Category Archives: Daily Dharma

AI Contribution, Daily Dharma

Daily Dharma for December 26, 2025

20251226-ddi

Illustration by Google Gemini

Show Gemini's thinking

Developing Visual Concepts
I'm currently focused on translating the concept of hidden Bodhisattva practice, as described in the Lotus Sutra, into a visually coherent image. I'm exploring how to represent this notion of concealed enlightenment within the framework of traditional Japanese Buddhist painting. I am also considering the square format requirement for Instagram.

Conceptualizing Composition Elements
I'm now integrating the elements from the Lotus Sutra into a composition for the square format illustration. I'm focusing on the Śrāvaka and the emergent Bodhisattva within. The goal is to depict the hidden nature of enlightenment. I'm using warm colors, gold accents, and a mandala-like central emblem to create a serene, transformative, feeling. The Lotus Sutra verse will be incorporated as calligraphy.

Evaluating Visual Fidelity
I'm currently assessing the visual fidelity of the image generated, cross-referencing it with the user's initial instructions to determine its accuracy. I'm focusing on how well it renders the square Instagram format and the Buddhist illustration style. I'm also examining the depiction of the specific figures and actions described in the user's prompt.

Analyzing Composition and Content
I'm now examining how the core elements of the user's prompt are visually communicated. The quote integration is successful. The illustration style aligns well, and the depicted figures match the requested monks. The square aspect ratio requested is also accurately rendered. The image accurately portrays the scene with Śrāvakas revealing their Bodhisattva nature. I am confident in passing this on.

My disciples are performing
The Bodhisattva practices secretly
Though they show themselves in the form of Śrāvakas.
They are purifying my world.

The Buddha sings these verses in Chapter Eight of the Lotus Sūtra. The Śrāvakas are those who hear the teachings of the Buddha and put it into practice only for themselves. They are concerned with ending their own suffering and do not believe they have the capacity to reach the Buddha’s enlightenment. But because they can serve as an example to those who are also unsure about receiving this great wisdom, they can be an inspiration to make progress on the path. With the Lotus Sūtra, the Buddha declares that all beings have the capacity for enlightenment, and reveals that all of our pursuits are for the sake of benefiting others. It is when we realize this directly and openly that we perform the Bodhisattva practice, the selfless effort of awakening the world.

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 December 25, 2025

20251225-ddi

Illustration by Google Gemini

Show Gemini's thinking

Comprehending the Request
I'm focusing on the user's intent: a square image that visually narrates a Buddhist story, using Japanese visual motifs. I'm actively breaking down the narrative elements to identify key scenes and symbols suitable for illustration. I'm looking for a straightforward approach that emphasizes symbolic storytelling.

Mapping Visual Elements
I'm now refining the visual elements. I'm focusing on the characters: the Dragon King's daughter, the Buddha (Shaka Nyorai), and the Bodhisattvas, including Mañjuśrī. I'm exploring how to depict the moment of transformation within a square format, ensuring the traditional Japanese Buddhist painting style is evident. I'm considering compositions that effectively show the characters' expressions and the daughter's offering.

Formulating a Composition
I'm presently focused on the composition, trying to balance key elements within the square frame. I'm prioritizing the dynamic transformation of the Dragon King's daughter. I need to make sure the presence of the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas are visible, as well as the symbolic impact of the offering. The goal is to emphasize the power of the event, and I'm deciding on how the composition will guide the viewer's eye. I'm making sure to include the quote in calligraphy.

Confirming Visual Elements
I'm checking that the generated image satisfies the user's request. It's a square illustration in a Japanese Buddhist iconography style and depicts the Dragon-King's daughter offering a gem to the Buddha. The figures seem to be accurate, and the aura appears to be golden.

Evaluating The Composition
I'm now assessing the illustration's adherence to the original brief. It's indeed square and styled after Japanese Buddhist iconography, with the intended subject matter. The daughter, gem, and Buddha are all clearly present, alongside a golden aura. The incorporation of the relevant quote on a scroll appears appropriate.

She said, “Look at me with your supernatural powers! I will become a Buddha more quickly.”

These are the words of the young daughter of Dragon-King Sāgara in Chapter Twelve of the Lotus Sūtra. Mañjuśrī Bodhisattva knew that she was capable of becoming a Buddha, but none of the other Bodhisattvas or anyone else gathered to hear the Buddha teach believed that she could attain enlightenment. Before making this statement, she offered a priceless gem to the Buddha. In less time than it took for the Buddha to accept her offering, she herself became a Buddha before the eyes of all who doubted her. This story shows that all beings can become enlightened, male and female, young and old, human and non-human. When we lose our doubts about others’ enlightenment, we also lose our doubts about our own.

