The Law of Countertendency
Why We Often Resist What
We Want Most
by Javier Ramon Brito

Are you familiar with the Buddhist Law of Countertendency? The Buddhist Law of Countertendency, also known as the principle of countertendency, is central to the practice of Nichiren Buddhism. It states that whenever a person undertakes a positive and revolutionary change in their life, obstacles and opposing forces inevitably arise to try to stop them. These obstacles, also called "demonic forces" or Māra, do not indicate failure; on the contrary, they confirm spiritual progress and the validity of the path taken.

Indeed, according to this law, difficulties increase precisely because one is on the right path. For example, someone who decides to meditate to overcome anxiety may face a period of chaos and complications: this does not mean that meditation does not work, but that a deep level of their life has been touched and resistance to change has manifested. The law of countertendency thus has an educational and strengthening function; it serves to test determination, purify negative karma, and consolidate a new, more aware identity.

An emblematic example is the life of Nichiren Daishonin, the founder of Nichiren Buddhism. In 1261, after proclaiming his spiritual reform based on the chanting of the mantra Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nichiren suffered persecutions, threats, and ultimately exile on the island of Izu. Despite these difficulties, during exile he deepened his faith and understanding of the Lotus Sutra, affirming that “great waves rise only when a strong wind blows,” meaning that difficulties grow with the practice of the Supreme Law. This demonstrates how challenges are not signs of error, but indicators of spiritual growth and strengthening.

Therefore, the law of countertendency in Nichiren Buddhism invites us to see difficulties not as insurmountable obstacles, but as necessary trials and confirmations of one’s path of inner transformation and enlightenment.

So how do you apply the Law of Countertendency in your life?

Understand that whenever you undertake a positive (or even revolutionary) change in your life-such as improving your habits, facing your personal difficulties, or pursuing your personal growth, you might encounter resistance and obstacles. But these moments of difficulty should not be seen by you as signs of failure, but rather as a confirmation that you are on the right path and that inner progress is underway.

In daily practice, this means:

a) Welcoming difficulties as part of the growth process: For example, when deciding to adopt a new healthy routine or to work on yourself, it is normal for challenges, tensions, or old issues to surface. These obstacles are the “resistance to change” described by the Law of Countertendency.

b) Testing your determination: When faced with impediments, it is important to maintain motivation and consistency, because the Law of Countertendency teaches that overcoming these trials strengthens the new identity and purifies negative karma.

c) Using difficulties as opportunities for awareness: As in the case of someone who starts meditating and finds themselves facing hidden emotions or traumas, the Law of Countertendency invites us to see these experiences as signals of a profound change taking place.

d) Not being discouraged by contrary events: The Law of Countertendency teaches that “negative forces” are inevitable but temporary, and that perseverance leads to genuine transformation.

In summary, applying the Law of Countertendency in daily life means recognizing that every step toward personal or spiritual improvement can generate difficulties, but that these very difficulties are signs of progress and inner growth, to be faced with courage and determination.

Happy progress.