Category Archives: AI Contribution

AI Contribution

AI Magic

Going forward I intend to use Google’s AI tools to create illustrations for text. All of these illustrations will be categorized as AI Contribution. The illustration for today’s Daily Dharma is one example, but I want to explore other opportunies.

For example, I have a 1983 PDF document by Robert F. Rhodes entitled The Four Extensive Vows and Four Noble Truths in T’ien-t’ai Buddhism. I uploaded this to Google’s NotebookLM and asked it to produce an infographic based on the contents of the PDF document. Here’s the result:

four-vows-four-truths-illustration-web
Click to view PDF of image
AI Contribution, Daily Dharma

Daily Dharma for April 23, 2026

20260423-ddi

Illustration by Google Gemini

Show Gemini's thinking

Gemini Thinking

In this square illustration, I have depicted Chapter Seventeen of the Lotus Sūtra, focusing on the dynamic between Śākyamuni Buddha and Maitreya (Ajita) to explore the path of enlightenment.

Śākyamuni Buddha is shown here seated upon his throne, directly addressing the Bodhisattva Maitreya, who stands respectfully with palms together. They are surrounded by a diverse array of figures—human practitioners, other Bodhisattvas, and celestial deities—all united in their devotion and their effort to share and preserve the Wonderful Dharma.

A prominent stone stūpa rises in the foreground, representing the physical and spiritual "place of enlightenment" that the sūtra describes. This stūpa symbolizes the transformation of any space where the sūtra is practiced into a sacred temple, deserving of the highest offerings from both gods and men. By centering the composition around this sacred structure and the figures who uphold the teaching, this illustration visually emphasizes that a practitioner who brings this wisdom to life is indeed the equal of the Buddha.

Ajita! Any good man or woman who keeps, reads, or recites this sūtra after my extinction, also will be able to obtain these merits. Know this! He or she should be considered to have already reached the place of enlightenment, approached Anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi, and sat under the tree of enlightenment. Ajita! Erect a stūpa in the place where he or she sat, stood or walked! All gods and men should make offerings to that stūpa just as they do to the stūpa of a Buddha.

Śākyamuni Buddha gives this explanation to Maitreya (whom he calls Ajita – Invincible) in Chapter Seventeen of the Lotus Sūtra. In this mysterious description, the Buddha seems to say that anyone who practices this Lotus Sūtra as it instructs is his equal, that this person deserves as much respect as the Buddha himself. In this world of conflict it is rare to even find this teaching, and even more rare to practice it. The Buddha encourages Bodhisattvas such as Maitreya and other protective deities to serve and care for those who bring the Buddha’s greatest wisdom to life. When we practice the Wonderful Dharma, it is as if the Buddha himself appears among us.

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

AI Contribution, Daily Dharma

Daily Dharma for April 22, 2026

20260422-ddi

Illustration by Google Gemini

Show Gemini's thinking

Gemini Thinking

This illustration visualizes a core concept from Chapter 23 of the Lotus Sutra, illustrating the superiority of spiritual practice and the transmission of the Dharma over material offerings, regardless of their scale. At the top, seated on a cloud, are the divine figures: on the left, the cartouche reads 釈迦牟尼仏 (Śākyamuni Buddha), and on the right, 宿王華菩薩 (Star-King-Flower Bodhisattva). Below, the scene contrasts two acts of merit: on the left, a figure (likely a king) offers "mountains of treasures" composed of vast heaps of gems and wealth. In contrast, on the right, a monk in patched robes is shown sitting reverently, reciting from a glowing scroll that emanates light and Sanskrit syllables, symbolizing the true, immeasurable merit of receiving, maintaining, and sharing the profound teachings of the Lotus Sutra. Lay listeners are depicted receiving the teaching. In the bottom-right corner, the traditional artist signature reads 双子座 (Futagoza, or "Gemini") with a red square seal containing the katakana text ジェミニ (Jemini).

But the merits to be given to the person who fills the one thousand million Sumeru-worlds with the seven treasures and offers that amount of the seven treasures to the Buddhas, to the Great Bodhisattvas, to the Pratyekabuddhas, and to the Arhats, are less than the merits to be given to the person who keeps even a single gāthā of four lines of this Sūtra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma.

Śākyamuni Buddha gives this explanation to Star-King-Flower Bodhisattva in Chapter Twenty-Three of the Lotus Sūtra. Generosity is the first of the perfections of a Bodhisattva, a being who vows to delay their own enlightenment so that they can benefit others. The offering of material goods helps remove the suffering caused by our sense of self-importance, and prepares us for the Buddha’s highest teaching. By offering the Buddha’s wisdom, embodied in this Lotus Sūtra, we benefit all beings.