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 December 24, 2025

20251224-ddi

Illustration by Google Gemini

Show Gemini's thinking

Focusing on Buddhist themes
I'm now zeroing in on the Buddhist aspects requested. I've broken down the central quote from the Lotus Sūtra and am evaluating the key elements that need to be visually present to convey the core meaning. Next, I need to come up with ideas to communicate the themes effectively. The next iteration will refine these concepts into something more concrete.

Refining visual concepts
I am now translating the text into visual elements. The central scroll represents the "king of sūtras", with the Buddha and Medicine-King Bodhisattva. Smaller scrolls symbolize the criticism of other teachings. A path will lead to a halo, representing the Buddha's wisdom. I will incorporate Japanese iconography, such as cherry blossoms, pagodas, and clouds, into the art to achieve the desired effect. The artwork will follow a 1:1 aspect ratio.

Conceptualizing the composition
I'm solidifying the visual framework for this piece. The main scroll will anchor the composition, symbolizing the Lotus Sūtra's preeminence. I'm placing the Buddha and Medicine-King Bodhisattva centrally, and using smaller scrolls to represent subordinate teachings. The path to enlightenment will guide the eye towards the central halo. I'll employ traditional Japanese elements like cherry blossoms, pagodas, and clouds to achieve the desired aesthetic and mood.

Verifying the Illustration
I'm checking that the generated image satisfies the user's request. It's a square format suitable for Instagram, and it includes the specified Buddhist iconography: the Buddha and Medicine-King Bodhisattva. The crucial element, the quote from the Lotus Sūtra, is also present.

Confirming the Composition
I've confirmed that the image aligns with the user's criteria. It's properly formatted as a square, suitable for Instagram, and features the requested Buddhist elements: the Buddha and Medicine-King Bodhisattva. The key quote from the Lotus Sūtra is also incorporated as requested. I am now preparing the image for delivery.

In this profound sūtra
The teachings for the Śrāvakas are criticized.
Those who hear
That this sūtra is the king of all the sūtras,
And think over this sūtra clearly after hearing it,
Know this, will approach the wisdom of the Buddha.

The Buddha sings these verses to Medicine-King Bodhisattva in Chapter Ten of the Lotus Sūtra. He has already declared that the sūtra he is teaching is the closest to his own wisdom, that it is different from anything he has taught before, and that it is the teaching for Bodhisattvas. The expedient teachings he gave to Śrāvakas before this sūtra were limited because they did not show the way to enlightenment for all beings. As we keep this sūtra in our minds, and learn to recognize it in our daily lives, we not only approach our own enlightenment, we lead all beings to enjoy the Buddha’s wisdom.

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 December 23, 2025

20251223-ddi

Illustration by Google Gemini

Show Gemini's thinking

Considering Core Concepts
I'm currently focused on the central ideas of the Buddhist text. The key elements are suffering caused by ignorance and the cyclical nature of rebirth, visualized as "blindness" and "darkness" leading to "evil regions." I'm trying to decide how to represent these complex ideas visually in a single, square Instagram-friendly illustration.

Refining Visual Metaphors
I'm now focusing on a way to visually divide the illustration into sections. I'm exploring the use of traditional Japanese Buddhist imagery, like emakimono and sumi-e techniques, to depict the key concepts. I'm experimenting with placing the Buddha figure above the darkness. Also, I am attempting to ensure that the Lotus Sutra is included with the Buddha.

Conceptualizing Compositional Elements
I'm now focusing on arranging the elements within the square format. I'm considering a clear visual division, with darkness and suffering occupying the lower section and the enlightened realm above. The Buddha, radiating light, will be central, possibly seated on a lotus, and holding the Lotus Sutra. I'm exploring how to include figures from the lower section reaching upward towards the light.

Analyzing The Visuals
I'm currently evaluating the visual execution of the concept. It seems to adhere well to the described Japanese Buddhist art style and effectively communicates the interplay between suffering and liberation. The central figure resonates as a beacon of light, guiding those in darkness. The composition seems to successfully capture the essence of the user's prompt.

Evaluating the Relevance
I've examined the latest iteration and found it to completely align with the user's focus on suffering and liberation through the chosen aesthetic. The central Buddha figure is indeed the guiding light, and all elements contribute to the requested feel. The square format works well. It fulfills the user's intent.

