[General Guideline of HBS]
Rev. Nisso Fukuoka
Question and Answer
Q: There are many atheists in this world. There are also people who say, “engagement in religion is not a bad thing, but I have no interest in it". What's your opinion about people who are not interested in religion and would not even bend an ear? I feel it is just a waste of time and effort to attempt to convert such people to religion.
A: That sounds reasonable, so Nissen Shonin stated: “Before attempting to convert one to religion, it is important to judge a person's character and temperament first. Secondly, select a person who shows some inkling of interest". However, it does not mean that a disinterested person should be disregarded completely from the beginning. At least, give it a try. An untiring effort is required to convert one to religion.
Actually, people are deceptive. A person whom you believed was disinterested in religion was easily convertible. On the other hand, a person whom you believed could be convertible was not interested in religion at all.
Nichiren Shonin stated: “The Lotus Sutra must be heard and strongly persuaded. This course of action will plant the seed of Buddhahood into the listeners. Even a nonbeliever can become a Buddha formed by that connection. The only seed for Buddhahood is the Lotus Sutra."
It is very important to talk about the religion of HBS whenever there is an opportunity even if one does not lend an ear, slanders it, or rejects it. That action will indirectly plants the seed of Buddhahood into the listener, and, some day, it will bear fruit. Needless to say, a person who accepts and truly practices the religion of HBS will receive merits to attain Buddhahood.
An example. When parishioner A attempted to convert a friend B to HBS religion, B said “I have no desire to clasp my hands and pray to God or to the Buddha". A continued to discuss religion to B whenever A had a chance. A's persistence caused B to say, “Do not come to my house if you intend to talk about religion".
After a lapse of two years, A was visited by B, who revealed an interest in becoming a parishioner of HBS because B's daughter was ill from a prolonged sickness and there was no sign of recovery. And, because people had said it was due to my unkind treatment with my ancestors.
In this manner, continued persuasive discussions about the religion of HBS to a prospective candidate may not bear fruit immediately but it may do so at a later date. Mankind cannot be saved without religious affiliation. There is no such thing as a waste of time and effort in attempting to convert one to religion. It is a virtuous act.
“The soul to persuade one to religion
ls a virtuous act
And an indirect cause of planted Buddhahood seed
Will ultimately bear fruit."
(Gokyoka)
