face, and he once again looked up at the boys and said, "It sure isn't very realistic, is it? But I'm standing here today to tell you that THAT story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up His Son for me." "You see....I was the son's friend."

The Three Kinds of Treasure

Daily Wisdom

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

 

Over and over I recall the moment, unforgettable even now, when I was about to be beheaded and you accompanied me, holding the reins of my horse and weeping tears of grief. Nor could I ever forget it in any lifetime to come. If you should fall into hell for some grave offense, no matter how Shakyamuni might urge me to become a Buddha, I would refuse; I would rather go to hell with you. For if you and I should fall into hell together, we would find Shakyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sutra there.

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

The Wonderful Means of Surmounting Obstacles

Daily Wisdom

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

 

The wonderful means of truly putting an end to the physical and spiritual obstacles of all living beings is none other than Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

The Wonderful Means of Surmounting Obstacles
Written to Shijo Kingo; date unknown

The 100th Monkey

Spiritual Story by Ken Keyes Jr.

The Japanese monkey, Macaca fuscata, had been observed in the wild for a period of over 30years. In 1952, on the island of Koshima, scientists were providing monkeys with sweet potatoes dropped in the sand. The monkey liked the taste of the raw sweet potatoes, but they found the dirt unpleasant. An 18-month-old female named Imo found she could solve the problem by washing the potatoes in a nearby stream. She taught this trick to her mother. Her playmates also learned this new way and they taught their mothers too. This cultural innovation was gradually picked up by various monkeys before the eyes of the scientists. Between 1952 and 1958 all the young monkeys learned to wash the sandy sweet potatoes to make them more palatable. Only the adults who imitated their children learned this social improvement. Other adults kept eating the dirty sweet potatoes. Then something startling took place. In the autumn of 1958, a certain number of Koshima monkeys were washing sweet potatoes — the exact number is not known. Let us suppose that when the sun rose one morning there were 99 monkeys on Koshima Island who had learned to wash their sweet potatoes. Let's further suppose that later that morning, the hundredth monkey learned to wash potatoes. THEN IT HAPPENED! By that evening almost everyone in the tribe was washing sweet potatoes before eating them. The added energy of this hundredth monkey somehow created an ideological breakthrough! But notice: A most surprising thing observed by these scientists was that the habit of washing sweet potatoes then jumped over the sea...Colonies of monkeys on other islands and the mainland troop of monkeys at Takasakiyama began washing their sweet potatoes. Thus, when a certain critical number achieves an awareness, this new awareness may be communicated from mind to mind.

The Fourteen Slanders

Daily Wisdom

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

 

"How great is the difference between the blessings received when a sage chants the daimoku and the blessings received when we chant it?" To reply, one is in no way superior to the other. The gold that a fool possesses is in no way different from the gold that a wise man possesses; a fire made by a fool is the same as a fire made by a wise man. However, there is a difference if one chants the daimoku while acting against the intent of this sutra.

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

The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, December 8, 2012:

 

Gold can neither be burned by fire nor corroded or swept away by water, but iron is vulnerable to both. A wise person is like gold and a fool like iron. You are like pure gold because you embrace the "gold" of the Lotus Sutra. The Lotus Sutra reads in part, "Sumeru is the loftiest of all mountains. The Lotus Sutra is likewise the loftiest of all the sutras." It also states, "The good fortune of the believer cannot be burned by fire or washed away by water."

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

On Prolonging One's Life Span

Daily Wisdom

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

 

A single life is worth more than the major world system. You still have many years ahead of you, and moreover you have encountered the Lotus Sutra. If you live even one day longer, you can accumulate that much more benefit. How precious your life is!

On Prolonging One's Life Span
Written to the lay nun Myojo in 1279

On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land

Daily Wisdom

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

 

You have associated with a friend in the orchid room and have become as straight as mugwort growing among the hemp. If you will truly give consideration to the troubles I have been describing and put entire faith in these words of mine, then the winds will blow gently, the waves will be calm, and in no time at all we will enjoy bountiful harvests.

