When the people all chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the wind will no longer buffet the branches, and the rain will no longer break the clods of soil. The world will become as it was in the ages of Fu Hsi and Shen Nung. In their present existence the people will be freed from misfortune and disasters and learn the art of living long. Realize that the time will come when the truth will be revealed that both the person and the Law are unaging and eternal. There cannot be the slightest doubt about the sutra’s promise of “peace and security in their present existence.” (“On Practicing the Buddha’s Teachings,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 392)
Background
Just before this passage, Nichiren poetically describes his yearslong struggle to spread Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and adds, “So the battle goes on even today.” Thanks to his spiritual battle, he says, all people can chant and establish a society where they can enjoy “peace and security.”
He then shares an image of such a world: “The wind will no longer buffet the branches, and the rain will no longer break the clods of soil.” Moreover, society will be peaceful and just, as it was told in ancient Chinese folk tales.
The “person” being “unaging and eternal” means that we can establish a state of life in which no adversity can defeat us. The “Law” being “unaging and eternal” means that the power of the Mystic Law will never decline but will forever function to create harmony and value.
So a world of “peace and security” doesn’t mean a world in which there are no problems or conflicts. Rather, it indicates a world in which people base themselves on the Mystic Law and, through faith, can transform any disaster or suffering into a cause for happiness. Sharing Buddhism with our friends is a noble challenge to realize our own happiness and create a world where we can enjoy “peace and security.”
Ikeda Sensei’s Guidance
This goal of peace and security, however, is not to be found merely in some ideal future society. It describes the life state of those who faithfully practice the correct Lotus Sutra teaching with which to realize happiness and actualize a secure and peaceful land. This is clear from the preceding passages that describe Nichiren’s own struggles. His dynamic stance in fighting for kosen-rufu undefeated by hardship is a shining example of genuine peace and security in this existence. This is the true meaning of this concept in Nichiren Buddhism. (A Foundation for Your Life, pp. 160–61)
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