Each month the newspaper called the “Nichiren Shu Shimbun” publishes a quote from one of Nichiren Shōnin’s writings together with a short teaching based on it and background information on the writing the quote comes from.
We would like to share some of these teachings here.
「人の地に倒れて還て地に依りて起つが如し」
Hito no chi ni taorete kaette chi ni yorite tatsu ga gotoshi
Teaching: Failure is the mother of success
If you were to stumble on the road and fall down, you would exclaim "Ouch!". At that time it is natural to hate the bumps in the road. But when you stand up, don’t you help yourself up by placing your hand on the road? After that don’t you say to yourself, “I will pay more attention when I walk”? When we are hurt by the road we are also taught by the road, aren’t we?
The same is true of our journey of life. It is said that "1 success comes after 99 failures". Everybody naturally wants to avoid failure, however we learn a lot from our failures, and people grow because of them.
About the Letter: “A Reply to Lay Priest Lord Ōta”
This month’s phrase comes from Ōta Nyūdō Dono Gohenji (WNS-6, p.35).
This writing is a letter written to a devoted follower of Nichiren Shōnin, the Lay Monk (Nyūdō) Ōta Jōmyō, enquiring after his health.
It is stated that getting sick is lamentable but also a blessing. It is said that when you look for the causes of falling sick, it is a great opportunity to look back on your own past.
These words are those of the 6th Patriarch of the Tiāntāi School in China, Zhànrán 湛然 (711-782) (Myōraku Daishi 妙楽大師), and were quoted by Nichiren Shōnin for the purpose of encouraging the Lay Monk Ōta to deepen his faith in the Lotus Sūtra.
This writing was written in the first year of Kenji (1275), when Nichiren Shōnin was fifty-four years old.
(From the June 2019 issue of the Japanese Nichiren Shu News (Nichiren Shu Shimbun) newspaper)
「仏になるみちは 善知識にはすぎず」
Hotoke ni naru michi wa zen chishiki ni wa sugizu
Teaching: A Teacher
In order learn something, a master is absolutely necessary. We are guided and led by a teacher at first. Is this not true for any field of learning?
On the other hand, there may be some people who have found their own way without a teacher, such as those who aim for an understanding or realisation independently, without relying on a teacher (mushi dokugo 無師独悟).
However, that would not have been the case right at the beginning of their journeys. There invariably would have been someone who guided them.
Encountering a good teacher is indispensable for your growth. Let us think of those teachers once more now.
About the letter: “Concerning the Prayer Services for Rain by Three Tripiṭaka Masters”
This month’s phrase comes from San Sanzō Kiu no Koto (WNS-3, p.204).
This writing is a letter written to Ōuchi Saburō Yasukiyo, who was an enthusiastic lay believer, and Lord of the town of Nishiyama in the Fuji District of Sagura Province.
In it, a “good friend” (zen chishiki 善知識) is explained to be a person who acts as a teacher and leads sentient beings to become Buddhas.
A good guide is always important, and the story from Buddhist history of King Ajātaśatru, who was originally an evil person but was able to become enlightened with the guidance of Śākyamuni Buddha is told to illustrate this. However, how difficult it is to meet such a “good friend” is also mentioned.
It is emphasised that in order to have good Buddhist faith, having good models and guides is most important.
Written in the First Year of Kenji (1275) when Nichiren Shōnin was 54 years old.
(From the July 2019 issue of the Japanese Nichiren Shu News (Nichiren Shu Shimbun) newspaper)
「滅するは生ぜんが為下るは登らんが為」
Messuru wa shōzen ga tame kudaru wa noboran ga tame
Teaching: Positive Thinking
In an old village there was a scary ridge called the “Three-year Ridge”. It was said that if you fell down it you would only be able to live for three years, so everyone walked over it with great cautiousness. However, one day a man fell down. “I can only live for another three years!” he lamented. Another man appeared and said, “Go to the ridge one more time, and this time fall another 10 or 20 times.” “If you believe that by falling once you can live for another 3 years without fail, then the more times you fall, the longer you will live.”
