Writings

There has been a rush of article added to my Writings about e-book publishing, 2008 over the last 5 or 6 weeks. So much so, that it is already approaching the length of last year's page!The last item to be added, an article by Laura Dawson in Book Business, comes from a journal newly available in electronic mode (to which you must subscribe, but which looks worth watching). It is doubly interestin

Graffiti : (used with a plural verb) markings, as initials, slogans, or drawings, written, spray-painted, or sketched on a sidewalk, wall of a building or public restroom, or the like.Graffitist caught in action at Gram's Diner.

Writings for Fun and Money: How to Make Money Writing & Selling Simple Information (Paperback)By Joe Barnes 2 used and new from $25.00 First tagged “writing guide” by EelKat “of The Twighlight Manor” [...]

I can't remember a previous year when I have had so many titles listed in the first 4 months. Admittedly, some are blog postings - but there's some interesting debate going on, and as regular visitors will know, I only select the more discoursive or debatable blog posts!If you need to keep up to date with what is happening in the e-book publishing and library world, this is the place for you! Writings about e-book publishing, 2008 is updated continuously - with links to articles where possible.As you might suppose with the JISC National e-Book Observatory taking place, there will be a number of references to this (just as there was to SuperBook in 2007), and the first report (by Ian Rowlands) is now available.>>Technorati tags: e-books; publishing; libraries; bibliography>>IceRocket tags:

A better way of “growing” in a limited world is to increase quality. Make things better fitting, smaller, and more efficient instead of just making them bigger and more powerful. With that in mind, here are the best posts of April 2008. Making changes Row, row, row your boat — On the law of comparative advantage Why [...]

Product Description "You will find lots of jewels in these pages that may do as much for you as they have for me."—from the Introduction by Kenneth L. Fisher Forbes columnist Widely respected and admired, Philip Fisher is among the most influential investors of all time. His investment philosophies, introduced almost forty years ago, are not only studied and applied by today's finance

Hey there. Gonna start my writings again. Short stories, poetry, maybe even a few fan fics. I'll most likely start on them tomorrow. I'll need to see how I'm going to be able to sort them out or organize them. I still don't know the tricks of the trade so I'm not sure if "tagging" the posts will work in regards to keeping them together. Guess I'll work on that once I have them down. I have a few ideas of what I want to write about and as of right now, I'm thinking of maybe posting a chapter at a time... if I decide to write a story. We'll see how it comes out. Until then, later.

Product Description Widely respected and admired, Philip Fisher is among the most influential investors of all time. His investment philosophies, introduced almost forty years ago, are not only studied and applied by today's financiers and investors, but are also regarded by many as gospel. This book is invaluable reading and has been since it was first published in 1958. The updated paperback

I just saw a comment on another site that ERExtreme is really a minimalist blog claiming to be a personal finance blog. This is probably true. I have not been writing much about personal finance, since for me it is mostly a solved problem. Live in a consumer culture where salaries are high, but defy [...]

It is interesting how valuation is sometimes determined by things other than value. For instance, if a reader agrees with an author the reader will say that the post is well written and vice-a-versa (*). So with that in mind (given that I like myself), here are my favorite posts for February 2008, hmmm [...]

“Therefore, when you chant the daimoku of this sutra, you should be aware that it is a more joyful thing than for one who was born blind to gain sight and see one’s father and mother, and a rarer thing than for a man who has been seized by a powerful enemy to be released [...]

“The sutra states, “If there are those who hear the Law, then not a one will fail to attain Buddhahood.” This means that, even if one were to point at the earth and miss it, even if the sun and moon should fall to the ground, even if an age should come when the tides [...]

“How, then, are you to go about nurturing faith in the Lotus Sutra? For if you try to practice the teachings of the sutra without faith, it would be like trying to enter a jeweled mountain without hands [to pick up its treasures], or like trying to make a thousand-mile journey without feet. The answer [...]

“The lion king is said to advance three steps, then gather himself to spring, unleashing the same power whether he traps a tiny ant or attacks a fierce animal. In inscribing this Gohonzon for [your daughter’s] protection, Nichiren was like the lion king. This is what the sutra means by “the power [of the Buddhas] [...]

“There should be no discrimination among those who propagate the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo in the Latter Day of the Law, be they men or women. Were they not Bodhisattvas of the Earth, they could not chant the daimoku.” WND Page 385 Page 383 The True Aspect of All Phenomena Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on 17 May 1273 [...]