Kanji translation
Top Left Text: 一切衆生、苦悩に沈む。

一切衆生 (Issai Shujō): All sentient beings (all living things)

苦悩に沈む (Kunō ni Shizumu): Sink into suffering (or agony)

Translation: "All sentient beings sink into suffering."

Text on the Scroll: 妙法蓮華経

妙法蓮華経 (Myōhō Renge Kyō): The Lotus Sutra (The Sutra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Law)

All living beings are suffering.
Being blind, they have no leader.
They do not know how to stop suffering,
Or that they should seek emancipation.
In the long night fewer people go to heaven,
And more people go to the evil regions.
They go from darkness to darkness, and do not hear
Of the names of the Buddhas.

The children of Great-Universal-Wisdom-Excellence Buddha proclaim this to their father in a story told by Śākyamuni Buddha in Chapter Seven of the Lotus Sūtra. They understand that when beings are so preoccupied with their own happiness, and so convinced that this happiness comes from what they can acquire, that they need an enlightened being to lead them to see the world as it is. With the Lotus Sūtra as the embodiment of the Buddha’s highest teaching, we have the same wisdom present to us as those children’s father was to them.

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 December 22, 2025

Daily Dharma illustration

Illustration by Google Gemini

Show Gemini's thinking

Composing Visuals
I'm focusing on the user's request for a square illustration using Japanese Buddhist iconography for an Instagram post. I've broken down the request into its core components: format, style (Japanese Buddhist), and subject (a scene from the Lotus Sutra, specifically a discussion between the Buddha and his aunt). My aim is to accurately represent the discussion, while adhering to the specified format and style.

Crafting the Scene
I'm now carefully mapping out the elements to ensure the scene from the Lotus Sutra resonates within a square format. I'm focusing on the interaction between the Buddha and Mahā-Prajāpatī Gautamī, ensuring their poses and expressions convey the essence of their conversation. The visual emphasis will be on their interaction, with the surrounding elements serving as supporting context, all while respecting the traditional Japanese Buddhist aesthetic. My aim is a visually engaging and spiritually resonant composition.

Verifying Image Accuracy
I'm verifying that the image matches the user's specific request. It is a square illustration with Buddhist iconography as the style, for use on Instagram, and represents the requested figures, including the exact quote.

Assessing Prompt Alignment
I'm now focusing on the image's adherence to the original prompt, which specified a square format, Buddhist iconography, and the inclusion of specific figures and a quote. I've confirmed that these details are all present and accurately represented. The alignment of the visual elements and the text is as requested.

Why do you look at me so anxiously? You do not think that I assured you of your future attainment of Anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi because I did not mention you by name, do you? Gautamī! I have already said that I assured all the Śrāvakas of their future attainment [of Anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi]. Now you wish to know my assurance of your future attainment [of Anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi].

The Buddha has this discussion with his aunt, Mahā-Prajāpatī, also called Gautamī, in Chapter Thirteen of the Lotus Sutra. She raised the young Siddhartha after his mother Queen Māyā died when he was only six weeks old. Gautamī was also the first woman to be ordained into the Sangha. Since women then were thought by some to be not as capable as men, the Buddha specifically assures Gautamī, and thus all women, of the certainty of her enlightenment.

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

AI Contribution, Blog, Daily Dharma

The Illustrated Daily Dharma

I’m considering using Google’s AI to illustrate Rev. Shinkyo Warner’s Daily Dharma. Here’s some examples. (Click on image for full-size.)

To see a Buddha is as difficult
As to see an udumbara[-flower].
To avert a misfortune is also difficult.

These verses are sung by two sons of a king in a story told by the Buddha in Chapter Twenty-Seven of the Lotus Sūtra. In the story, the boys have heard the Dharma from a previous Buddha and are asking permission from their parents to leave home and follow that Buddha. The legend of the udumbara flower is that it only blooms every 3000 years. Meeting a Buddha is not to be taken for granted. However, it is still important to remember the ties of our families. Rather than leaving in secret from their home, the sons’ asking permission from their parents creates more benefits. The King and Queen accompany their sons and learn the Wonderful Dharma. As Bodhisattvas it is important to use our relationships wisely as we lead all beings to enlightenment.

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

The Buddha is great, but compared to the Lotus Sutra He is like the light of a firefly in front of the sun and moon. When compared in terms of height, the Buddha is like the earth while the Lotus Sutra reaches the heavens. If making offerings to the Buddha has such great merit, how much more so does one gain by making offerings to the Lotus Sutra?

