Assumpta Weekly News Magazine
Presents: “ONWARD”
Featured in Assumpta Newsletter Magazine’s Exclusive “The Bow and Arrow”
This special edition unveils The Bow and Arrow, a profoundly compassionate and inspiring letter from Nichiren Daishonin to the lay nun Toki. In this message, Nichiren expresses his deep concern for her well-being, acknowledges her unwavering dedication, and reinforces the power of faith in the Lotus Sutra to overcome suffering.
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Archer drawing a bow and arrow.
Special Edition: Leadership With Purpose—A Lesson from Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism
Newsletter Feature: The Bow and Arrow—A Guide to True Leadership
In today’s world, many political leaders chase material wealth, personal gain, and recognition, often neglecting their true purpose—serving the people. Nichiren Daishonin’s The Bow and Arrow provides a powerful lesson on leadership, emphasising the essential harmony between faith and action in achieving meaningful and lasting results.
A Modern Example: Ibrahim Traoré’s Leadership in Burkina Faso.
A compelling example of leadership with purpose is Burkina Faso’s President, Ibrahim Traoré. Rather than prioritising personal interests, he has focused on:
- Providing free housing
- Ensuring accessible healthcare
- Reforming the prison system by allowing former inmates to work in agriculture for national development
His leadership embodies a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to his people’s well-being—an approach that is rare yet essential for true leadership.
Nichiren’s Teaching: The Balance of Faith and Action
In The Bow and Arrow, Nichiren explains that just as an archer needs both a strong bow (faith) and a well-aimed arrow (action) to hit a target, true progress comes when conviction and effort align. Leaders who govern with wisdom, courage, and compassion can bring real change, while those driven solely by self-interest will ultimately fail.
Applying This Lesson to Our Lives
This principle extends beyond politics—whether in business, community service, or personal life, true success comes from using our strengths to benefit others. Aligning our actions with a greater purpose not only improves society but also leads to deeper personal fulfillment.
Conclusion
Leadership is not about status or temporary success but about making a lasting impact. The Bow and Arrow teaches us that faith and action must work together to create a better world. Leaders like Ibrahim Traoré exemplify this philosophy, showing that true power lies in serving others with sincerity and purpose.
Call to Action
Let us reflect on the leaders we support and strive to embody the principles of selfless service, faith, and courageous action in our own lives. As Nichiren taught, when we align our hearts with a noble purpose, our efforts will always bear fruit.
Join the Discussion with Ghana’s Outstanding Female Broadcast Journalists!
Cookieteegh, Berla Mundi, Frema Adunyame, and Nana Kyie bring insights on The Bow and Arrow.
Assumpta Stream :
“Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turns to spring.” – Nichiren Daishonin
📅 Coming Monday, 3rd March 2025
📍 Read it at: assumptagh.live/
The Bow and Arrow: A Letter of Encouragement from Nichiren Daishonin
Key Excerpt from Nichiren’s Letter
“I have received one thousand coins and a bamboo container. It is the power of the bow that determines the flight of the arrow, the might of the dragon that controls the movement of the clouds, and the strength of the wife that guides the actions of her husband. In the same way, it is your support that has enabled Toki to visit me here now…”
Nichiren’s letter conveys his deep appreciation for the lay nun Toki’s support of her husband, Toki Jōnin, and her steadfast faith. He encourages her to continue her medical treatment with determination, reinforcing the belief that faith in the Lotus Sutra has the power to overcome illness.
Historical Context
Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter in March 1276, addressing the lay nun Toki as she struggled with illness. Her husband, Toki Jōnin, had just lost his mother and traveled to Minobu for a memorial service. Nichiren reassures the lay nun that, as a devoted practitioner of the Lotus Sutra, she will recover and live many more years. Historical records suggest she lived until 1303, affirming Nichiren’s confidence in the power of faith and perseverance.
Symbolism of the Bow and Arrow
Nichiren uses the bow and arrow as a metaphor for life’s challenges:
- The bow represents faith, providing the strength to overcome obstacles.
- The arrow represents action, ensuring progress toward one’s goals.
The letter also acknowledges the suffering of separation and hardship but ultimately reassures that faith leads to enlightenment—far more valuable than any worldly status.
Final Reflection
Nichiren’s message is timeless. It reminds us that faith and perseverance enable us to endure hardships, support our loved ones, and achieve true fulfillment. Just as winter inevitably turns to spring, unwavering faith brings renewal, healing, and enlightenment.
Join us for this special edition of Assumpta Weekly News Magazine and be inspired by Nichiren’s profound wisdom!
