Love and Prayer: Living Like a Lotus in a Muddy World

Differences in nationality, race, religion, and ideology naturally exist. People have diverse cultures, customs, and ways of life. It is only natural that no two people think exactly alike.

We were born onto this earth to embrace these differences. We are meant to live our lives not to fight one another over them, but to refine and inspire each other through our diverse perspectives. In the book Invitation to Faith, Master Ryuho Okawa teaches us that in order to transcend our differences, overcome difficult barriers, and find a way to live together, we need "Love."

In the modern world, however, the word "love" is often misunderstood. All too often, it becomes a "taking love"—a love that seeks to receive. When that love is not returned, people fall into sadness or even harbor a desire for revenge. But if more people can practice "giving love," this world will surely transform into a utopia.

Increasing one’s income, improving relationships, or succeeding in one’s career—these are important, but they are merely the results that follow. Before all else, let us strive to practice giving love. This requires not a single cent. It simply means starting the small engine within our heart and holding a sincere wish to be of service to others, to be kind, and to pray for the well-being of those around us.

Furthermore, prayer is the most sacred and powerful act of love. There may be times when our prayers do not seem to be answered. However, if a prayer is a true act of love, it becomes immortal. It never vanishes; it remains forever as a record of the soul.A person’s nobility is determined neither by birth nor status, but by their acts of true love. It is our deeds that define our standing and the true dignity of life. By moving from love to prayer, we shall open the way to the future. Prayer holds the seeds of a reality yet to be realized. When many people pray together, the world will inevitably move in that direction. Let us continue to work together to create such a world. This, perhaps, offers a glimpse of true enlightenment: the Buddhist wisdom of “living like a lotus in this troubled world.”