Throughout the history of human culture there is nothing that surpasses the longevity and breadth of influence in society than religion. Politics, economy, military force, revolution and the like as well as kings, ministers and men of wealth who act within these parameters are of no comparison to religion. Lasting and widely influential religion relies neither on other power or wealth. Those who practice religious teachings strive to nurture compassion and harmony in their hearts and minds and the influence of religion comes from nothing more but the virtue of veneration and prayer by seeing the Buddha in others, and treating them with kindness as though one treats a child. This is true in the past and it will remain true in the future. Those with compassion prosper for eternity, and those who lack compassion will fall without doubt. The most crucial thing in social life is for compassion to be practiced and that it is woven into political and economic systems. In order to evoke compassion in the hearts of the people and to have compassion adopted in politics and the military it is important for us to widely spread the religion of compassion. This is what Rissho-Ankoku (Giving rise to the genuine teaching to create peace among nations) is all about. Translation by Yumiko Miyazaki, 1/15/01. Used by permission. © 2003. All rights reserved by author and translator.

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