Those who expound the Lotus Sutra without fail possess a robe called the robe of gentleness and patience.
“Cloth for a Robe and an Unlined Robe,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 2, p. 602
The Lotus Sutra teaches that those who spread the Mystic Law will encounter hostility and opposition. That is why they carry out their efforts donning the “robe of gentleness and patience” (see The Lotus Sutra and Its Opening and Closing Sutras, p. 207), the highest expression of humanity.
Firm conviction enables us to have patience. A lofty state of life enables us to be gentle. Words ringing with truth and compassion have the power to deeply move others.
My true disciples in the young men’s division,[1] who are carrying on the great struggle to spread the Mystic Law while enduring all manner of hardship—may you patiently persevere in dialogue with dauntless courage. Create a network of people with courageous hearts who will transform the age!
Translated from the July 9, 2021 Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper.
References
- This month celebrates the 70th anniversary of the young men’s division, which was founded on July 11, 1951. ↩︎
You are reading {{ meterCount }} of {{ meterMax }} free premium articles
