Worthy persons deserve to be called so because they are not carried away by the eight winds: prosperity,decline,disgrace,honor,praise,censure,suffering, and pleasure.They are neither elated by prosperity nor grieved by decline. The heavenly gods will surely protect one who is unbending before the eight winds.
Interpretation
Worthy individuals remain unaffected by external circumstances and emotions.
This quote by Nichiren emphasizes the importance of inner strength and stability in the face of life's ups and downs. It teaches that true worthiness comes from maintaining equanimity despite external influences such as success, failure, praise, and criticism, suggesting that those who can resist being swayed by these forces will receive spiritual protection and support.
In practice
In a motivational speech to encourage resilience.
Flint has the potential to produce fire, and gems have intrinsic value. We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts.
If you light a lantern for another, it will also brighten your own way
Never let life's hardships disturb you. No one can avoid problems, not even saints or sages.
Suffer what there is to suffer. Enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life.
The light that Yoga sheds on life is something special. It is transformative. It does not just change the way we see things; it transforms the person who sees.
I believe that the pursuit of truth and right ideas through honest debate and rigorous argument is a noble undertaking.
She could never be a saint, but she thought she could be a martyr if they killed her quick.
I am oppressed with a dread of living forever. That is the only disadvantage of vegetarianism.
Faith in the supernatural is a desperate wager made by man at the lowest ebb of his fortunes.
It may be decades until we know what living in a state of constant distraction will do to us.
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