( The Bow and Arrow )
Nichiren Daishonin wrote: “I HAVE received one thousand coins and a bamboo container”.
It is the power of the bow that determines the flight of the arrow, the might of the dragon that controls the movement of the clouds, and the strength of the wife that guides the actions of her husband. In the same way, it is your support that has enabled Toki to visit me here now. We know the fire by its smoke, discern the nature of the dragon by the rain, and recognize the wife by observing her husband. Thus, meeting here at this moment with Toki, I feel as if I were seeing you.
Toki has told me that, while grieved at his mother’s death, he was grateful that she passed away peacefully, and that you gave her such attentive care. He said joyfully that he would never be able to forget this in any lifetime to come.
My greatest concern now is your illness. Fully convinced that you will recover your health, you should continue moxibustion treatment for three years, as regularly as if you had just begun. Even those who are free from illness cannot escape the transience of life, but you are not yet old, and because you are a votary of the Lotus Sutra, you will not meet an untimely death. Your illness is surely not due to karma, but even if it were, you could rely on the power of the Lotus Sutra to cure it.
King Ajātashatru extended his life by forty years by embracing the Lotus Sutra. Ch’en Chen added fifteen years to his life. You also are a practitioner of the Lotus Sutra, and your faith is like the waxing moon or the rising tide. Be deeply convinced, then, that your illness cannot possibly persist, and that your life cannot fail to be extended! Take care of yourself, and do not burden your mind with grief.
When sorrows arise, think of Iki and Tsushima, and the Dazaifu office.
Or think of the people of Kamakura, who were enjoying the delights of the heavenly realm; but when the soldiers left for Tsukushi, their parting with their wives and children who stayed behind was like bark being ripped from a tree.
They pressed their faces together and lamented while gazing into each other’s eyes. Now the men gradually grow more distant, traveling through Yui Beach, Inamura, Koshigoe, Sakawa, and the Hakone pass. And so, as one day passes and then another goes by, they march farther and farther away, and rivers, mountains, and clouds are interposed between them and their families. Tears accompany them, and grief is their companion. How sorrowful they must be!
If the Mongol armies should come p.657 and attack while they are thus lamenting, they will be taken prisoner, whether in the mountains or on the sea, and will suffer misery in ships or in Koryŏ [Korea]. This is entirely because of the treatment people have accorded Nichiren, the votary of the Lotus Sutra, who has committed no fault and is father and mother to all the living beings of Japan.
Without reason, they revile and beat him, and parade him through the streets. Such insanity has provoked reprimands from the ten demon daughters, causing the present situation to arise. In addition, events that are a hundred, thousand, ten thousand, million times more difficult to endure will occur in the future. You will see such mysteries unfold before your eyes.
There is nothing to lament when we consider that we will surely become Buddhas. Even if one were to become an emperor’s consort, of what use would it be? Even if one were to be reborn in heaven, what end would it serve? Instead, you will follow the way of the dragon king’s daughter and rank with the nun Mahāprajāpatī. How wonderful! How wonderful! Please chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
With my deep respect,
Nichiren.
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Nichiren Daishonin
( Background )
Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter to the lay nun Toki in the third month of the second year of Kenji (1276) and entrusted its delivery to her husband, Toki Jōnin, who was visiting Minobu at the time.
Toki’s mother had passed away toward the end of the second month of the year. In the third month, Toki carried her ashes from his home in Wakamiya, Shimōsa Province, to distant Minobu, where a memorial service was performed for her. From a letter the Daishonin sent to Toki one year earlier, in 1275, it is clear that Toki’s mother was over ninety years old when she died. It is also thought that she had been extremely fond of her son.
The contents of this letter suggest that the lay nun Toki did her best to support and assist her husband. In addition, the Daishonin likens her faith to “the waxing moon or the rising tide,” suggesting that she was diligent in her practice. He also conveys Toki’s feelings regarding his mother’s death as well as his sense of gratitude toward the lay nun for her attentive care of her mother-in-law.
Thus the Daishonin compassionately encourages the lay nun Toki during her illness, which she had been battling since the previous year.
It is possible that her illness was due at least in part to the exhausting effort of caring for her mother-in-law. The Daishonin expresses concern over her health in this letter and in another letter sent to Toki Jōnin in the eleventh month of 1276, in which he writes: “I think of your wife’s illness as if it were my own, and am praying to heaven day and night.” Although the year of the lay nun’s death is not certain, one source indicates 1303, which suggests that she was indeed able to recover and live many years longer.
