Daisaku Ikeda addresses the topic of health from the perspective of Buddhism by sharing some important passages from Nichiren's writings. In the five lectures in this volume from the series "Sunshine Buddhism," SGI President Daisaku Ikeda addresses the topic of health by sharing some important passages from Nichiren Daishonin's writings from different perspectives.
The author, starting from the desire of every person to be healthy and to be able to live long, shows how the compassionate light of Buddhism can illuminate the darkness resulting from the sufferings of birth, aging, illness and death and offer humanity the ability not to look upon illness with aversion but to consider it an integral part of the precious experience of being alive, an indispensable step in the journey toward happiness and the attainment of Buddhahood in this existence. In his lecture, Ikeda also makes it clear that medical science and faith in Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism are in no way contradictory.
Because we embrace the great teaching of Nam myoho renge kyo there is no karmic suffering that we cannot overcome. There is no need to worry or fear illness; what matters is our attitude, the way we deal with it.
Daisaku Ikeda
When we consider illness as one of the sufferings inherent in life we can appreciate the true richness of the experience of living. Buddhism views illness as an innate part of life. When we become ill we understand how important and valuable it is to be healthy, and we appreciate our life and mission more. Moreover, facing illness with strong faith and tenacious prayer, thus developing a vast vital condition, instills courage and hope in the people around us. In this way, illness becomes our mission.
Daisaku Ikeda
