Each of the realms of the Ten Worlds – Hell, Hunger, Animality, Anger, Humanity, Heaven, Learning, Contemplatives, Bodhisattva and Buddhahood – possesses the other realms, including Buddhahood. Enlightenment does not exist outside the 10 Worlds.
Physician's Good MedicineQuotes
Faith Actualized in Life
That Nichiren emphasized these virtues, together with obedience to the master, is noteworthy as showing his keen interest in moral life. It must be observed, also, that this ethical interest was not with him merely an adjunct of religious belief, but a vital criterion of religious truth. For to worship Buddha and revere the Truth revealed by him does not consist in devising rituals, or in contemplating Buddha’s truths in visionary ways, but in working out in our own life the truths taught, by putting faith in Buddha as the Lord, Master, and Father. Faith ought to be actualized in life, but is empty unless realized in the three cardinal virtues named above. Nichiren’s conviction that his life was vitalizing the Lotus of Truth was another way of stating his ethical interpretation of religion.
Nichiren, The Buddhist ProphetThe Reward of Effort
Transmitting faith is confirming your own faith by yourself, and continuing to practice makes your faith deeper. It is based entirely on “the way of the Bodhisattva,” which means you should be severe on yourself and gentle with others. For example, a grandfather might chant and pray every day with his grandchildren and take them to the temple on certain occasions. Those are actions that plant the seed of faith, and are the transmitting of faith. Even though children may not understand the meaning of each action, they receive a Buddha-nature and a peaceful mind unconsciously by copying their grandfather’s behavior. The Lotus Sutra, Chapter II says, “The children who made the stupa (tower) of the Buddha with heaps of sand while playing, were able to accumulate merits and attain the enlightenment of the Buddha.” If the grandfather takes a rest from his daily routine because he is tired, the children will also learn to take a rest due to personal reasons. However, if the grandfather always keeps the same routine, without taking a rest, then the children will learn patience, perseverance and the gratification which comes from effort.
Spring WritingsThe Perfection of Patience
Of the Six Perfections – generosity, discipline, patience, energy, meditation, and wisdom – the perfection of patience refers to the ability to maintain one’s concern and compassion for others even in the face of persecution. We cannot give in to bitterness, hatred, or ideas of retaliation, even when we experience ridicule or persecution at the hands of others. This may be the most difficult of all the perfections. We have to develop deep insight into the pain and confusion of others so that we can understand and forgive those who lash out violently or act callously toward others.
Lotus SeedsThe Name Nichiren
The word nichi, meaning “sun,” is reference to in the 21st chapter of the Lotus Sutra where it says: “Just as the light of the sun and moon expells all dimness and darkness; so this man, living and working in the world, drives out the darkness (illusion) of all living beings,” The word ren meaning “lotus,” is referred to in chapter 15 of the same sutra where it says: “Be not influenced by environment. Lo, the Lotus blossoms, never to be soiled by the muddy waters whence it grows.
Nichiren, Leader of Buddhist Reformation in JapanTribulations
The way to transform our lives is not by avoiding our tribulations but by going through them and making them the cause for our enlightenment.
Lotus Path: Practicing the Lotus Sutra Volume 1Enlightenment Is a Possibility for Each of Us
Enlightenment is a possibility for each of us no matter how ill we have become. Regardless of our circumstances, a cure is possible. We can change. This is the truth of the teaching within the Lotus Sutra.
Physician's Good MedicineDisregarding and Disobeying the Truth
No one is totally destitute of Buddha-nature, which is dormant in the innermost recess of the soul; but none is free from the sin of having disregarded and disobeyed the Truth.
Nichiren, The Buddhist ProphetTeaching Through Example
Transmitting Buddhist faith is just like telling your children the experiences you’ve had throughout your life, along with your idea of faith. It is a natural thing, just as one usually teaches one’s children at home. On the other hand your faith will be tested, because any discipline you give your children does not carry good fruits without action. Teaching faith without action does not communicate any emotion, and others will not adopt a new faith. In order to transmit your faith to your children or others, you must show a good example for them through your actions if they are to have faith.
Spring WritingsPreparing for the Lotus Sutra
The Buddha is saying in the Simile of Herbs that all along – even as he was teaching appropriate to Sravakas, Pratyekabuddhas, and Bodhisattvas – he was in essence teaching in a way that was preparing for the Lotus Sutra. These initial teachings are all part of the Lotus Sutra. That is why it is important that people not come to a conclusion that the Lotus Sutra replaces or does away with the previous teachings of the Buddha. We have to think of the teachings as being on a continuum that is leading to the ultimate truth revealed by the Buddha in the Lotus Sutra.
The Buddha all along was teaching the same Dharma but he did so according to the capacity of the people he was teaching.
Lecture on the Lotus Sutra