Monthly Archives: January 2026

WONS

The Light From the ‘Life Span of the Buddha’ Chapter

[T]he Lotus Sūtra is likened to the sun. The moon appearing at night with twinkling stars cannot put out the starlight although the moonlight is stronger. During the day, on the contrary, sunlight extinguishes not only starlight but also moonlight. Likewise, pre-Lotus sūtras are like the stars and the theoretical section of the Lotus Sūtra is like the moon whereas the “Life Span of the Buddha” chapter of the Lotus Sūtra is like the sun. Seen from the standpoint of the “Life Span of the Buddha” chapter, even the theoretical section is like the moon, which is not comparable to the sun, not to speak of other sūtras. People cannot work at night with either starlight or moonlight. When day breaks and the sun rises, people begin to work. Likewise, in the pre-Lotus sūtras and in the theoretical section of the Lotus Sūtra, as at night, nobody can cut the chain of life and death to attain enlightenment no matter how hard one tries. On the contrary, in the “Life Span of the Buddha” chapter in the essential section of the Lotus Sūtra, like the sun rising at daybreak, everyone necessarily gets rid of the chain of life and death to attain enlightenment.

Yakuō-bon Tokui-shō, The Essence of the ‘Medicine King Bodhisattva’ Chapter, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Faith and Practice, Volume 4, Page 33

 

AI Contribution, Daily Dharma

Daily Dharma for January 31, 2026

20260131-ddi

Illustration by Google Gemini

Show Gemini's thinking

Gemini Thinking

Defining the Buddhist Concept
I'm now deeply considering the Sakyamuni Buddha's verse and its core meaning: overcoming greed, jealousy, and fear. My challenge is to translate these abstract concepts into a visual square illustration, within the context of Japanese Buddhist iconography, but specifically excluding Amida and Dainichi Nyorai. A key element will be including a specific traditional signature.

Visualizing the Buddhist Narrative
I'm now focusing on the visual representation. I've broken down the verse to core components: Sakyamuni teaching Śāriputra about eliminating greed, jealousy, and fear. I have started selecting specific traditional Japanese Buddhist iconography. I've identified Sakyamuni Buddha (Shaka Nyorai) as the primary figure with Sharihotsu as the disciple. I am considering teaching mudras and the presence of a lion as a symbol of fearlessness. The overall composition aims for serenity, representing the absence of negative emotions.

Refining the Composition
I'm now integrating the signature and seal. I'm focusing on the Nihonga style, the square aspect ratio, and traditional elements. I'm trying to ensure the absence of Amida and Dainichi Nyorai is maintained. I'm considering the most appropriate mudra and trying to determine the best setting and composition, ensuring that the visual cues representing the elimination of greed, jealousy, and fear are clear.

Verifying Visual Harmony
I'm checking the illustration against the initial request. It captures the requested Japanese aesthetic, showing Sakyamuni Buddha and his disciple. The square composition, signature, and seal seem to be as specified. I'm focusing on how well the visual details align with the prompt's core concept.

Analyzing Prompt Adherence
I've confirmed this illustration fully aligns with the user's initial instructions, depicting Sakyamuni Buddha and his disciple in the requested Japanese aesthetic. The square composition, along with the inclusion of the signature and seal, also matches the requirements. I've also checked and confirmed that the generated picture has adhered to all the negative constraints that were initially provided.

I do not deceive
Those who believe me and rely on me.
I am not greedy or jealous
Because I have eliminated all evils.
Therefore, in the worlds of the ten quarters,
I am fearless.

The Buddha proclaims these verses to his disciple Śāriputra in Chapter Two of the Lotus Sutra. In this world of conflict, people believe that they must constantly strive to show that they are better than everyone else. Acquiring more material goods or a higher rank or position supposedly proves superiority. And if there is an encounter with someone who is better, that person must be brought down. What people do not realize that the source of greed and jealousy is fear. Like the Buddha, we too can eliminate our fears when we are satisfied with what we have and regard superior beings as a source of benefit.

The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com

WONS

The Manners of Practicing the Lotus Sūtra

QUESTION 10: What should a believer of the Lotus Sūtra regard as the Honzon (the Most Venerable One)? How should one perform the Buddhist rites and practice daily training?

