Buddhism primarily concerns itself with victory or defeat, while secular authority is based on the principle of reward and punishment. (“The Hero of the World,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 835)
Ikeda Sensei’s Guidance
Buddhism does not deny things of worldly or secular value. As practitioners, however, we will not be able to realize true happiness if we lose sight of the supreme teaching and highest value of Buddhism by allowing ourselves to become obsessed with ephemeral attainments such as wealth, status and fame or intimidated by tyrannical secular authorities. All that will await us in the end is spiritual defeat.
That’s why, amid the realities of daily life and society, we must always make Buddhism our fundamental guide and standard and continue challenging ourselves tenaciously to secure ultimate victory. Making Buddhism our foundation means forging ahead with rock-solid faith that is not swayed by the reward or punishment of secular authority or the vicissitudes of worldly fortune. (The Teachings for Victory, vol. 2, p. 73)
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