In The Supplement to “The Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra,” Tao-hsien, a priest of the T’ien-t’ai school in China in the eighth century, states that the four bodhisattvas represent the four virtues of the Buddha’s life: true self, eternity, purity, and happiness. Among these, Superior Practices represents the virtue of true self.
In his writings, Nichiren (1222–1282) associates himself with Bodhisattva Superior Practices, saying that he has fulfilled the mission entrusted to the bodhisattva by Shakyamuni, and he refers to his propagation efforts as the work of Bodhisattva Superior Practices.
In his lecture "Kosen-rufu and World Peace Chapter 22: The Mission and Vow of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth [22.3]" Daisaku Ikeda discusses the virtues of the four leaders of the Bodhisattvas of the
Earth as they relate to our own lives, asserting that Soka Gakkai
members are the Bodhisattvas of the Earth of the present day.
Mr. Toda used to say that we, Soka Gakkai members who are striving to achieve kosen-rufu, are the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, and that being the case, we are certain to be able to lead the kind of life we desire.
The
four bodhisattvas who appear in the Lotus Sutra as the leaders of the
Bodhisattvas of the Earth are Superior Practices, Boundless Practices,
Pure Practices, and Firmly Established Practices (cf. LSOC15, 254). What
is the significance of these four bodhisattvas? While this can be
discussed from various perspectives, in The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings,
the Daishonin touches on one aspect in relation to the four elements of
earth, water, fire, and wind. He explains that all the activities of
the universe, which are symbolized by the four elements, are essentially
the functions of the four bodhisattvas and the compassionate workings
of Myoho-renge-kyo.
I
would like to give a simple overview of these functions as they relate
to leadership qualities, based on the Daishonin’s remarks in the Orally Transmitted Teachings.
First
of all, Bodhisattva Superior Practices can be likened to fire. The
Daishonin says: “Fire is that which burns things” (OTT, 118). Courageous
practitioners of the Mystic Law “burn” their earthly desires to produce
the light of wisdom, illuminating the world’s darkness. Just as a
roaring fire sends flames leaping high into the air, they brim with
irrepressible energy and inspire everyone with their passionate resolve.
They stand in the vanguard and ignite a flame of courage and enthusiasm
in others’ hearts. They light the way forward. They function as
outstanding leaders in society and the world at large. This can be seen
as an aspect of the virtues of Bodhisattva Superior Practices.
Leaders
in the realm of Nichiren Buddhism need to constantly strive to improve
themselves, to always take the lead and act with bracing courage. They
must never be arrogant or high-handed, seeking the easy way out and
making others do all the hard work.
Bodhisattva Boundless
Practices can be likened to the wind. The Daishonin says: “Wind is that
which blows away dust and grime” (OTT, 118). Just as the wind blows
unhindered to clear away all dust and grime, practitioners of the Mystic
Law can freely carry out their activities, sweeping away all obstacles
as if they were “no more than dust before the wind” (cf. WND-1, 280).
This is the virtue of Bodhisattva Boundless Practices. We possess within
us wisdom and life force that can never be obstructed by anything.
Bodhisattva
Pure Practices can be likened to water. The Daishonin says: “Water is
that which purifies things” (OTT, 118). Like flowing water,
practitioners of the Mystic Law always stay pure of heart, never sullied
by the muck and mire of real life, and purify everything around them.
Though they plunge into the midst of this polluted world, their vibrant,
beautiful lives remain untainted. In fact, they spread their
pure-heartedness to all around them. This is the virtue of Bodhisattva
Pure Practices.
Bodhisattva Firmly Established Practices can be
likened to the earth. The Daishonin says: “The great earth is that which
nourishes plants and trees” (OTT, 118). Like the rich earth that
nourishes the many different kinds of plants and trees, practitioners of
the Mystic Law protect and care for everyone alike. They provide solid
support for everyone and nourish them with their warm encouragement.
Unshakable and dauntless, they impart a feeling of infinite security and
assurance to those around them. This is the virtue of Bodhisattva
Firmly Established Practices.
Nichiren Daishonin, the Buddha of
the Latter Day of the Law, took on the role of the leader of the
Bodhisattvas of the Earth [namely, Bodhisattva Superior Practices]. As
long as we dedicate ourselves to realizing kosen-rufu, striving in our
Buddhist practice with the “same mind as Nichiren” (WND-1, 385), the
powerful functions of these four bodhisattvas will also appear in our
lives. Surely nothing could be more wonderful.
There is profound significance in the fact that the word practices
is part of the names of all four of these bodhisattvas. Without
practice or action, one cannot be a bodhisattva. Without action, one
cannot attain Buddhahood.
A self-centered life is empty and base. The Bodhisattvas of the Earth respect others and strive to benefit them.
I
hope that you will all support and protect your noble fellow
members—standing in the vanguard of kosen-rufu like Superior Practices,
taking action freely like Boundless Practices, with a pure heart like
Pure Practices, and with a resolute commitment like Firmly Established
Practices.
Let’s cast aside selfishness, be unswayed by others’
approval or disapproval, and work tirelessly for people’s happiness and a
brighter future. That is the way to bring forth inner strength and to
attain Buddhahood.
From a speech at a nationwide representative conference, Tokyo, March 29, 1996.
