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Daily Life

3 Reasons Buddhist Study Is Important

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Adapted from Ikeda Sensei’s guidance in The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 282–85

1) Buddhist study helps us deepen our faith

Buddhist study is a beacon illuminating the path of faith. Even the complex workings of negative forces that arise to assail us are clearly revealed for what they are in the bright mirror of the Buddhist teachings. Studying the principles of Buddhism enables us to build our own solid foundation of faith and becomes a power source for our human revolution. 

2) Buddhist study serves as a driving force for kosen-rufu

To study the writings of Nichiren Daishonin is to come into contact with his spirit; it is to receive powerful encouragement directly from the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law, as well as guidelines for the promotion of kosen-rufu. … And when we put the teachings into practice, limitless courage wells forth in our lives and we can display boundless ability and strength.

3) Buddhist study lays the foundation for establishing a new humanism

Our times are rife with serious challenges.  … Buddhism alone can shine a light on these problems. Only by grounding ourselves in such Buddhist principles as respect and compassion for life, the oneness of body and mind and the oneness of living beings and their environment can we open the way to a new humanism.

The One-Eyed Turtle and the Floating Log

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada