OF course you are perfectly free to say what must be said even to your fellows in faith and it is necessary to do so. But there is a difference between words spoken with real concern for your listener and those spoken with feelings of hatred or jealousy. It is extremely important to understand and observe this distinction.
THERE are various kinds of careers and roles which people fill in society. While each role, of course, has significance, the fundamental role that we each play as a Buddhist is that of a philosopher of life and of humanity who can impart eternal value to humankind. There are also leaders in all areas of human endeavour. We are leaders of happiness and creators of peace. In this sense, our role is unique.
SHOULD you lose your pure, innocent heart, and instead develop arrogance and ugly ambition within yourself, no matter how much you may appear devoted to faith on the surface, you will never enjoy the benefits of the Gohonzon. For this reason, I hope you will maintain a pure heart and live out your most precious existence confidently, as you strive for the sake of your country.
FAITH includes unfathomable benefits and limitless good fortune; it contains the great power of the universe, transforming even the land in which one lives. Faith is the source of infinite joy, wisdom and compassion. Each of you already possesses this supreme nourishment for life. All that you have to do is to tap its limitless power.
LIFE is a struggle. Life means continuing to struggle to the end. The person who grows stronger with each struggle is happy and a true human being.
NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, A Gift of Rice.
THERE are various kinds of careers and roles which people fill in society. While each role, of course, has significance, the fundamental role that we each play as a Buddhist is that of a philosopher of life and of humanity who can impart eternal value to humankind. There are also leaders in all areas of human endeavour. We are leaders of happiness and creators of peace. In this sense, our role is unique.
SHOULD you lose your pure, innocent heart, and instead develop arrogance and ugly ambition within yourself, no matter how much you may appear devoted to faith on the surface, you will never enjoy the benefits of the Gohonzon. For this reason, I hope you will maintain a pure heart and live out your most precious existence confidently, as you strive for the sake of your country.
FAITH includes unfathomable benefits and limitless good fortune; it contains the great power of the universe, transforming even the land in which one lives. Faith is the source of infinite joy, wisdom and compassion. Each of you already possesses this supreme nourishment for life. All that you have to do is to tap its limitless power.
LIFE is a struggle. Life means continuing to struggle to the end. The person who grows stronger with each struggle is happy and a true human being.
NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, A Gift of Rice.
