IN the final analysis, individual human revolution is most vital in faith. The important point is that the members’ rich humanity, their attitude towards living, and the condition of their families should be respectworthy enough to convince others of the greatness of their faith and thereby cause true Buddhism to spread naturally.
WITHOUT religious convictions, you cannot have convictions about life. Without a firm faith, a profound view of life is impossible. The choice of religious faith is the most fundamental choice in our lives.
THOSE who have a firm grasp of the reason and purpose for which they are engaged in a particular undertaking are strong. If this basic point is firmly established, then your life will be free of confusion. No matter how painful the circumstances, you will not lose heart but will be able to keep growing strong and upright.
EVERY single day is of vital importance. Each second is decisive. Only when we strive to the limit of our ability to open the way ahead, seizing each moment and using it invaluably, will we ensure that a brilliant future awaits us.
EACH day, let us cheerfully meet with and encourage our fellow members, who are working so hard for kosen-rufu. Let us foster capable successors who will carry on our struggle. And let us vigourously enact a drama of continuous expansion.
PLEASE be confident that your ichinen, or determination, to live in accord with the principles of “faith equals daily life” and “faith equals society”, as you aim towards kosen-rufu both night and day, will give rise to happiness in life which will shine as brilliantly as a diamond, throughout eternity.
I am not saying that the only way to be happy is to lead a perfect life, lacking in nothing. Nor is there any person who is perfect in every respect and completely free from anxiety and delusion. The Buddhist teaching of the Daishonin, and our attitude of faith as well, is that it is precisely suffering in and of itself, which builds the state of the happiness of complete freedom.
TO live only to flatter one’s superiors and seek their praise is a life of failure and defeat. Where is the true value of life to be found? The true glory and triumph of life are found in the continual effort to live among the people and suffer with them, to protect them, to serve them, and encourage them with every ounce of one’s strength. This is the noble tradition of the SGI.
SELF-CONFIDENCE comes from hard work and effort. You are deluding yourself if you think you can have self-confidence without it. Only those who strive to challenge some goals and work towards them at their own pace and in their own way, only those who keep trying, no matter how many times they may fail, can develop unshakeable confidence in them. Self-confidence is synonymous with an invincible will.
SOME people struggle in earnest. Some are defeated by struggle. And some give up without even trying. Only those who struggle until the very end can attain Buddhahood. Such people are life’s true winners.
WHAT is the correct practice for us as practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism in modern times? It is propagating the Mystic Law. Nichiren Daishonin repeatedly emphasised that wide propagation of Nichiren Buddhism is the practice suited to the Latter Day of the Law.
TO get the results you are praying for, it is crucial to make determined, single-minded efforts towards that goal. That is the true path of manifesting faith in daily life. Those of you who proceed along this path day after day, year after year, will develop without fail – just like saplings growing into mighty trees – into people of outstanding strength and character as time goes by.
THE Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin expounds that Buddhahood is inherent and eternal within our own lives and that, therefore, the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light always exists where we are right now. Wherever we are, whatever our position, if we can accept the situation and remain determined to struggle on gladly, we will be undefeated. Those who can do this savour lives of glory and victory. In contrast, people with tiny, petty minds are full of complaints. Such people live lives of defeat and self-destruction.
DO not fret over little things. Enjoy your lives, enjoy your youth, and boldly move forward.
FAITH is like a mirror in which you can see your true self. It is a mirror for polishing your character. As you devote yourself to the Gohonzon and continue to polish your faith, you will come to know yourself naturally.
THE great champion of American Civil Rights Movement, Dr Martin Luther King Jr, declared: “Religion endows us with the conviction that we are not alone in this vast, uncertain universe.” True religion teaches the basic principles of the universe; it teaches the eternity of life and a firm purpose for living. If we understand the true essence of life, we will never suffer from a sense of being alone in this universe.
WHEN you spend all your money, it is gone. Material things break, and they cannot enrich your self in any real, lasting sense. But the more you cultivate your innate individuality, the richer it becomes; the more you use and give expression to it, the richer it becomes. It never diminishes or disappears. Each of you possesses this wonderful treasure inside you. Life is the struggle to make that precious treasure shine.
AN adversary seeks out his opponents’ weak spots. The same is true in Buddhism. If our faith is weak, if we lack courage, if there are too few dedicated members, if we have no unity – that is the place negative forces will strike. They will not attack those areas where they know our defence is strong. That is why it is important to always be ready with strong faith, on every front.
EACH and every one of our daily activities, our spiritual battle for kosen-rufu may be thought of as one tiny seed. Eventually, each seed will send out a sprout, leaves will unfold. And one day the time will come when rich fruit ripens and it grows into a tall tree. We should not expect large rewards in a short time or be too eager for success. It takes time to grow and nurture into greatness.
