Even though your late son, Yashiro, committed evil [in killing others as a samurai], if you, the mother who gave birth to him, grieve for him and offer prayers for him day and night in the presence of Shakyamuni Buddha, how could he not be saved? Moreover, because he believed in the Lotus Sutra, he may have become the one who will lead his parents to Buddhahood.
“Letter to Konichi-bo,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 664
The power of daimoku—chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo—is boundless and immeasurable. No matter how sorrowful the loss of a loved one, we can guide them without fail toward Buddhahood through our sincere prayers for their eternal happiness. This also brings a ray of new hope and light to the bereft. The bonds of those united by the Mystic Law are everlasting. If we bravely press on in our mission for kosen-rufu, our good fortune and benefit will grow and spread, extending beyond the boundaries of life and death.
Together, let’s continue our noble journey of life with the deep, unshakable conviction that both life and death are filled with joy!
From the July 12, 2023, issue of the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun.
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