ANSWER 10: First of all, the Honzon could be eight fascicles, one fascicle, one chapter or the title alone of the Lotus Sūtra. This is preached in the “Teacher of the Dharma” and “Divine Powers of the Buddhas” chapters. Those who can afford to may have the portraits or wooden statues of Śākyamuni Buddha and the Buddha of Many Treasures made and placed on both sides of the Lotus Sutra. Those who can further afford to may make the portraits or wooden statues of various Buddhas all over the universe or Universal Sage Bodhisattva. As for the manner of performing the rites, standing or sitting practices must be observed in front of the Honzon. Outside the hall of practice, however, one is free to choose any of the four modes of acts: walking, standing, sitting and lying down. Next, regarding the daily practices, the daimoku of the Lotus Sūtra should be chanted, “Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō. ” If possible, a verse or phrase of the Lotus Sūtra should respectfully be read. As an auxiliary practice one may say a prayer to Śākyamuni Buddha, the Buddha of Many Treasures, the numerous Buddhas throughout the universe, various bodhisattvas, Two Vehicles, Heavenly Kings, dragon gods, the eight kinds of gods and demi-gods who protect Buddhism as one wishes. Since we have many ignorant people today, the “3,000 existences contained in one thought” doctrine may be difficult to contemplate from the beginning. Nevertheless, those who wish to study it are encouraged to do so from the start.

Shō Hokke Daimoku-shō, Treatise on Chanting the Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Faith and Practice, Volume 4, Page 20

AI Contribution, Daily Dharma

Daily Dharma for January 30, 2026

20260130-ddi

Illustration by Google Gemini

Show Gemini's thinking

Kanji Translation
The kanji text in the illustration is:

念彼観音力

Romanization: Nen pi Kannon riki

Literal translation: Think of that Kannon's power.

The artist's signature and seal denoting "Gemini," as requested in your original prompt. It is composed of two parts:

1. Black Ink Calligraphy (The Signature)

Characters: ジェミニ

Script: Katakana (used for foreign words and names).

Reading: Jemini

Meaning: This is the phonetic transliteration of the English word "Gemini."

2. Red Seal (The Stamp)

Type: This is a traditional Japanese artist seal, known as a hanko or in'ei.

Characters inside: 双子座

Reading: Futago-za

Meaning:

双子 (Futago): Twins

座 (Za): Seat, constellation, or zodiac sign.

Together, they mean the Gemini constellation or zodiac sign.

Gemini Thinking

Defining the Scene
I'm currently focused on defining the initial scene from the Lotus Sutra, specifically where the bandits are impacted by thinking of Kannon. The challenge is distilling this complex idea into a single, square, illustrative image while adhering to the traditional Japanese painting aesthetic.

Composing the Illustration
I'm now working to compose the scene. My focus is on positioning the viewer centrally, surrounded by bandits with lowered weapons, juxtaposed against a glowing Kannon figure above. I'm aiming for the bandits' shift from aggression to compassion to be visually apparent through softened expressions. I am also planning on adding the Gemini stamp. My goal is to use Kannon's lotus, serene expression, and the bandits' rough clothing to build a cohesive narrative.

Analyzing Visual Depiction
I'm checking the depiction against the source material and the user's intent. The central figures are there and appear to capture a key narrative moment. I am continuing to evaluate the stylistic choices to ensure they align with the original request.

Verifying Artistic Alignment
I'm now comparing the visual elements to ensure a faithful interpretation. The composition focuses on core subjects, and I'm assessing the artwork's adherence to the original prompt. The square aspect and the kanji were as requested. I've noted the red stamp, and am checking the overall thematic appropriateness.

Suppose bandits are surrounding you,
And attempting to kill you with swords.
If you think of the power of World-Voice-Perceiver,
The bandits will become compassionate towards you.

The Buddha gives this description of World-Voice-Perceiver Bodhisattva (Kannon, Kanzeon, Kuan Yin, Avalokitesvara) to Endless-Intent Bodhisattva in Chapter Twenty-Five of the Lotus Sūtra. When we allow this Bodhisattva, the embodiment of compassion, into our minds, we realize the value of the connections we have with all beings, even those who are so deluded that they want to harm us. When we ourselves embody compassion, we should not be surprised when it awakens the compassion that is at the core of our existence.

