Gosho Passage 15
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.
Respectfully.
The wise may be called human, but the thoughtless are no more than animals.
Lecture: “Behavior as a Human Being” Is the Fundamental Purpose of Buddhism
In conclusion, the Daishonin states that the heart of Shakyamuni’s lifetime teachings is the Lotus Sutra, and the heart of its practice is found in the “Never Disparaging” chapter—specifically in the actions of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging, who revered the Buddha nature in all people.
Believing deeply that all individuals are inherently Buddhas and bowing to everyone despite persecution exemplifies the true spirit of the Lotus Sutra.
The Lotus Sutra is described as the purpose of Shakyamuni’s advent. The fact that this sutra highlights the practice of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging demonstrates that the Buddha’s true purpose in this world was to teach the correct behavior of human beings.
As stated in the passage, “The Law does not spread by itself; because people propagate it, both people and the Law are noble,” the dignity of the Law is recognized and spread only when expressed through human behavior.
The “treasures of the heart” are invisible. Only when manifested as “behavior that respects all people” do they demonstrate the power of the Mystic Law and the Buddha nature to others.
“Treasures of the heart are foremost” defines the core value of life, while “behavior that respects all people” provides the standard of conduct based on that value.
Bodhisattva Never Disparaging’s universal respect embodies the Lotus Sutra’s teaching that all people can attain Buddhahood. Therefore, his behavior directly reflects the Buddha’s ultimate intent.
Behavior that embodies the benefit of manifesting the Buddha nature proves the nobility of the Mystic Law, and such behavior invariably takes the form of respecting others.
Let us review through the sutra how Bodhisattva Never Disparaging lived this way of respect.
At the beginning of the “Never Disparaging” chapter, Shakyamuni explains that slandering the Lotus Sutra incurs severe retribution, while enduring slander for the sake of the sutra purifies the six sense organs, citing Bodhisattva Never Disparaging as an example.
Bodhisattva Never Disparaging appeared during the Middle Day of the Law following the passing of the Buddha Awesome Sound King, an age when arrogant monks held sway. He bowed in reverence to all four categories of practitioners—monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen—saying:
“I deeply respect you. I dare not treat you with arrogance or disparagement. Why? Because you are all practicing the bodhisattva way and will certainly attain Buddhahood.”
This twenty-four-character passage summarizes the Lotus Sutra’s teaching of universal enlightenment. His practice consisted entirely of speaking these words and bowing to all people.
Yet the four categories of practitioners slandered him and attacked him with staves, wooden sticks, tiles, and stones. By enduring these trials, he eradicated his past offenses and transformed his karma.
As he approached death, he heard the Lotus Sutra preached from the air, purified his six sense organs, extended his lifespan, and continued propagating the teaching, eventually attaining Buddhahood as Shakyamuni Buddha.
Meanwhile, those who persecuted him suffered in the depths of agony for a thousand kalpas. Having expiated their offenses, they encountered Bodhisattva Never Disparaging again and received his instruction.
Carrying through with “behavior that respects all people” transforms karma and purifies the six sense organs. Maintaining this behavior throughout life leads to ultimate victory in attaining Buddhahood.
This represents the practice of conviction, believing firmly in the Buddha nature of all people. It is the practice of attaining Buddhahood by embodying that philosophy amidst hardships, and it is a struggle to awaken the latent Buddha nature within even those who persecute the practitioner.
In short, Bodhisattva Never Disparaging’s “behavior that respects all people” is the primary cause for attaining Buddhahood—an indispensable practice for human beings. Without this behavior, universal enlightenment remains mere theory. Hence, it is described as the “purpose of the appearance in this world of Shakyamuni Buddha.”
Nichiren Daishonin’s own life was defined by this same behavior. In an impure age, those who maintain faith in the Mystic Law naturally bring forth their Buddha nature, and their conduct is infused with the wisdom of respecting others. The Daishonin’s rigorous refutation of error arose from compassion, care for the people, and the desire for peace throughout the land. Refuting error is itself an expression of respect for everyone’s inherent Buddha nature.
Rooted in universal respect, refuting evil represents the Daishonin’s practice of shakubuku. At the same time, this Gosho teaches that there are times when respectful behavior must be placed foremost in the impure Latter Day.
Shakubuku is not limited to strict refutation; boldly articulating the truth is also shakubuku. In an age clouded by distrust and disrespect for life, standing up with the banner of human dignity is a courageous act of propagation.
Resolving global challenges in the twenty-first century depends on focusing squarely on humanity. Peacebuilders and thinkers worldwide share this view.
The central issue is transforming the fundamental ignorance within human life, building networks of goodness, and creating a society of coexistence and humanitarianism. The SGI has advanced broad interfaith and intercultural dialogues toward this goal, fostering meaningful connections across all differences. The foundational philosophy of this movement is the Lotus Sutra’s “behavior that respects all people” and the principle that all transformation begins within one’s own life through accumulating the “treasures of the heart.”
The world places great hope in the humanistic philosophy of the Soka Gakkai.
The sincere efforts of members who actively demonstrate the Daishonin’s teachings through “behavior as a human being” are earning enduring trust throughout the world.