The Behavior of a Bodhisattva of the Earth

The first photo session was for members who had been affected by the disaster. Among them was Ken’ya Watase. When Shin’ichi Yamamoto arrived at the location, he began to talk to the members lined up on the bleachers, saying, “Have you all recovered from the flooding?”

“Yes!” everyone replied.

“I’m so glad to see you looking so well. I know how hard these past months have been, and I offer you my sincerest condolences. Despite your terrible ordeal, each of you rose up courageously, cherishing your mission for kosen-rufu and refused to be defeated. And in spite of your own difficulties, you did your utmost to encourage and assist others. Those are the actions of a Buddha, the behavior of a Bodhisattva of the Earth.

“In such actions lies the fundamental cause for realizing happiness and prosperity for oneself and others. You are all truly respectable individuals who, in light of the teachings of Buddhism, will become happy no matter what. As long as you are here, your communities are certain to prosper. In fact, it is precisely because your communities have experienced such hardship that you must transform them into places of genuine happiness. That is your mission. I have absolute confidence that you can succeed.

“When viewed from a long-term perspective, you will clearly be able to see the recent flooding as an important turning point enabling you to carry out your mission for kosen-rufu. Nichiren Daishonin encourages us, saying, ‘The great correct Law will spread without fail. What could any of you have to lament?’ (WND-1, 1119). I hope that each and every one of you will attain happiness. I look forward to hearing your reports of all the wonderful benefits you have accumulated through faith.