“A woman who embraces the lion king of the Lotus Sutra need not fear any of the beasts of hell, or of the realm of hungry spirits and animals. All the offenses committed by a woman in her lifetime are like dry grass, and the single character myo of the Lotus Sutra is like a small spark. When a small spark is set to a large expanse of grass, not only the grass but also the big trees and large stones will all be consumed. Such is the power of the fire of wisdom in the single character myo.” WND Page 949 Page 948 The Drum at the Gate of Thunder Written to Sennichi-ama on 19 October 1278 from Minobu

“I have heard that you are suffering from illness. Is this true? The impermanence of this world is such that even the healthy cannot remain forever, let alone those who are ill. Thoughtful persons should therefore prepare their minds for the life to come. Yet one cannot prepare one’s mind for the next life by one’s own efforts alone. Only on the basis of the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, the original teacher of all living beings, can one do so.” WND Page 76 Page 76 Encouragement to a Sick Person Written to Nanjo Hyoe Shichiro on 13 December 1264 from Kamakura

“Teach this doctrine to others clearly as I have taught you these many years. Those who call themselves my disciples and practice the Lotus Sutra should all practice as I do. If they do so, Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, Shakyamuni’s emanations throughout the ten directions, and the ten demon daughters will protect them.” WND Page 978 Page 976 On Establishing the Four Bodhisattvas as the Object of Devotion Written to Toki Jonin on 17 May 1279 from Minobu

“Over and over I recall the moment, unforgettable even now, when I was about to be beheaded and you accompanied me, holding the reins of my horse and weeping tears of grief. Nor could I ever forget it in any lifetime to come. If you should fall into hell for some grave offense, no matter how Shakyamuni might urge me to become a Buddha, I would refuse; I would rather go to hell with you. For if you and I should fall into hell together, we would find Shakyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sutra there.” WND Page 850 Page 848 The Three Kinds of Treasure Written to Shijo Kingo on 11 September 1277 from Minobu

The latest issue of moonshine, a magazine of the southern arts is available online (& free) at ------------------------- Need to chill out from holiday stress? Take a moment to enjoy the work of Southern writers & artists. Novelist James McCallister joins us with “Gravy Skin”; Part 1 of Jasmine Rizer’s serial; thoughtful poetry from Brenda L Basham and Gilbert Head; and Lisa Taylor’s “How I taught my Grandmother to Curse”. Leigh Butler explores the work of Florida painter, Morgan Samuel Price, while Drék Davis muses on moving to Louisiana, being an arts educator and more.  Amber Moore explores graphic art in her own backyard in Alabama, reflecting on the overlooked. Robin Fay interviews Atlanta gallery owner and artist, Elliot Boswell, about his Pain

“The wonderful means of truly putting an end to the physical and spiritual obstacles of all living beings is none other than Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.” WND Page 842 Page 842 The Wonderful Means of Surmounting Obstacles Written to Shijo Kingo in 1277 from Minobu

“You have associated with a friend in the orchid room and have become as straight as mugwort growing among the hemp. If you will truly give consideration to the troubles I have been describing and put entire faith in these words of mine, then the winds will blow gently, the waves will be calm, and in no time at all we will enjoy bountiful harvests.” WND Page 23 Page 6 On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land Written to Hojo Tokiyori on 16 July 1260 from Kamakura

“Money serves various purposes according to our needs. The same is true of the Lotus Sutra. It will be a lantern in the dark or a boat at a crossing. At times it will be water, and at other times, fire. This being so, the Lotus Sutra assures us of “peace and security in this life and good circumstances in the next.”" WND Page 452 Page 451 The Swords of Good and Evil Written to Hojo Yagenta on 21 February 1274 from Sado - Ichinosawa

“When it comes to understanding the Lotus Sutra, I have only a minute fraction of the vast ability that T’ien-t’ai and Dengyo possessed. But as regards my ability to endure persecution and the wealth of my compassion for others, I believe they would hold me in awe.” WND Page 242 Page 220 The Opening of the Eyes - Part One Written to Shijo Kingo in February of 1272 from Sado - Tsukihara

“The present time corresponds to the first five hundred years of the Latter Day of the Law. Passages of the sutra clearly state that at this time Bodhisattva Superior Practices will appear and bestow the five characters of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo on all the people of Japan. And they reveal that he will face exile and execution. I am also like the envoy of Bodhisattva Superior Practices because I spread this doctrine.” WND Page 1011 Page 1011 “This Person Advances through the World” Written to Ikegami Uemon no Tayu Munenaka on 3 December 1279 from Minobu

“All these things I have done solely in order to repay the debt I owe to my parents, the debt I owe to my teacher, the debt I owe to the three treasures of Buddhism, and the debt I owe to my country. For their sake I have been willing to destroy my body and to give up my life, though as it turns out, I have not been put to death after all.” WND Page 728 Page 690 On Repaying Debts of Gratitude Written to Joken-bo & Gijo-bo on 21 July 1276 from Minobu

“Though water may be muddied, it will again become clear. Though the moon may hide behind the clouds, it will surely reappear. Similarly, in time my innocence became apparent, and my predictions proved not to have been in vain.” WND Page 1007 Page 1005 Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki Written to Nakaoki Nyudo on 30 November 1279 from Minobu

“Whether or not your prayer is answered will depend upon your faith; [if it is not,] I will in no way be to blame. When the water is clear, the moon is reflected. When the wind blows, the trees shake. Our minds are like the water. Faith that is weak is like muddy water, while faith that is brave is like clear water. Understand that the trees are like principles, and the wind that shakes them is like the recitation of the sutra.” WND Page 1079 Page 1079 Reply to the Lay Nun Nichigon Written to Nichigon-ama on 29 November 1280 from Minobu

