There is a level in the practice of the Bodhisattva called ju-gyouor ju-ekou. The third category in ju-gyou is a level known as mui-gyakyou. It means to comply with the correct teachings. It is at the same time a practice not to go against any person. A Bodhisattva should not cast a sidelong glance at the deeds and conducts of the people and deride their bewilderment, but rather should have the mindset of bouncing a ball when coming across a child, and listening to the old reminisce. The seventh category of ju-ekou is a level called tou-zui-junichi-issai-shujou-ekou. It means to equally accept and follow (zuijun) all people with an impartial mind. What is the reason for even impartially following the unenlightened who engages in evil and knows no virtue? It is a practice of enveloping all people with great compassion. It is akin to a mother’s heart that gives what her child seeks and together rejoices. The outcome obtained with the spirit of compliance in edifying the people on the teachings is much more beneficial than any argument or intellectual dialogue. When compliance and fawning are treated at the same level, it results in both oneself and others losing the merits of the Dharma. When we see those who are obsequious, we are not to be influenced and make light of the fine practice of complying with others. Without confusing compliance with others to ingratiation, we must choose between the two. It is just like the Gaou’s1 beak that naturally divides water and milk.2 The practice of shakubuku3 by The Bodhisattva Who Never Despises wastangyo-raihai (the sole practice of worshipping the Buddha within others). Shakubuku, it is nothing more than the practice to follow others without confronting them. When we talk of shakubuku, it somehow seems to evoke aggressiveness to the surface. This should never be the case. [1]    Legendary bird King who is known to possess a beak that is capable of separating milk from water that is inseparable when mixed together. [2]    An analogy referred to by Maha Bodhisattva Nichiren. [3]    Shakubuku is to dispirit wrongdoers or bad teachings and to have them yield to the Right Dharma. Translation by Yumiko Miyazaki, 7/11/03. Used by permission. © 2003. All rights reserved by author and translator.

Return to the Teachings of Nichidatsu Fujii.