The Three Kinds of Treasure

President Ikeda’s Lecture on ‘The Three Kinds of Treasure’ (From the October 2009 Issue of Daibyakurenge)

Behavior as a Human Being Is the Essence of Buddhism

Buddhism exists within one’s “behavior as a human being.”

The “Law” is invisible to the eye. Yet, it can be seen through human behavior. This is because the true value of the Law is unfailingly manifested within the human beings who practice it.

Therefore, leaders must dive into the midst of people, engage in dialogue with each person, share their joys and sorrows, and move forward hand in hand. Offering hope and encouragement to friends, instilling courage to confront hardships, fighting against evil, and protecting, respecting, and cherishing everyone—apart from such steadfast behavior rooted in conviction as real human beings, Buddhism does not exist.

Those who pray and fight harder than anyone else for the propagation of the Mystic Law are truly the genuine leaders of Buddhism. “Buddha” is another name for one who fights. As long as there is dedicated “behavior as a human being” aimed at saving the people, Buddhism will continue to shine eternally as a living religion.

Conversely, if the vitality of “behavior as a human being” is lost, it turns into a faded, “dead religion.”

Both Shakyamuni and Nichiren Daishonin strictly left behind their actions as “behavior as a human being” to relieve the suffering of ordinary people. Constantly moving “into the midst of the people” and “into the midst of humanity,” their lives were a continuous series of dialogues to awaken the Buddha nature inherent in all people.

Naturally, human actions vary in countless ways, and one’s behavior reflects the life state of the Ten Worlds. The “behavior as a human being” referred to here is nothing other than action arising from the world of Buddhahood, which respects all people. Moreover, in the real world of the Nine Worlds, all actions aimed at mutual happiness and continuous growth can also be termed “behavior as a human being.”

In particular, the “behavior that respects all people,” which opens the Buddha life within all living beings, refers to the practice of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging. At the same time, it represents the actions of Nichiren Daishonin, who fought against evil and spread goodness to save the people.

The actions of each of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth striving for kosen-rufu are identical to that behavior.

Buddhism shines a light upon the single individual who carries through with actions that respect others, just as the Buddha did.

“The Three Kinds of Treasure,” which we begin studying here, is a letter written in September of the third year of Kenji (1277). In it, the Daishonin teaches Shijo Kingo the profound significance of living as a wise person, showing that “behavior as a human being” is of paramount importance precisely in times of adversity.

How should a Buddhist practitioner act uprightly? How should one behave with strength and wisdom to break through adversity? The essence of such a way of life is woven throughout this writing. Let us deeply learn the way of the wise person shown by Nichiren Daishonin as sustenance for our victory in kosen-rufu and in life.