"All disciples and lay supporters of Nichiren should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with the spirit of many in body but one in mind, transcending all differences among themselves to become as inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim. This spiritual bond is the basis for the universal transmission of the ultimate law of life and death. Herein lies the true goal of Nichiren’s propagation. When you are so united, even the great desire for widespread propagation can be fulfilled. But if any of Nichiren’s disciples disrupt the unity of many in body but one in mind, they would be like warriors who destroy their own castle from within."
"Nichiren has been trying to awaken all the people of Japan to faith in the Lotus Sutra so that they too can share the heritage and attain Buddhahood. But instead they have persecuted me in various ways and finally had me banished to this island. You have followed Nichiren, however, and met with suffering as a result. It pains me deeply to think of your anguish. Gold can be neither burned by fire nor corroded or swept away by water, but iron is vulnerable to both. A worthy person is like gold, a fool like iron. You are like pure gold because you embrace the “gold” of the Lotus Sutra. The sutra states, “Just as among all the mountains, Mount Sumeru is foremost, so this Lotus Sutra is likewise.” It also states, “The good fortune you gain thereby . . . cannot be burned by fire or washed away by water.”
"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."
This is my favorite Gosho as it explains to me what unity, upholding this practice, and the oneness of mentor and disciple is. When I read these passages I realize how developing the oneness of mentor and disciple with President Ikeda helps me to develop the conviction to uphold this practice correctly and develop great relationships with everyone. I believe, through this writing, there is no coincidence why we were born together at this time with President Ikeda. It shows that when we truly embrace this practice with the mentor’s heart we become like “pure gold” and the fortune we accumulate cannot be washed away by anything! I feel when we become united with every member from our children, to the youth, to the men and women, to the pioneers with our mentor’s vow for kosen-rufu we can truly eradicate suffering and bring joy to every corner of this beautiful planet. I feel so appreciative and have the deepest gratitude to be fighting with each of you and Sensei towards January 1, 2008!
Thank you so much,
Johnnie Robbins, Pacific Northwest Zone Young Men’s Leader
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