The Language of the Heart: An Introduction to Nichiren Daishonin's True Buddhism

Addressing a longstanding misconception concerning the origin of Namu-Myōhō-Renge-Kyō, which all prior editions of “The Language of the Heart” had regrettably continued to spread, necessitated the publishing of this 6th edition. As the adage goes, “The truth will set you free!” It is only through Truth that one can come to understand one’s life and life itself.

Do you ever wonder why you were born? Why do we die? What is the meaning of life? What is the purpose of life? Buddhism is the study of life. The study of your life. The study of all life. Because life goes through the phases of birth, aging, illness and death, it appears as though life is finite—that there is a beginning and an end. But the truth about time is that the past is eternal, and the future is eternal. There is neither beginning nor end. There is only permanent eternity. Not only is time eternal, but the universe is also everlasting, infinite, ever-expanding and increasing in volume. No one created eternal life. There is a Law. A universal Law that has always existed. This Law is the source of all life. A human being came a long, realized the existence of this Law and thus became a Buddha – an enlightened one. The title and state of being Buddha is not exclusive to one being. All life – all existence – has the potential to be Buddha—to be enlightened. Desires and enlightenment are the same. They are inseparable. No one can separate good and evil in one’s life. Therefore, a law has to be powerful enough to enlighten a life where good and evil co-exist indivisibly. To become a Buddha – to reach the deepest part or yourself – your core – you need not give up your human condition, retire to a mountain or become an ascetic. You need only to hear and know the Buddha’s language, and practice it in your daily life to feel joy in your heart. The language of the Buddha is the universal Law. The universal Law of the Buddha is the language of the heart. It is your core. It is your home. It has always been within you. In this little book, a long-time American believer and a Nichiren Shoshu Shoshinkai priest introduce you, in an easy conversational style, to the universal Law, how to practice the Law, the impact of the Law on everyday life, and a deeper understanding of life itself.