The way you receive and accept things is up to you. Behind every risk there is an equal amount of chance prepared.
About the letter: Carrying the Sacred Palanquin
This month’s phrase comes from the letter “Carrying the Sacred
Palanquin” (Mikoshi Buri Gosho; WNS-5, p.138).
This writing is called “Carrying the Sacred Palanquin” because monks from Buddhist temples and priests from shrines to the kami (gods) had been made demonstrations to the the Imperial Court and Shogunate regarding the power of Buddhism and dignity of the gods. In the past this was a frequent occurrence.
Drawing on the words of Dengyō Daishi (Saichō) that, “As the Final Dharma Age (Mappō) approaches, the One Vehicle Dharma Flower teaching will spread”, Nichiren Shōnin said the Final Dharma Age is in fact an opportunity for the establishment of the True Dharma.
Written in the Sixth Year of Bun’ei (1269) when Nichiren Shōnin was 48 years old.
(From the August 2019 issue of the Japanese Nichiren Shu News (Nichiren Shu Shimbun) newspaper)
「受るはやすく持つはかたし」
Ukuru wa yasuku motsu wa katashi
Teaching: The Way of Seeking (Gudō 求道)
In Japanese, the practice of the Tea Ceremony is known as “Chadō” (the Way of Tea), the art of flower arranging is called “Kadō”, the practice of calligraphy is called “Shodō”, and there are martial arts called Jūdō, Kendō and Kyūdō, which is Japanese archery. Many ancient traditional Japanese practices and sports have the word “dō 道” (meaning a “path” or “way”) in their names.
What is common to all of these endeavours is that their practice is accompanied by a mind that seeks (gudō) to master the mysteries of the art. Through training, skills are naturally polished and improved.
In order to attain the secret of the art, it is necessary for the practitioner to plunge into the world of the art with both body and mind, aiming to become one with it. It can be said that this is what “faith” is, as taught in Buddhism. The way is attained through faith.
About the letter: Treatise on the Sacred Title of the Lotus Sūtra
This month’s phrase comes from the letter “Treatise on the Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra” (Shijō Kingō Dono Gohenji; WNS-4, p.36).
This writing was written to a female believer. As the title indicates, the merits of the person who upholds Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō, which is the title of the Lotus Sūtra, is clearly explained.
Also, the fact that it is signed, “Nichiren, Disciple of the Great Root Master” expresses that Nichiren Shōnin had received the stream of faith in the Lotus Sūtra flowing from Dengyō Daishi (Saichō) in Japan.
Throughout the writing, it is emphasised that “sincerity” and “faith” are essential.
Written in the Twelfth Year of Bun’ei (1275) when Nichiren Shōnin was 54 years old.
(From the September 2019 issue of the Japanese Nichiren Shu News (Nichiren Shu Shimbun) newspaper)
「病によりて道心はおこり候か」
Yamai ni yorite dōshin wa okori sōrō ka
Teaching: Illness and the Buddha’s mind of compassion
It is often said that, “We turn to God only in times of difficulty”. Humans are not such strong creatures. Even those who wouldn’t usually think of spirituality tend to rely on the gods and the Buddha when they get sick or encounter great difficulties. It could be said that this is a natural reaction.
In such circumstances human beings turn to and pray to that which exists beyond the human intellect. Because of such circumstances, we may unexpectedly find faith. Therefore it can be said that when we encounter difficulties, it is an appearance of the compassion of the Buddha and gods.
However, we ordinary and unenlightened people should be careful. There is a Japanese saying that, “Once [the food] has passed the throat, one forgets the heat”, which means that when the danger has passed, god is forgotten.
About the letter: A Response to My Lady, the Nun Myōshin
This month’s phrase comes from the letter “A Response to My Lady, the Nun Myōshin” (Myōshin-ama Gozen Gohenji; WNS-7, p.103).
