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

Daily Wisdom - On the Four Stages of Faith and the Five Stages of Practice

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, April 10, 2012:

In describing the first, second, and third of the five stages of practice, the Buddha restricts those at these stages from practicing precepts and meditation, and places all emphasis upon the single factor of wisdom. And because our wisdom is inadequate, he teaches us to substitute faith for wisdom, making this single word "faith" the foundation.

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