January 20, 2025
LOTUS JEWELS（Nichiren Shu News NO255）
I have harshly criticized the followers of Pure Land, Zen, and Shingon priests as well as the rulers of the country only because I want to correct their mistakes in order to save them from hell. Therefore, I worry about them as they persecute me only to accumulate more bad karma.
—Nichiren Shonin, A Response to Lay Priest Takahashi, Takahashi Nyudo-dono Gohenji (ST 187)
When we read Nichiren Shonin’s warnings that anyone who slanders the Lotus Sutra is bound for hell, we can misunderstand that he wants such people to be punished. Though his words can be harsh, Nichiren Shonin speaks from compassion. Like him, we must be careful to keep minds of compassion, especially towards those who criticize and persecute us.
—Rev. Shinkyo Warner