a. Priority One: To show our respect by our actions.
b. Priority Two: To hold the faith.
c. Priority Three: To learn the doctrines.
That is correct. Priority 1 is to show reverence to the Gohonzon through the sense of feeling and the practice of religion by the body.
Basically, it is difficult to enter the world of religion through a scholarly approach. It is simply arrogant to think that one can break into religion through theoretical learning. If that were the case, all the scholars who teach Buddhism at universities would be wonderful religious practitioners. However, there are only a handful of them who fit into this category.
"Although, having intelligence, Scholars cannot become Buddhas.
One word, ignorance, is true enlightenment."
Explanation: One cannot attain enlightenment by having knowledge alone. One attains enlightenment through chanting the Odaimoku without any doubt.
Due to Nissen Shonin's profound and deep knowledge in scholarly fields as well as in Buddhist doctrines, his poems carry a deep meaning.
Because Nissen Shonin had studied Buddhist teachings in depth, he stated:
"One cannot comprehend it by mind.
Understanding it is beyond our knowledge."
Explanation: To comprehend the world of Buddha's enlightenment by mind is extremely difficult and beyond our knowledge. It is not necessary to imitate Buddha perfectly.
Nissen Shonin stated:
"Scholarly studies detour us. There is no shortcut to religion."
We, ordinary people, should not waiver and elect a shortcut path. In other words:
"If you feel that the Gohonzon is not alive
Respect it just with your behavior."
Although, one may not initially understand what religion is, it is important to respect it and to engage in its practices.
"If you respect it as though it were alive
Odaimoku will become a wonderful Dharma."
Learn not by logic, but by receiving meritorious rewards through practices. One will realize that the Gohonzon is alive and thankful.