31st December

LET us advance with optimism, joy and confidence along the path of realising peace and prosperity in society based on the ideals and principles of Buddhism, along the path of world peace, just as Nichiren Daishonin instructed.


LIFE cannot be all joy. Life is rich and stimulating precisely because it entails both suffering and joy. Value in life arises for the same reason, as does with a sense of fulfilment.


IN any event, the important thing is to win over your own weaknesses. Without letting the difficulties that may presently beset you defeat you, please compose a magnificent drama of victory. This is the reason we practise faith; this is what the wisdom of the Lotus Sutra is for. The light of faith enables us to make today and everyday of our lives shine.


ALL living things exist in an ever-flowing stream of charge. That is why we must not look back but always face forward, to the future, constantly refreshing our lives with new vitality. Let us make each day and each year one of growth and fresh, exciting possibilities.


ALTHOUGH kosen-rufu is a vast goal, it exists close at hand. The same is true of happiness. All is in accord with the saying that "a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step". All undertakings begin with our immediate efforts.

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

30th December

AS long as we remain preoccupied with our own troubles, as long as we allow ourselves to blindly follow the impulsive dictates of our mind, our sufferings will continue. What we must do is to become the masters of our mind, not let it be our master, and consciously redirect our mind and its thoughts in a positive and pleasant direction and help others around us do the same.


THERE is both sadness and sufferings in life. There are mountains, rivers and valleys. Yet, the deeper the river of sadness and the greater the mountain of suffering, the deeper the joy and the greater the happiness we experience when we have made our way across. Moreover, the Mystic Law enables us to change any misfortune into something positive. It is a wondrous teaching that transforms poison into medicine. Herein lies its greatness.


THE lives of those who strive in accord with the Mystic Law, who struggle on behalf of the Mystic Law, and who are devoted to the Mystic Law even in death, merge with the life of Nichiren Daishonin and the world of Buddhahood pervading the universe. Such people experience joy in both life and death. And their journey over the three existences of past, present and future is free of fear and sorrow.


THE mere fact that someone is practising faith is no guarantee that the person's life will be free from hardship or personal tragedy. However, the important thing is that, regardless of what may happen, one must not be shaken in faith. The Mystic Law is the Law that enables us to realise the oneness of life and death, and that earthly desires are enlightenment. One who practises faith exactly as the original Buddha taught can turn everything into a source of benefit and joy.


THERE is no difference whatsoever between the benefit of actions for kosen-rufu undertaken on a worldwide scale, and the benefit of converting a few individuals or encouraging one's fellow members in a single group.

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

29th December

A life of supreme joy results from faith and the chanting of daimoku. As the gosho teaches, one's life will become one of ultimate, perfect fulfilment. A life always one step in retreat, that of someone whole lives selfishly or begrudges his/her effort, will in the end be empty and miserable.


THE world is vast. Buddhism is eternal. How foolish it would be, therefore, to be swayed by minor events or become bogged down in trifles! If we allow this to happen to us, then what is the meaning of our Buddhist practice in the first place? What is the meaning of our life?


YOU must not live with your head in the clouds, basing your life on empty idealism. Nor should you get caught up in the slightest with shallow dreams of gaining fame or prominence so that you can impress or dazzle others. The only path to true victory in life is to become a person of genuine ability and substance. And the only way to do this is to advance steadily, one step at a time. Momentary fame is like an apparition.


WISDOM is the secret to good health. Wisdom allows us to ensure our well-being. We need to be aware of how to prevent illness before it occurs, and how to preserve our health so that we can go about our activities with zest and energy. We must not simply succumb passively to old age; instead, we should engage it head on in a positive and active way.


EVERYONE is a capable person. The efforts we make now to raise outstanding capable people will determine the course of our movement for the next hundred years.

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

28th December

WHEN you encounter a problem, first and foremost, pray to the Gohonzon. No matter what happens in life, keep forging ahead with daimoku as your basis. Those who have this spirit will surely emerge victorious. All hardships will be transformed into treasured memories. Such individuals can continue advancing with composure along the orbit of indestructible happiness.


WE should not be swayed by victory or defeat in fleeting, momentary struggles. What counts is being victorious in the realm of the eternal as a result of our unceasing commitment to fight to the very end for our beliefs as practitioners of the Daishonin's Buddhism and as human beings. The achievements of such eternal victors will shine undimmed into future generations.


MANY things happen in life. If all is smooth sailing, we cannot grow and develop as human beings. Experiencing problems and sufferings gives us an opportunity to become strong. It is by overcoming life's storms based on a solid practice of faith that we can attain the unsurpassed life-state of Buddhahood.


