As time passes, freshness of spirit often fades. Apathy and inertia can set in. When that happens, new growth and development cease. The way to overcome apathy is to return to one’s starting point.
—Daisaku Ikeda
[The New Human Revolution, Vol. 23, “The Future” chapter]
One key teaching in the Lotus Sutra is the idea of “eternal Buddha-nature” within all beings. Even when we feel lost, apathetic, or stuck in our own inertia, our innate potential for enlightenment remains unchanged. The Sutra encourages practitioners to return to this inner source of wisdom, or “starting point.” This is illustrated by the stories of disciples and bodhisattvas. They face challenges but persevere. Through returning to their original faith and determination, they attain Buddhahood.
In Chapter 3, the Parable of the Burning House, the father represents the Buddha. He draws his children away from danger, which symbolizes ignorance and apathy. He does this by reminding them of their greater potential and destiny. Similarly, Ikeda’s message highlights that when we lose our way, returning to our original inspiration can help reignite our passion. It fosters growth, just as the children in the parable are drawn back to safety and wisdom.
[Verse 1]
Days drift by, and spirits fade
Our roots are still, no growth to show
In our minds, we start to wade
Through doubt and fear we’ve come to know
[Verse 2]
Wading through this endless time
To rise above this dull embrace
Inertia holds us in its climb
A mountain we must surely face
[Chorus]
To find the strength we knew before
Revive the spark, let’s heal the heart
Rekindle hope, chase what’s in store
The journey takes us back to start
[Verse 3]
We’ve walked this road far too long
Forgot the joy that life can give
The wind that used to make us strong
Reminds us now that we must live
[Bridge]
Shake off the dust, break every chain
Step forward now, we won’t look back
Rediscover joy, forget the pain
And set ourselves back on track
[Chorus]
To find the strength we knew before
Revive the spark, let’s heal the heart
Rekindle hope, chase what’s in store
The journey takes us back to start
[Reprise: Verse 3]
We’ve walked this road far too long
Forgot the joy that life can give
The wind that used to make us strong
Reminds us now that we must live
[Bridge]
Shake off the dust, break every chain
Step forward now, we won’t look back
Rediscover joy, forget the pain
And set ourselves back on track
[Chorus]
To find the strength we knew before
Revive the spark, let’s heal the heart
Rekindle hope, chase what’s in store
The journey takes us back to start
Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra 
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