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

AI Contribution, Daily Dharma

Daily Dharma for April 21, 2026

20260421-ddi

Illustration by Google Gemini

His wonderful voice [comes from] his perceiving the voice of the world.
It is like the voice of Brahman, like the sound of a tidal wave.
It excels all the other voices of the world.
Therefore, think of him constantly!

Śākyamuni 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. This Bodhisattva is the embodiment of compassion. When we allow ourselves to hear and be present for all of the suffering that happens in the world, then we are hearing compassion. When we have the courage not to run away from misery but to face it and live through it, we bring this Bodhisattva to life in our world and inspire compassion in all beings.

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

AI Contribution, Daily Dharma

Daily Dharma for April 20, 2026

20260420-ddi

Illustration by Google Gemini

Show Gemini's thinking

Gemini Thinking

In this square illustration, I have visually translated the dual themes of impermanence and the eternal nature of life as taught in the Lotus Sūtra and discussed by Nichiren.

The top section illustrates the transient nature of existence—the concept of "Mujo" (無常)—as defined in the provided passage. The monk Nichiren sits on the left, observing the metaphorical "dew before the wind." He contemplates the last moment of life, represented here by stylized breath leaving a figure and dissolving into a dark shadow. Following this path, you can see the wise and the ignorant, the aged and the young, all walking together as they approach the end of their uncertainty.

The bottom section illustrates "Jōjū" (常住), the eternal reality revealed in the Lotus Sūtra. I have depicted the "eternal" Śākyamuni Buddha, not as the historical figure who entered parinirvana, but as the cosmic manifestation that sees the world differently—a perspective where living beings are truly neither born nor die. He is radiating light and holding a scroll of the "Myōhō Renge Kyō" (妙法蓮華経). From this perspective, time is abundant and life is continuous, and he is accompanied by numerous attendees, including a direct depiction of the recipient of Nichiren's letter, the nun Myōhō, on the left.

The artist’s signature and seal are included in the bottom right corner, featuring the Kanji "双子座" and the Katakana "ジェミニ."

As I contemplate my own life, I, Nichiren, have studied Buddhism ever since I was a child. Our life is uncertain, as exhaling one’s breath one moment does not guarantee drawing it the next; it is as transient as the dew before the wind and its end occurs suddenly to everyone, the wise and the ignorant, the aged and the young. I thought I should study the matter of the last moment of life first of all, before studying anything else.

Nichiren wrote this passage in his Reply to My Lady, the Nun Myōhō (Myōhō-ama Gozen Gohenji). Śākyamuni Buddha taught that everything that comes together falls apart. Everything that is born must die. Then in the Lotus Sūtra he taught that he sees the world differently. For him living beings have neither birth nor death, they do not appear nor disappear. For each of us, the death of our bodies is certain. As Nichiren instructs, it is beneficial to meditate on this fact and not live in denial of our mortality. At the same time, when we see with the Buddha’s mind, we realize that our lives are not the end of the story. Time and life are abundant, but it it still important to waste neither.

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

AI Contribution, Daily Dharma

Daily Dharma for April 19, 2026

20260419-ddi

Illustration by Google Gemini

Show Gemini's thinking

Gemini Thinking

Here is an illustration depicting the scene from Chapter Twelve of the Lotus Sūtra. At the top sits Śākyamuni Buddha, the teacher of the Dharma. To the left is the Bodhisattva Mañjuśrī, who has just called forth the six-year-old daughter of the dragon-king Sāgara. You can see her in the foreground, with her spiritual transformation and sudden enlightenment indicated by the subtle golden aura. Also included are members of the skeptical congregation witnessing this extraordinary event.

The kanji in the upper left corner of the image read 法華経 提婆達多品.

Here is the translation:

法華経 (Hokkekyō): The Lotus Sutra

提婆達多品 (Daibadatta-hon): The Devadatta Chapter (Chapter 12)

The kanji signature and hanko seal (双子座 / ジェミニ) are placed subtly in the bottom right corner as requested.

Only you know that I [am qualified to] attain Bodhi
Because I heard [the Dharma].
I will expound the teachings of the Great Vehicle
And save all living beings from suffering.

These verses are sung to Śākyamuni Buddha by the six-year-old daughter of the dragon-king Sāgara in Chapter Twelve of the Lotus Sūtra. She appeared before the congregation when called by the Bodhisattva Mañjuśrī from whom she had been taught the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sūtra. Most of those gathered did not believe that such a young creature, much less a female, could reach the same enlightenment as the Buddha. But then before their eyes, she made all the transformations necessary and began to teach the Wonderful Dharma herself.

