For Nichiren, the primary motivation for practicing Buddhism should not be a selfish desire to escape suffering on our own, or to gain supernatural powers, or to become detached meditators. Likewise, our aspiration to attain buddhahood and liberate all beings should not be a matter of condescending pity for suffering sentient beings. Rather, we should be motivated by gratitude for all that has been done for us by others, long before we were ever able to ask for such favors, much less be capable of earning such help as we received in our youth and throughout our life. We should have a heartfelt wish to do all we can to repay the great debt we owe others for the life that we have and all the assistance and blessings that we have received. This is not a matter of presuming to save others out of pity. It is a realization that others have already helped us and that our most authentic response is to repay that favor by following the Buddha Way for the sake of all.