FIRST of all, it is vital that we practise faith as part of the SGI organisation, for only the SGI are people working together towards kosen-rufu in the unity of "many in body, one in mind". Some people may think that practising faith alone, unconnected to the organisation, is easier. But when people practise alone, their faith tends to become selfish and their actions, egocentric. This is a frightening thing.
YOU have to pray to the Gohonzon to become more broad-minded and tolerant. You have to chant and look unflinchingly at the people and the things in your life that are making you unhappy. Running away from things you find unpleasant is what causes suffering. But, if you face and challenge such situations, they will enrich your life.
NICHIREN DAISHONIN told us that "One who perseveres through great persecutions and embraces the sutra from beginning to end is the Buddha's emissary". (MW 3, p290) As long as we are striving to realise kosen-rufu, we are sure to encounter persecution. And it is the very presence of great obstacles that serves to strengthen our faith and forge the state of Buddhahood within us.
FAITH in the Mystic Law is the fundamental power to overcome the four sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death and to develop an eternally free and joyous state of existence.
YOUR Buddhist study will greatly support your efforts to develop a faith that never wavers, no matter what obstacles may arise. I hope you will have this spirit to read the Gosho, as it is a wonderful expression of your faith.
NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Letter to the Brothers.
YOU have to pray to the Gohonzon to become more broad-minded and tolerant. You have to chant and look unflinchingly at the people and the things in your life that are making you unhappy. Running away from things you find unpleasant is what causes suffering. But, if you face and challenge such situations, they will enrich your life.
NICHIREN DAISHONIN told us that "One who perseveres through great persecutions and embraces the sutra from beginning to end is the Buddha's emissary". (MW 3, p290) As long as we are striving to realise kosen-rufu, we are sure to encounter persecution. And it is the very presence of great obstacles that serves to strengthen our faith and forge the state of Buddhahood within us.
FAITH in the Mystic Law is the fundamental power to overcome the four sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death and to develop an eternally free and joyous state of existence.
YOUR Buddhist study will greatly support your efforts to develop a faith that never wavers, no matter what obstacles may arise. I hope you will have this spirit to read the Gosho, as it is a wonderful expression of your faith.
NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Letter to the Brothers.
