Teachngs of Nichidatsu Fujii.
Among the seven treasures that adorn the stupa cited in the eleventh chapter of The Lotus Sutra, "Appartion of the Stupa," agate and pearl are produced from shellfish of the sea. They have come to be considered as precious articles.
The Chinese character for treasure represents shell. Shellfish which dwell in the waters that seem to be isolated from the lives on shore were treasured from ancient days. Treasures of the land are stones produced from the mountains such as gold, silver and other gems. Men came to consider stones from the mountains and the remains of sea animals as treasures. They serve to beautify the human world. The ornament that adorns the neck of Lord Buddha's statue, as well as my own, are both shells from the sea.
There is an old saying that a tiger leaves behind his fur. It means that one can be serviceable to others even after death. Shellfish dwelling in the ocean were taken ashore and became food. At the same time their shell became the treasure on land. We who have life now will also eventually die. I hope that we can also become treasures to the world after we leave.
The Lord Buddha is a prime example. Although over 2500 years have passed, he is the supreme treasure in the human world. His teachings benefit innumerable people and lives by guiding us to the righteous path. He is illustrated in many drawings, pictures, carvings and statues which are beautifully adorned. Our life on earth is limited, but let us also leave something beautiful for the people who come after us. The best way is to leave imperishable treasure for the world by working on behalf of the Lord Buddha.
As long as Lord Buddha's teachings prevail the human treasure will be handed down in the human world. It is an honorable task of religious men. We shall adorn the human world even after death like the shells.