January 20, 2025
LOTUS JEWELS（Nichiren Shu News NO245）
This is not because I, Nichiren, am honorable, but because the power of the Lotus Sutra is superior. If I walk with pride, I would be considered arrogant. If I humble myself, I would be considered despising the Lotus Sutra. The higher a pine tree grows, the longer a hanging wisteria grows.
—The Sage Knows the Three Periods (ST 176)
This passage comes from a letter believed to have been written to Toki Jonin in 1274 after Nichiren Shonin entered Minobusan. It explains how Nichiren Shonin’s ability to understand the world around him was based on his practice of the Lotus Sutra. The superiority of the Lotus Sutra is its power to lead all suffering beings to Buddhahood. This power is available to us today, as we use Nichiren Shonin’s example as our guide. Our pride comes from our reliance on the Wonderful Dharma. Our humility should not be mistaken for uncertainty. We are the wisteria reaching from the heights of the Wonderful Dharma to brighten the world for all suffering beings below.
—Rev. Shinkyo Warner