Nichiren Quotes & Sayings

Life is the most precious of all treasures. Even one extra day of life is worth more than ten million ryo of gold. — Nichiren

We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance ... — Nichiren

A coward cannot have any prayer answered. — Nichiren

Winter always turns into Spring. Never, from ancient times on, has anyone heard or seen of winter turning back to autumn. — Nichiren

A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished, it is sure to become like a clear mirror, reflecting the essential nature of phenomena and the true aspect of reality. Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo — Nichiren

If the minds of living beings are impure, their land is also impure, but if their minds are pure, so is their land. There are not two lands, pure or impure in themselves. The difference lies solely in the good or evil of our minds. It is the same with a Buddha and an ordinary being. While deluded, one is called an ordinary being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha. This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished. — Nichiren

When a tree has been transplanted, though fierce winds may blow, it will not topple if it has a firm stake to hold it up. But even a tree that has grown up in place may fall over if its roots are weak. — Nichiren

A person of wisdom is not one who practices Buddhism apart from worldly affairs but, rather, one who thoroughly understands the principles by which the world is governed. — Nichiren

Flint has the potential to produce fire, and gems have intrinsic value. We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts. — Nichiren

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the greatest joy for all humankind. — Nichiren

Worthy persons deserve to be called so because they are not 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. — Nichiren

That which you give to another will become your own sustenance; if you light a lamp for another, your own way will be lit. — Nichiren

The treasures of the heart are most valuable of all. — Nichiren

Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life, and continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, no matter what happens. How could this be anything other than the boundless joy of the Law? — Nichiren

If one lights a fire for others, one will brighten one's own way. — Nichiren

Buddhism is reason. Reason will win over your lord. — Nichiren

If you light a lantern for another, it will also brighten your own way — Nichiren

By an increase in anger, warfare arises. By an increase of greed, famine arises. By an increase of stupidity, pestilence arises. Because these three calamities occur, the people's earthly desires grow all the more intense, and their false views thrive and multiply. — Nichiren

Never let life's hardships disturb you. No one can avoid problems, not even saints or sages. — Nichiren

Do not go about complaining how hard it is to live in this world. such behavior is entirely unworthy of a real man. — Nichiren

Could there ever be a more wonderful story than your own? — Nichiren

It is the heart that is important. — Nichiren

One should become the master of one's mind rather than let one's mind master him. — Nichiren

To begin this Practice is easy. To persevere is difficult. — Nichiren

Faith Alone is what really matters. — Nichiren

If you care anything about your personal security, you should first of all pray for order and tranquility throughout the four quarters of the land ... — Nichiren

Life in this world is limited. Never be in the least bit afraid! — Nichiren

More valuable than treasures in a storehouse are the treasures of the body. The most valuable of all are the treasures of the heart. — Nichiren

Whether one has wealth or not, no treasure exceeds the one called life. — Nichiren