This writing is a letter to Myōshin-ama, who lived in Suruga, Shizuoka Prefecture. Unfortunately, this woman’s husband became ill. As he didn’t have long to live, Myōshin-ama cut her her [becoming a Lay Priest], as her husband had all ready done. Nichiren Shōnin encouraged her to earnestly pray for her husband, and assured her that her husband would be peaceful after death.
Concerning “Was this illness prepared by the Buddha?”, the letter says that the Buddha gave her husband the disease in order that Myōshin-ama would deepen her faith in the Lotus Sūtra, which has the power to bring peace to people in this world and the next.
Written in the First Year of Kenji (1275) when Nichiren Shōnin was 54 years old.
(From the October 2019 issue of the Japanese Nichiren Shu News (Nichiren Shu Shimbun) newspaper)
「一をもって萬を察せよ」
Ichi wo mot’te man wo sas’se yo
Teaching: The world you know with “one”
Even though there is a Japanese proverb about keeping a narrow field of vision and not trying to broaden one’s knowledge of the world which says, “The frog in the well knows nothing of the great ocean,” some people continue to do this. Following these words, the proverb goes on to say, “But it knows the blueness of the sky.” This means that although one’s world may be small, by pursuing one thing it is possible to know that world’s depth and breadth.
Information is flooding us today. It is important to catch that information, but if by chasing it we become distracted, don’t the eyes become cloudy and unable to discern the essence?
Don’t underestimate the “one”.
About the letter: Treatise On Repaying Kindness
This month’s phrase comes from Nichiren Shōnin’s “Treatise on Repaying Kindness” (Hōon-jō; WNS-3, p.6).
This letter shows true way of repaying the favours Nichiren Shōnin received from his master.
The writing describes in detail the process of the development of Buddhism, from its birth all the way to the Odaimoku.
In it is explained that rather than going to India and China to hunt through all of the Buddhist scriptures, following the attitude toward the sūtras of Tendai Daishi (the Great Master of [Mt.] Tiantai), it is based on the Lotus Sūtra that all other sūtras should be considered.
Written in the Second Year of Kenji (1276) when Nichiren Shōnin was 55 years old.
(From the November 2019 issue of the Japanese Nichiren Shu News (Nichiren Shu Shimbun) newspaper)
「心の財をつませ給うべし」
Kokoro no takara wo tsumase tamau beshi
Teaching: Dealing with Anger
There are three root poisons that injure the treasure of the heart: greed, ignorance, and anger. These three are intertwined with each other, but the first thing that occurs is anger.
Research concerning how to deal with anger, a technique called “anger management,” has recently been carried out in the field of psychology. The research holds that the first six seconds after getting angry are very important. During that time whether your anger calms down or is amplified depends on how you control your mind.
The Buddha has in fact already prepared a method for us to control the mind. If you become angry, please chant “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo”
“Yes, six seconds!”
About the letter: The “Emperor Sushun" Letter
This month’s phrase comes from the letter “The ‘Emperor Sushun’ Letter” (Sushun Tennō Gosho; WNS-4, p.123).
This letter was sent to a firm believer, Shijo Kingo. His weak point was his short temper.
No matter how good your faith is, your temper can destroy you.
Before this passage, it says, “The value of a healthy body is more precious than treasures in a storehouse. At the same time, however, a healthy body means nothing if your mind is not a treasure.” The “treasure of mind" here refers to the treasures of tolerance and patience.
Written in the Third Year of Kenji (1277) when Nichiren Shōnin was 56 years old.
(From the January 2020 issue of the Japanese Nichiren Shu News (Nichiren Shu Shimbun))
「沙婆と申すは忍と申す事なり」
Shaba to mōsu wa shinobu to mōsu koto nari
Teaching: Athletes of Life
Some people in Japanese call this world “Shaba”, a word derived from the Sanskrit word "Sahā", which means a world that endures suffering.
Incidentally, this year is the year of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. The athletes aiming to participate are always be thinking of the games. They practice every day, thinking many things, enduring pain and hardships. However, because of their perseverance, its possible their shining tears may fall on the podium.
Suffering is an energy source that leads people to growth. We are also athletes, aiming for the podium in life.