On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land
Submitted to Hojo Tokiyori on July 16, 1260

That's Not My Problem

Spiritual Story by Unknown

A mouse looked through a crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife opening a package; what food might it contain? He was aghast to discover that it was a mouse trap! Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning, "There is a mouse trap in the house, there is a mouse trap in the house." The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell you this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me; I cannot be bothered by it." The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mouse trap in the house." "I am so very sorry Mr. Mouse," sympathized the pig, "but there is nothing I can do about it but pray; be assured that you are in my prayers." The mouse turned to the cow, who replied, "Like wow, Mr. Mouse, a mouse trap; am I in grave danger, Duh?" So the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected to face the farmer's mouse trap alone. That very night a sound was heard throughout the house, like the sound of a mouse trap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see that it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital. She returned home with a fever. Now everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient. His wife's sickness continued so that friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig. The farmer's wife did not get well, in fact, she died, and so many people came for her funeral the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide meat for all of them to eat. So the next time you hear that someone is facing a problem and think that it does not concern you, remember that when the least of us is threatened, we are all at risk.

The Swords of Good and Evil

Daily Wisdom

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

 

Money serves various purposes according to our needs. The same is true of the Lotus Sutra. It will be a lantern in the dark or a boat at a crossing. At times it will be water, and at other times, fire. This being so, the Lotus Sutra assures us of "peace and security in this life and good circumstances in the next."

The Swords of Good and Evil
Written to Hojo Yagenta on February 21, 1274

The Opening of the Eyes

Daily Wisdom

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

 

When it comes to understanding the Lotus Sutra, I have only a minute fraction of the vast ability that T'ien-t'ai and Dengyo possessed. But as regards my ability to endure persecution and the wealth of my compassion for others, I believe they would hold me in awe.

The Opening of the Eyes
Written to Shijo Kingo in February 1272

To My Friends

 

May 14, 2012

The (SGI) district is our home base
where we derive comfort and
nourishment for our growth.
For the sake of opening a path toward
a hope-filled future,
let's exuberantly make a momentous advance
and greatly develop friendships.

Words of the Week

May 14, 2012

Dialogue gives birth to drama.
Encouragement spreads courage.
Remember, "The voice carries out
the work of the Buddha."(*)
Let's create a groundswell for kosen-rufu
that begins with our Soka family
discussion meetings.

(*)"Nam-myoho-renge-kyo" chapter, THE RECORD OF THE ORALLY TRANSMITTED
TEACHINGS, p. 4

This Person Advances through the World

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, December 3, 2012

 

The present time corresponds to the first five hundred years of the Latter Day of the Law. Passages of the sutra clearly state that at this time Bodhisattva Superior Practices will appear and bestow the five characters of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo on all the people of Japan. And they reveal that he will face exile and execution. I am also like the envoy of Bodhisattva Superior Practices because I spread this doctrine.

"This Person Advances through the World"
Written to Ikegami Uemon no Tayu Munenaka on December 3, 1279

On Repaying Debts of Gratitude

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, December 2, 2012:

 

All these things I have done solely in order to repay the debt I owe to my parents, the debt I owe to my teacher, the debt I owe to the three treasures of Buddhism, and the debt I owe to my country. For their sake I have been willing to destroy my body and to give up my life, though as it turns out, I have not been put to death after all.

On Repaying Debts of Gratitude
Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276

Stone and the Flower

Spiritual Story by Unknown

"You have hardened", said the flower, bending her petals downward toward the half stone at her roots. "These rains should have softened you, made you more fertile and receptive to the seeds of the fields; but no. You have accumulated minerals and have become more silent and full of calcium. Why do you stay here? Why do you resist the brook that gives us water?" The stone said nothing. A number of clouds passed by, the sun set and the night arrived with an immense bronze-coloured freckled moon with acne scars upon her worn face and in this manner reflected down upon the silent stone which still had not fallen asleep. The flower, by now, had tucked-in her petals and slept profoundly, and at this time the stone began to answer: "I stay here because your roots have made me yours. I stay here because it is no longer about my feeling the earth rather because I have become part of that which functions as a support of your stem which resists the wind and the rain. Everything changes, my sweet flower", said the stone, "but I stay here because love is that microscopic space between your feet and my salted skin. You would only be able to feel it if destiny were ever to separate the two of us." The moon followed the fade of the stars. Dawn gave a yawn as the sun began to burn its horizon on the lower lip of the mouth of a new day. The flower awoke and extended her beautiful petals. "Good morning", she said, "I dreamt that you were singing to me. How foolish of me, don't you think?" The stone said nothing.