YOU should be deeply aware that our battle for kosen-rufu, the will of Nichiren Daishonin, is an endless succession of obstacles, and severe struggles. If you pursue nothing but benefit with an easy going attitude, or if you practice faith in a passive, uneventful way, avoiding any kind of pain or challenge, you will never accomplish anything great.
WHATEVER our individual circumstances, the important thing is how much we can develop and deepen our life condition. No matter what situation we may be in now, the great reward of faith lies in our ability to maintain a state of life which is overflowing with joy.
WE are not bound by the burden of sufferings of our past negative causes. The present is always a new departure. From the instance you decide to uphold the Mystic Law, you begin to ascend the road of eternal happiness from the present on into the future, through the great transformation effected by the concentrated mind. To keep from slipping off that path, you must devote yourself to the practice for yourself and for others. And proper guidance is also indispensable.
ALL you need is courage. The Daishonin said, “A coward cannot have any of his prayers answered.” (MW1, p246) Your prayers will not be fulfilled if you are a coward. Victory and glory are both born from courage.
STUDY is a torch that illuminates the path of faith. Even the subtle and complex onslaughts of negative forces become clear when illuminated in the bright light of Buddhism. Study builds a solid framework of our faith and spurs our human revolution.
NO matter how many fine words we may string together, they alone cannot produce unity or lead to victory. Unity comes from hearts joined together. The spirit of “many in body, one in mind” forms the basis for true unity.
A small tree cannot stand up alone against a severe blizzard. Nor can a tree with weak or shallow roots face a violent storm. However, the great tree of inconspicuous benefit will never collapse or be toppled. Therefore, the roots of our faith must be strong and deep.
THE greater your being, the greater is the persecution inflicted on you. But in response to that greater persecution, a great person demonstrates greater wisdom and strength and opens up a vibrant new path. He converts the wind of persecution into a current to carry him aloft into a higher realm.
BUDDHISM teaches that “The voice does the Buddha’s work”. (Gosho Zenshu, p708) We must speak out. Our efforts to repeatedly speak with clarity, conviction and joy for the sake of kosen-rufu become the magnificent work of the Buddha.
NO one’s personality is flawless. Everyone, without exception, has some karma that renders them less than perfect. It is inevitable that there will be aspects of your personality that you do not like. But it is foolish to become obsessed by such things and succumb to feelings of self-hatred and unworthiness and consequently hinder your own growth.
HARD work is a priceless treasure for young people. Instead of putting on a performance to try to win popularity, please strive with all your might to protect your fellow members, and open the way for the triumph of kosen-rufu. Only through such genuine hard work will you earn the trust and confidence of the members of the Women and Men Divisions.
THE 21st century is the century of the Youth Division. The full-fledged ascent of the lofty summit of kosen-rufu lies before you. There is no grander stage on which to live out your youth than that of the SGI. There is no stage of endeavour more wonderful – both from the perspective of its underpinning philosophy and its international scope. If you do not leave behind a great victory now, when will you?
WHILE it may seemed ideal to have any and all prayers answered automatically without any hard work or effort on our part, it is similar to eating nothing but sweets day in and day out. Without some kind of challenge, some real nourishment, we cannot hope to develop and forge ourselves nor truly gain a profound understanding and appreciation of faith. It is far better, therefore, to undergo hardships – especially when we are young.
BOTH faith and daily life are battles. Those who are truly exerting themselves in their daily lives based on sincere faith, not merely making a show of doing so, are able to make their entire lives healthy. If one loses the faith with which to continue fighting, one’s life will be assailed by devilish functions.
IN many cases, the strengths, depth and correctness of one’s faith are difficult to discern by appearance alone. After all, faith is an individual matter that can only be evaluated according to one’s inner state of life. In other words, it is based on causality which is engraved in the depths of one’s life.
YOU cannot be a great leader if you are defeated by your own weakness. One who maintains strong faith and lives his youth vigourously under any difficult circumstances will eventually grow into an excellent leader.
SMALL incremental efforts can lead to great victory in life. The same principle applies to our struggle for kosen-rufu. One-to-one dialogue sets the giant wheel of history in motion.
THOSE who spread the Law are most noble. We must not allow ourselves to be swayed by such things as social standing or wealth. We must not be defeated by the eight winds of life’s changing fortunes. Those who succumb to them are not disciples of Nichiren Daishonin.
NICHIREN DAISHONIN wrote: “The popular proverb says that ‘one is the mother of ten thousand’.” (MW5, p112) One truly capable person who stands up resolutely can lead ten thousand people to happiness. This one determined person is the basis for all victory. It is important to find such “individuals” and foster them, while at the same time, endeavouring to become such an “individual” oneself.
JUST as a well-nourished tree grows steadily, the eyes of a person who lives in harmony with the True Law will become those of the Buddha and the Law. To put it another way, the perspective that derives from faith is identical to observations made by the Buddha himself. Therefore, it is important to view everything from the standpoint of faith. Victory will be yours if you have the fundamental attitude in your daily life.
