IT does not matter if we are not gifted speakers. What matters is making consistent efforts to talk to others in a way that is most natural for each of us. It is vital not to remain silent in the face of injustice or wrongdoing, no matter what the other person's status or position. If we chant powerful daimoku and take action, results will definitely appear. The causal law of Buddhism is extremely rigourous. The key point is that we ourselves become strong.
WHAT was Thomas Edison's secret to success? He explained that it was absolutely never to give up before he had succeeded in what he was trying to do. Not giving up - that is the only way. Once you give up, you are defeated. This is equally true in the realm of faith. Quitting is not faith. We have to keep chanting until our prayers are answered. That is the correct way of prayer.
EVERYTHING is in motion. Life is constantly moving. The universe, too, is in motion. To live is to move. Advancement equals life. Stagnation equals death. A top is stable because it spins. Once it stops spinning, it cannot remain upright.
NICHIREN DAISHONIN taught that what counts in Buddhism is whether you win or lose. The same way may be said of human life. To win, you must become strong. If a person is fainthearted, he/she will only be held in contempt. In this evil age of the Latter Day of the Law, if you are weak and lack real capability, you will be defeated. On the other hand, if you summon forth courage and develop ability, you will definitely be able to defeat an arrogant foe.
OVER the long course of your life, you may at times find yourself deadlocked at work, at school or in your daily affairs. However, these are phenomena of daily life and society which lie on a different plane than faith and are not themselves the essence of faith. Therefore, you must never allow yourself to be swayed by such superficial matters and risks losing your faith entirely.
NICHIREN Daishonin stated, "Only by defeating a powerful enemy can one prove one’s real strength." This is a truth that applies to all spheres of life. Youth must never be cowards or weak-spirited individuals who are constantly defeated. I would like you to become ever-victorious champions who win one decisive victory after another in all the various "battlefields" of life and society. Winning in life is the purpose of faith; it is also a testimony of the power of faith.
FAITH is just not an abstract idea. It is something you should develop through practice. In order to master faith through action, one must practise as the gosho teaches. Therefore, if one cannot put into action the lessons taught in the gosho, applying them from the standpoint of faith, then one's faith cannot truly be called deep.
IT is vital to have a resilient spirit so that, without complaints or feelings of disaffection, you are able to always look on the bright side of the situation and find it a source of hope and happiness. Such is the wisdom to achieve victory in life. Again, it is faith that enables us to manifest such wisdom. I hope that, viewing all travails with composure, you will lead a life of dignity and happiness.
THE Daishonin's writings and the myriad of Buddhist teachings are all embraced in the ultimate Law of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Those who do not understand the Daishonin’s writings but have deep faith and strive to spread the Mystic Law are, through their faith and through their actions, "reading" those writings with their lives. Such people would surely be praised by the original Buddha.
ENCOUNTERING a good book is like encountering a great teacher. Reading is a privilege only human beings are endowed with; no other living creature on this planet has the same capacity. Through reading, we are able to come into contacts with hundreds and thousands of lives other than our own, and to commune with sages and philosophers who lived as long as two millennia ago.
IN the realm of faith, there must be absolutely no discrimination on the basis of such things as academic background, titles or social status. The goal of Nichiren Buddhism is achieving kosen-rufu. We should advance in accordance with the instruction of the Daishonin. It is not people who boast high academic credentials or social position who are worthy of the greatest respect, but people who possess sincere faith.
EVERYTHING hinges on strong faith. Those whose faith is strong will be kept safe from harm by the protective forces of the universe. Strong faith means to possess unbeatable resolve, compassion, prudence, courage, wisdom and good fortune.
IN Buddhism, the most frightening thing is the destruction of the mind, the spirit. Such destruction not only ruins one's present life but destroys the jewel of life throughout the three existences of past, present and future.
HAPPINESS means to live with composure, enjoying every aspect of our lives, continually discovering hope and joy. Herein lies the purpose of our faith, as well as the ultimate purpose and ideal of life.
ALTHOUGH some may speak of "benefit" or "punishment", these things are ultimately determined by one's own practice. You know better than anyone whether you are feeling joy or pain, or suffering. No one else can tell you these things. A deep sense of happiness can be nowhere but within your own heart.
BEFORE you complain, challenge the walls in front of you. This is the courageous way of fighting for kosen-rufu and the spirit of human revolution.
THE Devil of Sixth Heaven is the devilish function of life that manipulates people's hearts and attempts to dominate their lives as well. All living beings are influenced by the functions of the devil king, and wander about in the state of endless suffering. By what means can we bring this evil cycle to a halt? This is possible only through strong faith in the Gohonzon, which is the Lotus Sutra of Latter Day of the Law.
THE person who does not allow himself/herself to be distracted by little things but continues trying is already living in the dimension of eternity. The lazy person who is defeated by his/her own weakness and desires is already approaching spiritual death.
THOSE who tenaciously persevere in faith will definitely succeed on establishing happy lives. We can transform all our hardships and sufferings into causes for happiness - changing poison into medicine. All of our efforts will become the fuel that propels us towards attaining a state of life in which we enjoy unsurpassed happiness in lifetime after lifetime; they will become joyful memories of our existence in this world.
