On Reciting the Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra
Background
Written To
Unknown - the specific recipient is not identified in this writing
When
May 28, 1260, during the Kamakura period in Japan
Why It Was Written
Written two months before Nichiren's famous treatise 'On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land.' Japan was experiencing various disasters and social upheaval. The Pure Land (Nembutsu) school was extremely popular, teaching that people should abandon the Lotus Sutra as too difficult and instead chant Amida Buddha's name for rebirth in the Pure Land.
Significance
One of Nichiren's ten major writings designated by his successor Nikko. It establishes the fundamental principle that ordinary people can benefit from the Lotus Sutra through faith alone, even without deep understanding, and refutes the popular notion that Buddhism should be abandoned for 'easier' practices.
Key Passages
"If people happen to put their faith in the Lotus Sutra and do not in any way slander it, then they will not, as a result of other offenses they might commit, fall into the evil paths of existence."
Nichiren is saying that sincere faith in the Lotus Sutra creates such powerful protective benefits that it can shield people from negative consequences of their other mistakes and shortcomings. The key is maintaining faith without turning against the teaching, even if you don't fully understand it intellectually.
"In his dying instructions, the Buddha said, 'Rely on the Law and not upon persons.' This means that if what a person says is not in agreement with what is expounded in the sutras, one should not believe it, no matter how fine the person may be."
This teaches the importance of using Buddhist teachings themselves as the standard for truth, rather than being swayed by someone's reputation, charisma, or apparent wisdom. Even respected religious leaders can lead people astray if their teachings contradict the core Buddhist principles found in the Lotus Sutra.
"Look upon the Lotus Sutra as the ruler of the nation, as one's father and mother, as the sun and moon, as the great ocean, as Mount Sumeru, as heaven and earth."
Nichiren uses these powerful metaphors to convey how the Lotus Sutra should be the central, guiding force in one's life. Just as we depend on parents for nurturing, the sun for light, and rulers for order, the Lotus Sutra provides the fundamental life-supporting wisdom we need to navigate existence.
"The secret art by which evil persons, ignorant persons, persons of dull capacity, women, and those lacking in capacity may be saved is not revealed in the other sutras. The reason that the Lotus Sutra is superior to all the other sutras lies simply in this one point."
This passage emphasizes the Lotus Sutra's unique power to enable all people to achieve enlightenment, regardless of their social status, intelligence, gender, or spiritual capacity. Unlike other teachings that seemed to exclude certain groups, the Lotus Sutra offers universal access to Buddhism's highest benefits.
"The daimoku of the Lotus Sutra thus far surpasses the titles of all the other sutras. The two characters of myōhō contain within them the heart of the Lotus Sutra."
Nichiren explains that chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (the title of the Lotus Sutra) contains all the sutra's power and wisdom in concentrated form. This makes the profound teachings accessible to anyone, since you don't need to study complex philosophy to access the benefits - they're contained in the practice of chanting the title itself.
How This Applies to Your Life Today
In today's world, this teaching applies powerfully to the tendency to give up on challenging but worthwhile pursuits when they seem too difficult. Whether it's education, career development, health improvement, or personal growth, we often encounter people who suggest we should lower our expectations or settle for 'easier' paths. While sometimes this advice comes from genuine concern, Nichiren's insight reminds us to evaluate whether we're being encouraged to abandon something truly valuable. This is especially relevant in our age of quick fixes and instant gratification. The principle also applies to maintaining faith in our highest potential during difficult times. When facing illness, financial problems, relationship struggles, or other challenges, it's tempting to believe we're not 'good enough' or 'strong enough' to overcome them through our own efforts and spiritual practice. Nichiren's teaching suggests that our Buddha nature - our inherent capacity for wisdom, courage, and compassion - is always accessible, regardless of our current circumstances or limitations. Just as chanting daimoku makes the Lotus Sutra's power available to anyone, we can tap into our deepest life force through consistent spiritual practice, even when we don't fully understand how it works.
Read the Full Writing
This is a simplified explanation. For the complete text, visit the Nichiren Library.
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