Gosho Passage 12
It is rare to be born a human being. The number of those endowed with human life is as small as the amount of earth one can place on a fingernail. Life as a human being is hard to sustain—as hard as it is for the dew to remain on the grass. But it is better to live a single day with honor than to live to 120 and die in disgrace. Live so that all the people of Kamakura will say in your praise that Nakatsukasa Saburō Saemon-no-jō is diligent in the service of his lord, in the service of Buddhism, and in his concern for other people.
Lecture: Be a True Victor in Life
Human life is rarer than the soil resting on a fingernail, and more fragile than dew on the grass.
The Daishonin emphasizes the preciousness of human life and the value of each day and every passing moment.
The statement that living even a single day with honor is better than living to 120 in disgrace teaches where true value in life resides: setting one’s life purpose and advancing steadily toward it generates genuine worth.
Based on this, the Daishonin provides a concrete benchmark for Kingo’s ultimate victory: to be praised by the people of Kamakura for his devotion to his lord, his practice of Buddhism, and his upright conduct in society.
This requires victory across three dimensions: rebuilding trust with his lord, maintaining steadfast Buddhist practice, and winning the respect of society.
In these three areas, the “treasure of the Buddha” manifests through inner cultivation. True victory means radiating the brilliance of Buddha nature throughout all aspects of daily life.
Being praised by others as “exemplary” is a vital proof of Buddhist victory. Gaining genuine trust and praise from the community is the essence of the struggle for kosen-rufu.
Earning praise reflects the power of human character. When supported by the “treasures of the heart,” one gains trust and stands as a model for others. The brilliance of Buddha nature expressed through character moves even those who do not share the same faith, building solid social trust.
Kingo’s relationships with his lord, colleagues, brothers, and peers were fraught with difficulty, partly due to his uncompromising nature. Yet true victory in faith requires resolving these interpersonal challenges.
Therefore, the Daishonin encouraged Kingo to continuously polish his character, demonstrate the proof of human revolution, and develop into a trusted leader among the Kamakura believers.