“Buddhism spreads according to the time and the people’s capacity. Although I may not be worthy of this teaching, I expound it because the time is right.” WND Page 861 Page 859 “This Is What I Heard” Written to Soya Jiro Hyoe-no-jo Kyoshin on 28 November 1277 from Minobu

“Only in the Lotus Sutra do we read that a woman who embraces this sutra not only excels all other women, but also surpasses all men” WND Page 464 Page 464 The Unity of Husband and Wife Written to Nichigen-nyo on January 27, 1275

“Even if we should gather all the water of the four great oceans to wet inkstones, burn all the trees and plants to cinders to make ink, collect the hairs of all beasts for writing brushes, employ all the surfaces of the worlds in the ten directions for paper, and, with these, set down expressions of gratitude, how could we possibly repay our debt to the Buddha?” WND Page 44 Page 41 The Four Debts of Gratitude Written to Kudo Yoshitaka on 16 January 1262 from Izu

“A person of wisdom is one who, understanding the time, spreads the teachings of the Lotus Sutra accordingly; this is his most important task. If a person’s throat is dry, what he needs is water; he has no use for bows and arrows, weapons and sticks. If a person is naked, he wants a suit of clothes but has no need for water. From one or two examples you can guess the principle that applies in general.” WND Page 518 Page 505 Letter to Horen Written to Soya Kyoshin in April of 1275 from Minobu

“You absolutely must not lament over my exile. It says in the “Encouraging Devotion” chapter and in the “Never Disparaging” chapter [that the votary of the Lotus Sutra will meet with persecution]. Life is limited; we must not begrudge it. What we should ultimately aspire to is the Buddha land.” WND Page 214 Page 213 Aspiration for the Buddha Land Written to Toki Jonin on 23 November 1271 from Sado - Tsukihara

“But now you, born a woman in the evil world of the latter age, while being reviled, struck and persecuted by the barbaric inhabitants of this island country who are unaware of these things, have endured and are propagating the Lotus Sutra. The Buddha at Eagle Peak surely perceives that your surpass the nun [Mahaprajapate] as greatly as clouds do mud. The name of that nun, the Buddha Gladly Seen by All Living Beings, is no unrelated matter; it is now the name of the lay nun Myoho.” WND Page 1106 Page 1105 Reply to the Lay Nun Myoho Written to Myoho-ama in 1281 from Minobu

“There is definitely something extraordinary in the ebb and flow of the tide, the rising and setting of the moon, and the way in which summer, autumn, winter and spring give way to each other. Something uncommon also occurs when an ordinary person attains Buddhahood. At such a time, the three obstacles and four devils will invariably appear, and the wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat.” WND Page 637 Page 636 The Three Obstacles and Four Devils Written to Ikegami Hyoe no Sakan Munenaga on 20 November 1277 from Minobu

“You should not have the slightest fear in your heart. It is lack of courage that prevents one from attaining Buddhahood, although one may have professed faith in the Lotus Sutra many times since innumerable kalpas ago.” WND Page 637 Page 636 The Three Obstacles and Four Devils Written to Ikegami Hyoe no Sakan Munenaga on 20 November 1277 from Minobu

Writings to Young Women from Laura Ingalls author - Volume One: On Wisdom and Virtues (Writings to Young Women on Laura Ingalls Wilder) (Hardcover)By Laura Ingalls Wilder Buy new: $11.0451 utilised and new from $4.68 Customer Rating: First tagged “childrens books” by Brenda L. Dickson Customer tags: historical, little house, anne of naif gables, laura ingalls wilder, childrens classics, childrens books, laura ingalls, little concern books, books - childrens, lm montgomery (more…) Technorati Tags: historical, little house, anne of naif gables, laura ingalls wilder, childrens classics, childrens books, laura ingalls, little concern books, books - childrens, lm montgomery

“In this age, it is as natural for a woman to change her fixed karma by practicing the Lotus Sutra as it is for rice to ripen in fall or chrysanthemums to bloom in winter. When I prayed for my mother, not only was her illness cured, but her life was prolonged by four years. Now you too have fallen ill, and as a woman, it is all the more timely for you to establish steadfast faith in the Lotus Sutra and see what it will do for you.” WND Page 955 Page 954 On Prolonging One’s Life Span Written to Myojo in 1279 from Minobu

“How long does a lifetime last? If one stops to consider, it is like a single night’s lodging at a wayside inn. Should one forget that fact and seek some measure of worldly fame and profit? Though you may gain them, they will be mere prosperity in a dream, a delight scarcely to be prized. You would do better simply to leave such matters to the karma formed in your previous existences.” WND Page 63 Page 55 Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra Written in March of 1263 from Kamakura

“The same is true of your attaining Buddhahood. No matter what grave offenses you might have committed, because you did not turn against the Lotus Sutra, but showed your devotion by accompanying me, you will surely become a Buddha. Yours is like the case of King Possessor of Virtue, who gave his life to save the monk Realization of Virtue and became Shakyamuni Buddha. Faith in the Lotus Sutra acts as a prayer [to attain Buddhahood]. Strengthen your resolve to seek the way all the more and achieve Buddhahood in this lifetime.” WND Page 946 Page 945 The Receipt of New Fiefs Written to Shijo Kingo in October of 1278 from Minobu