Nichiren wrote this passage in a Reply to Lord Ueno (Ueno-dono Gohenji). When we encounter someone we consider great because of their fame, their wisdom, or anything else that leads them to be dear to us, our natural inclination is to show our gratitude to them by offering them gifts or services. When we learn about the Buddha, his life and what he taught us, even from a distance of 2500 years, we cannot help but be grateful for everything he has done to benefit us and all beings. But, as Nichiren instructs, when we realize the treasure of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sūtra, and how it is the embodiment of the Ever-Present Buddha who continues to teach all beings through all worlds and all time, our gratitude to it is even greater. We make offerings to the Sūtra through our practice, our determination not to allow suffering to dictate what we do, but to cultivate the wisdom and compassion within us, and repay the Ever-Present Buddha with the enlightenment of all beings.

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

There is a daughter of Dragon-King Sāgara [among those whom I taught]. She is eight years old. She is clever. She knows the karmas of all living beings. She obtained dhāraṇīs. She keeps all the treasury of the profound and hidden core expounded by the Buddhas. She entered deep into dhyāna-concentration, and understood all teachings. She aspired for Bodhi in a kṣana, and reached the stage of irrevocability. She is eloquent without hindrance. She is compassionate towards all living beings just as a mother is towards her babe. She obtained all merits. Her thoughts and words are wonderful and great. She is compassionate, humble, gentle and graceful. She [has already been qualified to] attain Bodhi[, and to become a Buddha quickly].

The Bodhisattva Mañjuśrī gives this description in Chapter Twelve of the Lotus Sūtra. This is his response to the question of whether any of the beings in the sea whom he taught will become a Buddha quickly. Those hearing his answer did not expect that a woman, much less a girl, much less a nonhuman being such as a dragon could reach the same enlightenment as the Buddha. Mañjuśrī’s response shows that all beings have within us the capability of developing the qualities that allow us to see things as they are and benefit all beings.

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

Using Google’s Gemini I upload a reference image showing the two panel format and style. I then prompt Gemini:

Use the uploaded photo as guideline for two-panel style

Reproduce this text verbatim (the first paragraph is a quote, second a commentary and third is smaller credit line) and create an illustration

Here I add the text of the Daily Dharma.

Takes less than a minute to create one of these.

The three examples illustrate that Gemini is not consistent in following the reference style, but the quality of the product is undeniable.

Blog, Daily Dharma, Promises

The Next 10 Years

Ryusho Jeffus Shonin inspired my efforts here back in 2015. In his book, “The Magic City: Studying the Lotus Sutra,” Ryusho relates the Parable of the Magic City” in Chapter 7 to our personal practice.

To reach the place of treasure requires traveling a dangerous, bad road five hundred yojanas long. As Ryusho explains: “Yojana is both a measurement of distance as well as time. Simply stated, a yojana is the distance an ox-cart can travel in one day.”

He asks his readers: “I wonder what you could accomplish in your life if you made a commitment from today for 500 days to practice on a regular consistent basis towards the achievement of some change in your life? Would you be able to travel the entire 500 days without giving up or abandoning or forgetting your goal and effort?”

But, really, 500 days is not long. Soon after I started this website, Ryusho suggested a 10-year timeframe would be more useful for judging the merits of the practice of Nichiren Buddhism.

And here I am today, having completed ten years on this journey.

Now I start the next 10 years.

Back in 2022 during my 800 Years of Faith Project, I wrote:

Each time as I cycle through the 32 Days of the Lotus Sutra (which, of course, is actually 34 days with the addition the Sutra of Innumerable Meanings and the Contemplation of Universal Sage) I am struck by the promises offered to everyone. This is especially true in Chapter 2.

“Any Śrāvaka or Bodhisattva
Who hears even a gāthā
Of this sūtra which I am to expound
Will undoubtedly become a Buddha.”

I believe it is these promises that have made the Lotus Sutra so important in Asia and why it translates so well as it is introduced to new readers. How can we not have faith?

At the start of last year, I proposed creating a 365-day collection of those promises contained in the Lotus Sutra. Today I’ll start posting them. These will replace my reprinting of Shinkyo Warner Shonin’s Daily Dharma.

However, I have added a twist. I am replacing references to the Lotus Sutra, this Sutra, the Wonderful Dharma, etc. with Myōhō Renge Kyō.

For example the verse above from Chapter 2 becomes:

“Any Śrāvaka or Bodhisattva
Who hears even a gāthā
Of Myōhō Renge Kyō which I am to expound
Will undoubtedly become a Buddha.”

I am doing this throughout my daily practice.