FAITH equals daily life. Buddhism is manifested in society. Our day-to-day conduct and our steady daily efforts are important. Just believing that everything will be all right as long as we chant daimoku is not the correct attitude of a genuine Buddhist. Buddhism is the law of cause and effect. The benefit of daimoku really comes to shine when we study hard, make efforts, and do our best in all endeavours. And our earnest daimoku is what fuels those actions.
IT is absolutely forbidden for any SGI leaders to borrow money from or lend money to fellow members. Problems arising from such loans can result not only in trouble and grief for the parties involved, but in distrust and confusion spreading throughout the organisation. I state once again that what matters most is not money, fame or position, but one's heart.
IT is beneficial to study the doctrines of Buddhism. The more we study them, the more it reinforces our understanding and deepens our appreciation of the excellence and profundity of Buddhism, which in turn serves to strengthen our faith and conviction. The fundamental purpose of our Buddhist study is to fortify the power of our faith and practice.
"TRY" is a little word, but big things - victory and glory - can be found within it. The sight of someone trying, no matter what obstacles one faces, no matter what the circumstances are, is the sight of victory itself.
PRAYERS offered based on the Mystic Law for the repose of a deceased parent constitute the highest form of filial piety. The Daishonin stated that one who carries out such filial actions will definitely be protected by the Buddhist gods.
IT is vital to deepen your "roots of faith". If the roots of your faith are deep, you will never be toppled by the winds of impermanence. The "branches" of complete fulfilment will then grow, and the "fruit" of your change in destiny towards the attainment of Buddhahood will ripen. The accumulation of many experiences in faith, along with your daily practice and effort, will nourish the root of your faith and allow them to spread and deepen.
THE power of daimoku is invincible. Through daimoku, there is no situation we cannot change, no obstacle we cannot surmount, no battle in kosen-rufu or in daily life we cannot win. As long as we possess strong faith, we can, at every moment, turn wherever we are into a Land of Tranquil Light.
THROUGH life-to-life encouragement in faith, we can polish our character and deepen our faith. Through encouraging one another in various ways, we can deepen our faith and secure a course along the correct path in life. The way of faith is profound; you cannot continue to walk it alone.
A single day of work for kosen-rufu rivals a year or even two years of living without such a goal when one considers the worth of the golden light it releases. That is because each day, each instant determines to what extent our life will be filled with blessing and merit.
ESPECIALLY since Buddhism teaches the true path of humanity, in the realm of Buddhism, there can be no excuse for such ingratitude as scorning and trampling on those who have helped you, for thinking only of yourself and not caring about anyone else. This is completely divorced from the true path of humanity.
AS human beings, we are polished and forged in the great sea of humanity. We are able to build a solid self through coming into contact and interacting with all kinds of people, young and old alike. It is the same in the realm of faith. We block off the path to our own happiness if we succumb to selfish faith that is disconnected from the SGI. That is what makes a harmoniously united organisation of faith so important.
THE spirit of mutual respect is the essence of Buddhist humanism. It is the profound teaching of Shakyamuni and Nichiren Daishonin. It is the light of hope that can transform the cycle of war and violence. The significance of your efforts to widely communicate the teachings of Buddhism is immense indeed.
BUDDHISM is concerned with reality. There is no such thing as Buddhism divorced from reality. Practising faith does not mean that your life will be free of the "mud" of suffering. It means acquiring the life force not to be defeated by suffering. In fact, it is necessary to have lots of struggles. Faith means developing the state of life to be able to enjoy even the challenge of facing and overcoming our hardships.
THOSE who toil in the shadows, enduring hardships unselfishly for the sake of kosen-rufu are truly respectworthy. You must put your whole heart into your efforts for kosen-rufu, sincerely and honestly. Such a spirit will surely reach the Gohonzon.
BUDDHIST believers who live with a sense of mission are never alone when they walk or involve themselves in any activity. They are surrounded by the four bodhisattvas who are always with them. These bodhisattvas are your allies. They will always protect you. I want you to be deeply convinced of this fact.
I hope the members of the youth division will forge ahead courageously along the great road to kosen-rufu and the correct path of faith. While basing yourselves on the Gohonzon, please advance towards kosen-rufu, the will of Nichiren Daishonin, and live the days of your youth most meaningfully.
YOUR efforts to study the gosho, no matter how busy your schedule or how difficult it may be to understand, are an expression of your seeking mind. Whether you understand it or not, I hope you will make an effort to read at least one passage or phrase of the gosho daily.
PEOPLE who walk a lot, who move a lot, are healthy in both mind and body. In the face of our rapidly aging society, walking will gain a higher and higher reputation. And on top of this, there is no more laudable movement than walking about for the sake of kosen-rufu.
IN life, there are times when we experience sickness; there are times when we find ourselves deadlocked. We have various sufferings and worries. However, those who believe in the Mystic Law, persevere in chanting daimoku, and dedicate themselves to kosen-rufu are able to change their worries into cause to experience ever greater happiness. For this reason, no matter what might happen, a place where such people are is an enlightened land.
