January 20, 2025
LOTUS JEWELS（Nichiren Shu News NO256）
The condition of the world today is such that there is a natural yearning for the Bodhi-mind [aspiration for enlightenment]. We are weary of the world as it is. It is obvious that we are in the midst of experiencing a period of major difficulty. The uprising of Hojo Tokisuke on the 11th day of the second month in the ninth year of the Bun’ei Era (1272) was an event of hopelessness and transience like the scattering of flowers in full bloom or silk goods being burned in a large fire. How can anyone not tire of this world after seeing all this?
—Nichiren Shonin, A Letter to the Ikegami Brothers, Kyodai-sho (ST 174)
As we survive the plagues, disasters, and cruelties in our world, we can indeed become weary and wonder if our meager efforts can ever make things better. In these times, we must remember that we are not seeing the world with the Eye of the Buddha. If we see with the Eye of the Buddha, then we realize that “In reality this world is peaceful, it is filled with gods and humans.” Thus revived, we can continue our pure work of leading all beings to their natural yearning for enlightenment.
—Rev. Shinkyo Warner