WHETHER or not you have courage will greatly influence your happiness. If you have courage, you can become a capable person within society. You can also overcome your own weakness, and direct your life from a course of negativity and suffering towards one of happiness and virtue.
ONE’S life changes from moment to moment. Whether these changes will lead you to improvement or to corruption depends on whether you possess a constant determination or ichinen to improve your life, along with the changes you experience from day to day.
THERE are many irrational events in the world which may cause one to wonder why they happen at all. Their true cause lies beyond the realm of the superficial, secular point of view that arises out of ignorance about the profound law of cause and effect, the determining factor of happiness or unhappiness. Without understanding this law, people have illusions which are irrational. In the end, only the eye of the Law and the eye of the Buddha can perceive the ultimate truth of all phenomena.
ACTION is either win or lose. Victory is determined by whether or not our actions contribute to the advancement of kosen-rufu. We lose if our actions do not create value and fail to bring about results. It is important to take action ourselves, rather than relying on others. Do not try to avoid adversity. We can develop into true leaders by confronting hardships with a strong determination.
EXERTING ourselves in the practice of gongyo each day amounts to what you might call a spiritual workout. It purifies and cleanses our life, gets our motor running, and puts us on the right course for the day. It gets our body and our mind working smoothly and puts us in rhythm, in sync, with the universe.
NICHIREN DAISHONIN wrote: “Life is limited; we must not begrudge it. What we should ultimately aspire to is the Buddha land.” (WND, p214) There is no retirement age in Buddhism. And there is no retirement from life. We must continue working all our lives, to our hearts’ content, for the sake of people’s happiness and for the sake of the Law. If we take ourselves away from the organisation’s activities, our lives will only be empty and lonely. We must proceed to the end on the path of kosen-rufu that we have chosen to walk in this lifetime.
IF one lacks courage, all of his experiences of hardship will turn into complaints and resentment towards others. He will then lose confidence in faith, as well as the energy to move forward. As a result, he will feel nothing but loneliness and regret.
IT is always important to cherish hope. Though you are encouraged to be strong, it does not mean you should be overbearing. By strength I mean power that is peaceful and creative, one that exudes humanity and love. By hope, I mean the kind that embodies these qualities.
THAT you should “be well-liked” does not mean that you should court popularity or engage in flattery. What this indicates, rather, is a sense of trust that naturally arises in response to the great sincerity that you manifest in your concern for everyone’s happiness, and your sense of responsibility in struggling behind the scenes for the sake of everyone.
ONLY when we living things are connected to nature, engaged with nature, are we truly alive and vigourous. To really be alive, one must be under the sun, the moon, the shining stars, surrounded by beautiful greenery and pure waters of the natural world. A dirty, fouled environment is not natural. When people live in such surroundings, their hearts become polluted too. That is the oneness of life and the environment.
I have actualized, down to the letter, the vision cherished by my mentor for the creation of a great path of education, peace and culture. The entire and essence of the SGI can be found in this spirit of mentor and disciple. This is our solemn history. I wish to proclaim this for the sake of future generations.
LIES, no matter how small, the malign and discredit the just must not go unchallenged. It is crucial that we thoroughly expose all malicious false propaganda and defamatory statements for what they are, by speaking out vigorously in the spirit of “refuting the erroneous and revealing the true”. Especially when youth rise to this challenge, the integrity and goodness of society as a whole will be protected.
IF you are the type of person whose resolve tends to melt away easily, if you find it difficult to stick to your goals, then just renew your determination each time you find yourself slipping. If you keep struggling valiantly, pressing forward despite setbacks and disappointments, always thinking, “This time I’ll make it! This time I will succeed!” you will eventually achieve your human revolution without fail.
WHEN we are close to a person, his or her shortcomings become apparent, and there is a tendency to want to find fault with that person. However, fault-finding knows no end and ultimately serves no purpose. Since we are common mortals, all of us have faults. The key is to make up for one another’s shortcomings and allow each person to develop his or her strengths.
THE mind of faith is the throne of life, and it determines the value of our lives, and our ultimate victory or defeat. A Buddhist leader is a merciful leader who brings hope, courage and confidence to those who embrace faith. I am confident that the SGI is a gathering of such leaders.
THERE is one point which you should keep in mind. You must never bear ill feelings towards your fellow members. If you do so, you will erase your benefits.
IN the course of our efforts to widely spread the correct teachings of Buddhism, it is only to be expected that the three obstacles and four devils will make their appearance. That is the time when youth should loudly proclaim the justice of our cause, when they should let forth a mighty lion’s roar. “Advancing bravely and vigorously” should be the perennial spirit of the SGI Youth Division.
NO matter how hopeless or bleak things appear, the moment always comes when suddenly the spirit is revived, and hope reborn. That is why one must never give up, and certainly never attempt anything as drastic as suicide.
