Sharing Buddhism Just as You Are

There’s no need to be impatient. Faith is a lifelong process, spanning the three existences of past, present and future. What’s important is to make plenty of friends and work at solidifying those relationships. Introducing others to Buddhism and striving for kosen-rufu are extensions of the spirit of friendship that wishes to see those we care about become happy. …

It’s perfectly fine for you to speak about Buddhism from the heart, in your own words, in a very natural way, just as you are. The purpose of faith is not to make yourself look good in the eyes of others. To have compassion for others means sincerely praying and working for others’ happiness, no matter how they may regard you. They may not appreciate your sincerity at the time, but if you are genuine in your efforts, at some point they are bound to recall the friend who once encouraged them or who helped them through a difficult time. Surely this is a most worthy way to live. (Discussions on Youth, pp. 249–50)

Feb. 3, 2023, World Tribune, p. 10