Sunday, December 18th, 2016

When we practice the Lotus Sutra, persecutions are bound to arise. It is by enduring and overcoming persecutions, however, that we can manifest the “Thus Come One whose life span is immeasurable,” which is the original reality of our lives. In that sense, the Daishonin teaches that persecutions are fuel for polishing and tempering our own lives in the deepest sense. Those who avoid difficulties and training certainly cannot achieve personal advancement and growth. This is the Daishonin’s great confidence based on his own experience, and an eternal truth of Buddhist practice.
Many of the world leaders with whom I have formed bonds of friendship have experienced imprisonment, including former President Nelson Mandela of South Africa, who was incarcerated for 10,000 days. Without exception, these individuals regard their experience of imprisonment as a source of pride and joy. 

​This guidance is an abstract from 'The World of Nichiren Daishonin Writings' with universal value and application