THE LOTUS LANE

When a teenager pushes you away, it often means they need you to see past the report card to the real person underneath. Shifting from pressure to curiosity — even one small question — can crack open a door that slamming never could.

“If you are of the same mind as Nichiren, you must be a person who truly understands the sufferings of birth and death. And if you are such a person, then you are a true friend in Buddhism. The heart of the Buddha's lifetime of teachings is the Lotus Sutra, and the heart of the practice of the Lotus Sutra is found in the 'Never Disparaging' chapter. What does Bodhisattva Never Disparaging's profound respect for people signify? The purpose of the appearance in this world of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, lies in his behavior as a human being.”

- Daisaku Ikeda, paraphrasing the spirit of WND-1 in 'Discussions on Youth', Chapter 12