DO not make excuses; take responsibility for your own life and resolve to be victorious. If you allow yourself to be defeated, all the excuses in the world will get you nowhere. Defeat is a defeat no matter how eloquently you may try to justify yourself. The important thing is to win where you are right now; to achieve victory without fail.
THE SGI is a realm of faith. The most important things in that realm are faith and personal character. We are studying, if you like, at the "people's university" of the SGI. This "SGI University" is the best university in the world, where we learn how to live as human beings.
RELIGION serves as a foundation for people's lives. When people possess a solid inner foundation of humanistic faith, then economics, philosophy and education can begin to fulfil their highest purpose. That is why a humanistic religious movement will inevitably be a movement dedicated to improving society and realising peace for all humankind. It is with this conviction that we of the SGI have developed our movement for peace, culture and education based on Buddhism.
CHARACTER and integrity are very important. A spirit of mutual respect and trust is a vital basis for real friendship. That said, there might naturally be times when you have arguments and disagreements with your friends. But there should always be an underlying spirit of respect and consideration for each other, no matter how close you are. In friendship, you must not think only of yourself.
WHEN something happens, the mind of a person who has not received training, of a self-conceited person, immediately becomes agitated and is swayed. If one's mind does not become settled, then one cannot advance straight ahead along the path of happiness on which attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime lies.
I cannot tell you how much I hope and pray that you will tenaciously carry on with courageous faith for the eternal prosperity of yourselves, your immediate families and all your relatives.
THE gosho stated, "Myo means to open," and "Myo means to revitalise." Faith opens the way for changing all problems and sufferings into happiness, joy and hope, giving us fresh vitality. Based on the principle of "substituting faith for wisdom", we can unlock the essential wisdom we possess within us.
SOME people seem to be active for a while, but eventually disappear from our movement for kosen-rufu. Almost without exception, such people are negligent in their daily practice of gongyo. Those who neglect doing gongyo will eventually lose their ability to grasp any points of faith or to accept guidance, no matter how great it may be.
ONE of my mottos is that waves get rougher every time they encounter an obstacle. Another is that the true hero is one who is strong when he rises up alone. These have been my convictions from the time I was sixteen.
TO live honestly and straightforwardly in the world of kosen-rufu. To always continue struggling forward. To persevere in the practice for oneself and for others. Through such efforts, the "heart" of faith will solidify. The world of Buddhahood exists in faith that is forged in such a fashion.
YOUR practice of gongyo and daimoku is not an obligation, it is a right. The Gohonzon will never demand that you chant to it. An attitude of appreciation in being able to chant to the Gohonzon is the heart of faith. The more you exert yourself in faith - in doing gongyo and chanting daimoku - the more you stand to gain.
"I am happy. For I uphold the unsurpassable Mystic Law" - just talk to others about Buddhism with this conviction. No matter what your present circumstances, everyone who chants and spreads the Mystic Law is an emissary of the Buddha. I hope you will all take great pride in the fact that you are accumulating immeasurable good fortune and walking a direct course to eternal happiness.
SOCIETY as a whole today seems shrouded in gloom. It is as if we have entered a dark tunnel. That is precisely why it is so important for us to energetically send the philosophy of hope, the voice of encouragement, the power of guidance to all around us. Those who can continue to do this are true leaders, and their lives emanate with the virtues of the Buddha who is dedicated to leading others to happiness.
IN any endeavour, the final stages of completion, the finishing touches, are important. The final outcome of our lives is also determined by how we live our final chapter, how we bring our life to completion. The teachings of Buddhism, which provide essential answers to the nature of life and death, are indispensable to this pursuit.
TO be victorious, one needs both wisdom and earnestness. If one is earnest but lacks wisdom, then one cannot win. Nor can one win if one has wisdom but is not serious on one's efforts.
SOMETIMES it may be important for a person to strike a dashing pose and wave the banner before his/her fellow members. But more important is to fight on the front lines, being willing to endure all sacrifices to protect others. The true hero is often not al all dashing, but a very humble, unassuming figure.
AS long as we maintain strong faith in the Gohonzon, we can always act with fresh vitality and overcome every difficulty as we gain a new outlook in life. We should remember that the prime point of faith is to live our entire lives with the deep conviction that no deadlock is impossible to surmount.
WITHOUT the pressure of air against its wings, an aeroplane cannot fly. In a similar sense, unless we experience hardship and suffering in life, we cannot feel any real joy. Though we will definitely meet difficulty and resistance in life when we live for the sake of kosen-rufu, our lives will shine brilliantly in the eyes of people around us, even though we, ourselves may not be aware of it.
PEOPLE with a purpose do not waste a moment of their lives, whatever age they may reach. Putting the hardships, studies and experiences of their youth to work for them, they bring their lives to completion with dignity. Their lives are fuller by several times than those people without purpose.
IF one's heart is true and unclouded, that in itself is happiness; one is filled with a sense of hope and develops the hardy fortitude of optimists. The door to happiness will open widely before those who possess the unflagging spirit to never give up or despair no matter what happens, to those with a heart that is always bright and cheerful.
