Gratitude Is a Source of Fundamental Strength

“What can we say, then, of persons who are devoting themselves to Buddhism? Surely they should not forget the debts of gratitude they owe to their parents, their teachers, and their country. But if one intends to repay these great debts of gratitude, one can hope to do so only if one learns and masters Buddhism, becoming a person of wisdom.” (“On Repaying Debts of Gratitude,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 690)

Background

Nichiren Daishonin teaches that the most important way to live is to show our gratitude to those who have supported us. … Therefore, surely those who practice Buddhism should always show their appreciation. Parents who have raised us, teachers who have helped us develop and the country where our lives are sustained—we should never forget that we are who we are today because of these. This is the first step for leading a life of gratitude.

But how do we repay these kindnesses? The best way, Nichiren says, is to study Buddhism and become wise, which in turn will enable us to lead to happiness those who have helped us. Everyone can overcome the sufferings of birth and death and realize true happiness through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Therefore, exerting ourselves to spread the Mystic Law and to introduce our friends to the practice is the supreme path of showing gratitude and establishing an indestructible self.

Ikeda Sensei’s Guidance