The Opening of the Eyes

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, December 1, 2012:

 

I vowed to summon up a powerful and unconquerable desire for the salvation of all beings, and never to falter in my efforts.

The Opening of the Eyes
Written to Shijo Kingo in February 1272

Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, November 30, 2012:

 

Though water may be muddied, it will again become clear. Though the moon may hide behind the clouds, it will surely reappear. Similarly, in time my innocence became apparent, and my predictions proved not to have been in vain.

Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki
Written to the lay priest Nakaoki and his wife on November 30, 1279

Should He Bite Me

Spiritual Story by Roger D. Abrahams

One time a large stone fell upon Snake and covered her so that she could not rise. A white man, it is said, came upon her and lifted the stone, but when he had done so, she wanted to bite him. The White Man said, "Stop! Let us first go to someone wise." They went to Hyena, and the White Man asked him, "Is it right that Snake should want to bite me, even though I helped her so much?" Hyena (who was looking for his own share of the White Man's body) said, "If you were bitten, what would it matter?" So Snake thought that settled it, but the White Man said again, "Wait a little, and let us go to other wise people, that I may hear whether this is right." They went and met Jackal, and the White Man put the same question to him. Jackal replied, "I don't believe that Snake could ever be so covered by a stone that she could not rise. Unless I saw it with my two eyes, I wouldn't believe it. Take me to the place where you say it happened so I can see for myself whether it can possibly be true." They went together to that place, and Jackal said, "Snake, lie down, and let yourself be covered." Snake did so, and the White man covered her with the stone; and although she tried with all her strength Snake couldn't get up. Then the White Man wanted to let Snake go again, but Jackal stopped him saying, "Don't lift the stone. She wanted to bite you, therefore, let her get up and lift it herself." Then they both went away and left Snake there, just as before.

Reply to the Lay Nun Nichigon

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, November 29, 2012:

 

Whether or not your prayer is answered will depend upon your faith; [if it is not,] I will in no way be to blame. When the water is clear, the moon is reflected. When the wind blows, the trees shake. Our minds are like the water. Faith that is weak is like muddy water, while faith that is brave is like clear water. Understand that the trees are like principles, and the wind that shakes them is like the recitation of the sutra.

Reply to the Lay Nun Nichigon
Written to the lay nun Nichigon on November 29, 1280

This is What I Heard

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, November 28, 2012:

 

Buddhism spreads according to the time and the people's capacity. Although I may not be worthy of this teaching, I expound it because the time is right.

This is What I Heard
Written to the lay priest Soya Jiro on November 28, 1277

Selling the Bearskin

Spiritual Story by James Fadiman and Robert Frager

Ali and Hasan went out bear hunting. For four days they saw nothing. Each night they slept in a nearby village, pledging part of the bear's skin against the cost of their lodging. On the fifth day a huge bear appeared, and Ali said nervously to his friend, "I don't mind confessing that I'm afraid to take this bear." Hasan laughed, "Just leave it to me." So Ali scrambled like lightning up the nearest tree, and Hasan stood with his gun at the ready. The bear came lumbering on, and Hasan began to grow more and more scared. At length he raised his gun to his shoulder, but by now he was trembling so much that, before he could take proper aim, his gun went off and missed the target. Hasan, remembering that bears never touch a dead body, threw himself flat and held his breath. The bear came up, sniffed all around him and finally made off. Ali, who had been watching the whole affair from his tree, now came down and, congratulating Hasan on his escape asked him, "What did the bear whisper in your year?" "Don't sell the bearskin before you have caught the bear."