The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com

WONS

Honzons of Buddhist Sects

Concisely speaking, the honzon (Most Venerable Ones) of Buddhist sects are as follows:

  • The three Hinayāna sects of Kusha (Chü-she), Jōjitsu (Ch’êng-shih, Establishment of Truth) and Ritsu (Lü, Precept) regard Śākyamuni Buddha appearing in this world in the capacity of the Inferior Accommodative Body as the Most Venerable One.
  • The honzon of the Flower Garland Sect is Vairocana Buddha in the Reward Body.
  • The Hossō (Dharma Characteristics) Sect regards Śākyamuni Buddha in the Superior Accommodative Body as the honzon.
  • The Sanron (Three Discourses) Sect also worships Śākyamuni in the Superior Accommodative Body.
  • The Shingon (True Word) Sect’s honzon is the Great Sun Buddha, whose Dharma Body resides in the Matrix-store Realm Mandala and Reward Body in the Diamond Realm Mandala.
  • Amitābha (the Buddha of Infinite Life), the Most Venerable One of the Jādo (Pure Land) Sect, is a Buddha in the Reward Body according to Shantao but in the Accommodative Body according to T’ien-t’ai. The Accommodative Body can be divided into two – inferior and superior.

Ichidai Goji Keizu, Genealogical Chart of the Buddha’s Lifetime Teachings in Five Periods, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Doctrine 3, Page 232

AI Contribution, Daily Dharma

Daily Dharma for January 29, 2026

20260129-ddi

Illustration by Google Gemini

Show Gemini's thinking

Kanji Translation
Top Right Text
This text is a Buddhist verse, likely from a sutra like the Lotus Sutra, which the painting depicts.

Kanji: 諸佛所說法 當演暢是經 Translation: "You should expound this sutra, which contains the Dharma taught by all the Buddhas."

諸佛 (Sho Butsu): All Buddhas

所說法 (Sho Setsu Hō): The Dharma (teachings) that was taught

當 (Tō): Should / Ought to

演暢 (En Chō): Expound / Proclaim fluently

是經 (Ze Kyō): This sutra

Bottom Left Text & Seal
This is the artist's signature and seal.

Kanji Signature: 双子座 Reading: Futagoza Translation: Gemini (the zodiac sign)

Red Seal: The stylized characters inside the red square seal are katakana. Katakana: ジェミニ Reading: Jemini Translation: Gemini

Gemini Thinking

Defining the Subject Matter
I'm presently analyzing the core thematic elements derived from the provided Dharma text to guide the illustration. Specifically, I'm concentrating on the concept of "fearlessness" and its connection to deeper understanding as outlined in the Lotus Sūtra. I am building a foundation based on this, to guide the visual elements.

Conceptualizing the Composition
I am now focusing on selecting a composition for the illustration, leaning towards a representation of Monju Bosatsu that communicates wisdom and fearlessness. The specific elements I plan to include are the lion, the sutra scroll, and the sword, all rendered in the traditional Japanese Buddhist style I am aiming for.

Refining the Composition
I am now focusing on the visual composition, deciding the elements. I've chosen Monju Bosatsu, seated on a lion and holding a sword and sutra scroll. I'll add two attendants and stylized pine trees. I'll place the figures on a cloud-shrouded mountain peak, with a golden halo and moonlit sky. I plan to incorporate a Dharma text in classical Kanji: 「諸佛所說法 / 當演暢是經」.

Formulating the Composition
I am now focusing on the illustration's structural framework, emphasizing Monju Bosatsu and the associated elements. I will include attendants, setting them against a mountain peak, and incorporating the Dharma text. I am also planning the artist's signature.

Verifying Iconography Detail
I'm checking the illustration to make sure it meets the user's criteria. I'm focusing on the details of the iconography, specifically the depiction of Monju Bosatsu on the lion. I'm evaluating its adherence to traditional Japanese Buddhist painting conventions.

Analyzing Artistic Conventions
I am now closely analyzing the generated image. My primary focus is verifying that the piece correctly employs traditional Japanese Buddhist painting conventions. I've assessed the depiction of Monju Bosatsu on the lion for adherence to the requested style, and the inclusion of specific kanji text. I'm ensuring everything aligns with the provided prompt.

