Faith and courage are the powers and functions of the heart that enable us to open the world of Buddhahood in our lives.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, February 7, 2013:

 

In his writings, regarding Buddhist practice, Nichiren repeatedly emphasized the importance of the heart. While teaching that faith and courage are the powers and functions of the heart that enable us to open the world of Buddhahood in our lives, he also cautioned against the heart's negative functions, such as disbelief and cowardice, which close us off to our potential for Buddhahood.