“Thus it seemed that I could not possibly escape with my life. Whatever the design of the heavenly gods in the matter may have been, every single steward and Nembutsu believer worthy of the name kept strict watch on my hut day and night, determined to prevent anyone from communicating with me. Never in any lifetime will I forget how under those circumstances you, with Abutsu-bo carrying a wooden container of food on his back, came in the night again and again to bring me aid.” WND Page 932 Page 928 The Sutra of True Requital Written to Sennichi-ama on 28 July 1278 from Minobu

“The benefit of all the other sutras is uncertain, because they teach that one must first make good causes and only then can one become a Buddha at some later time. With regard to the Lotus Sutra, when one’s hand takes it up, that hand immediately attains Buddhahood, and when one’s mouth chants it, that mouth is itself a Buddha, as, for example, the moon is reflected in the water the moment it appears from behind the eastern mountains, or as a sound and its echo arise simultaneously.” WND Page 1099 Page 1099 Wu-lung and I-lung Written to Ueno-ama Gozen on 15 November 1281 from Minobu

“When once we chant Myoho-renge-kyo, with just that single sound we summon forth and manifest the Buddha nature of all Buddhas; all existences; all bodhisattvas; all voice-hearers; all the deities such as Brahma, Shakra, and King Yama; the sun and moon, and the myriad stars; the heavenly gods and earthly deities, on down to hell-dwellers, hungry spirits, animals, asuras, human and heavenly beings, and all other living beings. This blessing is immeasurable and boundless.” WND Page 887 Page 872 How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra Written to Myoho-ama in 1277 from Minobu

“Kai-ko said: “. . . I felt it a terrible pity that someone such as he, outstanding in every respect, should die so young. Reconsidering the matter, however, I realized that it was because of this boy’s death that his mother became a seeker of the way and his father began to practice, praying for his repose. How marvelous, I thought. Moreover, the fact that they have put their trust in the Lotus Sutra, which all people detest, must mean that their deceased son has been at their side and encouraged them to do so.” I also believe this to be the case.” WND Page 1050 Page 1049 The Sons Pure Storehouse and Pure Eye Written to Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on 7 July 1280 from Minobu

“Even if your fiefs should be confiscated or you yourself driven out, you must think that it is due to the workings of the ten demon daughters, and wholeheartedly entrust yourself to them. Had I not been exiled, but remained in Kamakura, I would certainly have been killed in the battle. In like manner, since remaining in your lord’s service will likely be to your detriment, this may well be the design of Shakyamuni Buddha.” WND Page 824 Page 823 A Warning against Begrudging One’s Fief Written to Shijo Kingo in July of 1277 from Minobu

“Worthy persons deserve to be called so because they are not be carried away by the eight winds: prosperity, decline, disgrace, honor, praise, censure, suffering and pleasure. They are neither elated by prosperity nor grieved by decline. The heavenly gods will surely protect one who is unbending before the eight winds. But if you nurse an unreasonable grudge against your lord, they will not protect you, not for all your prayers.” WND Page 794 Page 794 The Eight Winds Written to Shijo Kingo in 1277 from Minobu

“Kyo’o’s misfortune will change into fortune. Muster your faith, and pray to this Gohonzon. Then what is there that cannot be achieved? There can be no doubt about the sutra passages that say, “This sutra can fulfill their desires, as a clear cool pond can satisfy all those who are thirsty,” and “The will enjoy peace and security in their present existence and good circumstances in future existences.”" WND Page 412 Page 412 Reply to Kyo’o Written to Shijo Kingo on 15 August 1273 from Sado - Ichinosawa

“If you seek enlightenment outside yourself, then your performing even ten thousand practices and ten thousand good deeds will be in vain. It is like the case of a poor man who spends night and day counting his neighbor’s wealth but gains not even half a coin. That is why the T’ien-t’ai school’s commentary states, “Unless one perceives the nature of one’s life, one cannot eradicate one’s grave offenses.” This passage implies that, unless one perceives the nature of one’s life, one’s practice will become an endless, painful austerity.” WND Page 3 Page 3 On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime Written to Toki Jonin in 1255 from Kamakura

“I knew from the outset that, if I set aside my fears and declared things exactly as they are, I would be sentenced to death. And even if I should escape the death penalty, I would surely be condemned to exile. So great is the debt of gratitude I owe the Buddha, however, that I have not let others intimidate me, but have spoken out.” WND Page 529 Page 526 Letter to the Lay Priest Ichinosawa Written to Ichinosawa Nyudo’s Wife on 8 May 1275 from Minobu

“In the end, no one can escape death. The sufferings at that time will be exactly like what we are experiencing now. Since death is the same in either case, you should be willing to offer your life for the Lotus Sutra. Think of this offering as a drop of dew rejoining the ocean, or a speck of dust returning to the earth.” WND Page 1003 Page 1002 The Dragon Gate Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on 6 November 1279 from Minobu