A pure and vibrant organisation can effectively block those who would destroy it. No one with evil intentions can gain a foothold there. I hope this tradition of pure faith will remain forever.


WE must never be off our guard, and so allow devils the least chance to take advantage. The higher a person’s position, the greater the attack will be from the devils. Therefore, no matter how high someone’s position may be, if the person ceases to struggle in faith and for kosen-rufu, he or she will quickly be overcome by devils.


THE most fundamental issue of all of us have to grapple with is death. Not even the greatest or smartest person on earth can solve the suffering of death inherent in the human condition. Only a correct practice of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism enables us to surmount the fundamental suffering of death and apprehend the eternity of life.

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

27th December

WHAT is important? It is faith. Do not be swayed by the fickle winds of public opinion, for that only leads to a life of defeat. The benevolent forces of the universe will protect those who strive earnestly in faith. Such individual will triumph in the end.


THOSE who work for the sake of kosen-rufu with a pure, earnest and whole-hearted commitment, even if they may go unrecognised by the world, will truly savour immense happiness in the final chapter of their life and be able to make a majestic departure towards their next existence.


WHAT matters most is the heart. Everything depends on whether our hearts blaze with a passionate, fighting spirit irrespective of our situation. Those who maintain such an undaunted spirit no matter what happens are victors in life.


AUDACITY is the privilege of youth; it is the spirit of a pioneer. Youth must not be cowardly; a fainthearted and nervous youth cannot accomplish anything great. Of your own accord, you should continually seek out ever greater challenges and difficulties to overcome. To have this spirit is what it means to be a youth.


IT is important to ascend the slope of life day by day with sound faith and a stable daily life. Do not fall under the illusion that carrying out immoderate activities beyond your capacity is an expression of faith.

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

26th December

BUDDHISM accords with reason. Our faith is reflected in our daily life, in our actual circumstances. Our prayers cannot be answered if we fail to make efforts appropriate to our situation.


BOTH Nichiren Daishonin and President Toda stressed the importance of advancing with the conviction that our struggles in this lifetime are the means by which we forge ourselves into entities of indestructible happiness, into Buddhas, throughout challenges. Please have deep confidence that "hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands of blessings" will well forth in the lives of all who dedicate themselves to kosen-rufu.


BY coming into contact with the Daishonin's immense conviction through the pages of Gosho, we stoke the flames of our own faith. This is the very heart of Buddhist study. We are committed to study that deepens our conviction, forges our determination and forms the basis for our actions. In such an attitude lies a true movement for the prosperity of Buddhism.


BEING old age is not just a matter of physical age. Old age begins when one loses his/her ideals. A person with faith is young, while one filled with doubt is old. One who is plagued by fear is old. One is young to the extent that he/she possesses hope, and old to the extent that he/she has lost it.


AS the Daishonin’s followers, therefore, we have nothing to fear in either life or death. Time and again, we are able to experience joy in death, and exults in gaining rapid rebirth – such is the journey over the eternity of life for those who believes in the Mystic Law.

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

25th December

WHEN you have given your all to a struggle, you are filled with a deep sense of satisfaction and joy. That is because you have met the challenge, conquered your limitations, and experienced the great drama of life and human revolution. The face of a person who has strived on without reserve glows. It is lit by the radiance of a lofty spirit dedicated to working for the welfare of friends, fellow members and all humanity.


TO live in accord with the Mystic Law is to live a life as vast as the cosmos itself. No matter what happens, we can view things with serenity and composure. Directing our energies towards fulfilling our mission to help all people become happy, we can freely manifest our innate wisdom and ability, and victoriously overcome all obstacles.


ONE who always returns to the attitude of a beginner, challenging himself/herself to make further efforts, and who struggles to develop himself/herself further and to produce a better literary work, can muster up a dynamic spirit which enables him/her to improve continuously.


FORGE a solid self and develop within you the power to attract happiness to your life. Then you yourself will be happy and fulfilled, and you will be able to lead your family, your relatives and your friends to happiness too.


THE “great power of faith” of which Nichiren Daishonin spoke is like a mighty engine. With it, we can speed powerfully along the highway of life. Since we have been born in this world, we may as well set our sights on a grand objective and enjoy ourselves as we confidently and serenely climb the mountain of glorious personal achievement. If we are weak, life is a drag. We should make our way with the pride and resolve, “I am the SGI. No matter what anyone says, I am a representative of this great organisation.”