About the writing: The Four Debts of Gratitude
This is a letter written at the time of Nichiren Shōnin’s exile on Izu Peninsula. A storm of persecutions occurred one after another as a result of the submission of the Risshō Ankoku-ron to the shogunate, until Nichiren Shōnin was finally exiled to Izu.
However, as the words "great pleasure” which appear at the beginning of this writing show, Nichiren Shōnin took the exile itself as proof of the correctness of his faith in the Lotus Sutra. He even describes his persecutors as “deeply kind people."
When the pinnacle of endurance is reached, it is "gratitude" that can be seen.
(From the February 2020 issue of the Japanese Nichiren Shu News (Nichiren Shu Shimbun))
「蘇生と申すはよみがえる義なり」
Sosei to mōsu wa yomigaeru gi nari
Teaching: Revival
Today, "recycling" is regarded as important for environmental protection and for the avoidance of resource depletion. Recycling is a process by which things that are no longer needed come back to life. When I hear this word, I remember this story: “Unwanted iron is called ‘scrap iron’, but there is no scrap in iron. If you collect and remelt it, it can become a car or a bridge and will be revived. The same is true for people. There is no scrap in the world.”
When I lose confidence and feel depressed, I repeat this many times in my mind. I don’t have to rot, I don’t have to remain dented, I can make my life shine!
About the letter: The “Treatise on the Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra”
This month’s phrase comes from the letter “Treatise on the Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra” (Hokke Daimoku Shō; WNS-4, p.46).
The basis of Nichiren Shōnin’s faith is explained in various parts of the writing. One of the teachings included in it is the teaching of “revival”.
In Mahāyāna sūtras other than the Lotus Sūtra, it was said of the Buddha's direct disciples that, "Those who aim only for their own perfection cannot attain Buddhahood, no matter how much they practise." However, the Lotus Sutra is different. It says "You may not be aware yourself that your training is in fact the admirable bodhisattva practice of encouraging others.” The disciples, who had fallen into the depths of despair, were revived by the Lotus Sūtra.
Nichiren Shōnin stated that it is the Lotus Sūtra that brings all beings to life.
Written in the Third Year of Bun’ei (1266) when Nichiren Shōnin was 45 years old.
(From the September 2021 issue of the Japanese Nichiren Shu News (Nichiren Shu Shimbun))
「深く世法を識れば即ち是れ仏法なり」
Fukaku yo hō wo shireba sunawachi kore bup’pō nari
Teaching: The answer is at your feet
The story of “The Blue Bird” by the Belgian playwright and poet Maurice Maeterlinck, in which the brother and sister Tyltyl and Mytyl set out on a journey to find the “Blue Bird” of Happiness, and eventually find it in the birdcage in their own home, is very famous.
The ultimate purpose of Buddhism is to answer what happiness is.
The Buddha-dharma answers this question by saying, “You are already standing on the answer.”
About the writing: Opening the Eyes
This month’s phrase comes from the essay “Opening the Eyes” (Kaimoku-shō; WNS-2).
Worldly laws are understood as reason. We use them as a guide to help us find answers in our daily lives. However they often change and can be confusing. The Buddha’s teachings, on the other hand, show us unchanging reason or “truth”. The Lotus Sūtra, which is the ultimate teaching of the Buddha says, “No matter what the situation, you should accept everything at this moment. Then you will find that you are already standing on the answer you are looking for. That is where the secular law and the universal law of Buddhism match.”
How can you accept it? Nichiren Shōnin says that chanting “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo” is the way to accept the present.
Written in the Ninth Year of Bun’ei (1272) when Nichiren Shōnin was 51 years old.
(From the October 2021 issue of the Japanese Nichiren Shu News (Nichiren Shu Shimbun))
「此より大海を亘りて佐渡の国に至らんと欲す」
Kore yori tai-kai wo watarite sado no kuni ni itaran to hossu
Teaching: Readiness
These words were written by Nichiren Shōnin to his disciples and supporters via Toki Jōnin from Taradomari, in present-day Niigata Prefecture, which was the place from which he was to be taken to be exiled on Sado Island, in a passage which is comparable to a suicide note.