“Tsukimaro must have chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with her very first cry at birth. The Lotus Sutra speaks of “the true aspect of all phenomena.” T’ien-t’ai said, “Voices do the Buddha’s work.” This is also what I think. The deaf cannot hear the thunder, and blind cannot see the light of the sun and moon. But I am quite certain that the ten demon daughters must be together side by side, giving the baby her first bath and watching over her growth.” WND Page 188 Page 188 The Birth of Tsukimaro Written to Shijo Kingo on 8 May 1271 from Kamakura

“If you truly fear the sufferings of birth and death and yearn for nirvana, if you carry out your faith and thirst for the way, then the sufferings of change and impermanence will become no more than yesterday’s dream, and the awakening of enlightenment will become today’s reality.” WND Page 130 Page 116 Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man - Part Two Written in 1265

“Your boils have resulted from only one offense―slandering the correct teaching. The Mystic Law you now embrace surpasses the moon-loving meditation. How could your boils possibly not be healed and your life span not extended?” WND Page 634 Page 631 On Curing Karmic Disease Written to Ota Jomyo on 3 November 1275 from Minobu

“You should realize that it is because of a profound karmic relationship from the past that you can teach others even a sentence or phrase of the Lotus Sutra.” WND Page 33 Page 33 A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering Written to Shiiji Shiro on 28 April 1261 from Kamakura

“It must be ties of karma from the distant past that have destined you to become my disciple at a time like this. Shakyamuni and Many Treasures certainly realized this truth. The sutra’s statement, “Those persons who had heard the Law dwelled here and there in various Buddha lands, constantly reborn in company with their teachers,” cannot be false in any way.” WND Page 217 Page 216 The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on 11 February 1272 from Sado - Tsukihara

“Question: Is it possible, without understanding the meaning of the Lotus Sutra, but merely by chanting the five or seven characters of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo once a day, once a month, or simply once a year, once a decade, or once in a lifetime, to avoid being drawn into trivial or serious acts of evil, to escape falling into the four evil paths, and instead to eventually reach the stage of non-regression? Answer: Yes, it is.” WND Page 141 Page 141 The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra Written on 6 January 1266 from Awa - Seicho-ji

“Shakyamuni’s practices and the virtues he consequently attained are all contained within the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo. If we believe in these five characters, we will naturally be granted the same benefits as he was.” WND Page 365 Page 354 The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One’s Passing Written to Toki Jonin on 25 April 1273 from Sado - Ichinosawa

“If a boat is handled by an unskilled steersman, it may capsize and drown everyone aboard. Likewise, though someone may have great physical strength, if he lacks a resolute spirit, even his many abilities will be of no use.” WND Page 614 Page 612 The Supremacy of the Law Written to Nichimyo Shonin on 4 August 1275 from Minobu

“Showing profound compassion for those unable to comprehend the gem of the doctrine of three thousand realms in a single moment of life, the Buddha wrapped it within the five characters [of Myoho-renge-kyo], with which he then adorned the necks of the ignorant people of the latter age.” WND Page 376 Page 354 The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One’s Passing Written to Toki Jonin on 25 April 1273 from Sado - Ichinosawa

“The function of fire is to burn and give light. The function of water is to wash away filth. The winds blow away dust and breathe life into plants, animals and human beings. The earth nourishes the grasses and trees, and heaven provides nourishing moisture. The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo are also like that. They are the cluster of blessings brought by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, disciples of the Buddha in his true identity.” WND Page 218 Page 216 The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on 11 February 1272 from Sado - Tsukihara

“Life is the foremost of all treasures. It is expounded that even the treasures of the entire major world system cannot equal the value of one’s body and life.” WND Page 1125 Page 1125 The Gift of Rice Written from Minobu

“Moreover, I chant the daimoku, which is the heart and core of the entire sutra, and I urge others to do likewise. Although the mugwort growing in a hemp field or wood marked for cutting with an inked line may not be straight to begin with, they will as a matter of course become so. In the same way, one who chants the daimoku as the Lotus Sutra teaches will never have a twisted mind. For one should know that, unless the mind of the Buddha enters into our bodies, we cannot in fact chant the daimoku.” WND Page 670 Page 667 The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra Written to Myomitsu Shonin on 5 March 1276 from Minobu

“The sutra known as the Lotus Sutra is a scripture that has no match among all the sacred teachings of the Buddha’s lifetime. And, as indicated by its words “between Buddhas,” it can only be understood between one Buddha and another. Those at the stage of near-perfect enlightenment or below, on down to ordinary mortals, cannot fathom it. This is why Bodhisattva Nagarjuna stated in his Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom that persons below the level of Buddha should simply have faith, and in that way they can attain Buddhahood.” WND Page 1072 Page 1072 Reply to the Mother of Ueno Written to Ueno-ama Gozen on 24 October 1280 from Minobu

“Although unworthy, I propagate the Lotus Sutra; hence heavenly devils have competed to deprive me of food. Understanding this, I have no complaint, but I believe that I survived this time only because Shakyamuni Buddha entered your body to help me.” WND Page 952 Page 952 General Stone Tiger Written to Shijo Kingo on 22 October 1278 from Minobu