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

AI Contribution, Daily Dharma

Daily Dharma for April 18, 2026

20260418-ddi

Illustration by Google Gemini

Show Gemini's thinking

Gemini Thinking

In this square illustration, inspired by the Shō Hokke Daimoku-shō, I have visually interpreted Nichiren’s warning about the dangers of rejecting the Buddha’s scriptures. The composition features three figures—a nobleman, a monk, and a commoner—who embody the distinct categories of people mentioned in the text. By neglecting the holy sutras, they fall into the grip of dark, whispering devils, symbolizing the confusion and selfish desire that arise when true teachings are abandoned. This internal spiritual decay is reflected externally in the background, where a once-harmonious society collapses into a desolate and fractured landscape, illustrating how personal neglect of the Dharma can ultimately destroy a nation.

Upon seeing such passages in various sutras as “The truth lies beyond language,” and “It is found where the mind is extinguished,” they will embrace an evil thought that the holy scriptures of the Buddha do not reveal his true Enlightenment. As a result, devils get hold of these three categories of people in the Latter Age of Degeneration, and even destroy the country.

Nichiren wrote this passage in his Treatise on Chanting the Great Title of the Lotus Sūtra (Shō Hokke Daimoku-shō). He reminds us that even though words are limited, we must not cast out the Buddha’s true teaching as unable to lead us to enlightenment. We can revere the Buddha Dharma without making it into a dogma. When we ignore completely what the Buddha left for us, what remains is our own selfish desires and confusion. When the individuals in a society are focused only on their own personal benefit, how can that society survive?

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

AI Contribution, Daily Dharma

Daily Dharma for April 17, 2026

20260417-ddi

Illustration by Google Gemini

Show Gemini's thinking

Gemini Thinking

In this square illustration, I have depicted the pivotal moment from Chapter Seven of the Lotus Sūtra. Śākyamuni Buddha sits at the center on a multi-tiered lotus throne, his hands holding a scroll that clearly reads '妙法蓮華經' (Myōhō Renge Kyō)—the Lotus Sūtra of the Wonderful Dharma.

He is surrounded by the assembly he promised to collect: above him are the Bodhisattvas, with Manjusri riding his lion to the Buddha's right and Samantabhadra upon the white elephant to the left. Below, the Śrāvakas, with shaven heads and monastic robes, have entered a state of dhyāna-concentration, their pure hearts and firm faith symbolized by the countless lotuses blooming in the serene mountain landscape. In the bottom left, I have placed my signature with the Kanji 双子座 (Gemini) and the red hanko seal containing the Katakana ジェミニ (Gemini).

Bhikṣus! I will collect Bodhisattvas and Śrāvakas and expound this sūtra to them when I realize that the time of my Nirvāṇa is drawing near, that the living beings have become pure in heart, that they can understand the truth of the Void by firm faith, and that they have already entered deep into dhyāna-concentration.

Śākyamuni Buddha gives this explanation in Chapter Seven of the Lotus Sūtra. When we encounter even the smallest part of the Lotus Sūtra, it is because of all the wonderful things we have accomplished both in this life and in previous lives. Because we hear and practice this Sūtra, we are the Bodhisattvas who have vowed to benefit all beings and the Śrāvakas who have heard and practiced the teaching for their own benefit and are now awakening to the Bodhisattva path. The Buddha sees into the purity of our hearts, even though we may believe we are clouded by delusion and ignorance. He knows we can understand his teaching no matter how inadequate or unworthy we may think we are. No one besides us can bring the Buddha’s teachings to life and purify this world of suffering. This Wonderful Dharma helps us keep sight of who we are and what we are here to do.

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

AI Contribution, Daily Dharma

Daily Dharma for April 16, 2026

20260416-ddi

Illustration by Google Gemini

Show Gemini's thinking

Gemini Thinking

In this square illustration, I have visually translated Nichiren’s commentary from the Shishin Gohon-Shō regarding the states of Great Concentration and Insight. I have depicted Shakyamuni Buddha at the center as the source of the Wonderful Dharma.

The scene contrasts the "True Teaching" with "Provisional Teachings" to illustrate the concept that the truer the teaching, the lower the required stage of the practitioner. On the left, a simple figure of pure faith, representing all beings, is directly illuminated by the Buddha’s mind, showing how the Lotus Sūtra is accessible even at a low stage of practice. In contrast, on the right, a scholar monk is surrounded by the intellectual labor of the provisional teachings, which required a high state of intellectual or meditative skill from those enlightened by them. This image reminds us that we do not need to rely on our own cleverness to harmonize with the seed of enlightenment within us.

Annotations on the Great Concentration and Insight states: “The passage cited about the earlier teachings correctly distinguishes between the provisional and the true. This is because it explains the truer the teaching the lower the stage (of those enlightened by it); whereas the more provisional the teaching the higher the state must be (of those enlightened by it).”

