Material for Discussion Meetings

Be resolved to summon forth the great power of faith, and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with the prayer that your faith will be steadfast and correct at the moment of death.

—“The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 218

Background

Nichiren Daishonin wrote “The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life” in response to a question from his disciple Sairen-bo, a former Tendai school priest. He had asked Nichiren about the significance of the principle called the “heritage of the ultimate law of life and death.” It is likely that he was familiar with the concept from the teachings of the Tendai school. At the time, however, that school regarded the idea of heritage or lineage as something secretive and mysterious, exclusive to senior clergy and distant from ordinary people. Sairen-bo asked about this, perhaps sensing that Nichiren could offer a different perspective. 

Throughout this writing, Nichiren confirms in various ways that the heritage—the way to attain Buddhahood—exists only in correct faith and practice and is therefore open to all people. 

In the above passage from the writing’s conclusion, Nichiren clarifies two essential elements for receiving the heritage of faith: the resolve “to summon forth the great power of faith” and having a mind of faith that is “correct and steadfast at the moment of death.” This ensures that we will finish our lives firmly grounded in the state of Buddhahood.

He asserts that by bringing forth the limitless power of the Law from within and dedicating oneself to the happiness of oneself and others, anyone can receive the heritage of faith and thereby resolve all sufferings, including the sufferings of life and death. 

As SGI members who are practicing in direct accord with the Daishonin’s teaching and spreading it throughout the world, when we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to the Gohonzon to bring forth the great power of faith, we are sure to transform any suffering into happiness, discovering the boundless potential that we possess.

—Prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department

Ikeda Sensei’s Encouragement

Resolve ‘to Summon Forth the Great Power of Faith’

First, Nichiren says, “Be resolved to summon forth the great power of faith.” “Be resolved” implies a conscious commitment and determination. It could be said that “the great power of faith” means the ability to continually rededicate ourselves and summon fresh faith in our hearts.

Next, he explains what we need to do in concrete terms of our Buddhist practice, saying, “Chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with the prayer that your faith will be steadfast and correct at the moment of death.” … 

Bringing one’s life to a close with a sense of great fulfillment and serenity as a result of our faith in the Mystic Law, without being perturbed by the hindrance of death or other devilish functions, leads to the attainment of a boundless and enduring state of happiness.

In order to have a correct and steadfast mind at the moment of death, it is crucial that we strive day after day, month after month, with the spirit of faith that “now is the last moment”—always living in such a way that we have no regrets. In order for us to attain this state of mind, Nichiren teaches us to deepen our prayers each day, and persevere with a resolve to practice faith wholeheartedly. He also informs us that there is no way to inherit the ultimate Law of life and death apart from correctly practicing Buddhism. This means summoning forth “the great power of faith” and chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the happiness of ourselves and others, confident that we will have a correct and steadfast mind at the moment of death. (The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life: SGI President Ikeda’s Study Lecture Series, pp. 129–30)

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Volumes 1 and 2 of The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin have remained the cornerstone of faith for Soka Gakkai members. Inspired by the words of Nichiren Daishonin, countless individuals have weathered and overcome every difficulty.

Ikeda Sensei writes: “The writings of Nichiren Daishonin are timeless scriptures. They are a stirring cry from his very being. They are an impassioned declaration of truth and justice, which he left for us who practice the Lotus Sutra in the Latter Day, an evil age rife with devilish functions” (August 2024 Living Buddhism, p. 20).

This essential resource is available at local SGI-USA bookstores and at bookstore.sgi-usa.org/.

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Buddhist Concepts

In the Face of Obstacles, ‘The Wise Will Rejoice’ 

It’s natural to want to take the path of least resistance. Yet, we will, at times, face challenging obstacles or setbacks. 

In fact, Nichiren Daishonin teaches that difficulties will undoubtedly arise as we strive to practice Buddhism correctly, writing:

There is definitely something extraordinary in the ebb and flow of the tide, the rising and setting of the moon, and the way in which summer, autumn, winter, and spring give way to each other. Something uncommon also occurs when an ordinary person attains Buddhahood. At such a time, the three obstacles and four devils^[1] will invariably appear, and the wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat. (“The Three Obstacles and Four Devils,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 637)

Buddhism tells us that all people possess the potential for Buddhahood or fundamental enlightenment. On the flip side, all people also have the potential called fundamental ignorance, a deep tendency not to believe in our inherent Buddha nature. 

The three obstacles and four devils represent internal and external functions that arise from fundamental ignorance and try to keep us from revealing our enlightenment and moving toward absolute happiness. And as we progress in faith, “the three obstacles and four devils will invariably appear.” 

At the sight of difficulties, the question is, do we choose the path of the wise and rejoice or the path of the foolish and retreat? 

For example, when sharing Buddhism with others, we sometimes grapple with internal doubts, thinking, Will they be interested? Will they respond negatively? And we might hesitate or even avoid talking about Buddhism with them. 

Or, as we begin practicing Buddhism, people we care about might oppose our practice, causing us to retreat from it. 

Devilish functions don’t always appear so clearly as something negative, either. As Nichiren writes, “The three obstacles and four devils emerge in confusing form, vying with one another to interfere” (“Letter to the Brothers,” WND-1, 501). 

Things we might initially see as benefits, like a new job or increased confidence, can later become a reason for slackening in faith. Thus, it helps us to remain vigilant in identifying things that take us away from the path of faith and, most important, to be resolved not to let anything sway us.

Lasting Happiness Comes From Surmounting Obstacles

Sensei once said:

It may seem that we are being assailed by the three obstacles and four devils, but the reality is just the opposite. Because we have voluntarily set ourselves to the task of climbing the peak of Buddhahood, they have arisen. The fact that we encounter these obstacles and devilish functions is proof that we are upholding the correct teaching and advancing in the right direction. We are in charge; we are the protagonists. The three obstacles and four devils are trials we must surmount to attain lasting happiness imbued with the noble virtues of Buddhahood. For those who have made this their resolve, the struggle against the three obstacles and four devils is indeed a great joy. (The Teachings for Victory, vol. 4, p. 136) 

How do we take on these obstacles and devils? 

By resolutely chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to the Gohonzon and appreciating our trials as signs that we’re on the right path and as opportunities to grow. As Nichiren says: 

A sword is useless in the hands of a coward. The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith. Then one will be as strong as a demon armed with an iron staff. (“Reply to Kyo’o,” WND-1, 412)

Armed with courageous faith, we can perceive obstacles for what they truly are and grow ever stronger in overcoming any and all hurdles. As we continue proving the power of our lives and practice, we can become wise, resilient people who can rejoice through all that life presents. 

—Prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department

From the February 2025 Living Buddhism