“The mighty warrior General Li Kuang, whose mother had been devoured by a tiger, shot an arrow at the stone he believed was the tiger. The arrow penetrated the stone all the way up to its feathers. But once he realized it was only a stone he was unable to pierce it again. Later he came to be known as General Stone Tiger. This story applies to you. Though enemies lurk in wait for you, your resolute faith in the Lotus Sutra has forestalled great dangers before they could begin. Realizing this, you must strengthen your faith more than ever.” WND Page 953 Page 952 General Stone Tiger Written to Shijo Kingo on 22 October 1278 from Minobu

“From here we are going to cross the sea to the island province of Sado, but at the moment the winds are not favorable, so I do not know when we will depart. The hardships along the way were worse than I could have imagined, and indeed more than I can put down in writing. I will leave you to surmise what I endured. But I have been prepared for such difficulties from the outset, so there is no point in starting to complain about them now. I shall accordingly say no more of the matter.” WND Page 206 Page 206 Letter from Teradomari Written to Toki Jonin on 22 October 1271 from Teradomari

“Though the moon is forty thousand yojanas high in the heavens, its reflection appears instantly in a pond on the earth; and the sound of the drum at the Gate of Thunder is immediately heard a thousand, ten thousand ri in the distance. Though you remain in Sado, your heart has come to this province. The way of attaining Buddhahood is just like this. Though we live in the impure land, our hearts reside in the pure land of Eagle Peak. Merely seeing each other’s face would in itself be insignificant. It is the heart that is important.” WND Page 949 Page 948 The Drum at the Gate of Thunder Written to Sennichi-ama on 19 October 1278 from Minobu

“Without exception, all these Buddhas, bodhisattvas, great sages, and, in general, all the various beings of the two worlds and the eight groups who appear in the “Introduction” chapter of the Lotus Sutra dwell in the Gohonzon. Illuminated by light of the five characters of the Mystic Law, they display the dignified attributes they inherently possess. This is the object of devotion.” WND Page 832 Page 831 The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon Written to Lady Nichinyo on 23 August 1277 from Minobu

“In the eighth volume of Great Concentration and Insight and in the eighth volume of The Annotations on “Great Concentration and Insight” it says, “The stronger one’s faith, the greater the protection of the gods.” This means that the protection of the gods depends on the strength of one’s faith. The Lotus Sutra is a fine sword, but its might depends upon the one who wields it.” WND Page 953 Page 952 General Stone Tiger Written to Shijo Kingo on 22 October 1278 from Minobu

“None of you who declare yourselves to be my disciples should ever give way to cowardice.” WND Page 764 Page 763 The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra Written to Konichi-ama in 1276 from Minobu

“The present age has developed exactly as the Buddha predicted it would, and Nichiren may be the person of wisdom whom the Buddha described. Though some people wish to help me, either their determination is weak, or, though firmly resolved, they are unable to act on their intentions. Thus, you are one of the very few whose action match their will. You surpass others in your resolve, and it is because of your devoted support that I have been able to survive.” WND Page 753 Page 752 Propagation by the Wise Written to Shijo Kingo on 6 September 1276 from Minobu

“This Gohonzon is also found only in the two characters for faith. This is what the sutra means when it states that one can “gain entrance through faith alone.” Since Nichiren’s disciples and lay supporters believe solely in the Lotus Sutra, honestly discarding the expedient means and never accepting even a single verse of the other sutras, they can enter the treasure tower of the Gohonzon. How reassuring!” WND Page 832 Page 831 The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon Written to Lady Nichinyo on 23 August 1277 from Minobu

“Take these teachings to heart, and always remember that believers in the Lotus Sutra should absolutely be the last to abuse one another. All those who keep faith in the Lotus Sutra are most certainly Buddhas, and one who slanders a Buddha commits a grave offense.” WND Page 756 Page 755 The Fourteen Slanders Written to Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on 9 December 1276 from Minobu

“The moon appears in the west and sheds its light eastward, but the sun rises in the east and casts its rays to the west. The same is true of Buddhism. It spread from west to east in the Former and Middle Days of the Law, but will travel from east to west in the Latter Day.” WND Page 401 Page 398 On the Buddha’s Prophecy Written to All believers on 11 May 1273 from Sado - Ichinosawa

“At first only Nichiren chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, but then two, three, and a hundred followed, chanting and teaching others. Propagation will unfold this way in the future as well. Does this not signify “emerging from the earth”? At the time when the Law has spread far and wide, the entire Japanese nation will chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, as surely as an arrow aimed at the earth cannot miss the target.” WND Page 385 Page 383 The True Aspect of All Phenomena Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on 17 May 1273 from Sado - Ichinosawa 

“I do not know whether these trials equal or surpass those of the Buddha. Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, T’ien-t’ai, and Dengyo, however, cannot compare with me in what they suffered. Had it not been for the advent of Nichiren in the Latter Day of the Law, the Buddha would have been a teller of great lies, and the testimony given by Many Treasures and by the Buddhas of the ten directions would have been false. In the 2,230 and more years since the Buddha’s passing, Nichiren is the only person in the entire land of Jambudvipa who has fulfilled the Buddha’s words.” WND Page 997 Page 996 On Persecutions Befalling the Sage Written to Shijo Kingo on 1 October 1279 from Minobu

