Someone near you in the practice just stumbled. What do you do with your voice?

Bodhisattva Never Disparaging gives the answer. He bowed to every person he met. Some ignored him, and some threw sticks and stones. He bowed again and told each one of them they would attain Buddhahood. His whole practice was RESPECT, carried out in plain human behavior. Nichiren Daishonin taught that the heart of the Lotus Sutra is found in this chapter.

The Lotus Sutra also teaches that the SAME RAIN falls on every plant, large and small. Each person grows in their own season, with their own karma and their own pace. Your fellow practitioner is standing in that same rain.

Chapter 14 asks the practitioner to take no pleasure in talking about the faults of others. Miao-lo warned that finding fault, whether real or imagined, costs a person their own merit. Your tongue is precious. Keep it for daimoku and for kind words.

So chant your own Namu Myoho Renge Kyo each morning and each evening. Let your steady voice be the proof. When someone stumbles, offer a warm greeting, a patient ear, a quiet bow of the heart.

Your practice works. Let your kindness show it.

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.