You Are the Treasure Tower

“Abutsu-bo is therefore the treasure tower itself, and the treasure tower is Abutsu-bo himself. No other knowledge is purposeful. It is the treasure tower adorned with the seven kinds of treasures—hearing the correct teaching, believing it, keeping the precepts, engaging in meditation, practicing assiduously, renouncing one’s attachments, and reflecting on oneself.” (“On the Treasure Tower,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 299)

Background

You are the treasure tower. That’s the most important thing to know. Understanding our true worth, how precious we are, is the foundation of a wonderful life.

The seven kinds of treasures mentioned here refer to the indispensable elements of Buddhist practice. These are: 1) hearing the correct teaching, or having a seeking mind; 2) believing it; 3) keeping the precepts, or disciplining oneself in Buddhist practice; 4) engaging in meditation, or setting our minds on the Mystic Law; 5) practicing assiduously, or making steady efforts in our practice; 6) renouncing one’s attachments, especially to those things that hold us back; and 7) reflecting on oneself.

These seven treasures, in other words, reflect the spirit or determination with which we practice, and all of them are enhanced through our SGI activities. The more we strive for kosen-rufu, the more our lives shine. Convinced that everyone’s life is a precious treasure, let’s strive to bring out the best in one another.