There may be times when we are faced with a setback in our career, but everything in our lives has meaning from the eyes of faith. In his writing “The Reconstruction of Hachiman Shrine,” the Daishonin encourages the Ikegami brothers, who had lost an important work contract due to the scheming of colleagues. Far from letting the brothers wallow in self-pity, Nichiren assures them that their setback was “the design of the heavens.”[13] He further advises them to “avoid any appearance of ill will or resentment [because of not obtaining the construction job]. … Be sure to carry your saw and hammer in your hands or hook them at your waist, and always wear a smile.”[14]
When things don’t go as we hoped, it is important not to give in to despair. Sensei says, in these circumstances, here is the best thing to do:
Be patient and persevere, putting down solid roots and creating the cause for more fortunate circumstances to present themselves in the future. Faith is about putting down solid roots of happiness in the soil of our present reality. Eventually sprouts will appear and flowers will begin to bloom in beautiful profusion signaling the arrival of a spring of victory and success.[15]
Our Buddhist practice allows us to make progress in our lives regardless of how bleak the circumstances look. In fact, the tougher the situation, the greater actual proof we can show through the power of faith that can encourage many others.
