Among the sutras, we think the Lotus Sutra is the most important sutra at Enryakuji.
In this sutra, there is a chapter entitled “The Bodhisattva Despises Nothing,” which means never belittle others, but venerate them because all beings humans, flowers, trees or rocks that we see in our daily life are significant and will become Buddhas. When we look back at our life, needless to say, all humans, animals and plants have lives, but we also see that everything that exists in this world has life. We understand that we are all interconnected, supporting each other. With this in mind, with respect and love in our hearts, we do not ignore or waste anything or anyone, but venerate everyone and everything we meet.
I’m glad to have met you. I’m happy you are with me.
Be grateful that we can meet with anyone, anything.