Writings

Suggested Title: Final Part: Casting Aside the Dream to Reach the True Land of Tranquil LightLead Paragraph:"By abandoning this impure body, I will surely become a Buddha in the next life." — To seek just half a verse, Snow Mountain boy (Sessen Dōji) cast aside the deluded life (the 'dream') and threw himself toward the reality of enlightenment.In this final section, Nichiren Daishonin concludes with this profound story and provides his ultimate guidance: All worldly joy and suffering are but a 'dream within a dream,' and the true land of bliss is the Eternal Land of Tranquil Light (Jakkōdo).The sole key to entering this magnificent world is non-regressing faith. Discover the severe warning that "If your faith is weak, you absolutely cannot go there," and the glorious vision of Eternity, Joy, True Self, and Purity that awaits the seeker who maintains a life-or-death resolve.

Suggested Title: The Jewel and the Ogre’s Trial: What is the True 'Resolve' in Seeking the Law? (Matsuno Dono Gohenji Part 2)Lead Paragraph:There is no difference in the merit of your chanting and that of the Buddha. However, if your 'spirit' betrays the essence of the Lotus Sutra, that benefit is blocked.In this section, Nichiren Daishonin teaches that a true seeker of the Law must possess the humble spirit to "set aside status and pride to seek instruction from anyone, even those with slightly superior wisdom."This ultimate seeking spirit is illustrated by the story of Snow Mountain boy (Sessen Dōji). After recognizing the profound impermanence of the world, the boy sacrifices everything for the sake of the true reality (enlightenment). He risks his life to hear the half-verse of "All things are impermanent," spoken by a terrifying, starving ogre.Why must one seek the Law without begrudging life itself? — Through the boy's tragic resolve and the ogre’s deadly demand, we learn the true meaning of commitment in faith and the crucial posture of a disciple.

Suggested Title: The Ultimate Question: Why Must We Never Slander? The Essence of Faith in the Matsuno Dono GohenjiLead Paragraph:"All people possess the Buddha nature. Therefore, one must never disparage others." This is the earnest teaching Nichiren Daishonin sent to a lay follower amidst the harsh trials of the Kamakura period.This letter begins with gratitude for sincere offerings and swiftly moves to the core of faith, answering the universal question: "Is there a difference in the merit of the Daimoku chanted by a sage and by me?" The Daishonin states clearly: there is no superiority in the Daimoku's merit, but if one harbors the "Fourteen Slanders" and betrays the spirit of the Law, that benefit will be blocked.Strongly admonishing the priests of the age who clung to fame and profit, the letter powerfully guides the recipient, Matsuno Dono, that the spirit of "revering others as Buddhas," like the Bodhisattva Never Disparaging, is the only sure path to attaining Buddhahood in the next life.

The "power of mental reset" (awareness → reflection → will to change) is the key to transforming your life. Nichiren Daishonin taught the importance of a "sincere seeking attitude" through the Snow Mountain Youth's quest, and in his teachings to Matsuno Dono, he reveals the spirit of "daily faith" that transforms all suffering and success into opportunities for growth. In this difficult era, we learn the wisdom of living sincerely, composing our hearts, and lighting the Gosho in our minds.