Flux

in Nichiren Buddhism, change is viewed as a dynamic, moment-to-moment process driven by the intersection of an individual's inner life and their external environment. This way of thinking moves beyond the passive acceptance of impermanence toward a proactive mastery of life's fluctuations

The Reality of Constant Flux

Buddhism holds that all phenomena in the universe are in a constant state of flux.

Rather than being a source of suffering to be avoided, change is seen as the natural state of existence. The critical distinction in Nichiren Buddhism is whether a person accepts change passively and is "swept away" by it, or takes the initiative to lead and create positive changes.

The Mechanics of the "Moment" (Ichinen Sanzen)

The concept of Ichinen Sanzen (three thousand realms in a single moment of life) explains that human consciousness is highly volatile and contains 3,000 potential life-states at any given instant. This means that life is not fixed; a person can shift from a state of suffering (Hell) to a state of wisdom (Buddhahood) in a single "thought-moment" depending on their internal response to external triggers.

Inner Change as the Catalyst for External Change (Esho Funi)

The principle of the oneness of life and its environment (esho funi) asserts that the subjective individual and their objective surroundings are inseparable—like a body and its shadow. Because the environment is a reflection of one’s inner life-state, transforming one’s internal condition (through Buddhist practice) will inevitably cause a corresponding change in external circumstances, such as relationships, career, or social environment.

Changing "Poison into Medicine" (Hentoku-Iyakku)

Nichiren Buddhism provides a specific method for navigating negative change called "changing poison into medicine". This involves taking the "poison" of suffering, earthly desires, and negative karma and transforming it into the "medicine" of wisdom, benefit, and freedom. Practitioners use hardships as "fuel" or a "springboard" to develop greater courage and empathy, effectively creating value out of even the most tragic circumstances.

Proactive Transformation (Human Revolution)

A modern application of these principles is the concept of "Human Revolution," which posits that a fundamental inner change in a single individual can shift the destiny of an entire society. By shifting from a mindset of "shackled fate" to one of "active mission," individuals use the constant flux of life to refine their character and contribute to the peace and happiness of others.

Nothing remains the same, and flux capacitors do not exist.