They will expound the Dharma
Already taught by the past Buddhas.
Therefore, they will be fearless
Before the multitude.

The Buddha declares these lines to Constant-Endeavor Bodhisattva in Chapter Nineteen of the Lotus Sūtra, describing those who keep the Lotus Sūtra. By understanding fear, and demonstrating our fearlessness in this world of conflict, we can inspire and bring courage to other beings. One form of fear arises when we believe that we are in a situation that we cannot handle. This is simply a form of arrogance: believing that something is true when in reality we do not know that it is true. When the Buddha assures us who practice this Wonderful Dharma of the certainty of our future enlightenment, we then know how things will turn out. No matter what difficulties we find ourselves in, there are always more choices available to us. Often outcomes that seem horrible at the time can bring us more wisdom and compassion.

The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com

WONS

The Five Periods of Śākyamuni Buddha’s Lifetime Preaching

Śākyamuni Buddha’s lifetime preaching can be divided into five periods:

  1. The first is called the Flower Garland period, when the Buddha expounded the Flower Garland Sūtra for two or three weeks on the Diamond-seat under the Bodhi Tree for bodhisattvas in the Dharma Body during the eight meetings at seven places. The Flower Garland Sūtra is a provisional Mahayana teaching compared to the Lotus Sūtra, however, it is the distinct teaching (teaching for bodhisattvas) as well as the perfect teaching. The conclusion of this sūtra is in the Brahma-net Sūtra, which expounds the Mahayana precepts for bodhisattvas. …
  2. The second of the five periods is the Āgama (or Deer Park) period, when for 12 years Śākyamuni Buddha preached the Hinayana Āgama sūtras in the Deer Park in Bārāpasī and various other places in 16 great states. The Āgama sūtras roughly consists of four groups: Long Āgama Sūtras; Middle Length Āgama Sūtras; Increasing-by-One Āgama Sūtras; and Miscellaneous Āgama Sūtras. These sūtras preach such doctrines as the “four noble truths” (the truth of suffering, the truth regarding the cause of sufferings, the truth regarding the extinction of suffering, and the truth regarding the path to Nirvana) and the “eightfold holy path” (right views, thoughts, speech, acts, living, effort, mindfulness, and meditation), which preach for men of the Two Vehicles (śrāvaka and pratyekabuddha) that all things and phenomena are transient and void. The concluding sūtra is the Sūtra of Legacy Teachings preached just before Śākyamuni Buddha’s death as His final instruction to His disciples. This is known as the Hinayana precepts. …
  3. The third of the five periods is the Hōdō period, when Śākyamuni Buddha preached a variety of Mahayana sūtras. This period of preaching is said to have lasted eight years, sixteen years, or an indeterminate amount of years. The sūtras preached in this period include the Revealing the Profound and Secret Sūtra, the Necklace Sūtra, the Entering Laṅkā Sūtra, the Great Sun Buddha Sūtra, the Diamond Peak Sūtra, the Sūtra on the Act of Perfection, the Sūtra of the Buddha of Infinite Life, the Sūtra of Meditation on the Buddha of Infinite Life, and the Amitābha Sūtra. …
  4. The fourth of the five periods is the Hannya (Wisdom) period, when Śākyamuni Buddha preached the doctrine of void for 14 or 22 years. The Hannya sūtras include such as the Kōsan hannya, Kongō hannya, Tennōmon hannya, Maka hannya, Daibon hannya, Ninnō hannya, etc. The last mentioned is considered the conclusion of the Hannya sūtras. …
  5. The last of the five periods is the Lotus-Nirvana period, when the two sūtras of Lotus and Nirvana were preached. Of the two, the Lotus Sūtra is the principal text while the Nirvana Sūtra is like a gleaning after the harvest in autumn. Established on the basis of the Lotus Sūtra is the Tendai (T’ien-t’ai) School, which is also known by various designations such as the Lotus School, School Established by the Buddha, School Depended-on by Various Other Schools, Secret School, and Exoteric School of Illumination. The Sūtra of Meditation on the Buddha of Universal Sage Bodhisattva, the conclusion of the Lotus Sūtra, provided the spiritual foundation for the establishment of the Mahayana Perfect and Sudden Precept Dais on Mt. Hiei.