This letter, The Bow and Arrow, is a deeply compassionate and encouraging message from Nichiren Daishonin to the lay nun Toki.
It reflects his concern for her well-being, his appreciation for her dedication, and his unwavering confidence in the power of faith in the Lotus Sutra to overcome suffering.
The metaphor of the bow and arrow emphasizes the importance of strong support—just as the bow determines the flight of the arrow, the lay nun’s support enables her husband, Toki Jōnin, to fulfill his duties. This highlights the role of faith and perseverance in sustaining one’s family and practice.
Nichiren also reassures her about her illness, urging her to continue treatment with determination and to have faith that she will recover. He references historical examples of people who extended their lives through faith in the Lotus Sutra, reinforcing the idea that illness can be overcome through devotion.
Additionally, he touches on the sorrow of separation, using vivid imagery of soldiers leaving their families for battle, likening it to the hardships she faces. But he reminds her that ultimate peace comes from the certainty of attaining Buddhahood, which is far more valuable than any worldly status.
Overall, this letter is a powerful testament to Nichiren’s deep care for his followers and his belief that unwavering faith can lead to healing, resilience, and enlightenment.
Nichiren Daishonin’s letter to the lay nun Toki does reflect his encouragement of community relationships, though not explicitly. Here’s how:
1. Emphasizing Mutual Support
Nichiren acknowledges the lay nun Toki’s unwavering support for her husband, Toki Jōnin, and how her dedication has enabled him to visit Nichiren. He states:
“It is the power of the bow that determines the flight of the arrow, the might of the dragon that controls the movement of the clouds, and the strength of the wife that guides the actions of her husband.”
This highlights the importance of interdependence—how individuals contribute to the well-being of their loved ones and communities. It suggests that strong relationships help sustain faith and practice.
2. Expressing Gratitude and Compassion
Nichiren conveys deep appreciation for the lay nun Toki’s care for her mother-in-law and her husband during a time of mourning. He reassures her that her kindness will never be forgotten, reinforcing the idea that caring for one another strengthens bonds of compassion and respect within a community.
3. Recognizing Shared Hardships
Nichiren relates her suffering to the broader struggles of society, using imagery of soldiers leaving their families for war. He acknowledges the grief and separation experienced by many, making her personal hardship part of a larger human experience. This creates a sense of shared struggle and solidarity, encouraging resilience through faith and collective strength.
4. Encouraging Faith as a Unifying Force
By urging her to continue her faith in the Lotus Sutra, Nichiren suggests that a strong spiritual foundation not only supports individuals but also strengthens the community. When people practice together and encourage one another, they help build a network of support, trust, and shared purpose.
Conclusion
While the letter primarily offers personal encouragement, it also subtly reinforces the importance of relationships, mutual support, and community well-being. Nichiren’s message reminds us that faith is not just an individual journey—it flourishes when shared with others in compassion, gratitude, and perseverance.
Dialogue: The Bow and Arrow – Leadership, Faith, and Purpose
Introduction
Cookieteegh: Good evening, everyone! It’s an absolute pleasure to be here today, discussing a remarkable piece of writing—The Bow and Arrow, a letter by Nichiren Daishonin. This letter, filled with deep wisdom and compassion, is still so relevant today.
Berla Mundi: Absolutely, Cookieteegh. Nichiren’s letter to the lay nun Toki is more than just words on a page—it’s a message of resilience, faith, and purpose. And that’s what makes this discussion so special.
Frema Adunyame: And with us today is someone who brings a unique perspective to this conversation, our very own Nana Kyie, who practices Buddhism. Nana, welcome!
Nana Kyie: Thank you, ladies. It’s a privilege to be here. Buddhism teaches that wisdom is not just about knowing but about living. The Bow and Arrow is not just a historical letter; it’s a guide for leadership, relationships, and overcoming hardship.
The Metaphor of the Bow and Arrow
Cookieteegh: Let’s start with the core metaphor of this letter—the bow and the arrow. Nana, as a Buddhist, what does this symbol mean in Nichiren’s teachings?
Nana Kyie: The bow represents faith, the inner conviction that drives us. The arrow symbolizes action—the steps we take in life. You need both. Just like an archer cannot hit a target with a weak bow, a person cannot achieve anything meaningful without a strong foundation of faith. And similarly, a strong bow without a properly aimed arrow is useless.
Berla Mundi: That’s profound. So, in leadership, faith alone isn’t enough?