IT is short-sighted to simply throw in the towel the moment you encounter the slightest obstacle or block. People who are truly motivated by the spirit to contribute to the well-being of others and to humanity never give up in their endeavours. In contrast, those who are motivated by vanity or by a shallow desire for fame or fortune are easily disheartened.
BUDDHISM concerns itself with winning. And it is crucial that we triumph. We must triumph over ourselves and triumph in life. That is the reason we practise Nichiren Buddhism.
WHEN viewed through the eyes of Buddhism, everything has profound meaning. We must not lament our situations. As long as we have strong, courageous faith, we can definitely transform all hardships into something positive, turning poison into medicine. Please engrave these words of Nichiren Daishonin in your heart, and continue advancing resolutely forward, no matter what happens.
YOU do not normally receive your pay cheque at the end of your first day at work. The sapling you planted today is not a mighty oak tomorrow. If our prayers were automatically answered; with no true, deep prayer on our part, without desperate life-to-death effort, we would become spoiled and useless. If that is how it works, our practice of Buddhism would not make us into people of outstanding character; it would destroy us.
WE are not alone and without friends. We can confidently overcome difficulties and turn everything into an impetus towards happiness. When one has a firm conviction of this, one will experience a sense of boundless courage; one will not be afraid of anything. Those who fear nothing are happy people.
IN any human relation, we must speak exactly as our conviction dictates, without a single cloud in our heart. That is a wonderful, invigourating way to live. And based on such a way of life, the bonds of the family, the bonds of comrades in faith are strengthened.
NO matter what sufferings or difficulties you may experience, you should never lose hope. Even if you may temporarily suffer from the devil of illness or financial difficulty, your heart should always be aglow with indestructible hope.
THE Gosho stated that "the suffering of hell will vanish instantly". So long as you have ever-advancing faith, you will definitely erase your evil karma, change your destiny and enter a state of life in which all your desires are unmistakably fulfilled. Confident in this, please continue to chant abundant daimoku, always advancing another step with pure and gallant faith.
THOUGH we may speak of winning, there are various stages in life. No doubt some of you are now engaged in painful struggles with no signs of victory in sight. Still, you do not have to be discouraged in the least. What is important is gaining final victory. And it is towards this end that you carry through with faith.
A person of seeking spirit is always youthful, always full of joy, always vigourous. People with seeking minds humbly examine themselves, and strive to develop their lives. Through such efforts, they are able to develop great characters. A genuine Buddhist and genuine member of SGI is one who always lives vibrantly and continually advances through life with a seeking mind.
LIFE is long. There is no need to be impatient or in a hurry. The important thing is to steadily and surely build a solid self. Especially since you uphold faith in the Mystic Law, no matter what may happen, you can propel everything into the very best possible direction. Please advance with that conviction.
WHO is a youth? It is not simply a question of age. A youth is someone who keeps progressing day after day. A person who advances is a youth in the truest sense. If we lack the spirit to advance, we are old at heart, no matter how young we may be in years. Moreover, the Mystic Law is the font of perennial youth and eternal life. It allows us to make our way through the three existences of past, present and future with infinite life force.
DO not stop striving until you achieve victory! Even if you are tired, never give up, never give in! Never forget your vow! This is the Soka Gakkai spirit. I hope you will all devote your lives to the great struggle to achieve the mission of kosen-rufu with the same determination.
YOU cannot truly grow, if you are always flattered and spoiled by those around you. You must resolve never to avoid hardship. If anything, you should have the spirit to go out of your way to find challenges and difficulties. The ultimate victors in life are those who have undergone and triumphed over hardships.
A coward in the end will be miserable. Nichiren Daishonin said, "A coward cannot have any of his/her prayers answered." (MW1, p246) No matter how much you may practice faith, if you are cowardly, then your prayers will not be answered. Even if you have the mighty sword (of the Lotus Sutra), unless you unsheathe it and wield it boldly, you will not be able to cut through anything.
A person who tries to control others through exercise of authority or through scheming is base at heart. In the end, such a person is certain to fall prey to his/her own schemes and wind up leading a miserable life. You must definitely not become the kind of person who, addicted to power and authority, arrogantly looks down on others.
WE were born into this world as disciples of the true Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin, to fulfil our pledge for kosen-rufu. It is our natural responsibility as Buddhists to work for the happiness of many people. The purpose of our daily activities lies in how we exert ourselves for the sake of those who are suffering.
THE Gohonzon will never forsake those who dedicate themselves to kosen-rufu. Such people will definitely be praised by the Gohonzon and receive the protection of the Buddhist gods.
WHEN your friends are vigourous and in high spirits, you should be serene like the moonlight, and when they are down or dejected, you should warmly embrace them like the sun. I hope that you will advance while encouraging and praising one another - at times like a gentle breeze and at times like a warm current.
THERE may be times when others seem enviable. But others are others and you are you. Rather than comparing your every joy and sorrow to that of others, you should aim to surpass your limits in the situation you currently find yourself in. Those who can accomplish this throughout life are true victors, the true geniuses.