Ichidai Goji Keizu, Genealogical Chart of the Buddha’s Lifetime Teachings in Five Periods, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Doctrine 3, Pages 222-226

AI Contribution, Daily Dharma

Daily Dharma for January 28, 2026

20260128-ddi

Illustration by Google Gemini

Show Gemini's thinking

Kanji Translation
Top Right Box:

法華経譬喩 (Hokekyō Hiyu)

法華経 (Hokekyō): The Lotus Sutra

譬喩 (Hiyu): Parable

Translation: "The Parable of the Lotus Sutra" (This refers to the scene depicted, known as the Parable of the Burning House).

Bottom Right Signature:

双子 (Futago)

Translation: "Twins" (This is the artist's signature or pen name).

The red stamp below it is the artist's seal, which also contains stylized characters for the name.

Gemini Thinking

Defining Visual Metaphor
I am now focusing on distilling the essential elements of the parable into a square composition, considering that I should avoid direct representation of certain Buddhas. I am aiming to establish the visual metaphor for expedient means and how to portray the concept of liberation from suffering in the Buddhist context.

Visualizing Key Symbols
I'm working on the iconography now, visualizing a burning Japanese house with children engrossed in games, representing attachment. A serene Shakyamuni Buddha figures beckons from outside, and expedient means are depicted as three carts with glowing jewels. Finally, there's the single, greater cart to the side, representing the Lotus Sutra's path.

Constructing The Composition
I am now focusing on the components of the visual narrative. I'm prioritizing the visual storytelling by concentrating on the core message. I'm working through how to translate the parable's elements into the final image, emphasizing the house, children, the Buddha, and the carts. Now I'm considering text elements.

Assessing the Visuals
I'm verifying the visual elements against the initial requirements, confirming adherence to specifications like format and iconography. The exclusion parameters are also currently under review.

Confirming Prompt Adherence
I'm now cross-referencing the output against the original user input, focusing on the Parable of the Burning House depiction. I've confirmed that the image aligns with all exclusion criteria, including the square format and limited text, along with the precise inclusion of Japanese Buddhist iconography. All aspects are satisfactory.

When I saw that some people of little virtue and of much defilement were seeking the teachings of the Lesser Vehicle, I told them, ‘I renounced my family when I was young, and attained Anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi [forty and odd years ago].’ In reality I became the Buddha in the remotest past as I previously stated. I told them so as an expedient to teach them, to lead them into the Way to Buddhahood.

In Chapter Sixteen of the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha gives this explanation of a parable he tells in Chapter Three. In that story, the foolish children of a wise man were playing in a burning house. The man tried to warn his children of the dangers of the house, but the children were so preoccupied with their games they would not leave. Only when the man promised them better toys outside would the children leave the house. The words used by the wise man were meant to get the children out of the house, even though the toys did not exist. These words were necessary to motivate the children to set aside their delusions. They were not meant to be taken literally. We learn from this explanation how the Buddha uses words, and why we formerly needed his expedient teachings.

The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com

WONS

Five Kinds of Mistakes

The Collection Concerning the Immediate Attainment of Buddhahood [by Grand Master Jikaku] further states:

“First, speaking of the gist of the Lotus Sūtra, it is preached that various Buddhas have appeared in this world for the one important purpose and that all the people have the Buddha-nature. People will be able to attain Buddhahood if they hear and practice the teaching of the Lotus Sūtra. For what reason has the Buddha expounded the Three Inherent Potentials of the Buddha-nature (innate Buddha-nature, ‘wisdom’ to develop the innate Buddha-nature, and virtuous deeds which enable one to develop ‘wisdom’)? It is said in the first fascicle of the Dependent-Origination section of the Treatise on the Buddha-nature by Bodhisattva Vasubandhu that the Buddha insisted on the existence of the Buddha-nature in all the people for the purpose of helping them eliminate five kinds of mistakes and obtain five kinds of merit. The five kinds of mistakes are despicable mind, conceit, attachment to delusion, slandering the True Dharma and attachment to self-interest. On the other hand, the five kinds of merit are diligence, respect, wisdom, intelligence, and great compassion. It is ‘despicable’ to harbor doubts about the Buddha-nature in oneself and fail to aspire to Buddhahood; it is called ‘conceit’ to think that one has the Buddha-nature and can aspire to Buddhahood by oneself; it is the ‘attachment to delusion’ to believe that all things have substance though they actually exist only through conditions; it is ‘slandering the True Dharma’ to speak ill of the pure wisdom and virtue of all things; and it is called ‘attachment to self -interest’ to think only about oneself without compassion for all the people. We should eliminate these five kinds of mistakes, know the existence of the Buddha-nature in ourselves, and aspire to Buddhahood.”