THE Daishonin compared the joyous and happy state of death that lies in store for those who practise faith in the Mystic Law to the majestic scene of the sun dispelling the darkness and illuminating the entire world. Death, in other words, far from being a cause for unease and fear, is a grand journey in which one experiences great peace of mind and satisfaction.

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

24th December

YOU may think that it is fine to practise by yourself, without being bothered by anybody. You may find it pleasant to have no responsibilities. However, such as attitude will not allow you to carry out the true faith, practice and study of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. Without an organisation, you cannot keep your practice on the right track, nor can you train or polish each other in faith; nor develop or improve your faith.


WHAT matters is faith. What matters is our heart. Even if individuals enjoy fame and social standing, if their hearts and minds are at odds with the true spirit of faith, they will eventually end up straying from the path of happiness. The Daishonin said, "If you are of the same mind as Nichiren, you must be a Bodhisattva of the Earth." (MW1, p93) To be "of the same mind as Nichiren" is to lead a life of the greatest integrity and happiness.


THE sun does not discriminate. Likewise, the Buddhism of the sun is completely impartial. People, who give the appearance of having faith in this Buddhism, yet act in a discriminatory manner against others, should be viewed as devilish functions bent on destroying the Buddhism of the sun.


THE entire universe is like your own personal bank account. The amount of fortune we can withdraw depends solely on our faith. Faith means battling life’s negative functions. Justice means struggling against adversity.


TO become happy not only ourselves, but to enable others to become happy as well; to bring harmony to our local communities; and to help our nations flourish and bring peace to the whole world – the lives of those who pray and work to achieve these goals pulse with faith that is dedicated to realising kosen-rufu.

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

23rd December

THERE are no obstacles that cannot be overcome by chanting daimoku. There are no deadlocks in Buddhism. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the "wonderful means" for breaking through all obstacles and opening up our lives limitlessly with courage and composure. That is why the Daishonin urged, "Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other." (MW1, p246)


THE vast universe, and our own lives as well, are entities of the Ten Worlds and the three thousand realms. When we devote ourselves to the fundamental law of the universe, the Gohonzon, the life of Buddhahood will arise within us. It is our daily efforts in Buddhist practice and faith that serve as the basis to solidify within ourselves the indestructible life-condition of Buddhahood.


THE Mystic Law is a truly wondrous Law. Those who live their lives in rhythm with the Mystic Law will enjoy complete fulfilment and contentment. Even the desires in the very depth of your heart will definitely be fulfilled on some form. I hope you will show proof of this through your lives.


REAL freedom ultimately hinges on what you decide to dedicate yourself to with all your heart. It does not mean loafing around with nothing to do. It is not spending money like water. It is not having all the free time in the world. It is not taking long vacations. Doing only as you please and desire is not freedom; it is nothing more than self-indulgence. True freedom lies in the ongoing challenge to develop yourself, to achieve your chosen goal. This path is paved with the glittering gold of freedom.


DURING Nichiren Daishonin's lifetime, cowardly disciples discarded their faith and turned against him. There is nothing more pitiful and despicable. We must never abandon out faith. We will only lose out if we do so. Since we are here on Earth, let us live our lives striving to achieve kosen-rufu and accumulate immense good fortune and benefits.

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

22nd December

YOU will naturally meet various kinds of hardships in the course of your practice. However, when you continue to make patient, constructive efforts based on faith in the Law of Myoho, you will, without fail, come to lead a life that is filled with satisfaction and benefit.


DOING gongyo and chanting daimoku are for our own benefit. They are our right. You should not feel pressurised or view them as constraint. It is time to make gradual effort in mastering gongyo and increasing the amount of daimoku you chant, for the most important thing is to continue one's practice of faith without ceasing just like "flowing water".


NICHIREN Daishonin said, "A coward cannot have any of his/her prayers answered." (MW1, p246) If you have cowardly faith, you are not a disciple of the Daishonin. If you have cowardly faith, you cannot receive truly great benefit no matter how much you pray.


WE are bound to encounter cowardly and unpleasant people in society, but no matter how others may behave, let us create our own personal history that is free of all regrets. As "champions" of kosen-rufu, let us exert ourselves freely on life's stage throughout the four seasons, armed with pride, hope, purpose and deep fulfilment.


THE life philosophy of Buddhism is a magnificent system of thought that provides a firm basis for respect for the dignity and sanctity of human life. When this teaching spreads around the world, it surely will act as the most powerful force for preventing the outbreak of war.

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

21st December

BUDDHISM is victory or defeat. Life is a struggle. Those who continue to burn with the spirit of struggle will triumph. The presence of this spirit in essence indicates one's victory as a human being. Those who abandon the spirit of struggle condemn themselves to defeat.