This writing reveals Nichiren Shōnin’s readiness to die and his knowledge that he may never return.
However, these words, rather than simply saying that there is no way to go against the orders of the Shogunate, contain Nichiren Shōnin’s unwavering faith and determination to try to embody the teachings of the Lotus Sūtra and follow the instructions of the Buddha before dying.
There is a phrase which I often hear: “Hardship makes the person”. The determination not to be afraid of difficulties is the source of polishing oneself.
About the writing: Letter from Teradomari
This month’s phrase comes from the writing “Letter from Teradomari”
(Teradomari Gosho; WNS-2, p.9).
Sado Island used to be a place of exile for those who went against the rulers of Japan. At that time, the farther away from Kyoto someone was exiled, the more serious the crime was, and Emperor Juntoku and the Noh theatre actor and playwright Zeami Motokiyo were also exiled there.
The Kamakura Shogunate labelled Nichiren Shōnin, who disagreed with the policies of the country, as a dangerous person and sentenced him to be decapitated. However, he was exiled to Sado Island without incident.
This month, 750 years ago, Nichiren Shōnin began his four-year life on Sado Island starting from Tsukahara.
His facing this hardship resolutely can help us solidify our own determination and faith in the Odaimoku.
Written in the Eighth Year of Bun’ei (1271) when Nichiren Shōnin was 50 years old.
(From the November 2021 issue of the Japanese Nichiren Shu News (Nichiren Shu Shimbun))
「浅きを去りて深きに就くは丈夫の心なり」
Asaki wo sarite fukaki ni tsuku wa jōbu no kokoro nari
Teaching: Hold onto your own values
The word translated here as “courageous” (jōbu 丈夫) means something which is strong or durable, and difficult to be broken. In Buddhism it refers to a practitioner who does not retreat from progressing along the right path. The Buddha is also sometimes referred to as the “Controller of Men” (jōgo jōbu 調御丈夫), literally meaning the “Courageous tamer of men” signifying that the Buddha is a master who teaches and guides ceaselessly.
The Buddha instructed his disciples to be courageous, saying, “Don’t get caught up in the world’s values. Walk with the unchanging truth as your guide.”
About the letter: Testimony to the Prediction of the Buddha
This month’s phrase comes from the letter “Testimony to the Prediction of the Buddha” (Kenbutsu Mirai-ki; WNS-2, p.178).
The writing was given its title by Nichiren Shōnin himself, and although it is only short it contains some key teachings.
Prior to writing this letter, Nichiren Shōnin composed his most important work called Kanjin Honzon-shō in which he revealed his own mission and the teaching to be promoted to his disciples and followers. This writing explains that teaching more simply.
In this letter it is explained that the propagation of the Odaimoku had already been predicted 2,000 years earlier by the Buddha. In addition, Nichiren Shōnin stated his realisation and pride at having been considered strong enough to be entrusted by Śākyamuni Buddha to spread the Odaimoku in Map’pō (the age of the end of the Dharma).
It was written in the Tenth Year of Bun’ei (1273) when Nichiren Shōnin was 52 years old.
(From the February 2022 issue of the Japanese Nichiren Shu News (Nichiren Shu Shimbun) newspaper)
「人は善根をなせば必ずさかう」
Hito wa zenkon wo naseba kanarazu sakau
Teaching: Let’s accumulate good roots
When there is joy, people in Japan say “Omedeto” to express, “Congratulations!”. When we trace the etymology one of the various theories about the origin of this word is that it is formed of the word "Mede (love)", which expresses “praise”, and is accompanied by "itashi" which indicates a tremendous appearance, becoming “mede itashi”. This was then shortened to “medetai”, on other words, something that should be greatly praised.
In order to create a "year which should be praised", it is important not to rely on other people, but to make efforts to create good roots that you can praise yourself for. Isn't the first step in developing that mind to be humble towards everything?