ONCE people understand something from the heart, they will take action on their own initiative. Action that is self-motivated is joyful. The spirit of joy produces benefit; it produces results. Guidance that is one-sided, theories that no one else can understand and talk that is unsubstantiated, cannot possibly touch people’s hearts.
THERE is neither the slightest waste in our efforts, nor any contradiction between one’s own interests and those of society. In the world of faith, individual happiness and the common good are inseparable. Faith is the perfect path and enables us to fulfill the tasks of accomplishing the widespread propagation of the Mystic Law and attaining Buddhahood at the same time.
WHAT is the significance of reading the gosho? It lies in deepening one’s faith and preventing oneself from backsliding. The reasons why we read and study writings like “The Opening of the Eyes” are that by doing so, we are able to come into contact with Nichiren Daishonin’s boundless life-condition and thereby build a solid foundation for our own faith. Therefore, I would like to ask you to continue reading the gosho on a steady basis.
ON the surface, one may appear to be suffering from the effects of heavy karma. However, when we view things from the standpoint of strong faith and the eternal perspective of past, present and future, one will realize that he is presently receiving the effects of his past karma in a much lightened form, in accord with the principle of “lessening one’s karmic retribution” (tenju kyoju). One who embraces the law of Myoho, and joyfully promotes activities for kosen-rufu, will absolutely never be unhappy.
IN our Buddhist practice, the activities that we carry out for ourselves simultaneously contribute to the prosperity of society; and actions that we take for the sake of kosen-rufu in them result in the betterment of our own lives. This is the merit of faith.
THE important thing is faith. It is to chant daimoku and take action with the ichinen, or determination, to raise capable people and help tens, hundreds, even thousands of others become happy and enable them to receive benefit – not just oneself. If one exerts such power of faith and power of practice, then the great power of the Buddha and of the Law cannot fail to manifest in one’s life.
YOU cannot hope to write a magnificent personal history if you content yourself with a life of ease and comfort. What is life for, after all? You have a voice, you have ears, you have a mouth, and you have a brain. You can only reveal your potential as a human being when you put all of your capacities to the fullest and best possible use.
PRESIDENT TODA declared: “It is not good to lead a life bound by the chain of suffering. Daimoku and the practice to propagate the Law constitute the sharp sword that can cut through those chains. The mission and spirit of the organization is to enable all our fellow citizens to attain a state of life unfettered by the chains of suffering.”
ACTIONS are based on suffering and those based on joy are as different as fire and water. No matter what, please promote joy-filled activities for kosen-rufu.
ALL people seek happiness, but with mixed results. That is why the Mystic Law, the principle which leads to right happiness, is necessary.
OUR lives are enriched and we ourselves experience great joy when we encourage and support each other, when we build bonds of trust between ourselves and others. An organization in which all members get along with one another will accumulate good fortune.
GENUINE communication and understanding are formed through personal contact and dialogue. People will place their trust in those whose words are genuine and relevant, and be inspired to work together with those individuals, confident that in doing so they will be able to realize peace and build a better, happier world.
AS Buddhist leaders, it is vital that we reach out and meet with others. In particular, I hope you will actively make a point of meeting with new members. I say this because Buddhism comes alive in just such encounters. In his writings, Nichiren Daishonin emphasizes again and again the importance of meeting directly with others.
LIFE is a drama. Those who overcome life’s many ups and downs to emerge triumphant in the end are genuine victors. I hope you will cheerfully live out your lives of profound mission, devoting yourself to the unsurpassed teachings of the Mystic Law, while transforming sufferings into joy and all adversities into nourishment for further growth.
MEDICALLY speaking, proper diet, sufficient exercise and sleep, and the reduction of stress are regarded as keys to good health. All these factors are incorporated in my four mottos: (1) do an invigorating gongyo; (2) conduct your daily life in a reasonable and productive manner; (3) be of service to others; and (4) maintain sound eating habits.
BEFORE shrinking from what lies before us, we have to set ourselves into action. As long as we take action, we can climb any difficult mountain, no matter how steep. We have to take the first step. We have to press on. We have to climb it, a step at a time, never rushing, but advancing with patient and steady perseverance.
LIFE is long. Both pleasure and pains are inseparable parts of it. You must never relinquish your faith, which is the great Way to the supreme and greatest good of happiness. Right faith is the means to establish truly eternal happiness.
EVEN our internal journey through time is included in this single moment of life. An individual’s daimoku and determination in faith at this moment form causes that will later become manifest, based on the principle of the simultaneity of cause and effect. For this reason, your ichinen at this very moment is the most important issue in the Daishonin’s Buddhism.
THE more we are oppressed, the more we must rise to the challenge and summon many times our ordinary strength. We must forge ourselves to become ever stronger and ever wiser. We must develop real capability so that we can confidently and fearlessly face anyone and anything.
EVERYTHING has a time. What you read when you are young are etched into your memory. It becomes a part of you. What you learn as a result becomes a valuable experience and asset for forming your own ideas and philosophy and acquiring different ways of looking at things.