THE struggle to propagate Buddhism never stops for an instant. As the Lotus Sutra said, "This, the Buddha's work, I have never for a moment neglected" (LS16, 226). We must devote our entire beings to this great undertaking with our passion and energy; we must make our lives shine to illuminate that goal each second of our lives without cease.
YOUTH should have the spirit to exert 10 times the effort they have up to now. Faith is not empty posturing or lip service. It is action. It is all about whether you can stand alone.
BUDDHISM exists to enable all people to cultivate and manifest the world of Buddhahood in their lives. Human society is a realm of "discrimination" or "difference". But Buddhism transcends all superficial differences and focuses directly on life.
DO you give up the struggle to overcome your own limitations on the first attempt, or do you keep on with it, trying a second time, a third time, and continuing on in the challenge for the rest of your life? That is the only difference between the genius and the ordinary person. When all is said and done, winning over oneself - personal triumph - is the only way forward.
A person who warmly embraces and protects others is happy. A person who, on the other hand, is quick to scold or gives orders, or who harbours exclusivist tendencies, creates a cold, dark world around himself/herself.
AS followers of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, we have stood up to fight for kosen-rufu of Myoho, or the Mystic Law. Therefore, as long as your faith is sincere and your actions are true, the Gohonzon will definitely protect you. Such precious individuals of pure faith, who act for the sake of kosen-rufu, can never fail to receive the Gohonzon's protection.
COMMITTED to the welfare of your local communities, you have all laboured diligently under the hot sun in the noble cause of kosen-rufu, visiting the home of one friend after another out of sincere concern for their happiness. This is our greatest strength. You have also carried out steadfast and tenacious one-to-one dialogue with many people. These unflagging efforts to build on one another are the reason why the SGI will never perish. This is the foundation for great victory, for great construction.
OUR Soka organisation, which exists to promote kosen-rufu and to polish our faith, can be compared to a bridge which connects our lives with the lifeblood of faith, helping us attain enlightenment and absolute happiness. One who leaves the organisation and thinks that it is fine to practise alone at his/her own convenience, tends to develop a self-righteous attitude in faith, which is distorted by personal views and biases.
A person who cannot compliment others is lonely and has a narrow heart. Such a person cannot embrace others. On the other hand, when people praise one another, beautiful exchange becomes possible.
DIFFICULTIES only make the strong stronger. Sufferings may be poison to the weak, but they are medicine for the strong.
NO matter what one changes, the world will never be any better as long as people themselves - the guiding force and impetus behind all endeavours - remain selfish and lacking in compassion. In that respect, human revolution is the most fundamental of all revolutions, and at the same time, the most necessary revolution for humankind.
TRAINING that develops our humanity is very important. A person who is never challenged or tested is weak when a crucial moment comes. No matter how smart we are, we cannot take decisive leadership or kosen-rufu if we are weak as human beings. Those who have undergone thorough training in faith in their youth are strong.
NICHIREN DAISHONIN'S Buddhism teaches faith that is dedicated to advancing kosen-rufu. Faith equals daily life. Therefore, as long as we persevere in faith that is committed to kosen-rufu, it is possible for us to be successful and victorious in our daily life and in society, no matter what trying times we may find ourselves in at present.
YOU can make a defeat the cause for future victory. You can also make victory the cause for future defeat. The Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin is the Buddhism of True Cause, the Buddhism of the present and the future. We do not dwell on the past. We are always challenging ourselves from the present towards the future.
THE truly valiant person tries to triumph over any situation, no matter how unfavourable. Excuses are a mark of the weak. Buddhism is victory, so we must triumph in the real world, all the while remaining true to our convictions.
JUST as a tree that lived a thousand years last another thousand years after it has been cut, happiness will continue and endure to the extent that we suffer to attain it. We acquire blessings and merits to the degree that we devote ourselves to Buddhist practice. Neither clever schemes nor tactfulness will achieve anything. You must on no account lead such a meaningless, frivolous life.
IT is our power of faith and power of practice that enables us to tap the absolute and boundless power of the Buddha and power of the Law of the Gohonzon. In this connection, your sincere, strong faith is most important. Therefore, we should maintain ever-advancing faith and practice throughout our life.
FAITH is not for anyone but yourself – it is all for you. Working to spread the Daishonin's teachings, devoting yourself to chanting daimoku, and studying doctrine while you are young are all tasks that will transform your life into a garden of blessings and merits.
BRINGING forth one's wisdom and breaking through deadlocks in difficult or trying times is precisely the kind of challenges that allows us to cultivate strong conviction and depth of character. In a life of nothing but fair skies and tranquil seas, we cannot hope to forge great conviction or outstanding strength of character.
HAVING intense emotions enables you to understand the feelings of others. It is not a bad thing to be passionate, but if it is driven by egotism and hurts others, it can be dangerous. The point is, you must have self discipline. And that comes from chanting daimoku, from developing a strong life force.
