The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra
Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other. “All others who bear you enmity or malice will likewise be wiped out.”4
Looking at the world today, it is easy to feel despair. A kind of powerlessness seems to be the prevailing mood in the world today. Decisions about important issues all seem to be made somewhere beyond our reach. What can one person accomplish in the face of the vast forces that run our world?
An inner change for the better in a single person - one person becoming wiser, stronger, more compassionate - is the essential first turn of the wheel toward realizing peaceful coexistence and fulfillment for the whole human race.
When we change our inner determination, everything begins to move in a new direction. the moment we make a powerful resolve, every nerve and fiber in our being will immediately orient itself toward the fulfillment of this goal or desire. On the other hand, if we think, "This is never going to work out," then every cell in our body will be deflated and give up the fight.
A sword is useless in the hands of a coward. The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith. Then one will be as strong as a demon armed with an iron staff. I, Nichiren, have inscribed my life in sumi ink, so believe in the Gohonzon with your whole heart. The Buddha’s will is the Lotus Sutra, but the soul of Nichiren is nothing other than Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. 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,”3 and “They will enjoy peace and security in their present existence and good circumstances in future existences.” ~ Reply to Kyo’o
Excerpted from "As the Year of Hope and Victory comes to an end, I don't feel like I've achieved my goals yet. What can I do to change this?" ~ World Tribune Dec 10, 2021 p. 10