“The meaning of this passage is that those who obtained benefit during the Former and Middle Days of the Law received “conspicuous” benefit, because the relationship they formed with the Lotus Sutra during the lifetime of the Buddha had finally matured. On the other hand, those born today in the Latter Day of the Law receive the seeds of Buddhahood for the first time, and their benefit is therefore “inconspicuous.”" WND Page 474 Page 473 The Teaching, Practice, and Proof Written to Sammi-bo Ajari on 21 March 1275 from Minobu

“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 Saburo Saemon-no-jo is diligent in the service of his lord, in the service of Buddhism, and in his concern for other people.” WND Page 851 Page 848 The Three Kinds of Treasure Written to Shijo Kingo on 11 September 1277 from Minobu

“Never seek this Gohonzon outside yourself. The Gohonzon exists only within the mortal flesh of us ordinary people who embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.” WND Page 832 Page 831 The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon Written to Lady Nichinyo on 23 August 1277 from Minobu

“What the Lotus Sutra, T’ien-t’ai, and Miao-lo intend to say is that the act of accepting and upholding or protecting and embracing one verse of the Lotus Sutra surpasses the act of making offerings to all living beings, or making offerings to arhats, or even of filling the entire major world system with the seven kinds of treasures as an offering to all Buddhas.” WND Page 973 Page 973 The Unmatched Blessings of the Law Written to Nishiyama Nyudo on 11 May 1279 from Minobu

“Although at heart you are of the same mind as Nichiren, since your person is in service to your lord, it would have been extremely difficult for you to have avoided the offense of complicity in slander. How admirable it is that, despite this, you communicated this teaching to your lord and urged him to take faith in it. Even though he may fail to accept it now, you have managed to avoid the offense of complicity.” WND Page 461 Page 460 On Recommending This Teaching to Your Lord and Avoiding the Offense of Complicity in Slander Written to Shijo Kingo on 26 September 1274 from Minobu

“Ever since I began to study the Law handed down from Shakyamuni Buddha and undertook the practice of the Buddhist teachings, I have believed it is most important to understand one’s obligations to others, and made it my first duty to repay such debts of kindness. In this world, we owe four debts of gratitude. One who understands this is worthy to be called human, while one who does not is no more than an animal.” WND Page 122 Page 116 Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man - Part Two Written in 1265

“Though muddy water has no mind, it can catch the moon’s reflection and so naturally become clear. When plants and trees receive the rainfall, they can hardly be aware of what they are doing, and yet do they not proceed to put forth blossoms? The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo do not represent the sutra text, nor are they its meaning. They are nothing other than the intent of the entire sutra. So, even though the beginners in Buddhist practice may not understand their significance, by practicing these five characters, they will naturally conform to the sutra’s intent.” WND Page 788 Page 783 On the Four Stages of Faith and the Five Stages of Practice Written to Toki Jonin on 10 April 1277 from Minobu

“Suppose there is a ship that sails on the open sea. Though the ship is stoutly built, if it is flooded by a leak, those on the ship are sure to drown together. Though the embankment between rice fields is firm, if there is an ant hole in it, then surely, in the long run, it will not remain full of water. Bail the seawater of slander and disbelief out of the ship of your life, and solidify the embankments of your faith.” Reference: WND Page 626 Page 625 The Embankments of Faith Written to Sennichi-ama on 3 September 1275 from Minobu Photo: SGI-USA.org

“I hear that these priests have been slandering me for some years now. These mosquitos and gadflies, as it were, are such fools that they groundlessly revile Nichiren, who is like the lion king, when they have neither listened to nor seen him.” Reference: WND Page 856 Page 854 The Third Doctrine Written to Toki Jonin on 1 October 1277 from Minobu Photo: SGI-USA.org

“In kindling a fire, three things are needed: a good piece of steel, a good flint, and good tinder. The same is true of prayer. Three things are required ― a good teacher, a good believer, and a good teaching ― before prayers can be effective and disasters banished from the land.” Reference: WND Page 880 Page 872 How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra Written to Myoho-ama in 1277 from Minobu Photo: SGI-USA.org

“Believers in the Lotus Sutra should fear those who attempt to obstruct their practice more than they fear bandits, burglars, night raiders, tigers, wolves, or lions ―even more than invasion now by the Mongols.” Reference: WND Page 495 Page 493 Letter to the Brothers Written to Ikegami Brothers on 16 April 1275 from Minobo Photo: SGI-USA.org

“Misfortune comes from one’s mouth and ruins one, but fortune comes from one’s heart and makes one worthy of respect.” Reference: WND Page 1137 Page 1137 New Year’s Gosho Written to Lady Omosu on 5 January from Minobu Photo: SGI-USA.org

” [As a youth] he received great wisdom from the living Bodhisattva Space Treasury. He prayed to the bodhisattva to become the wisest person in Japan. The bodhisattva must have taken pity on him, for he presented him with a great jewel as brilliant as the morning star, which Nichiren tucked away in his right sleeve. Thereafter, on perusing the entire body of sutras, he was able to discern in essence the relative worth of the eight schools as well as of all the scriptures.” Reference: WND Page 650 Page 650 Letter to the Priests of Seicho-ji Written to Priests of Seicho-ji on 11 January 1276 from Minobu