The Unity of Husband and Wife

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, November 27, 2012:

 

Only in the Lotus Sutra do we read that a woman who embraces this sutra not only excels all other women, but also surpasses all men.

The Unity of Husband and Wife
Written to Nichigen-nyo on January 27, 1275

The Four Debts of Gratitude

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, November 26, 2012:

 

Even if we should gather all the water of the four great oceans to wet inkstones, burn all the trees and plants to cinders to make ink, collect the hairs of all beasts for writing brushes, employ all the surfaces of the worlds in the ten directions for paper, and, with these, set down expressions of gratitude, how could we possibly repay our debt to the Buddha?


Written to Kudo Sakon-no-jo Yoshitaka on January 16, 1262

Letter to Niike

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, November 25, 2012:

 

Strive ever harder in faith, and never give in to negligence. All the people appear to believe sincerely when they first embrace the Lotus Sutra, but as time passes, they tend to become less devout; they no longer revere nor make offerings to the priest, giving themselves up to arrogance and forming distorted views. This is most frightening.

Letter to Niike
Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280

Letter to Horen

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, November 24, 2012:

A person of wisdom is one who, understanding the time, spreads the teachings of the Lotus Sutra accordingly; this is his most important task. If a person's throat is dry, what he needs is water; he has no use for bows and arrows, weapons and sticks. If a person is naked, he wants a suit of clothes but has no need for water. From one or two examples you can guess the principle that applies in general.
Letter to Horen
Written to Soya Kyoshin in April 1275

Searching for God

Spiritual Story by Rabindranath Tagore

I have been seeking and searching God for as long as I can remember, for many many lives, from the very beginning of existence. Once in a while, I have seen him by the side of a faraway star, and I have rejoiced and danced that the distance, although great, is not impossible to reach. And I have traveled and reached to the star; but by the time I reached the star, God has moved to another star. And it has been going on for centuries. The challenge is so great that I go on hoping against hope... I have to find him, I am so absorbed in the search. The very search is so intriguing, so mysterious, so enchanting, that God has become almost an excuse�the search has become itself the goal. And to my surprise, one day I reached a house in a faraway star with a small sign in front of it, saying, "This is the house of God." My joy knew no bounds�so finally I have arrived! I rushed up the steps, many steps, that led to the door of the house. But as I was coming closer and closer to the door, a fear suddenly appeared in my heart. As I was going to knock, I became paralyzed with a fear that I had never known, never thought of, never dreamt of. The fear was: If this house is certainly the house of God, then what will I do after I have found him?" Now searching for God has become my very life; to have found him will be equivalent to committing suicide. And what am I going to do with him? I had never thought of all these things before. I should have thought before I started the search: what am I going to do with God? I took my shoes in my hands, and ilently and very slowly stepped back, afraid that God may hear the noise and may open the door and say, "Where are you going? I am here, come in!" And as I reached the steps, I ran away as I have never run before; and since then I have been again searching for God, looking for him in every direction�and avoiding the house where he really lives. Now I know that house has to be avoided. And I continue the search, enjoy the very journey, the pilgrimage.

Aspiration for the Buddha Land

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, November 23, 2012:

You absolutely must not lament over my exile. It says in the "Encouraging Devotion" chapter and in the "Never Disparaging" chapter [that the votary of the Lotus Sutra will meet with persecution]. Life is limited; we must not begrudge it. What we should ultimately aspire to is the Buddha land.

Aspiration for the Buddha Land
Written to Toki Jonin on November 23, 1271

Reply to the Lay Nun Myoho

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, November 22, 2012:

But now you, born a woman in the evil world of the latter age, while being reviled, struck and persecuted by the barbaric inhabitants of this island country who are unaware of these things, have endured and are propagating the Lotus Sutra. The Buddha at Eagle Peak surely perceives that your surpass the nun [Mahaprajapati] as greatly as clouds do mud. The name of that nun, the Buddha Gladly Seen by All Living Beings, is no unrelated matter; it is now the name of the lay nun Myoho.

