January 20, 2025
LOTUS JEWELS（Nichiren Shu News NO248）
It was the protection of the Buddha that saved me from near death at Tatsunokuchi at midnight on the 12th day of the ninth month last year. Grand Master Miao-lê said in his Annotations on the Great Concentration and Insight that the stronger our faith is, the greater the divine protection will be. Do not doubt this. You should firmly believe in and have no doubt that there is always divine protection.
—Nichiren Shonin, Differences Between the Lotus Sect and Other Sects Such as the True Word Sect (ST 106)
In this treatise, Nichiren speaks from his own experience of being led to the execution ground at Tatsunokuchi, then saved after the sword was drawn to behead him. By his example, he shows us that the way to face the most difficult circumstances without fear is to strengthen and deepen our faith in the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra. Today our world is full of difficulties that can seem overwhelming. Through our faith, we grow confidence that help is always there when we need it.
—Rev. Shinkyo Warner