THERE are many paths in life. Paths leading to celebrity. Paths leading to fame. Paths leading to high social standing. And the list goes on. But where do we find the path to attaining Buddhahood? It is found only in efforts to expand the flow of kosen-rufu.
IT is vital that those in positions of responsibilities proportionately deepen their faith; love and protect and guide others; and strive to progress one step further in their personal development. Remember that because you have seniors, you were able to open your eyes to faith yourself.
HUMAN beings do not exist for the sake of religion. Instead, religion exists for the sake of human beings. Genuine religion is committed to the welfare and benefit of humanity, to contribute to society and to champion the cause of justice. Historically, too, we can see that when nations have advanced based on true Buddhist humanism, they have prospered; their culture flourished and peace blossomed.
TAKING your place as a member of society is a challenge; it is a struggle to survive. But wherever you are is exactly where you need to be, so you must strive there to the best of your ability. No matter what obstacles you face, it is crucial that you work on transforming the situation and realising victory where you are. This is the way of a votary of the Lotus Sutra.
UNDER any conditions, the key to achieving happiness lies in being confident that one will definitely not be defeated, that one will definitely win.
THROUGH taking faith in the Mystic Law, the seed of Buddhahood is planted in our beings. Nothing can bring greater joy or happiness than this. Our activities for kosen-rufu, our Buddhist practice, are what make those seeds grow larger day by day. Cultivating people's minds and planting the seeds of the Mystic Law there, we raise our own seed of Buddhahood into a great tree. I hope that your days will continue to be passed in this noble and joy-filled work of faith.
THE Gakkai spirit is the spirit to protect the Gohonzon, to pray to it, and to propagate faith. It is the spirit of shakubuku and the spirit of unlimited challenge towards kosen-rufu. It is the spirit not to retreat in the face of any difficulty.
DETERMINED that "I will change my destiny" and that "I will have my prayers fulfilled", please offer fresh prayers to the Gohonzon everyday and adorn each page of your life with beautiful actual proof of victory.
IT is in an individual's behaviour that the essence of Buddhism lies. As you polish your character and personality through your faith, you are expanding a circle of trust among the people around you. Please remember that the development of kosen-rufu lies in the mundane actions undertaken in one's immediate reality.
A person of courage views things calmly, and for this reason acquires wisdom. A person of wisdom is able to discern future outcomes, and so acquires courage. By the same process, we must strive to become people of wisdom and courage.
BEING young means to possess the greatest wealth, even if one is penniless. Hope, potential and limitless energy are the assets of youth. You do not need to be in a hurry to own a nice home, or seek status and position, or get rich quick. If you dedicate yourself earnestly to your mission, everything you need for your life will come to you naturally.
WHAT is important for leading a joyful life? Tolstoy constantly stressed the importance of "correct faith". He said, "If you want to be quiet and strong, work and improve your faith." Genuine faith is a sword of belief and conviction that cuts through all sufferings; it is a bright light of hope that illuminates darkness and confusion. None led lives of greater strength and composure than you who base your lives on faith dedicated to truth and justice.
UNLESS we strive against evil and injustice, we cannot say we are working for good. The same applies to our struggle for kosen-rufu. Unless we defeat evil, we will not be able to realise kosen-rufu.
HAVING good friends is like being equipped with a powerful auxiliary engine. When we encounter a steep hill or an obstacle, we can encourage one another and find the strength to keep pressing forward vigourously.
THOSE who spread wide the wings of courage are fearless. Limitless possibilities open up before them. They are able to soar towards victory and happiness. Those who lack courage, on the other hand, come to a standstill and lead lives full of complaints. Similarly, those who are haughty and abusive towards their juniors and subordinates cannot be said to possess true courage.
FINANCIAL security alone does not guarantee happiness - certainly not eternal happiness. There are too many people who fritter away their time - a precious commodity available to us in limited supply. When we consider this fact, the efforts you are undertaking now for kosen-rufu shine as brilliantly as diamonds; they are the means for you to accumulate unlimited good fortune.
EVEN if you have suffered from unfortunate circumstances in the course of your life and practice of faith, the actual proof you see as a result of your strong faith will leave you clearly convinced of the power of Buddhism, giving rise to hope and courage in life. This, in turn, will enable you to advance on a course towards lasting, genuine happiness based on the law of Myoho.
A person who constantly chants Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with courage, no matter what circumstances he/she may face, will be able to manifest Buddhahood and live in accordance with the universal rhythm of eternity, happiness, true self and purity (jo raku ga jo), due to the power of the law and the power of faith. This is the reason for our Buddhist practice. There is no other way to realise a life-condition as indestructible as that which we can attain through the practice of Buddhism.
THERE is nothing greater than the strength of spirit. This is the power of the world of the Mystic Law. It is not a matter of vested interests or formalities. The spirit is not visible to the naked eye, but the spark of the spirit of people, once ignited, will never die. It spreads out throughout the world and forever into the future.
A person of seeking spirit - one who strives to thoroughly pursue some end or master some discipline - is a person of victory. On the other hand, a person of arrogance inevitably becomes deadlocked.
