The Emergence of Vibrant Bodhisattvas of the Earth

According to the teachings of the true sutra, when the latter age has begun and Buddhism has fallen into complete disorder, a great sage will appear in the world. For example, the pine tree, which withstands the frost, is called the king of trees, and the chrysanthemum, which continues to bloom after other plants have withered, is known as a sacred plant. When the world is at peace, worthies are hard to distinguish. It is when the age is in turmoil that both sages and fools come into view.
—“A Father Takes Faith,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 845

Ikeda Sensei’s Guidance

Precisely because the times are so troubled and mistrust and disrespect prevail, the true value of the Lotus Sutra—with its unsurpassed teaching of respect for all human beings—is demonstrated. The pre-Lotus Sutra teachings, which do not contain the principle of the mutual possession of the Ten Worlds,¹ are like the plants that wither when frost sets in; they lack the essential power to lead people to enlightenment. Against this backdrop, the existence of a true sage who propagates the Lotus Sutra will shine in the end.

This principle applies today as well. Second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda always said, “Philosophy is essential to revive the people.”² He also said that when our materialistic society became deadlocked, there would be a crucial need for a fundamental philosophy of life. …

The world today is eagerly waiting for people of elevated spirit and profound humanity to appear. We need people who recognize and seek to fully tap the potential within themselves and others, who aspire for the happiness of all based on respect for every individual. The time has come for the emergence of vibrant multitudes of Bodhisattvas of the Earth, as the Lotus Sutra describes. (The Teachings for Victory, vol. 3, p. 29)