MATSUNO DONO GOHENJI

There are thousands of fish eggs, but few become fish. Hundreds of mango blossoms bloom, but few become fruit. It is the same with human beings, because most people are turned aside by evil distractions. There is an army of warriors wearing armor, but few are able to fight bravely. Many people search for truth, but few attain Buddhahood

(Background : December 9th, 1276, 54 years old, at
Minobu, Showa Teihon, p.1269)

Explanatory note

Before the above quotation, Nichiren Daishonin said to Lord Matsuno that there was no difference between Odaimoku, “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,” chanted by Daishonin himself and by his followers. Therefore, he encouraged us to believe that if one chanted Odaimoku, he or she was surely able to reach the same stage as Daishonin.

People are volatile, quick to warm up and to cool down, but Nichiren Daishonin advised Lord Matsuno to have a constant faith like water, not short, enthusiastic faith like fire. It must be difficult to keep faith constantly. Nichiren is advising us that it is important to realize our own Buddha-nature within ourselves and to endeavor constantly at perfecting ourselves.

Rev. Kanai