Want to Take Better Care of Your Health? What Nichiren Daishonin Wrote About Steady Effort
When you know what to do, but can't keep doing it
You've started the morning walk many times. The gym membership. The new diet. The early bedtime. For a week or two it goes well. Then work gets busy, a family event comes up, you skip one day, then three, and before long you're back where you started, feeling a little more discouraged each time.
Maybe your doctor has warned you about blood pressure, sugar or weight. Maybe you're simply tired all the time and want your energy back. You know your body is precious. Taking care of it consistently is the hard part.
The Daishonin's guidance on this is surprisingly practical.
What does the Gosho say about taking care of your health?
Nichiren Daishonin told the lay nun Toki, who was recovering from illness, to "continue moxibustion treatment for three years, as regularly as if you had just begun" (WND-1, 656). Steady, patient care of the body matters. He also praised faith that is "like water," flowing "continuously without ever regressing," over faith "like fire" that flares and fades (WND-1, 899). The same is true of healthy habits.
"As regularly as if you had just begun"
When the lay nun Toki was ill, the Daishonin was concerned not only for her spirit but for her practical care:
> "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." > — The Bow and Arrow, WND-1, 656
Three years. "As regularly as if you had just begun." That is the opposite of a crash diet or a two-week fitness burst. It's the steady, patient rhythm that actually changes health.
The Daishonin cared about his followers' bodies. Looking after your health isn't vanity or selfishness. It's caring for the life through which you live, love and contribute.
Like water, not fire
To Nanjo Tokimitsu, the Daishonin wrote:
> "The belief of some is like fire while that of others is like water. When the former listen to the teachings, their passion flares up like fire, but as time goes on, they tend to discard their faith. To have faith like water means to believe continuously without ever regressing." > — The Two Kinds of Faith, WND-1, 899
He was writing about faith, but the pattern is familiar from every new year's resolution. Fire: a burst of enthusiasm that burns out. Water: a modest, steady flow that eventually shapes stone.
Start smaller than you think you need to. Ten minutes of walking every day beats an hour once a week. A habit you can keep is worth more than a perfect plan you can't.
One small step for tonight
Choose one health habit, just one, and make it so small it's almost too easy: a ten-minute walk, a glass of water before each meal, a fixed bedtime. Do it every day for two weeks.
Chant for good health and energy, and for the steadiness to keep going on days when motivation fades. If you miss a day, simply begin again, "as if you had just begun."
Before making big changes to diet or exercise, especially if you have a health condition, please check with your doctor. If you find yourself struggling with your relationship with food, eating or your body, please reach out to a health professional for support.
From losing confidence to coaching others
After she married, Naina gained a lot of weight and lost confidence, both physically and emotionally. Through discipline and faith, step by step, she lost fifteen kilograms and completed a course in natural healing using her own savings. Her own transformation became her mission: she began sharing content about health, food and sustainable living. For years her following stayed small, until one video was seen millions of times. Without any advertising, people began approaching her for help, and she has since supported more than a hundred people in improving long-term health conditions through food and lifestyle changes.
Her story, and others like it, are below.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stay consistent with healthy habits?
Start small and keep going steadily. The Daishonin advised continuing treatment "as regularly as if you had just begun" (WND-1, 656), and praised faith "like water" that flows "continuously without ever regressing" (WND-1, 899).
Is it okay to chant for weight loss or fitness?
Yes. Caring for your body is a worthy goal. Chant for health and energy, and for the discipline to follow through, alongside practical steps and medical advice.
What should I chant for to improve my health?
Chant for energy, good health and the steadiness to keep up good habits. Chant also to understand what your body truly needs.
I keep giving up. What can I do?
Make the habit smaller, track it simply, and forgive yourself quickly when you slip. Begin again the next day.
Which Gosho should I read about taking care of my health?
The Bow and Arrow (WND-1, 656–658) and The Two Kinds of Faith (WND-1, 899–900).
Sources
All passages are from The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Volume I (WND-1):
- The Bow and Arrow, p. 656 - The Two Kinds of Faith, p. 899