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Saturday

19th December

EVEN when we practise faith, it is only natural that we still encounter accidents, adversity and illness. This is clearly stated in Nichiren Daishonin's writings. What matters is how we actively challenge that misfortune when it appears and not give in to passive resignation. What matters is how we can surmount the obstacles we face and how we can change our karma. Faith provides the fundamental driving force for these efforts.


THE hardship you come across now will contribute to your growth. Problems are part and parcel of the growing process. Therefore, the important thing is to keep pressing forward, no matter how tough or painful the going may get.


WHEN we have the spirit to accomplish kosen-rufu, no effort is wasted. When we courageously and willingly make up our mind to achieve something, our lives boundlessly overflow with treasures.


THERE are no laurels of victory for those who drop out of a race half-way through. It is reaching the end that is important. Unless you complete the whole course that leads towards the finishing line of ultimate happiness which crowns your life, all the painstaking efforts you have make up to that point will have been for nought. I hope you will treasure and live resolutely in this world of human love and kosen-rufu.


IN time, a child will grow up to be an adult. A sapling will eventually become a larger tree. Likewise, the benefit of the Gohonzon may not be apparent today or tomorrow, as some form of immediate, sweeping change. However, in accord with the principle of attaining enlightenment in this lifetime, all of one’s prayers will definitely be fulfilled in the course of this lifetime.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On Reprimanding Hachiman.