VALUE-CREATION is not something distant and removed form our lives. Any resolution and reform begins with the things closest, or of most immediate concern, to us. We must not run away from the problems which confront us in our daily life, but rather take them on with courage. Value is created through such efforts, and from here waves of hope expand among people.
JUST as there are good, fertile soil and poor soil, good, clean water and foul water, there are both good minds and bad minds. But even a bad mind will be made to shine with goodness when the light of the Mystic Law illuminates on it, and your life will be inscribed with the good fortune that opens the way to happiness.
NO matter how eloquent one may be, or how excellent one may appear to behave within the organization, if he neglects the practice of gongyo, he will never be able to continue for long. This is because the world of the Gakkai is none other than the pure world of faith.
ONE must live with firm resolution. This should be the attitude of one who practices faith. One who lives with determination is strong. Thanks to his determination, his trouble and suffering in life will be reduced by half, and he will be able to summon forth the courage to surmount any difficulty.
THOUGH we may undertake all sorts of practices and perform all sorts of good deeds, they are ultimately all aimed at attaining the three bodies of the single mind of inherent enlightenment – that is, Buddhahood. They are, in short, all for the sole purpose of manifesting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in our hearts and minds.
IT is important for you to stay unaffected by the praise and criticism of the world, to stay steadfast when buffeted by the raging waves of jealousy around you. Look down on these things from a higher plane, and use them to make yourself a stronger person.
THE life of each of us is like a canvas. What kind of picture do we paint here? We do not have to be a celebrity or a genius. What is important is to fill our canvas in our own style and to our satisfaction, depicting the brilliant drama of a life devoted to our own individual mission, with all of our heart and being, up to the last moment.
BECAUSE we champion justice and the cause of good, we incur envy and persecution from others. But if we remain true to our convictions and continue to demonstrate our sincerity and integrity, we will definitely triumph in the end. It is important never to be defeated by any of the trials that may beset us. Such trials represent a golden opportunity for us to do our human revolution.
WE, who live to fulfill our mission for kosen-rufu, should become the kind of people of whom our juniors will say, “I really want to follow in his footsteps and carry out a strong practice of faith.” President Toda called such people strong leaders. Of course, strength does not mean to show off one’s greatness. Rather, it means strong confidence and strong faith.
IGNORANCE and confusion about the mind, which is the base of all existence, is the source of all problems we confront today. When a person has lost sight of the true, original state of his own mind, he becomes victim to the cycle of his fate and wanders lost in painful distress, his life dominated by greed, anger, stupidity, arrogance and doubt. Buddhist teaching of the purification and transformation of life, that is, of the mind, is the basic great Law that will lead people from destruction to creation, from sadness to joy.
THE most important element of faith is action. Each of us will enjoy benefits and fortune in exact proportion to the amount of effort we devote, based on our own determination, to working for kosen-rufu, the Law and others. A person of action remains young and is always making progress. Faith that is merely abstract, unaccompanied by action, will only cause one to spin in circles and will not lead to growth.
THERE is no joy, happiness and ease surpassing that which we can attain through chanting daimoku. No matter how much you may pursue the things you love and skip gongyo to have a good time – all such fleeting, worldly pleasures pale beside the deep sense of satisfaction that comes from chanting daimoku.
IT is vital that leaders in the realm of faith, no matter what the circumstances, stand up with strong determination to work for the happiness of their fellow members and citizens in their local communities, countries and the entire world. Kosen-rufu is the great path to peace.
NICHIREN DAISHONIN taught us that faith means establishing an indomitable self that is not swayed or shaken by any social crisis or external misfortune that may beset us. This is the imperturbable life-state of the Buddha described in the Lotus Sutra by the phrase, “This, my land, remains safe and tranquil.”
NO matter how tough things get, it is important to remember that, if others can do it, so can you, and to be determined to challenge the limits of your potential. You have to believe in yourself one hundred percent. Constantly comparing yourself to others, swinging between feelings of inferiority and superiority, is a sad way to live.
AS long as one maintains hope, he or she is a victor. Whatever unfortunate circumstances one may be in now, if one loses hope, one’s life will become dark and gloomy. Faith allows one to live with infinite hope and to realize one’s dreams.
ONLY Buddhism can apprehend and illuminate the complex and subtle totality of the mind. And it is our Buddhist practice and our activities for kosen-rufu which purify, transform, and lead the mind, that is, our life, in a better direction.
AS we carry out our faith in this lifetime, we will experience some obstacles as well as various degrees of suffering arising from our karma. However, when viewed from the eternal perspective pf past, present and future, these things are truly insignificant. When we stand up and challenge the great problem of spreading the Law and saving people, we will not be captured or swayed by minor difficulties.
THE first freedom that humanity must aim for in the 21st century is “freedom from violence”. Violence is not acceptable in any form – whether war or terrorism or violence in society or the home. All our thoughts and actions must demonstrate a respect for the sanctity of life. Nor can we permit violent speech or “terrorism of words” that violates human rights.
