Resolute in Mind is the much better and accurate translation of the ancient Sanskrit/Pali/Chinese word from English scholars of "faith". "Faith is simply not only missing the point, but completely misleading in our age as a word associated with acceptance rather than understanding and self realized determination.
“Resolute in mind, they [the Bodhisattvas from Underground] always sought wisdom, and expounded various wonderful teachings without fear.” —Lotus Sutra, Chapter XV, the Appearance of Bodhisattvas from Underground
“Resolute in mind” means to have strong determination for keeping one’s aim in mind by all means until its accomplishment and defying any delusion. This is the phrase that should replace ANY use of the word “faith”, anywhere in the Buddha’s teachings. “Faith is so often misused and morphed over the centuries as to imply submission to something external. That implication is poison to the Buddhist practitioner whose actions and thoughts must be purely driven from self-observation and with self-determination. “Without fear” means “to have the strong will not to yield to slander, jealousy and all other oppressions” to achieve one’s aim. The phrase gives a feeling of reliance and a great deal of encouragement to us as those whose RESOLUTE MIND is in the O’Daimoku. On the other hand, the phrase gives a warning: “Even if you have established your aim by sheer determination, it is most likely you may change or give up your aim by yielding to bullying, slander, jealousy, envy or other malicious assaults.” However, we should never overlook Shakyamuni Buddha’s assurance lying in the background of this phrase. Here He assures, “I am always protecting you. Anywhere you will be, I am always with you.” Take care of yourself and devote yourself to O’Daimoku chanting, perceiving that you are being watched over by Shakyamuni Buddha. In October, please join us for the ceremony at your temple to celebrate Nichiren Shonin’s 734th anniversary and express our appreciation to Our Founder who transmitted to us this supreme teaching of the Lotus Sutra.
Rev. Nisso Kanno, Bishop of Ikegami Honmonji Temple, Tokyo
