Making Faith Our Foundation

Thus we know that Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the countless Buddhas of the ten directions; Superior Practices and the other bodhisattvas who emerged from the earth; Universal Worthy, Manjushri, and the other bodhisattvas of the theoretical teaching; Shariputra and the other great voice-hearer disciples; the great heavenly king Brahma, the gods of the sun and moon, and the other heavenly lords and deities; the eight kinds of nonhuman beings; the ten demon daughters; as well as the great and small deities of the country of Japan, will, as a shadow follows a form, guard anyone who has firm faith in this Lotus Sutra and who remains at all times stalwart and unwavering in that faith. Think of this, think of this, never let your mind stray, be firm in faith at all times, and you will “enjoy peace and security in your present existence and good circumstances in future existences.”

—“The Four Virtues and the Four Debts of Gratitude,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 2, p. 638

Ikeda Sensei’s Guidance

Nichiren Daishonin writes that “anyone who has firm faith in this Lotus Sutra and who remains at all times stalwart and unwavering in that faith” will be protected by the countless Buddhas, bodhisattvas and benevolent deities of the universe, and will be assured of “peace and security in their present existence and good circumstances in future existences.” Urging Nanjo Tokimitsu to keep alive the pure-hearted
determination of his youth, no matter what happens, he also writes, “Never let your mind stray, be firm in faith at all times” (WND-2, 638).

To “remain at all times stalwart and unwavering” is the very essence of faith in the Mystic Law. Tokimitsu continued to strive in complete accord with Nichiren’s teachings, overcoming various hardships and sufferings in the course of his life. At the time of the Atsuhara Persecution, Tokimitsu was harshly criticized and persecuted, including being forced to pay onerous taxes that threatened his very livelihood. He lost his younger brother [Shichiro Goro], and also personally suffered from serious illness. But he triumphed over all of these adversities through sincere faith in the Mystic Law and devoted his life to the great vow for kosen-rufu.