It is easy, especially when we are in great difficulty, to seek to be rescued by some outside source. It is sometimes very easy to think we do not possess the resources within our own lives, and so are unable to call out the solution from the depths of our existence. When we do that, however, we are actually engaging in a distortion of the Buddha and a distortion of our inherent Buddha potential. It is important to always keep in mind that the fundamental aim of the Buddha in teaching the Lotus Sutra was to reveal not only his eternal nature but also the equality of all beings and the great desire to enable all beings, you and I included, to become Buddhas.
Lotus Path: Practicing the Lotus Sutra Volume 1Quotes
The Process of Enlightenment
We would be better served if we abandoned the notion that enlightenment is a terminus in our spiritual journey. Instead we should view enlightenment as a process to engage in until the end of our lives.
Physician's Good Medicine‘Reading’ the Truth by Nichiren’s Life
Buddha is the primeval master, and Nichiren is now living the life of his primeval disciples. Primeval, therefore everlasting, and as true for the future as in the past — he is the one predestined to be the leader, the savior of the coming ages. In short, Nichiren is the man who is “reading” the Truth by his life.
Nichiren, The Buddhist ProphetOur Growing Capacity
As people take faith in the Lotus Sutra initially there is limited capacity for understanding. As time goes on and our capacity for understanding and incorporating the teachings in our lives increases, then we are able to see even deeper into the Dharma.
Lecture on the Lotus SutraSix Perfections and the Eightfold Path
The awakened qualities which we develop through our practice are known as the Six Perfections (in Sanskrit, paramitas). The Six Perfections enable us to do the work of a bodhisattva. They are generosity, discipline, patience, energy, meditation, and wisdom.
These Six Perfections are a restatement of the Eightfold Path.
The real difference between the Six Perfections and the Eightfold Path is the addition of generosity and patience, although these are implied by right intentions. By including these two perfections as separate items, it makes explicit the fact that we are not really following the Eightfold Path unless we are generous and patient with others. In this way, the Six Perfections underscore the compassionate dimension that is integral to Mahayana Buddhism.
Lotus SeedsA Courageous and Compassionate Pattern of Living
Rencho often spoke to [Johon, a book merchant] earnestly and sincerely of his belief in The Lotus Sutra, explaining how the great teaching was not just an object of piety, something merely to be read with the eyes and understood with the mind. It was something to be read by the body, to be lived with all one’s flesh and blood; for it offered a courageous and compassionate pattern of living if one followed the examples and the vows of those divine beings who had heard the true teachings of Sakyamuni.
Nichiren, Leader of Buddhist Reformation in JapanChanting with Tranquility, Devotion and Attention
The more we chant and act in accord with the Buddha’s teachings, the more the Odaimoku will manifest itself within our life. This is why we recite the Odaimoku, and why we chant it with tranquility, devotion and attention.
Odaimoku: The Significance Of Chanting Namu Myoho Renge KyoPracticing Bodhisattvas
When I think about the difference between the actions of the original disciples of the Buddha who approached the Buddha asking for a prediction of their future enlightenment, and the actions of the Bodhisattvas from beneath the ground who approached the Buddha and only asked about the health of the Buddha, I am struck by the contrast. As Bodhisattvas practicing the Lotus Sutra we assume many different personalities. The variety among us is endless. There are also countless others who are not practicing the Lotus Sutra who have many different personalities as well and require our examples to inspire them to practice the Lotus Sutra.
Lotus Path: Practicing the Lotus Sutra Volume 1Seeking Enlightenment
Enlightenment is the ongoing engagement of seeking enlightenment. When we no longer engage ourselves in the activity of being enlightened, when we no longer seek enlightenment, then we are, in fact, no longer enlightened and have left the path. It may not look like regressing, especially at first, but the spiritual light dims, it becomes clouded and corrupted. Enlightenment becomes a disappointment but only because there is no longer enlightenment present. Complacency and enlightenment cannot coexist within the same spirit.
Physician's Good MedicineInnumerable Aeons of Work
Since I have attained Buddhahood, … I have constantly been preaching truths, And helping innumerable beings to maturity, Leading them in the Way of Buddhas; Thus, innumerable aeons have passed in this work. (Chapter XVI).
Nichiren, The Buddhist Prophet