The Gosho and the non-duality of master and disciple. Nichiren explains several times in the Gosho that we can fully fi orm our humanity only through a master. Even in European culture, a well-known aphorism goes that we are "dwarfs on the shoulders of giants," meaning that however limited we may be, we can always see a little further because of the achievements of those who have lived before us. But in Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism, the master-disciple relationship is much more than this: there is no master without disciple, and vice versa. And this relationship, which is more accurately called non-duality of master and disciple, aims to transform frightened cubs into lion kings; to bring out of the disciple's life the Buddha's vital state, which is free from fear. Our master, Daisaku Ikeda, never tires of reminding us of the function and importance of the figure of Josei Toda in his life and the equally important figure of Makiguchi in Toda's life.
" I still remember when I met, about forty years ago, a famous Japanese critic and intellectual. He introduced himself rather pompously, boasting about his illustrious birth and the elitist education he had received. When it was my turn I simply said, "I am the direct disciple of Josei Toda, and I consider him my greatest pride and honor." - Daisaku Ikeda