Nana Kyie: Exactly. Many leaders claim to believe in their people, but without decisive action, that belief is hollow. Leadership requires a combination of inner conviction and tangible action—faith and execution must align. This is why Nichiren encouraged lay nun Toki, saying that faith in the Lotus Sutra could sustain her through illness. But he also advised her to continue her medical treatment.
Frema Adunyame: That balance is so relevant today. In our personal lives, we often think positive thoughts, but without action, change doesn’t happen.
Modern Leadership: Ibrahim Traoré’s Example.
Cookieteegh: The article draws a connection between The Bow and Arrow and leadership, particularly highlighting Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré. How does his leadership embody this principle?
Berla Mundi: Traoré is unique because he isn’t just sitting in an office making promises—he’s implementing real changes. He’s providing free housing, healthcare, and even reforming the prison system by reintegrating inmates into agriculture. That’s faith and action working together.
Frema Adunyame: And in a world where many leaders focus on personal gain, his approach is refreshing. He reminds us that leadership should be about serving, not ruling.
Nana Kyie: That’s exactly what Nichiren meant. Leadership with purpose is about service, not status. When a leader’s heart is aligned with a greater cause, their efforts bear fruit. Those who seek only power eventually crumble.
Cookieteegh: So, do you think today’s leaders should be studying texts like The Bow and Arrow?
Nana Kyie: Without a doubt. History repeats itself, and those who do not learn from past wisdom are bound to make the same mistakes. Leaders who understand the balance between faith and action can create lasting impact.
Faith and Overcoming Hardships.
Berla Mundi: One of the most touching aspects of this letter is Nichiren’s encouragement to the lay nun Toki. He reassures her that faith can help her overcome illness. But some might argue—can faith really heal?
Nana Kyie: Faith is not magic, but it strengthens the mind. A strong mind affects the body. Nichiren wasn’t telling her to rely on faith alone; he was saying faith fuels perseverance. Scientific studies today show that people with strong spiritual convictions often recover better because they believe in their healing process.
Cookieteegh: That makes sense. If you believe in your recovery, you fight harder to get better.
Frema Adunyame: And beyond illness, faith is a tool for overcoming all hardships. Think about the soldiers Nichiren mentioned—leaving their families for war, suffering unimaginable grief. Yet, he tells the lay nun Toki that faith will guide her through separation and loss.
Nana Kyie: That’s the beauty of Nichiren’s message. He acknowledges pain but doesn’t let it define the future. He reminds us that just as winter always turns to spring, suffering is not permanent.
The Relevance of Community Support.
Cookieteegh: Another powerful theme in the letter is the importance of relationships. Nichiren highlights how the lay nun Toki’s strength supports her husband. What does this teach us about community?
Berla Mundi: It tells us that no one succeeds alone. Toki Jōnin could visit Nichiren only because of his wife’s support. Behind every great effort, there’s a network of people working in the background.
Frema Adunyame: And today, we see this in families, workplaces, and even social activism. People pushing for change need supporters who uplift them.
Nana Kyie: This is why Buddhism emphasizes interdependence. We are all connected. Just as the bow determines the flight of the arrow, the people around us shape our journey. This is why we must choose our communities wisely and support one another.
Final Thoughts: Applying This Wisdom Today.
Cookieteegh: If we could each take one lesson from The Bow and Arrow and apply it to our lives, what would it be?
Berla Mundi: For me, it’s the reminder that true leadership is about serving, not self-interest. Whether in politics, business, or personal life, we should focus on how we can uplift others.
Frema Adunyame: I’d say the lesson on perseverance. Hardship is inevitable, but as Nichiren said, winter always turns to spring. We just have to keep going.
Nana Kyie: I take away the power of balance—faith and action must work together. Whether you’re leading a nation or managing personal challenges, belief alone isn’t enough. Action alone isn’t enough. We need both.
Cookieteegh: Well said! This discussion has been enlightening. The Bow and Arrow is more than just a historical letter—it’s a guide to life, leadership, and resilience.
Berla Mundi: And to our audience, let’s take these lessons forward. Who are the leaders we support? Do they serve with sincerity? Are we applying faith and action in our own lives?
Frema Adunyame: That’s the challenge for us all. Leadership isn’t just for presidents—it’s for parents, teachers, and everyday people. Let’s be the leaders who inspire change.
Nana Kyie: And let’s remember that with faith and action, we can overcome any hardship. Just as the bow and arrow must work together, so must our beliefs and efforts.
Cookieteegh: Thank you all for this insightful conversation! Until next time, let’s live with purpose.
All: Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!
SGI-OUR SHARED HUMANITY
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