Here’s the transformed Kaikyoge:

Verses for Opening Myōhō Renge Kyō

The most profound and wonderful teaching
is presented in Myōhō Renge Kyō.
Myōhō Renge Kyō is difficult to meet
Even once in thousands and millions of aeons.
Now we have been able to see,
hear, receive and keep Myōhō Renge Kyō.
May we understand the most excellent teaching of the Tathagata!
The most excellent teaching of Myōhō Renge Kyō is very difficult for us to understand.
We shall be able to approach enlightenment
when we see, hear, or touch Myōhō Renge Kyō.
Expounded is the Buddha’s truth.
Expounding is the Buddha’s essence.
The letters composing Myōhō Renge Kyō
are the Buddha’s manifestation.

Just as perfume is caught by something put nearby,
so shall we be richly benefited by Myōhō Renge Kyō,
even when we are not aware of being so benefited,
because infinite merits are accumulated in Myōhō Renge Kyō.

Anyone can expiate his past transgressions,
do good deeds,
and attain Buddhahood by the merits of Myōhō Renge Kyō.
It does not matter whether he is wise or not,
or whether he believes Myōhō Renge Kyō or rejects it.

Myōhō Renge Kyō is the most wonderful and
most excellent taught by the Buddhas
of the past, present, and future.
May we meet and receive it,
Birth after birth, world after world!

Why insert Myōhō Renge Kyō? For me, this emphasizes that the Odaimoku is the principal practice of Nichiren Buddhism. Studying of the Lotus Sutra and the other teachings of the Buddha are only spices flavoring the meal of the Daimoku.

In Shishin Gohon-shō, The Four Depths of Faith and Five Stages of Practice, Nichiren writes:

The five characters of Myō, Hō, Ren, Ge, and Kyō are not the text of the sūtra nor a mere explanation; rather, they are the sole intent of the whole sūtra. Beginners may practice this without knowing the heart (of the Lotus Sūtra), but their practice will naturally harmonize with its intention.

After 10 years of personally studying and exploring the teachings of the Buddha, I want to emphasize that Myōhō Renge Kyō remains my focus.

Next: Harvesting the promises of Myōhō Renge Kyō

Daily Dharma

Daily Dharma – Dec. 31, 2024

If you wish to obtain quickly the knowledge
Of the equality and differences of all things,
Keep this sūtra, and also make offerings
To the keeper of this sūtra!

The Buddha sings these verses to Medicine-King Bodhisattva at the beginning of Chapter Ten of the Lotus Sūtra. When we see things for what they are, how they are similar and how they are different, we see them with the eyes of the Buddha. This Wonderful Dharma in the Lotus Sūtra is the Buddha showing us how to open our eyes to the joys and wonders that exist in this world of conflict and suffering. When we find something valuable, we offer it our time, our thoughts and our devotion. By making offerings to this Wonderful Dharma, and to all those who keep it, our eyes open even more to the truth of our lives.

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

Daily Dharma

Daily Dharma – Dec. 30, 2024

Great-Eloquence! Now I will collect the Buddhas of my replicas who are now expounding the Dharma in the worlds of the ten quarters.

The Buddha makes this declaration to Great-Eloquence Bodhisattva in Chapter Eleven of the Lotus Sūtra. In the story, a large tower has sprung up from underground. From inside, the voice of Many-Treasures Buddha proclaims the truth of the Lotus Sutra that Śākyamuni Buddha is teaching. Before the Buddha can open the door to this tower and allow the congregation to see this Buddha, Śākyamuni must summon all the other Buddhas in the other worlds throughout the universe. We often say of others, “They live in their own world.” We are surrounded by as many worlds as there are people in our lives. When we summon their Buddha-Nature using our Buddha-Nature, we open doors to treasures we can barely imagine.

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

Daily Dharma

Daily Dharma – Dec. 29, 2024

Mañjuśrī! What are the proper practices the Bodhisattva-mahāsattva should perform? He should be patient, mild and meek. He should not be rash, timorous, or attached to anything. He should see things as they are. He should not be attached to his non-attachment to anything. Nor should he be attached to his seeing things as they are. These are the proper practices the Bodhisattva-mahāsattva should perform.

The Buddha makes this explanation to Mañjuśrī in Chapter Fourteen of the Lotus Sūtra in which he describes the peaceful practices of a Bodhisattva. When we learn to see things differently, we act differently. Conversely, when we act in ways that are not beneficial, either to ourselves or to others, it is an indication that we are not seeing things as they are. At the same time, not being attached to non-attachment helps us realize that becoming enlightened is a process, and that becoming proud of our achievements is another indication of being stuck and not seeing things as they are.

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