Like the poor son, many of us limit our potential or become complacent, unwilling or afraid to strive in our personal development. In this parable, the poor son represents ordinary people who wander around in spiritual poverty, unaware of their true inheritance—the boundless possibilities of their Buddha nature. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda states: "Satisfaction with one's accomplishments might seem like humility, but to underestimate life's potential is actually great arrogance."The wealthy man represents Shakyamuni, whose sole desire is to awaken people to the wealth of their inherent Buddhahood. As an expedient means, the Buddha first expounds lesser teachings in order to prepare his disciples' minds to grasp the complete truth of his message expressed in the Lotus Sutra. SGI President Ikeda explains: "Everyone alike possesses this unsurpassed jewel of life. This most precious of all things 'has come to us unsought.' It comes down to whether we can recognize it as such. And the Lotus Sutra enables us to most profoundly perceive and recognize the treasure of our lives."This parable stresses the need to always have a seeking spirit for continual self-development, regardless of our age, achievements or present circumstances. The Lotus Sutra teaches a dynamic way to live amidst life's challenges; it emphasizes a lifelong seeking spirit for self-development—to challenge our limitations, break through deadlocks and expect to experience the boundless potential of our lives. As SGI President Ikeda succinctly states, "Not advancing is retreating."
https://lse.sg/the-lotus-sutra/7-parables/the-wealthy-man-and-his-poor-son/
