KAIMOKU SHO

To be filial(ko) means to be high (ko); heaven is high but not at all higher than being filial. To be filial (ko) also means to be deep(ko); the earth is deep but is not any deeper than being filial. Both sages and wise men come from filial families. How much more should students of Buddhism realize the favors they receive and show gratitude for them? Disciples of the Buddha should not fail to feel grateful for the four favors received from parents, people, sovereign (of nation), and Buddhism. Show gratitude to them.

(Background : 1272, 50 years old, at Tsukahara on Sado Island, Showa Teihon p. 544)

Explanatory note

Filial piety is the fundamental moral code. It is of the highest value in society – higher than even the heaven. Its meaning in human life is deeper than anything else – deeper than even unfathomable earth. Those people who are respected as sages and wise men are filial children at home because anyone without filial piety cannot be revered and respected by the people.

Most of us know that we owe our lives not only to our parents but also to many others : all the people in the society in which we live and the ruler of the land to which we were born. So we show our gratitude to them for what we owe by trying to fulfill our duties at home, in the local community, and to our nation.

However, this is not all that is expected of us, followers and disciples of the Buddha. We are all surrounded by the boundless benevolence of the Three Treasures (the Eternal Buddha, His ultimate teaching expounded in the Lotus Sutra, and His messenger, Nichiren Shonin). It is, therefore, important for us to realize it always and show our gratitude for what we owe the Three Treasures by carrying out our duties as Nichiren Buddhists.

Rev. Hori