ONLY to the extent that you pray, tell others about Buddhism and spread the Mystic Law will you be protected by Boten and Taishaku, the protective forces of the universe. Only to that extent will great life force, wisdom, benefit and compassion well forth from your life.
PLEASE give everyone the strength and joy to win. Towards that end, we must sincerely treasure everyone in the organisation and make every effort to help them freely and fully manifest their strength and ability.
NO matter what happens, the important thing is to carry on with faith in the Mystic Law, the great Law that is as vast as the universe itself; to never leave the path of kosen-rufu; and to strive to fulfil your own great mission. For that is the only way you can achieve true happiness. Based on that foundation, please continue making effort after effort and breaking through your limitations as you live out your life on the unique stage of your mission.
PEOPLE in general tend to lack will-power. To take the path of least resistance is human nature. Outstanding individuals did not become great overnight. They discipline themselves to overcome their weaknesses, conquering apathy and inertia to become true victors in life.
BUDDHISM does not exist apart from the realm of daily life. Nor does happiness. True happiness lies within the ordinary and immediate affairs of daily life. And it is Buddhism that enables us to make the flowers of happiness bloom within this daily reality of our lives. This is what "Soka" (value creation) is all about.
WHEN you accept with convictions what Nichiren Daishonin said in his writings exactly as he said it, your spiritual state will be greatly expanded. You will rejoice; you will be confident; you will feel gratitude. In addition, your sense of purpose will grow into the power to create a supreme life for yourself. This is the greatness of Buddhism.
IT is not always wise to continually advance in a battle. At certain times, you may have to retreat. What is important is to continue to do your best, even though at times you may have to take a step back.
THE problems that occur in real life cannot be overcome with a careless or negligent attitude. We cannot ignore details and still win in the struggles of real life. We should have a far reaching vision for the future.
THE universe consists of 10 states of life, from the state of Buddhahood to the state of Hell. Our existence also contains 10 states of life. Depending upon a person’s thoughts or spiritual state, he/she may at certain times be linked to 'Shakyamuni', the state of Buddhahood, and wields a part of Shakyamuni's powers. On the other hand, at other times he/she may be linked to the three evil paths and, without realising it, performs the deeds of the servants of evil.
IRRESPECTIVE of whether your prayers are answered straightaway or not, it is important that you continue to chant daimoku through to the end, without the slightest doubt. Those who maintain such faith will eventually attain the supreme path and the highest peak, and savour the conviction that the outcome was the very best possible, and also of the greatest value for their lives. They will enjoy a life of complete fulfilment, able to regard everything as a source of joy and a part of their mission. Such are the workings of the Mystic Law and the power of faith.
THROUGH our faith in the Mystic Law, we can live with true joy, savouring a sense of profound fulfilment in the depths of our being. Based on the Buddhist principle that earthly desires lead to enlightenment, we can transform all problems and hardships into a source of joy. What an incomparable life we lead!
SOME lives are little more than the accumulation of years. Some people are young in age but old at heart. In contrast, there are people who are old in years but filled with a youthful spirit. Let us joyously and energetically write another golden age in the annals of kosen-rufu.
IN any realm of activity, one cannot become a person of the highest calibre without overcoming some kind of life-or-death struggle. And this is all the more true when it comes to the strict path of mentor and disciple in Buddhism.
IF you continue to make steadfast efforts, then, just like fruit ripening on a tree, good fortune and benefit will adorn your life. To be impatient and try to pick the fruit before it is ripe is foolish. Youth is the training ground for forging character, for developing into a wonderful human being.
THE important thing about chanting daimoku is that it leaves you feeling refreshed and satisfied. By continuing to find such satisfaction in your practice each day, you will naturally come to develop a life in which, as the sutra stated, "All desires are fulfilled."
TO reform, to contribute, what do you need? You need to develop your character until you have built it into a fine thing. The ultimate 'weapon' in life is not a clever tongue or wealth. It is not fame or power. It is what is left when all empty artifice has been stripped away: your character as an individual.
THE offence of those who disobey the teachings of true Buddhism while embracing faith is far greater even than the offence of those who slander the True Law from the outset.
THE Law of Myoho is eternal. It possesses infinite power. Therefore, basing oneself on correct faith in the Law of Myoho is like having an engine with infinite power. Only through Myoho, which exists forever as the fundamental law of the universe, can one surely construct a correct and secure course in life based on the eternal boundless power of the universe itself.
UNDER no circumstances does Buddhism discriminate among people on the basis of race, class, social standing or both. And it is precisely for this reason that it has spread throughout the world. Equality is the spirit of the world religion that is Buddhism.
THE driving force that enables us to open the supreme palace of happiness is faith and chanting daimoku. A person of daimoku, a person who can conquer the self, will be able to enjoy life to the full throughout the three existences.
IT is important that you possess the inner strength and common sense to always have the spirit to learn everything you can where you are, to develop the means by which to support your life, to pursue substance rather than surface, and to explore the depths of your potential. And it is vital that you become irreplaceable wherever you are.
