CategoryGosho Study

When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs. —“The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind,”The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 376 When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated”—founding Soka Gakkai President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi cherished

If the spirit of many in body but one in mind prevails among the people, they will achieve all their goals, whereas if one in body but different in mind, they can achieve nothing remarkable. —“Many in Body, One in Mind,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 618 This vital passage appears near

Background Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter in January 1266. The letter’s content suggests the recipient was a woman who lived in Amatsu of Awa Province who had formerly believed in the Pure Land (Nembutsu) teachings and was relatively new to faith in Nichiren Buddhism. In the letter, Nichiren explains in plain terms the rewards of

The most important thing in practicing the Buddhist teachings is to follow and uphold the Buddha’s golden words, not the opinions of others. —“On Practicing the Buddha’s Teachings,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 393 In “On Practicing the Buddha’s Teachings,” Nichiren Daishonin outlines how he strove to realize Shakyamuni Buddha’s noble ideals.

“Believers in the Lotus Sutra should fear those who attempt to obstruct their practice more than they fear bandits, burglars, night raiders, tigers, wolves, or lions—even more than invasion now by the Mongols.” (“Letter to the Brothers,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 495) Ikeda Sensei’s Guidance Who is it that we, as

The single word “belief” is the sharp sword with which one confronts and overcomes fundamental darkness or ignorance.  The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, pp. 119–20 Buddhism is about winning,” Ikeda Sensei repeatedly affirms.  Winning in Nichiren Buddhism means triumphing over the negativity and ignorance in our own and others’ lives. Each time we

Where there is unseen virtue, there will be visible reward. —“Unseen Virtue and Visible Reward,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 907 In recent years, sports popularized the mantra “trust the process” to champion patience and daily effort as keys to success.  As Buddhist practitioners, when we “trust the process” of making daily

Background Nichiren Daishonin addressed this letter in February 1272 to Sairen-bo, a former priest of the Tendai school of Buddhism, when both were exiled on Sado Island. It seems this letter was a response to a question Sairen-bo had asked about the heritage of the ultimate Law of life, an important principle in the Tendai

Shakyamuni Buddha who attained enlightenment countless kalpas ago, the Lotus Sutra that leads all people to Buddhahood, and we ordinary human beings are in no way different or separate from one another. To chant Myoho-renge-kyo with this realization is to inherit the ultimate Law of life and death. “The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of

“Iron, when heated in the flames and pounded, becomes a fine sword. Worthies and sages are tested by abuse. My present exile is not because of any secular crime. It is solely so that I may expiate in this lifetime my past grave offenses and be freed in the next from the three evil paths.”

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle? “Reply to Kyo’o,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 412 Sometimes illness may strike us, or some unexpected hardship may throw our lives into disarray. When those times come, let us be prepared, remembering Nichiren Daishonin’s declaration: “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

“If one lights a fire for others, one will brighten one’s own way.” (“On The Three Virtues of Food,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 2, p. 1060) In the letter “On the Three Virtues of Food,” Nichiren Daishonin expresses his sincere gratitude to a disciple who had sent him needed provisions. He explains that

Background This letter details the figures represented on the Gohonzon and their significance. It was written in 1277, when Nichiren was living at Mount Minobu. Details are unknown about the recipient, Nichinyo, but it is thought that she was an educated person with strong faith. She deeply appreciated having received the Gohonzon and sent Nichiren

There should be no discrimination among those who propagate the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo in the Latter Day of the Law, be they men or women. Were they not Bodhisattvas of the Earth, they could not chant the daimoku. “The True Aspect of All Phenomena,”The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 385 Nichiren Daishonin

“Usually these sufferings appear one at a time, on into the boundless future, but Nichiren has denounced the enemies of the Lotus Sutra so severely that all eight have descended at once. This is like the case of a peasant heavily in debt to the steward of his village and to other authorities. As long

Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study. Without practice and study, there can be no Buddhism. You must not only persevere yourself; you must also teach others. Both practice and study arise from faith. Teach others to the best of your ability, even if it is only a single sentence or phrase.

You have associated with a friend in the orchid room and have become as straight as mugwort growing among hemp. “On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land,”The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 23 On April 28, 1253, Nichiren Daishonin established his teaching of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and began his propagation efforts.

Background Nichiren wrote “The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra” to Shijo Kingo, who had, some years prior, incurred the wrath of his feudal lord, Ema, after trying to convert him to Nichiren Buddhism. He eventually regained his lord’s trust by continuing to serve him sincerely and by following Nichiren’s advice in the matter. But some

I am praying that, no matter how troubled the times may become, the Lotus Sutra and the ten demon daughters will protect all of you, praying as earnestly as though to produce fire from damp wood, or to obtain water from parched ground.  “On Rebuking Slander of the Law and Eradicating Sins,”The Writings of Nichiren

“A blue fly, if it clings to the tail of a thoroughbred horse, can travel ten thousand miles, and the green ivy that twines around the tall pine can grow to a thousand feet. I was born as the son of the one Buddha, Shakyamuni, and I serve the king of scriptures, the Lotus Sutra.