LISTEN to what they have to say and offer even just a few words of encouragement. That is all it may take for the flame of “life” to spring up anew in the heart of someone who is suffering deeply. Just knowing that someone cares about them causes their “life-space” to expand.
ALL sorts of things happen in life. That is what makes life so interesting and exciting. If nothing even happened in our life, it would be empty and lackluster. We would not experience joy nor would we grow. The important thing is to strive full of energy and good cheer, placing complete trust in the Daishonin and in the teachings of Gosho.
BUDDHISM manifests itself in society. To value the True Law is the same as to value society. You must not discount society. Unless you value the society you live in, you will never be a success in it.
WE must be keenly aware that when a person is suffering from a weak spirit, from sickness, or from other problems, encouragement is extremely important. Even a single word of heartfelt encouragement may change a person’s entire life for the better.
THE Gohonzon is the pure, incomparable entity of Buddhahood. Therefore, the purer one’s ichinen of faith, the more quickly and profoundly the Gohonzon will respond to one’s prayers. Remember that herein lies the ultimate principle of faith and the correct practice of the Daishonin’s Buddhism.
BUDDHISM encompasses everything in human existence and all phenomena in the universe. Seen with the eye of Buddhism, everything you learn is useful – and for my keen awareness of this, I am endlessly grateful to my master Josei Toda.
ALL of you are now advancing along the path leading towards absolute happiness. It is vital never to stray from this path as a result of being swayed by immediate relative advantages or disadvantages, or by petty emotionalism. If you should veer from this path, you yourself will lose out. And this will affect not only you personally, but all your ancestors and descendants to the seventh generation as well.
EVERYONE deserves the right to learn. Learning is a beautiful thing; it is light. Through learning, each of us creates a brilliant legacy of our youth, our studies and our efforts that stays with us and enriches us forever.
ALL life possesses the Ten Worlds. Our lives, therefore, are endowed with the world of Buddhahood. This life-state of Buddhahood is not something that we create; it is something that we manifest from within us. And the Gohonzon is the means by which we are able to do this. In addition, the lives of those who embrace the Mystic Law and dedicate themselves to kosen-rufu represent supreme good – ultimate good.
NICHIREN DAISHONIN revealed a fundamental solution to the ultimate problem of human existence. He taught that through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to the Gohonzon, we could break through any karma and build a state of indestructible happiness within our own lives. The Daishonin stated: “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which I, Nichiren, now chant will enable all people throughout the ten thousand years and more of the Latter Day of the Law to attain Buddhahood.” (Gosho Zenshu, p720)
EVEN though you practise faith, you may still suffer from illness or various other problems. However, through the principle of “earthly desires are enlightenment”, all problems become the foundation for your happiness, leading you towards enlightenment. Please understand that faith is what it allows this transformation to take place.
WHILE engraving the writings of Nichiren Daishonin on your hearts and making them the basis of your beliefs, you must pursue even broader studies. If all you know all Buddhist doctrines and you can discuss nothing else, your view of Buddhism itself will be imbalanced. Study of all things, which are the introduction to and the transmission of the Buddhist Law, is also necessary.
BENEFIT does not mean that you always enjoy favourable circumstances. Everything is a source of benefit for those of us who practice the Mystic Law which enables us to change poison into medicine.
BECAUSE we experience various hardships, we can savour great joy when we overcome them. And because we surmount them through faith, we solidify our good fortune and grow as human beings.
IT is human beings who cause the horror of war; it is the insidious, destructive tendency inherent in human life. Therefore, unless there is a fundamental transformation within the lives of human beings themselves, we will never rid ourselves of war. To achieve that, we must foster global citizens. We must extend the network of global citizens who possess both a positive philosophy and true capability and who are dedicated to joining hands with all people on this planet and advancing with them.
NUCLEAR weapons, which threaten the most basic of human rights, the rights to life, are a manifestation of the insidious authoritarian impulse to dominate and destroy others that resides in human hearts. The human revolution is the struggle to call forth within human beings the life of the Buddha, the power of the spirit that can vanquish this evil propensity.
ONE’S heart or mind is most important. Those who have an honest and pure heart can change everything into great benefits. On the other hand, those who have a weak and base heart only destroy themselves. Everything is determined by one’s heart. That is why, in the realm of Buddhism, even the most trivial things bear significance.
AMONG other things, to exert yourself and use your voice for the sake of kosen-rufu and for the sake of the Law is the way to realize supreme happiness in life. That is because such actions are most perfectly in sync with the rhythm of the universe. And, needless to say, the foundation is chanting daimoku. Daimoku is the supreme and most respect worthy vocal expression. It is the limitless fountain-head of wonderful health, happiness and victory.
I would like you to be diligent in the practice of gongyo and daimoku so that you will lead a life of ultimate satisfaction. The Gohonzon embodies the highest of all laws. No path in life is more significant than one based on chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to the Gohonzon.