Nichiren wrote this passage in his Treatise on The Four Depths of Faith and Five Stages of Practice (Shishin Gohon-Shō). The passage from T’ien-t’ai he quotes reminds us that we do not need to rely on our own talents or intelligence to become enlightened. The highest teaching of the Lotus Sūtra is meant for all beings, wise or simple, clever or stupid. The Buddha’s provisional teachings were intended to match the minds of those who heard them. But the Wonderful Dharma is the Buddha’s own mind, harmonizing with the seed of enlightenment within us all.

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

AI Contribution, Daily Dharma

Daily Dharma for April 15, 2026

20260415-ddi

Illustration by Google Gemini

Show Gemini's thinking

Gemini Thinking

In this square illustration, I have visually interpreted Nichiren’s letter by weaving together four key allegories within a unified landscape. The visual narrative is as follows:

Top Left: I have illustrated a vast expanse of golden fish eggs, where only a precious few are shown developing into fully formed fish, symbolizing potential versus realization.

Top Right: A detailed branch of a mango tree shows hundreds of blossoms scattered by the wind, with only two distinct fruits remaining to mature.

Bottom Left: An army of samurai in detailed armor represents the search for truth, with one brave warrior emerging from the crowd to demonstrate true courage and resolve.

Center Path: A spiritual seeker is shown ascending a winding path toward a serene, radiant Buddha figure. Along the way, other figures are turned aside and distracted by mischievous demons, illustrating how worldly attachments can hinder one's path to enlightenment.

In accordance with your request, I have included the artist’s signature and seal in the bottom right corner: the Kanji 双子座 (Gemini) and a red square hanko stamp containing the Katakana ジェミニ (Gemini)..

There are thousands of fish eggs, but few become fish. Hundreds of mango blossoms bloom, but few become fruit. It is the same with human beings, because most people are turned aside by evil distractions. There is an army of warriors wearing armor, but few are able to fight bravely. Many people search for truth, but few attain Buddhahood.

Nichiren wrote this passage in his Letter to Lord Matsuno. In Nichiren’s lifetime he saw many of his followers charmed by his teaching, but lacking the resolve to practice. This letter was one of many Nichiren used to encourage us not to waste our precious human life with frivolous pursuits, destructive actions, and selfish desires. It reminds us that we all carry the seed of Buddha nature, and to look for ways to nourish that seed.

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

AI Contribution, Daily Dharma

Daily Dharma for April 14, 2026

20260414-ddi

Illustration by Google Gemini

Show Gemini's thinking

Gemini Thinking

This square, Japanese woodblock-style illustration depicts Nichiren Daishonin (日蓮) on the left, identified by his monk's robes and a halo, counseling his disciple, the samurai Shijō Kingo (四条金吾) on the right. Kingo is shown in traditional armor, representing his samurai status. The scene symbolizes the theme of unity and the danger of an angry temperament, as mentioned in the text. In the background, dark clouds symbolize potential enemies and political danger, while the protective aura around the two suggests the spiritual benefits of their connection. Japanese calligraphy in the background includes the title "Emperor Shushun Letter" (崇峻天皇御書), "Brotherly Unity" (兄弟抄), and "Caution Against Anger" (瞋恚を慎む).

[Translation of Kanji]

日蓮: Nichiren

四条金吾: Shijō Kingo

崇峻天皇御書: Emperor Shushun Letter (Sushun Tennō Gosho)

兄弟抄: Brotherly Unity (Kyōdai-shō)

瞋恚を慎む: Caution Against Anger (Shinni o tsutsushimu)

兄弟不和: Brotherly Discord (Crossed out)

双子座: Gemini (Artist Signature)

ジェミニ: Gemini (Hanko seal)

The square illustration uses traditional woodblock print textures to portray this historical dialogue. Behind Nichiren and Kingo, dark, swirling clouds symbolize political strife, contrasting with a subtle radiant halo that reflects the protective merit of the Lotus Sutra. In the bottom left corner, you will find the required Kanji signature 双子座 next to a small, traditional red seal containing the katakana ジェミニ.

Enemies find it difficult to attack when two people are together. Therefore, do not keep your brothers at a distance even for a brief period, regardless of what faults they may have; always be close to them. Whenever you get angry, it is clearly written on your face. Please remember that at no time do gods or deities protect those who are short tempered. It is true that you are destined to become a Buddha, but isn’t it regrettable for you to get hurt, pleasing your enemy and causing us grief?

Nichiren wrote this passage in his “Emperor Shushun” Letter (Sushun Tennō Gosho) addressed to his disciple Shijō Kingo. Nichiren knew the temperament of this Samurai warrior, and gave him detailed instructions for how to navigate the political hazards he faced. No matter how vindictive his Lord Ema became, Nichiren reminded him to persist in leading Ema by the Buddha Dharma and to rely on those who kept the Lotus Sūtra with him. As a result, Kingo outlived both Ema and Nichiren himself and is well known as one of Nichiren’s first followers.

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