Nizen Nijō Bosatsu Fu-sabutsu Ji, Never-Attaining Buddhahood by the Two Vehicles and Bodhisattvas in the Pre-Lotus Sūtras, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Doctrine 3, Page 207-208

AI Contribution, Daily Dharma

Daily Dharma for January 27, 2026

20260127-ddi

Illustration by Google Gemini

Show Gemini's thinking

Kanji Translation
1. Text on the Scroll
The text written on the scroll held by the monk is: 妙法蓮華経 (Myōhō Renge Kyō)

Translation: The Lotus Sutra (Full title: The Sutra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Law)

2. Text at the Bottom
The large text across the bottom of the illustration is: 南無妙法蓮華経 (Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō)

Translation: Devotion to the Lotus Sutra (or "I take refuge in the Lotus Sutra")

Gemini's Thinking

Defining the Iconography
I am now focusing on selecting and defining specific Japanese Buddhist iconography that aligns with Nichiren and the Lotus Sutra, while simultaneously excluding the Buddhas explicitly mentioned. This is a crucial step for producing a relevant image.

Refining the Composition
I am now organizing the visual elements I identified. I am leaning toward a composition that emphasizes the "mugwort grass" metaphor prominently, with Nichiren and the Lotus Sutra subtly integrated. I am considering how to represent the Odaimoku visually beyond just the kanji, perhaps through a figure chanting. The Eternal Buddha figure needs to be incorporated as a visual focal point, but not as the center of the image.

Formulating the Visual Prompt
I am now consolidating the elements I have identified into a cohesive visual description. I am striving to balance the depiction of Nichiren and the Lotus Sutra with the symbolic representation of the "mugwort grass" metaphor, and incorporating the concept of the Eternal Buddha. The style is Japanese woodblock print, with earthy tones and touches of gold. Kanji should be included, but limited.

Assessing Artistic Adherence
I'm verifying the illustration's correspondence with the prompt. The image presents a square, traditional Japanese-style illustration featuring Nichiren, mugwort in a hemp field, and the Odaimoku. The illustration avoids the use of prohibited elements and limits the presence of text, correctly depicting Shakyamuni Buddha. All requirements appear satisfied.

Confirming Compositional Accuracy
I'm now checking the illustration against the user's detailed specifications. The image aligns with the provided description, featuring the required square format and traditional Japanese style. It accurately represents Nichiren, the mugwort in the hemp field, and the Odaimoku, and depicts Shakyamuni Buddha as requested. There are no violations. The composition appears accurate.

I, Nichiren, sincerely keep the most profound Lotus Sutra among other sutras which have been preached, are being preached, and will be preached. I also chant Odaimoku, the heart of the sutra, by myself and teach others to chant it. Mugwort grass grows straight amidst the hemp field. Trees do not grow straight, but by cutting them straight, they become useful. If you chant the sutra as it instructs, your mind will be straightened. Be aware that is hard for us the chant even the title of the sutra unless the spirit of the Eternal Buddha enters into our bodies.

Nichiren wrote this passage in his Letter to Myomitsu Shonin (Myomitsu Shonin Gosho). This instruction ties together the practice of reciting devotion to the title of the Lotus Sūtra, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, and the mind of the ever-present Buddha Shakyamuni. It is through unimaginable deeds of merit that we have met this Sūtra in our lives and have the opportunity to use it to find the Buddha’s wisdom and benefit all beings in this world of conflict and delusion. We are also fortunate to have Nichiren as an example of how to bring this teaching to life. May our gratitude for the merits we have received strengthen our determination to transform the obstacles we face into opportunities we welcome.

The Daily Dharma is produced by the Lexington Nichiren Buddhist Community. To subscribe to the daily emails, visit zenzaizenzai.com