UNLESS we eradicate the impurities and negative, destructive tendencies that exist within us, we cannot obtain true happiness. That is why we must strive against that which is evil and destructive.
THE greatest enemy of learning is fear. This is true of language, of art, of every subject and area of study. When one is afraid of being laughed at, of being embarrassed, of being looked down upon by others for one’s mistakes, shortcomings or limitations, progress becomes very difficult. The important thing is to be brave.
SOKA GAKKAI’S founder, Mr Makiguchi, clearly distinguished between two different ways of life: one is to improve, always aspiring towards the lofty goal and making tireless efforts to carry it through to the end. The other is to bring all progress and improvement to a halt by satisfying oneself with something less. People who make great efforts are progressive, always refreshing and bright. They are modest.
IT is only human beings who often tend to stray from the correct path, destroying the harmony that originally existed, on account of their possessing, for better or for worse, freedom and consciousness. Buddhism exists to help us recover the correct orbit for our lives and, moreover, limitlessly develop ourselves. It is in order to advance along the correct path of humanity and the correct path of life that we carry out our Buddhist practice.
YOUTH is a time of worries and troubles. This is only natural, since one cannot possibly understand everything and make completely unrestricted progress while still young. Remember that this confused period of problems and suffering serves, rather, as fertile ground from which to launch oneself towards a complete and fulfilling future.
A Gosho reads, “This life is like a dream. One cannot know if he will live until tomorrow. Even if you should become the most wretched of beggars, never disgrace the Lotus Sutra.” (MW 4, p283) For us today, this injunction could be rephrased as follows: No matter what might happen, you must never disgrace or cause injury to your faith. With self-discipline and pride as a member of SGI, live nobly, cherish ideals, and dedicate yourself to kosen-rufu.
THE power of daimoku is stupendous. It is truly without bounds. The Mystic Law is the fundamental Law of the universe, and daimoku is the essential rhythm pervading all life. A person who chants resonant daimoku as he strives towards the goal of kosen-rufu will enjoy limitless expansion and boundless growth in his strength and ability.
YOUR faith should always be pure, otherwise, you will be unable to defeat the “devil” that exists within your own life. This devil leads you to compromise with such tendencies as the desire to seek self-centred fame and gain. Therefore, you will be unable to advance towards a condition of happiness unless you maintain pure faith.
EVERYTHING depends on our attitude or inner resolve, on the kind of philosophy and convictions that we cherish. Our environment or circumstances are not the determining factor. We advance resolutely based on this admonition of Nichiren Dashonin, then all the hardships we experience in the course of our life will pave the golden faith of our mission.
NICHIREN DAISHONIN said with regard to benefit (Jp. Kudoku): “The ku [of kudoku (benefit)] means to extinguish evil and doku means to bring forth good.” (Gosho Zenshu, p762) One aspect of benefit, therefore, lies in eliminating evil. There is no more fundamental benefit than eradicating the impurities in our lives and gaining a pure and unsullied state of being.
ONLY human beings can have ideals. Our difficult struggles amid the severe realities of life alone cannot inspire hope. To build a house, to make a good marriage – these, too, are ideals. In life, we must have ideals. And among these, the ideal of kosen-rufu is the loftiest.
THE prime point of my life is that I am the disciple of President Toda. This is my point of departure and the point that I return to do everything I undertake. Precisely because I have this immovable prime point, there is nothing that I am afraid of, and nothing can perturb me. I am free of confusion, and am in no danger of succumbing to arrogance. I hope that each of you will firmly establish your spiritual prime point. For therein lies the key to your proudly scaling the high mountains of human life.
PLEASE spend your entire lives embraces by the infinite benefits of Gohonzon, and open within yourself, a boundless inner palace. Proudly and valiantly devote yourself to kosen-rufu as you walk the path of faith, the highest path a human being can follow, and lead the most splendid kind of existence.
EVERYONE dies eventually. Almost none of us here or of the several billion other people on the planet at this moment will still be alive a hundred years from now. This is a stern reality that nothing can change. When we deeply recognize this truth, it becomes impossible for us to squander our lives.
RESPECTING others is an indication of one’s depth as a person, the strength and profundity of one’s character. If you are demanding of yourself, you can be kind to others. The person who works hardest is the most accepting of others. In contrast, those who are slipshod and undisciplined themselves are usually hard on others. Those who have never worked hard themselves tend to demand that others do so.
THERE is a saying: “The fish rots from the head.” The higher your leadership position is, the more you must unite and work together. Those who have undergone though leadership themselves can understand and empathize with the sufferings of others. Those who have worked hard themselves can appreciate the value of others’ hard work and effort.
OUR mind and energy should be concentrated on the tasks we must accomplish. Our prayer is then directed, and through the principle of three thousand realms in a single moment of life, the entire universe will move towards our victory and success.
