ITAI DOSHIN JI

All things are possible if people are united in one spirit. Nothing can be accomplished if they are not united. It is also true in non-Buddhist scriptures. For instance, a king of Yin in old China, King Chieh, who had an army of seven hundred thousand men disunited in spirit, was defeated by King Wu of Chou and his army of eight hundred men, who were united in one spirit. So that if a person has two thoughts, nothing can be accomplished. Even if there are hundreds or thousands of people, if they are united in one, they are surely able to accomplish their aim.

(Background : August 6, 1274, 52 years old, at Minobu, Skowa Teihon, p.829)

Explanatory note

The history of mankind seems to be changing with the advancement of science and technology. We are led to believe, however, that people’s real character has not changed significantly in itself. It may have been partly degenerated over time.

The social structure today is undergoing complicated changes. In the midst of these changes, we often experience that plans are going astray or that the results turn out to be disappointing. On the other hand, we also learn through experience that trust and mutual reliance is what binds the people together. Our expectations based on this trust and reliance have built the long history and culture of mankind.

Reflecting on Nichiren Daishonin’s life, we learn that he preached to save the people by the true teaching – the Lotus Sutra. With Nichiren, there were many disciples and followers who subjugated themselves to him. There were also a few people who had betrayed Nichiren and left him. However, he repeatedly preached to his disciples and followers that they would never be defeated by anything if they held to the truth and were united in one spirit.

To maintain our true faith, we must have a docile and pious mind and have complete devotion. We who live in the present must give all our attention to Nichiren Daishonin’s teaching, and clearly keep it in our hearts.

Rev. Ogawa

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