WE must not spend our lives lost in dreams and driven by illusionary pleasures. Our life itself is a great palace. By chanting and propagating the Mystic Law, we open for ourselves and others a great palace of life imbued with eternity that will never perish throughout the three existences.
THE teachings of Buddhism enable us to view things based on the three existences of life - past, present and future - and to advance cheerfully along the valuable and noble path of peace, happiness and triumph. Let us not complain about petty things. We cannot let ourselves be discouraged by a little hardship. And we must never abandon our faith. To do so would be an act of cowardice and betrayal.
WHEN your determination changes, everything else will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fibre in your being will immediately orient itself towards your success. On the other hand, if you think, "This is never going to work out," then, at that instant, every cell in your being will be deflated and give up the fight, and everything then really will move in the direction of failure.
HAPPINESS is not a matter of form, nor does it have anything to do with appearances. Outward appearance, status or wealth does not determine whether one is happy. The essence of happiness, rather, lies in what one feels in the inner recesses of one's heart, in what lives and reigns in the depths of one's being.
IT is an indisputable fact that we are working unsparingly to spread the Mystic Law in the world and extend the circle of happiness and joy to friend after friend. Regardless of what anyone might say, I proudly assert that our actions are those of the Buddha's emissaries and they accord with the will of Nichiren Daishonin.
WHAT is your goal today? Advance steadily in your practice with your targets clear in mind, and all your complaints and onshitsu will vanish.
THE daimoku that we chant is the heart and essence of the Lotus Sutra. Fundamentally, it is the very spirit of Nichiren Daishonin. Accordingly, though we may not entirely grasp its profound meaning, when we chant daimoku with faith in the Gohonzon, we come into contact with the Daishonin's spirit; we become able to manifest Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the life of the original Buddha.
EACH of us is as unique as a cherry, plum, peach or apricot blossom, like Nichiren Daishonin stated in the Gosho. Cherry blossoms are cherry blossoms and plum blossoms are plum blossoms. Accordingly, you must bloom in the way that only you can, Without doubt, you possess your own jewel, your own innate talent inside of you.
MERCY and wisdom are two sides of the same coin. To be thoughtful of a friend is to be always filled with thoughts of what you can do for him/her, what that person needs or what is in his/her best interest. Leaders of kosen-rufu must always be filled with new, sensitive thoughts, never forgetting the circumstances of friends.
PLEASE remember to respect and treasure your fellow members. I hope that our Youth Division members in particular, no matter what their positions are in the organisation, will treat all their elders as if they were their parents.
FAITH equals practice. Therefore, it is faith expressed through action that is in accord with the Buddha's will. The actions one takes in carrying out Gakkai activities are the true Buddhist practice and will lead to the flowering of great benefit.
NO matter what happens, you must carry out the practice of gongyo and chant daimoku everyday. Doing gongyo and chanting daimoku give rise to a bright and vibrant life-force from the depths of your life, giving you the power to resolve life difficulties. Therefore, you should never neglect gongyo on account of being too busy or too tired. Never "pull the plug" of your faith.
WHEN I say faith, I do not mean blind faith. I assume that the person with true faith lives in accord with the most profound wisdom. Wisdom is what gives meaning to religious beliefs.
MOST religions do not seek to make their followers wiser. In fact, we observe the opposite tendency - to keep their followers in darkness. The danger there is that such followers may become spiritual slaves. True Buddhism completely opposes this. It tries to open people's eyes, to awaken them.
IT is when we carry out our practice of faith with a sense of courage and joy that we are able to gain truly immense benefit. If, on the other hand, one has a grudging, negative attitude in faith, then one will be unable to gain great good fortune - good fortune that is truly profound and inexhaustible. While only a fine line separates these two attitudes in faith, the difference in the effects they bring about is immense.
FOR those who have not yet decided your future course, please concentrate your energies on the things you need to accomplish right now. You will discover your path as you keep searching, chanting earnestly to find your direction, and seeking advice and guidance from those around you.
IT is easy to simply parrot the word, "faith". However, putting faith into practice is difficult. The activities of the Gakkai are significant, however in that they allow us to strive together to continually solidify our faith and to help one another improve. This is the purpose of our organisation and the basis of our unity of itai doshin.
BY guiding another individual towards happiness, we guide ourselves towards happiness. This is our practice of introducing others to Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. Through such efforts to share Buddhism with others, we can carry out our human revolution, and we can transform our karma. This is the greatness of Buddhism. The act of introducing others to Buddhism, which enables us to profoundly benefit ourselves and others, is the formula for hope for humanity.
I sincerely hope you will advance with courage. Courage is necessary in an individual’s practice of faith in the family, in the community and in society as a whole. Furthermore, only courageous faith is instrumental in proving our justice.
THE SGI's movement for peace is striving through dialogues to establish a philosophy of the sanctity of life as the spirit of the age in the 21st century. The dialogues you engage in everyday are noble and important. I hope you will continue them with supreme confidence and pride.
TO the extent that one is earnest in his/her faith and activities, everything will become his good fortune and benefit. Do not let grumblings or complaints lead you to abandon your faith. Whether you gain or lose will become clear ten or twenty years down the line.