Reply to the Lay Nun Myoho
Written to the lay nun Myoho in 1281

Three Obstacles and Four Devils

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, November 21, 2012:

There is definitely something extraordinary in the ebb and flow of the tide, the rising and setting of the moon, and the way in which summer, autumn, winter and spring give way to each other. Something uncommon also occurs when an ordinary person attains Buddhahood. At such a time, the three obstacles and four devils will invariably appear, and the wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat.

Three Obstacles and Four Devils
Written to Ikegami Hyoe no Sakan Munenaga on November 20, 1277

The Three Obstacles and Four Devils

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, November 20, 2012

 

You should not have the slightest fear in your heart. It is lack of courage that prevents one from attaining Buddhahood, although one may have professed faith in the Lotus Sutra many times since innumerable kalpas ago.

The Three Obstacles and Four Devils
Written to Ikegami Hyoe no Sakan Munenaga on November 20, 1277

To My Friends

May 10, 2012

Let's wisely manage our physical health and
lead rhythmical daily lives based on the
principle of "faith equals daily life."
Let's recite gongyo and chant daimoku
with a clear, resonant voice and make
progress, brimming with dynamic life force.

Origin of Death

Spiritual Story by Joseph Bruchac

When the world was new, Old Man and Old Woman were walking around. "Let us decide how things will be," Old Man said. "That is good," said Old Woman. "How shall we do it?" "Well," Old Man said, "since it was my idea I think I should have the first say in everything." "That is good," said Old Woman, "just as long as I have the last say." So they walked around and looked at things. Then Old Man spoke. "I have been thinking about hunting," he said. "The men will be the hunters. Anytime they want to shoot an animal, they will call it and it will come to them." "I agree men should be the hunters," Old Woman said. "But if the animals come when they are called, life will be too easy for the people. The animals should run away when they see thepeople. Then it will be hard for the men to kill them. That way people will be smarter and stronger." "You have the last say," Old Man agreed. Then they walked around some more. After a while, Old Man spoke again. "I have been thinking about what people will look like," he said. "They will have eyes on one side of their face and their mouth on the other. Their mouths will go straight up and down. They will have ten fingers on each hand." "I agree that people should have their eyes and their mouth on their face," Old Woman said. "But their eyes will be at the top of their face and their mouth at the bottom and they will be set across. I agree they should have fingers on their hands, but ten on each hand will make them clumsy. They will have five fingers on each hand." "You have the last say," Old Man agreed. Now they were walking by the river. "Let us decide about life and death," Old Man said. "I will do it this way. I will throw this buffalo chip into the river. If it floats, when people die they will come back to life after four days and then live forever." Old Man threw the buffalo chip into the water. It bobbed up and floated. "I agree we should decide it this way," Old Woman said. "But I do not think it should be done with a buffalo chip. I will throw this stone into the water instead. If it floats, the people will die for four days and then come back to life and live forever. If it sinks, the people will not come back to life after they die." Old Woman threw the stone into the water. It sank immediately. "That is the way it should be," Old Woman said. "If people lived forever, the Earth would be too crowded. There would not be enough food. This way people will feel sorry for each other. There will be sympathy in the world." Old Man said nothing. Some time passed. Old Woman had a child. She and Old Man loved the child very much and they were happy. One day, though, the child became sick and died. Then Old Woman went to Old Man. "Let us have our say again about death," she said. But Old Man shook his head. "No," he said, "you had the last say."

On Prolonging One's Life Span

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, November 19, 2012:

 

In this age, it is as natural for a woman to change her fixed karma by practicing the Lotus Sutra as it is for rice to ripen in fall or chrysanthemums to bloom in winter. When I prayed for my mother, not only was her illness cured, but her life was prolonged by four years. Now you too have fallen ill, and as a woman, it is all the more timely for you to establish steadfast faith in the Lotus Sutra and see what it will do for you.