Why don’t you make, "Those ears of rice that bear the most grain should be the ones that bow lowest. People look up at wisteria flowers as they hang down." this year’s inscription?
About the letter: Reply to Lord Ueno
This month’s phrase comes from the letter “Reply to Lord Ueno” (Ueno Dono Gohenji; WNS-7, p.36).
This is a thank-you note to Tokimitsu Nanjo, a believer living in Ueno in Fuji, sent a large number of offerings on the third day of the New Year. He frequently sent donations to help support Nichiren Shōnin’s with the necessities he needed to live in the harsh conditions at Minobu.
Nichiren Shōnin was grateful for his virtuous action and encouraged him with his faith in the Lotus Sutra.
It was written in the Third Year of Koan (1280) when Nichiren Shōnin was 59 years old.
(From the January 2022 issue of the Japanese Nichiren Shu News (Nichiren Shu Shimbun) newspaper)
「永劫の善苗を種えよ」
Yōgō no zenmyō wo ueyo
Teaching: Golden Words
The phrase “Don't buy a paddy field with rich soil for your grandchildren" is often used as a commandment or caution, because leaving a large fortune makes one’s offspring lazy.
However, in order to make their fields rich, we must leave good seedlings. The seedling is the teaching of parents who feed their offspring. This teaching should be reflected in the way of life of the parents, and there must be a belief which supports that way of life. The expression of that belief in words is referred to as their "golden words".
Those "golden words" often lives on in the hearts of children after their parents die.
There is a phrase that says: “It's sad to know the grace of parents when you're old, and your parents are no longer in the world."
About the letter: Treatise on Protecting the Nation
This month’s phrase comes from the letter “Treatise on Protecting the Nation” (Shugo Kokka-ron; WNS-1, p.36).
This writing is comparable to the most important work written by Nichiren Shōnin, the Risshō Ankoku-ron, because it was written just before it and in it his early teachings are described in detail.
It says that the golden words of Śākyamuni Buddha, who is always guiding us, are summarised in the Lotus Sutra.
It was written in the First Year of Shoken (1259) when Nichiren Shōnin was 38 years old.
(From the December 2021 issue of the Japanese Nichiren Shu News (Nichiren Shu Shimbun) newspaper)
総じて餓鬼にをいて三十六種類相わかれて候
Sōjite gaki ni oite san-jū-roku shurui ai wakarete sōrō
Teaching: The Feeling of Giving
I was told about a delicious cake shop, serving cakes with moist sponge, mellow fresh cream, and sweet strawberries... I felt grateful for being told about such a delicious restaurant, but I also felt like I wanted to keep this discovery to myself, to keep it as a secret and not tell others about it. That feeling of not wanting to tell anyone about it was not a feeling of being generous, but only wanting to feel good myself. This is the heart of a “hungry ghost”. It is said that there are 36 types of hungry ghosts inside people's hearts or minds.
When you’re sitting in the bath, if you try to collect the bath water and draw it towards you, the water will escape you, but if you push it away, it will bounce back towards you off the edge of the bath. If you think about your own happiness, it will run away from you. Just like my friend who told me about the delicious cake shop, let's start sharing the small joys of everyday life with those around us.
About the Writing: Shijō Kingo Dono Gosho (Writing to the Lord Shijō Kingo), Shōwa Teihon p.493
This is a letter addressed to Shijō Kingo, a believer who respected the teachings of the Lotus Sūtra and supported Nichiren Shōnin. It explains how being willing to give to others can enrich your life.
Written in the seventh month of Bun'ei 8 (1271), when Nichiren Shōnin was 50 years old.
(From the February 2024 issue of the Japanese Nichiren Shu News (Nichiren Shu Shimbun) newspaper)
ただ我信ずるのみにあらず
Tada ware shinzuru nomi ni arazu
Teaching: Aiming for a Peaceful World
The second half of this sentence says, “but will also try to lead others to correct their errors.” It signifies the importance of not just keeping what one deems good to oneself, but also correcting the mistakes of others for the betterment of society.
