A passage from the “Teacher of the Law” chapter [of the Lotus Sutra] reads: “If one of these good men or good women [in the time after I have passed into extinction is able to secretly expound the Lotus Sutra to one person, even one phrase of it, then you should know that] he or she is the envoy of the Thus Come One [the Buddha]” [The Lotus Sutra and Its Opening and Closing Sutras, p. 200]. This means that anyone who teaches others even a single phrase of the Lotus Sutra is the envoy of the Thus Come One, whether that person be priest or layman, nun or laywoman.
“A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 33
Dialogue aimed at realizing kosen-rufu and Nichiren Daishonin’s ideal of “establishing the correct teaching for the peace of the land” is truly praiseworthy.
Words based on prayer and courage act as the Buddha’s voice. Our tireless, unflagging efforts to engage in sincere dialogue constitute the practice of the “envoy of the Thus Come One.” They are a source of great benefit.
Words of conviction become seeds of happiness, helping others form a connection with Nichiren Buddhism. By reaching out in dialogue in this way, we expand the life state of both ourselves and others and pave the way to building a better world.
Translated from the April 24, 2021 Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper.
You are reading {{ meterCount }} of {{ meterMax }} free premium articles
