True friendship is the enduring bond that connects self-reliant individuals, comrades who share the same commitment, on a spiritual dimension.

People of conviction, who stand alone, who pursue their chosen path—not only are such people good and trustworthy friends themselves, but they can make genuine friends of others. The bamboo groves of autumn are gorgeous. Each bamboo tree stands independently, growing straight and tall toward the sky. Yet in the ground, out of sight, their roots are interconnected. In the same way, true friendship is not a relationship of dependence, but of independence. It is the enduring bond that connects self-reliant individuals, comrades who share the same commitment, on a spiritual dimension.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 18/7

Buddhism is like the body, and society like the shadow

One of the epithets of a Buddha is, "Hero of the World." A Buddha is a valiant and noble champion who has conquered the sufferings of life in the real world. Nichiren writes: "Buddhism is like the body, and society like the shadow. When the body bends, so does the shadow." People cannot live apart from society. But to be constantly at the mercy of society's ups and downs is a miserable existence. It is crucial for us to be strong and wise. The "body" Nichiren refers to is, on the personal level, our faith.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 5/1

Buddhism is like the body, and society like the shadow.

Because Buddhism has gradually been turned upside down, the secular world also has been plunged into corruption and chaos. Buddhism is like the body, and society like the shadow. When the body bends, so does the shadow. How fortunate that all of my disciples who follow the Buddha's true intention will naturally flow into the ocean of comprehensive wisdom! 26/5

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
A Comparison of the Lotus and Other Sutras
Written to Toki Jonin on May 26, 1280