In our daily lives, we may sometimes impose our own solutions onto others, which can lead to unnecessary rejection of the other party which results in there being no potential for development.
When offering advice or admonishment to others, it's crucial to pause and reflect on whether we're too ensnared in self-righteousness, and always respect others and strive for a peaceful world.
Although Nichiren Shōnin, an important figure in the Kamakura period, based his faith fundamentally on one sūtra among the many scriptures expounded by Śākyamuni Buddha called the Lotus Sūtra, with the desire of bringing peace and tranquility to all people, he thoroughly studied all the Buddhist scriptures anew before writing his “Treatise on Instituting the Correct Teaching to bring peace to the Country” (Risshō Ankoku-ron).
About the Writing: Risshō Ankoku-ron (Treatise on Instituting the Correct Teaching to Bring Peace to the Country)
This document was submitted to Hōjō Tokiyori, a lay monk of Saimyōji Temple who was the former regent of the Kamakura shogunate, in order to reform people’s mindsets and create a peaceful world. It stands as one of Nichiren Shōnin’s seminal works, and was written in 1260, when Nichiren Shōnin was 39 years old.
(From the March 2024 issue of the Japanese Nichiren Shu News (Nichiren Shu Shimbun) newspaper)
現世の安穏ならざる事をなげかざれ
Genze no an’non narazaru koto wo nagekazare
Teaching: Feelings of Kindness
A station attendant is waiting for the train to enter the platform. When the train doors open, the station attendant sets up a ramp to help a wheelchair passenger get off. The passenger smiles and says, "Thank you," and the station attendant responds with a smile and wishes them a pleasant onward journey.
This is a scene you often see at stations, but it shows a small utopia. An environment where able-bodied people and people with disabilities can live equally easily. A world where strangers express gratitude, greet each other, and smile. Even in this world which is filled with bleak news, it is possible to create these kinds of situations, and we hope that they will expand further.
The famous Japanese Poet and Nichiren Shu Buddhist Kenji Miyazawa said, "As long as the world is not completely happy, there can be no individual happiness." For example, how would it feel if you were healthy but your family was sick? It's the same in society at large. The for everyone to be happy is for everyone to have feelings of kindness and to support each other.
About the Writing: Kaimoku-shō 開目抄 (Open Your Eyes)
In this writing, which he wrote whilst in exile on Sado island, Nichiren Shōnin asks himself whether he is truly a practitioner of the Lotus Sūtra, and develops a conviction and self-awareness that that is indeed his role. This work also shows us how we should live ourselves.
Written in the ninth year of Bun’ei (1272), when Nichiren Shōnin was 51 years old.
(From the July 2024 issue of the Japanese Nichiren Shu News (Nichiren Shu Shimbun) newspaper)
身と影とのごとし
Mi to kage to no gotoshi
Teaching: Oneness with Parents and Ancestors
Everyone who comes into this world has parents. This truth does not change, even if you rebel at your parents saying ‘I don’t remember asking to be born!’ Everyone receives their precious body from their parents.
When you feel anxiety, pain, or that life is difficult, your father and mother will have felt this way first. Sometimes, let us try consulting our parents with an open heart. They may be able to consider the situation as if it were their own and give a helpful response.
It is the same with your parent’s parents, and their parents before them, let us think about our ancestors. Everyone, just like you, worries, suffers and lives their life thinking they are doing their best. Therefore it follows that “I am inseparable from my parents, like a body and its shadow”. Feeling our karmic connections, let us live happily.
About the Writing: Bōjikyō Ji 忘持経事 (Leaving the Personal Copy of the Lotus Sūtra Behind)
This letter was addressed to Toki Jonin after his mother’s funeral. Considering the feelings of Toki Jonin after losing his mother, whilst introducing the narratives of Buddhist disciples, the letter explains how precious our relationship with our parents is.
Written in the second year of Kenji (1276), when Nichiren Shōnin was 55 years old.
(From the August 2024 issue of the Japanese Nichiren Shu News (Nichiren Shu Shimbun) newspaper)