In the Latter Day of the Law the formidable enemies of the single vehicle [the Lotus Sutra] are everywhere in sight. Now is the time to benefit the world in the same manner as Bodhisattva Never Disparaging.[1] You who are my disciples, each of you should work diligently at this, work diligently at this!
“On Reprimanding Hachiman,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 2, p. 936
Respecting others and striving to awaken each person’s Buddha nature—this is the practice of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging. Because the Soka family has made steadfast efforts in this same spirit, undaunted by the challenges of this troubled age, the Buddhism of the Sun has spread throughout the world.
As disciples of Nichiren Daishonin, demonstrating compassion through courage, let’s boldly engage in dialogue and action based on an unwavering spirit of respect for all people.
Exerting ourselves diligently as the Daishonin instructs, let’s begin another “February Campaign” in which we break through our limitations!
From the Feb. 3, 2023, issue of the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun. This message was received before Ikeda Sensei’s passing.
February 9, 2024, World Tribune, p. 3
References
- Bodhisattva Never Disparaging is described in the 20th chapter of the Lotus Sutra. This bodhisattva—Shakyamuni in a previous lifetime—would bow to everyone he met, acknowledging their Buddha nature. ↩︎
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