YOU may confront both steep mountains and deep valleys throughout the course of your life. The more you traverse such rugged terrain, the more you can come to understand the hearts of others and the anguish of those who are suffering. In this sense, as long as you remain undefeated by hardships, you can even regard them as your benefits.
WE must gain decisive victory over the harsh realities of society and lead a life which is correct and unwavering. This is the purpose of our faith. We have to become wise and strong. The purpose of Buddhism is to produce people of wisdom who can judge the right from the wrong on their own in the clear mirror of Buddhism.
I hope you will practice faith so that you may live a bright, cheerful existence. To this end, you should carry through with bright and cheerful faith, and a joyful practice of shakubuku. My deepest hope is that you will live a bright and cheerful life, day by day, always burning with hope for the future.
THE journey of kosen-rufu is long, extending into the distant future. There is no need to rush or be impatient. The important thing now is to foster talented individuals one at a time and build a firm and unshakeable foundation.
WE must live our lives wisely and thoughtfully. Many people tend to give up on the way to reaching their goal, thinking they have encountered a dead end. However, though it may be long and difficult, there is always another route, another solution, to follow.
RUDE or disrespectful language should not be used in the organization. When talking to fellow members, you should approach one another courteously and in a spirit of mutual respect, regardless of the differences in organizational position. Always remember: conduct that is courteous and rich in common sense, conduct that shines with human character is the mark of a person of faith.
TO a person who is possessed by the lust for power, even the most selfless, benevolent actions of others will appear as cunning moves undertaken to gain power. Similarly, to a person who has a strong desire for fame, actions based on conviction and consideration will be seen as publicity stunts. Those who have become slaves of money simply cannot believe that there are people in the world who are strangers to the desire for wealth.
WHEN a person forms a relationship with the Law of Myoho even once, no mater what kind of life he leads, he begins to develop within himself a “diamond vessel” of Buddhahood. The pre-requisite for both lasting world peace and happiness for all mankind lies in creating a fortress for peace and happiness in the life of each individual.
MASTERING the essence of Buddhist practice, which is the purpose of life, lies in how fully we can grasp the significance of our lives, and how deeply we can sense our own individual mission in the environment where we find ourselves now. This is the key point of our faith.
WE are a gathering of children of the Buddha. Therefore, if we respect one another, our good fortune will multiply infinitely, like an image reflected back and forth among mirrors. A person who practices alone cannot experience the tremendous multiplications of benefits. In short, the environment you find yourself in, whether favourable or not, is the product of your own life. Most people, however, fail to understand this and tend to blame others for their troubles.
EVEN if we may appear to be suffering, we must realize that we have been born into our present circumstances at our own wish. Each of us desired to take on our respective roles – whether it is that of having no money or being sick – so that, through carrying out our human revolution to overcome the problem, we could demonstrate the power of the Mystic Law.
WHEN we wholeheartedly talk to friends about Buddhism, joy wells forth and our state of life expands. This is because the moment we engage in Buddhist dialogue, the immense life of a Bodhisattva of the Earth pulses within our being. Through our practice of propagation, we can carry out our human revolution. Propagation is the direct path to transforming our destiny and that of society, and to establishing lasting peace and happiness.
THE key for our endeavour for worldwide kosen-rufu is dialogue. Nichiren Daishonin urged us to speak with others to the best of our ability about Buddhism, even if we share only a single sentence or phrase. The more we engage others in dialogue, the more we can change the world. The more action we take, the more new frontiers, new possibilities will unfold.
THE life of Buddhahood spans eternity. It is a completely free and unrestricted state of life in which we can always enjoy the enlightened properties of eternity, happiness, true self and purity (jo raku ga jo). With this self of Buddhahood hidden within us, we carry out the activities in the reality of the lower Six Worlds to fulfill our mission to accomplish kosen-rufu and to save all people from suffering.
IN general, the people around us reflect our state of life. Our personal preferences, for example, are mirrored in their attitudes. This is especially clear from the viewpoint of Buddhism which elucidates the workings of cause and effect as if in a spotless mirror.
WE uphold the Gohonzon. We uphold the Mystic Law. This means that we ourselves are entity of the Mystic Law. We are the entity of great good fortune; we are the Treasure Tower. Therefore, we can never be defeated. We need never be afraid. When you are absolutely certain that you are the Treasure Tower and the entity of the Buddha, you achieve a state of being in which life itself is enjoyable.
THE heart is what really matters. One cannot simply understand the depths of one’s heart. When we practice with the awareness that we may encounter the Gohonzon once in a hundred million or ten billion years, a profound sense of appreciation fills our heart each time we perform gongyo.
A person’s true worth is measured by the extent to which they live in the present while giving thought to the distant future, a hundred years, a thousand years hence. Please be assured that all of your commendable daily efforts will give rise to eternal good fortune and benefit, protecting your families, bringing prosperity to your communities and becoming the source for peace around the world.