On Prolonging One's Life Span
Written to the lay nun Myojo in 1279

Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, November 18, 2012:

 

How long does a lifetime last? If one stops to consider, it is like a single night's lodging at a wayside inn. Should one forget that fact and seek some measure of worldly fame and profit? Though you may gain them, they will be mere prosperity in a dream, a delight scarcely to be prized. You would do better simply to leave such matters to the karma formed in your previous existences.

Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written in March 1263

The Sailor's Decision

Spiritual Story by Unknown

After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the church's pastor once again slowly stood up, walked over to the pulpit, and gave a very brief introduction of his childhood friend. With that, an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit to speak, "A father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific Coast," he began, "when a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to shore. The waves were so high, that even though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright, and the three were swept into the ocean." The old man hesitated for a moment, making eye contact with two teenagers who were, for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat interested in his story. He continued, "Grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most excruciating decision of his life....to which boy he would throw the other end of the line. He only had seconds to make the decision. The father knew that his son was a Christian, and he also knew that his son's friend was not. The agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of waves. As the father yelled out, 'I love you, son! He threw the line to his son's friend. By the time he pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beyond the raging swells into the black of night. His body was never recovered." By this time, the two teenagers were sitting straighter in the pew, waiting for the next words to come out of the old man's mouth. "The father," he continued, "knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus, and he could not bear the thought of his son's friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus. Therefore, he sacrificed his son. How great is the love of God that He should do the same for us." With that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence filled the room. Within minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old man's side. "That was a nice story," politely started one of the boys, "but I don't think it was very realistic for a father to give up his son's life in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian." "Well, you've got a point there," the old man replied, glancing down at his worn Bible. A big smile broadened his narrow face, and he once again looked up at the boys and said, "It sure isn't very realistic, is it? But I'm standing here today to tell you that THAT story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up His Son for me." "You see....I was the son's friend."

Words of the Week

Words of the Week

May 7, 2012

Capable individuals are fostered
through a hands-on approach.
Youth develop through the two ways
of practice and study.
Let's pray and take action together
with our new members who
have a profound mission, and
build a bastion of capable people
where everyone is a protagonist.

The Receipt of New Fiefs

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, November 17, 2012:

 

The same is true of your attaining Buddhahood. No matter what grave offenses you might have committed, because you did not turn against the Lotus Sutra, but showed your devotion by accompanying me, you will surely become a Buddha. Yours is like the case of King Possessor of Virtue, who gave his life to save the monk Realization of Virtue and became Shakyamuni Buddha. Faith in the Lotus Sutra acts as a prayer [to attain Buddhahood]. Strengthen your resolve to seek the way all the more and achieve Buddhahood in this lifetime.

The Receipt of New Fiefs
Written to Shijo Kingo in October 1278

The Sutra of True Requital

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, November 16, 2012:

 

Thus it seemed that I could not possibly escape with my life. Whatever the design of the heavenly gods in the matter may have been, every single steward and Nembutsu believer worthy of the name kept strict watch on my hut day and night, determined to prevent anyone from communicating with me. Never in any lifetime will I forget how under those circumstances you, with Abutsu-bo carrying a wooden container of food on his back, came in the night again and again to bring me aid.

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

Hold My Hand

Spiritual Story by Unknown

Once a little girl and her father were crossing a bridge. The father was kind of scared so he asked his little daughter, "Sweetheart , please hold my hand so that you don’t fall into the river." The little girl said, "No, Dad. You hold my hand." "What’s the difference?" asked the puzzle father. "There’s a big difference," replied the little girl. "If I hold your hand and something happens to me, chances are that I may let your hand go. But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you will never let my hand go."

Wu-lung and I-lung

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, November 15, 2012:

 

The benefit of all the other sutras is uncertain, because they teach that one must first make good causes and only then can one become a Buddha at some later time. With regard to the Lotus Sutra, when one's hand takes it up, that hand immediately attains Buddhahood, and when one's mouth chants it, that mouth is itself a Buddha, as, for example, the moon is reflected in the water the moment it appears from behind the eastern mountains, or as a sound and its echo arise simultaneously.

Wu-lung and I-lung
Written to the lay nun Ueno on November 15, 1281