According to Nichiren, Sakyamuni, a Buddha whom we should recognize as the Original Buddha, had the three virtues of master, teacher, and parent. The Buddha is our master (whom we should obey), teacher (whose words we should study), and parent (whose concern for us is boundless).

Of course, these three virtues are familiar in our everyday world, where they are recognized as ethical values. But religious philosophy must go deeper. Nichiren’s reference to the Buddha with the virtues of master, teacher, and parent are meant to humanize an otherwise abstract Buddha, making him seem more human and less transcendent.

Thus the idea of the three virtues signifies that the Buddha, as the Savior of all people, is not just a principle, but also humane in his grace and compassion, like a parent with his children. This view of the Buddha is based upon the philosophy of the Lotus Sutra.