MORE than anything, it is your own life that is important. Rather than compare yourself to others, it is sufficient to compare whether you have improved from what you were before. There is no need to be impatient with yourself or have an inferiority complex towards others.


THERE is no such thing as "easy" Buddhist practice or "theoretical" Buddhist practice. Only Buddhist practice carried out for the sake of kosen-rufu amid the realities of society brings about great benefit.


WHEN people are in the states of Hell, Hunger, Animality or Anger, the outcome is a society of jealousy and craving that is pervaded with incessant strife. But when, one by one, people begin to chant the Mystic Law and individuality revolutionise their lives to manifest the worlds of Bodhisattva and Buddhahood, it becomes possible to realise an ideal society blossoming with peace, culture and education.


NICHIREN DAISHONIN said of those who embrace the Mystic Law, “You will grow younger, and your good fortune will accumulate.” Nichiren Daishonin’s teaching is absolutely free of any falsehood. The Lotus Sutra also promises perennial youth and eternal life, declaring that its practitioners “will know neither old age nor death”. Surely this refers to a life that has been tempered and forged through unflagging Buddhist practice.

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

20th December

GONGYO is fundamental to the basics of faith, practice and study. Remember that our organisation, as well as all guidance and encouragement, begins and ends with gongyo.


WE might think that it would be nice to practise on our own in isolation from others, just following our own whims. But such a course would ultimately only make us extremely selfish and vulnerable to negative influences, thereby causing us to lose our way from the correct path. Any freedom that we might believe we had in practising in such a manner would just be a sham; we would never attain a state of life of true freedom.


THE comments of people close to you can help you focus your individuality on a positive direction. The education and guidance, advice, warnings and even rebukes that you receive can all be used constructively to steer you along the right path. On the other hand, refusing to listen to others' advice, doing only what you want to the exclusion of all else, cannot be described as individuality. That is just being stubborn, and it does not benefit anyone.


NO one is perfect. Therefore, let us strive to compensate for one another's weaknesses while allowing each person's strengths to shine to the fullest. Good fortune accrues from such a spirit of unity.


CHEERFULLY through your own splendid lives, I would like you to prove the statement, “Time is a great writer.” Your happiness alone is my fervent wish – and prayer.

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

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.

18th December

THE wonderful thing about Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is that through daimoku, the four sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death can be transformed into four castle walls or ramparts that fortify the palace of your life. Though it might be difficult to appreciate at first, the "mud" of our suffering provides the building material from which we can erect a solid bulwark for our palace of happiness within. The deeper the mire of suffering, the more indomitable a palace we establish.


IT is important that the place where you work is a place for forging your character and growing as a human being - and, by extension, therefore, it is a place for your Buddhist practice, place for practising and deepening your faith. When you view things from this angle, all your complaints will disappear.


WE will advance; we will walk the path exactly as Nichiren Daishonin teaches. Because we are right, we are not afraid nor will we be deterred. There is not the slightest need for us to be. Everything shall become apparent with the passage of time. The original Buddha is our greatest ally. It is inconceivable that we shall not win.


YOUTH is a battle with worries and problems. The purpose of faith is to overcome these. Only those who have overcome their own suffering will achieve great success as human beings and become winners in society.


THE mission of a leader is to put everyone’s mind at ease. Towards that end, it is very important to offer words and take actions that abound with compassion. This is in contrast to the authoritarian attitude of a person who tries to manipulate people as if they were machines, assuming that they will do everything as he says. The SGI is a world of thorough-going humanism.

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

17th December

NO prayer to the Gohonzon goes unanswered. The Mystic Law is a great teaching that enables us to change poison into medicine. Through faith we can transform all sufferings into something positive and beneficial, and develop a higher state of life.


IN the organisation, on the job and in human relations, it is only natural that we should experience worries and deadlocks from time to time. But it is precisely at such time that we must break through. There is no alternative other than to advance and realise victory through our own efforts.


EXAMS are a form of training that allows you to develop your mind and your forbearance. What matters is that you never give up but continue making efforts. It is important that even if you get a bad grade, you have the spirit to try harder next time. If you did not do well today, there is always next time. And if you do not do well next time either, there is always the time after that. It is important to have the tenacity and persistence to keep challenging yourself time after time. Your entire life is a process of strengthening your mind and your endurance.


THERE is no doubt that one who lives with strong faith and a constant seeking spirit will definitely enjoy a life of total fulfilment. Your future is a hope-filled one. My hope is that each of you will become as solid as great trees, blossoming on the stage of the world. Please advance with youthful faith throughout your lives, never forgetting your original spirit.


