WND-1, 748; “The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood”
Because I have expounded this teaching, I have been exiled and almost killed. As the saying goes,
“Good advice grates not the ear”. But still I am not discouraged. The Lotus Sutra is like the seed, the
Buddha like the sower, and the people like the field.
(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Vol 1, p748)
This letter was written from Mount Minobu on August 1276 to Soya, a lay follower who had
lived in Soya Village in Shimosa Province.
In this letter, the Daishonin first explained that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo constitutes the two
elements of reality and wisdom, the way to Buddhahood.
The Daishonin also pointed out at the end of the letter that one who ignores those who
commit slander will not be able to attain Buddhahood. In this way, as the title of the Gosho
suggested, the Daishonin laid down the essentials for attaining Buddhahood.
As a result, the Daishonin was harshly persecuted, experiencing life-threathening
oppressions, including a near-execution and exiles.
“But still I am not discouraged.” Though short, this statement expresses the Daishonin’s
indomitable resolve to continue waging the struggle for kosen-rufu and that he would never
give up this endeavour no matter what happens.
This is because the Daishonin was well aware that he did not overcome these great
obstacles and spread the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, the Law that would lead all people of
the Latter Day to happiness will perish.
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the seed of Buddhahood that enables all ordinary beings to
become a Buddha.
The Buddha is like a sower, who sow the seeds of Buddhahood in the lives of the people.
Likewise, when we share the teachings of the Mystic Law with someone, our efforts can help
awaken the innate Buddhahood that exists in the depths of his or her life.
Let’s us continue carrying out the noble endeavour of sowing seeds of happiness in the lives
of others by initiating sincere dialogues based on prayers for the happiness of our friends.
