January 20, 2025
LOTUS JEWELS（Nichiren Shu News NO261）
I knew from the outset that should I speak up even at the risk of my life, I would be sentenced to death, and even if I could escape the death penalty I would inevitably be exiled.Nevertheless, I dared to speak up, without fearing anyone because of the heavy debt of gratitude that I owe to the Buddha.
—Nichiren Shonin, A Letter to the Lay Priest of Ichinosawa (ST 178), Ichinosawa Nyudo Gosho
In this letter from his harsh exile on Sado Island, Nichiren emphasized the gratitude he held for the ever-present Buddha Shakyamuni, rather than the courage and confidence he needed to endure the hardships in his life. We are certain to face hardship by standing up for what is right. Our courage and confidence come from focusing on the enlightenment of all beings and our gratitude for the Buddha’s teachings, rather than merely our insistence on being right.
—Rev. Shinkyo Warner