When one is deluded, it is as if one were dreaming. And when one is enlightened, it is as if one had awakened. -Nichiren

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 15/9

The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo are the blessings brought by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth,disciples of the Buddha in his true identity

The function of fire is to burn and give light. The function of water is to wash away filth. The winds blow away dust and breathe life into plants, animals, and human beings. The earth produces the grasses and trees, and heaven provides nourishing moisture. The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo are also like that. They are the cluster of blessings brought by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, disciples of the Buddha in his true identity. -Nichiren

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 21/3

It is like the lotus seed, which contains both blossom and fruit. In the same way, the Buddha dwells within our hearts

First of all, as to the question of where exactly hell and the Buddha exist, one sutra states that hell exists underground, and another sutra says that the Buddha is in the west. Closer examination, however, reveals that both exist in our five-foot body. This must be true because hell is in the heart of a person who inwardly despises his father and disregards his mother. It is like the lotus seed, which contains both blossom and fruit. In the same way, the Buddha dwells within our hearts. -Nichiren

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 2/2

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. I have dedicated my life to the Lotus Sutra, and my name will be handed down in ages to come. If one is lord of the great ocean, then all the gods of the various rivers will obey one. If one is king of Mount Sumeru, then the gods of the various other mountains cannot help but serve one. If a person fulfills the teaching of “the six difficult and nine easy acts” of the Lotus Sutra, then, even though he may not have read the entire body of sutras, all should follow him. 31/12

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
The Opening of the Eyes

Who is the wealthiest person in light of Buddhism?

From a mundane view, I am the poorest person in Japan, but in light of Buddhism, I am the wealthiest person in all Jambudvipa. When I consider that this is all because the time is right, I am overwhelmed with joy and cannot restrain my tears. 16/5

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

Speak out instead of remain silent

If I remain silent, I may escape persecutions in this lifetime, but in my next life I will most certainly fall into the hell of incessant suffering. If I speak out, I am fully aware that I will have to contend with the three obstacles and four devils. But of these two courses, surely the latter is the one to choose. 1/2

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,
The Opening of the Eyes
Written to Shijo Kingo in February 1272

The challenge of leadership

As SGI leaders, how we interpret the words of members and what we say in response is important. A genuine leader is someone who gives measured thought to such matters. When talking with individuals, ask yourselves: "What are they worried about?" "What are they trying to say?" "What are they thinking? "What is it they seek?" Try to discern these things in others. Try to know. Try to understand. This is the challenge of leadership. From such compassion arises wisdom. 14/3

Power of invidual attitude

The efforts made by one individual can be immensely important. Nichiren Daishonin repeatedly states that victory depends not on numbers but on a group or individual's attitude or resolve. In one passage he writes: "Everyone in Japan, from the sovereign on down to the common people, all without exception tried to do me harm, but I have survived until this day. This is because, although I am alone, I have firm faith [in the Lotus Sutra]" 5/3

Same mind set as Nichiren Daishonin

I hope you will always live in unity with Nichiren Daishonin pursuing faith as disciples who are "of the same mind as Nichiren." Unfazed by the petty jealousies of others, please move forward boldly with joy and laughter.

Events
1222: Nichiren Daishonin is born in 16 Feb 1222.
16/2

A lion is a lion because he roars.

Nichiren wrote that wrath can be either good or bad. Self-centered anger generates evil, but wrath at social injustice becomes the driving force for reform. Strong language that censures and combats a great evil often awakens adverse reactions from society, but this must not intimidate those who believe they are right. A lion is a lion because he roars. 30/4

Master our mind

It may seem perfectly all right to put ourselves and our own wishes first, to simply follow the dictates of our emotions and cravings, but the truth is that there is nothing more unreliable than our own mind. Life doesn't always go like clockwork and things will not necessarily turn out as we hope or plan. Consequently, Nichiren frequently stress, "You should become the master of your mind. not let your mind master you." We mustn't allow ourselves to be ruled by a self-centered mind. Rather, we have to discipline our mind and gain mastery over it

Enlightenment

You must never think that any of the eighty thousands sacred teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha's lifetime or any of the Buddhas and Bodhisattva of the ten directions and three existence are outside yourself. Your practice of the Buddhist teachings will not relieve you of the sufferings of birth and death in the least unless you perceive the true nature of your life. If you seek enlightenment outside yourself, then your performing even ten thousand practices and ten thousand good deeds will be in vain. It is like the case of a poor man who spends night and day counting his neighbour's wealth but gain not even half a coin.

- Nichiren

Buddhism Wisdom

In Nichiren Buddhism, attaining enlightenment is not about embarking on some inconceivably long journey to become a resplendent, godlike Buddha, it is about accomplishing a transformation in the depths of one's being. In other words, it is not a matter of practicing in order to scale the highest summit of enlightenment at some point in the distant future. Rather, it is a constant moment-to-moment, inner struggle between revealing our innate Dharma mature or allowing ourselves to be ruled by our fundamental darkness and delusion.

Every Day Buddhism

If the minds of living beings are impure, their land is also impure, but if their minds are pure, so is their land.

There are not two lands, pure or impure in themselves.

The difference lies solely in the good or evil of our minds.

It is the same with a Buddha and an ordinary being.

While delude, one is called an ordinary being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha.

This similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished.


- Nichiren