You Are As Good As You Think You Are

Dr. Hideki Yukawa, noted Japanese physicist, said: “Life appeared in the universe and evolved into higher forms such as human beings, who are able to accomplish so much. This demonstrates the magnificent creative force that exists in the universe and manifests itself in many diverse ways. The life force of the human being is one of the myriad ways in which this great creative force reveals itself. In fact, human creativity can be viewed as the highest expression of this universal force.” The foundation or essence of the universal life force that Dr. Yukawa speaks of is known in Buddhism as the Mystic Law, or Nam-MyoHo-Renge-Kyo. Unlike other religions that require belief in a supreme or all-powerful being on whom one must rely for salvation, Buddhism clarifies the fundamental law that permeates all life, and teaches us how to tap the limitless power of this law from within. This law is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

Nichiren Daishonin states: ‘Even a tarnished mirror will shine like a jewel if it is polished. A mind which presently is clouded by illusions originating from the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but once it is polished it will become clear, reflecting the enlightenment of immutable truth. Arouse deep faith and polish your mirror night and day. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo” (MW – 1, 5). When we chant daimoku to the Gohonzon, we are expressing our belief in the magnificence of our own lives, and polishing ourselves internally in order to tap the tremendous power that resides within.

Nothing is as wondrous as human life. But this is often hard for us to believe. How often have we told ourselves “I can’t do this” or “I am no good at that.” We may also hear from others and look down on ourselves. Ultimately we must be the ones who judge ourselves. Ignorance of our own great potential and lack of confidence in ourselves stems from the ‘fundamental darkness’ that exists deep within us. This darkness or illusion leads us to waste our potential, while it is faith in the Gohonzon that enables us to fully appreciate it and put it to use.