Gosho Passage 2
I am most grieved over your lord’s illness. Although he has not professed faith in the Lotus Sutra, you are a member of his clan, and it is thanks to his consideration that you are able to make offerings to the sutra. Thus, these may become prayers solely for your lord’s recovery. Think of a small tree under a large one, or grass by a great river. Though they do not receive rain or water directly, they nonetheless thrive, partaking of dew from the large tree or drawing moisture from the river. The same holds true with the relationship between you and your lord. To give another example, King Ajātashatru was an enemy of the Buddha. But because Jīvaka, a minister in the king’s court, believed in the Buddha and continually made offerings to him, the blessings accruing from his actions are said to have returned to Ajātashatru.
Lecture: Opening One’s Life State Through the Principle of “Internal Manifestation and External Protection”
Here, the Daishonin expounds the essential Buddhist doctrine of naikun-gego (internal manifestation and external protection).
This principle teaches that when the Buddha nature inherently residing within all living beings is stimulated from within, external forces arise to protect and assist them. As stated in The Opening of the Eyes: “When we revere the Gohonzon of the Mystic Law within our own life and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, our inherent Buddha nature is summoned and manifests itself. When a caged bird sings, flying birds gather around; when flying birds gather, the bird in the cage strives to emerge. When we call upon the Mystic Law with our mouths, the Buddha nature within our bodies is summoned and unfailingly appears.”
Chanting Daimoku to the Gohonzon means summoning and praising the Buddha nature that exists both within the universe and in our own minds. In response to the sound of our chanting that manifests our inherent Buddha nature, all protective forces throughout the universe are activated to safeguard our lives. This doctrine clearly demonstrates the distinctive characteristic of Nichiren Buddhism, setting it apart from any faith based on passive reliance on external salvation.
“Internal manifestation” represents the power of inner awakening. Seeking the Buddha’s life outside oneself departs from the internal path of Buddhism. Within our own lives, even while struggling with earthly desires and the sufferings of birth and death, the noble life state of eternity, happiness, true self, and purity is solidly present. Nichiren Buddhism enables us to bring forth that benefit into actual reality.
Because all people possess the nature of Buddhahood, establishing one’s mind and praying allows the Buddha life to be summoned and revealed. Precisely because we activate our Buddhahood from within, protection appears externally. Everything is decided by one’s own determination.
Based on this principle, any environment can be transformed by reforming one’s mindset and manifesting one’s Buddha nature. From the moment one gains the conviction that “I am the author writing the script of my own life drama,” all fears vanish.
The Daishonin continues: “Unseen virtue brings about visible reward.” Practicing the Mystic Law itself means walking the path of victory, and all virtues will unfailingly manifest in visible form. When one advances with this deep and firm conviction, one’s future opens up in unimaginable ways. This is the Daishonin’s absolute conviction and declaration.
Indeed, Soka Gakkai members have established such an expansive life state. The members are monarchs of “behavior that respects all people.” The Lotus Sutra’s philosophy of universal respect permeates their daily lives like a fragrant breeze.
They cannot ignore someone in trouble. They cannot help but encourage those who are worried. They embrace those who are suffering. Believing in others’ potential, they deepen positive relationships. In practicing “behavior that respects all people,” Soka Gakkai members are the foremost practitioners and masters.
This is proof that the life state of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas is operating within them. There is no greater benefit than this. Soka Gakkai members are truly the heroes of the common people and the great champions of life.