“Everyone in Japan, from the sovereign on down to the common people, without exception has tried to do me harm, but I have survived until this day. You should realize that this is because, although I am alone, I have firm faith.” Reference: WND Page 614 Page 612 The Supremacy of the Law Written to Nichimyo Shonin on 4 August 1275 from Minobu Photo: SGI-USA.org

“Mugwort that grows in the midst of hemp or a snake inside a tube [will as a matter of course become straight], and those who associate with people of good character will consequently become upright in heart, deed and word. The Lotus Sutra exerts a similar influence. The Buddha will look upon one who simply puts faith in this sutra as a good person.” Reference: WND Page 1128 Page 1128 The Bodies and Minds of Ordinary Beings Written from Minobu Photo: SGI-USA.org

  “This Gohonzon is the essence of the Lotus Sutra and the eye of all the scriptures. It is like the sun and moon in the heavens, a great ruler on earth, the heart in a human being, the wish-granting jewel among treasures and the pillar of a house. When we have this mandala with us, it is a rule that all Buddhas and gods will gather round and watch over us, protecting us like a shadow day and night, just as warriors guard their ruler, as parents love their children, as fish rely on water, as trees and plants crave rain, or as birds depend on trees.” Reference: WND Page 624 Page 624 On Upholding Faith in the Gohonzon Written to Myoshin-ama on 25 August 1275 from Minobu Photo: SGI-USA.org

“If there is one who can cause others to awaken to and take faith in a teaching such as this, then that person is their father and mother, and also their good friend. This is a person of wisdom.” Reference: WND Page 620 Page 620 The Problem to Be Pondered Night and Day Written to Toki Jonin on 23 August 1275 from Minobu Photo: SGI-USA.org

“How wondrous it is that, around two hundred years and more into the Latter Day of the Law, I was the first to reveal as the banner of propagation of the Lotus Sutra this great mandala that even those such as Nagarjuna and Vasubandhu, T’ien-t’ai and Miao-lo were unable to express! This mandala is in no way my invention. It is the object of devotion that depicts Shakyamuni Buddha, the World-Honored One, seated in the treasure tower of Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas who were Shakyamuni’s emanations as perfectly as a print matches its woodblock.” Reference: WND Page 831 Page 831 The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon Written to Lady Nichinyo on 23 August 1277 from Minobu Photo: SGI-USA.org

  “By considering the magnitude of the punishment suffered by those who harbor enmity toward the Lotus Sutra, we can understand the magnitude of the benefits obtained by devoting oneself to it.” Reference: WND Page 1095 Page 1094 Reply to Jibu-bo Written to Jibu-bo Nichii on 22 August 1281 from Minobu Photo: SGI-USA.org

“T’ien-t’ai states, “By observing the fury of the rain, we can tell the greatness of the dragon that caused it, and by observing the flourishing of the lotus flowers, we can tell the depth of the pond they grow in.” Miao-lo says, “Wise men can perceive the cause of things, as snakes know the way of snakes.” When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” Reference: WND Page 376 Page 354 The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One’s Passing Written to Toki Jonin on 25 April 1273 from Sado - Ichinosawa Photo: SGI-USA.org

Author: Johann Gottfried von HerderPaperback: 482 pagesPublisher: Cambridge University Press (September 2002)Language: EnglishISBN: 0521794099(R)Herder is a figure of considerable importance in the history of philosophy and the history of ideas. His far-reaching influence encompasses philosophy--Hegel, Schleiermacher, Nietzsche, literature--Goethe, Schiller and linguistics--von Humboldt. This volume presents a comprehensive selection of his writings in a new translation, with an introduction that sets them in their philosophical and historical context. Zip Password: T0sT@rN@

“And do not go around lamenting to others how hard it is for you to live in this world. To do so is an act utterly unbecoming to a worthy man.” Reference: WND Page 850 Page 848 The Three Kinds of Treasure Written to Shijo Kingo on 11 September 1277 from Minobu Photo: SGI-USA.org

“During [Sudatta’s] last period of poverty, when all the people had fled or perished and only he and his wife remained, they had five measures of rice that would nourish them for five days. At that time, five people ― Mahakashyapa, Shariputra, Ananda, Rahula and Shakyamuni Buddha ― came one after another to beg for the five measures of rice, which Sudatta gave them. From that day on, Sudatta was the wealthiest man in all India, and he built the Jetavana Monastery. From this, you should understand all things.” Reference: WND Page 1086 Page 1086 The Wealthy Man Sudatta Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on 27 December 1280 from Minobu Photo: SGI-USA.org

“People have varied tastes. Some prefer good and some prefer evil. There are many kinds of people. But though they differ from one another in such ways, once they enter into the Lotus Sutra, they all become like a single person in body and a single person in mind. This is just like the myriad different rivers that, when they flow into the ocean, all take on a uniformly salty flavor, or like the many kinds of birds that, when they approach Mount Sumeru, all assume the same [golden] hue.” Reference: WND Page 1042 Page 1041 The Treasure of a Filial Child Written to Sennichi-ama on 2 July 1280 from Minobu