UNLESS one stands up when times demand, one cannot be called a true human being, nor can one be called a disciple of Nichiren Daishonin. If we let evil have its way, it would be just too wretched for our successors. How greatly everyone would suffer!

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

16th December

WHEN we human beings chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we reveal our full capability for the first time. Furthermore, the gosho says, "The voice does the Buddha's work." When you chant daimoku resoundingly, the life condition of Buddhahood will well up within you, allowing you to manifest Buddhahood as you are, leading you towards a complete way of life.


WHEN people have a genuine sense that, no matter how difficult their present circumstances, they are not alone, but are virtually connected with others and with the world, they will be able to stand up without fail. This is the power inherent in life. It is important, therefore, that we form "good relations” and develop bonds with people who can have a positive influence on our lives and out Buddhist practice, or "good friends".


GOOD health equals Buddhism. Daily life equals faith. Taking care to avoid traffic accidents and making efforts to stay in good health, therefore, are all part of our Buddhist practice. It is important that we live wisely, striving with the awareness each day that all the actions and activities we undertake for the sake of faith contribute to our good health and well-being.


"TIME is a great writer." Our fight for kosen-rufu gives growing testimony to the truth of this statement. From a narrow perspective, it is difficult to perceive what is just. The crucial point is to view events from a long-range perspective. Then, the true essence of good and evil will come into view.


PROPAGATING Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings, sharing Buddhism with others, is the heart of the SGI. Towards that end, we as leaders must first of all pray earnestly and challenge our own human revolution. We must lead the way by taking action ourselves, while at the same time fully supporting our fellow members in their efforts to introduce others to Buddhism.

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

15th December

A happy person is one who can create pleasant memories in life. One, whose life condition enables him/her to create happy and joyful memories, even in times of hardship or sorrow, will undoubtedly become a winner in life.


BECAUSE there are negative forces around us, we can exert ourselves. Because we energetically engage ourselves, we can accumulate benefit. And because we work hard, we can savour supreme joy.


YOUTH is the spirit of persistence - to keep making an effort to grow and to become more capable despite all obstacles. Those who keep striving for improvement remain youthful no matter how old they are. Conversely, those who fail to do so, even if they are young in years, will be old and weak in spirit.


THE Mystic Law, the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin, elucidates the principles for the truest and most correct way to live as a human being. Those who devote themselves to the Mystic Law will bring their lives to magnificent bloom, fragrant with eternal happiness transcending the boundaries of life and death. True happiness is not a matter of status but of whether or not one has lived a noble and upright life.


TO keep on living strongly, moving ever forward – this provides you with the strength not to let your life end as a tragedy. It is one of the knacks of leading a life of victory. Faint heartedness that leaves one nervous, trembling in fear or grieving whenever something appears is in itself a tragedy. It is pathetic.

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

14th December

THE Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin is a perfect teaching - a flawless, true principle. Therefore, when one challenges oneself for kosen-rufu, none of the time and effort one spends is sacrificed. Due to the power of the True Law, every effort turns into one's own fortune and benefit, as well as a driving force to enjoy one's life fully and contribute to society greatly.


EVERYTHING depends on our heart, on our mind of faith. As the Daishonin said, "Faith alone is what really matters." (MW1, p246) Attaining Buddhahood, that is, establishing a life condition of absolute happiness depends entirely on the strength of our faith. Therefore, our heart must not be swayed. We must not allow our heart to be affected by envy and cowardice, but should develop a heart of faith that is strong and magnanimous. For herein lies happiness.


PLEASE never give in to defeat. For a seed to sprout, it must exert tremendous effort to break out of its outer covering. To reach outside to view the blue sky above, that sprout must then valiantly push its way up through a thick layer of soil.


PEOPLE are envied for their beauty, talent or good fortune; or because they are happy. Even the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law was envied. Actually, because he was the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law that Nichiren Daishonin was so resented and persecuted. But he endured everything and left behind the great teaching of ultimate happiness and peace for all mankind.


FAITH is something which, if you are fully convinced of its benefits, you continue on your own free will. Trust between parent and child is fundamental to this. As long as such bonds of trust exist, the parents’ prayers for their children’s happiness will communicate themselves.

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

13th December

YOU can chant for as many things as you like. A person with many wishes and dreams should pray earnestly to fulfil each one. Buddhism is reason. Sometimes our immediate prayers are realised and sometimes they are not. When we look back later, however, we will be able to say with absolute conviction that everything turned out the way it did for the very best.


GAKKAI activities for the sake of kosen-rufu include two aspects of faith and practice. It is impossible to continue along the strict path of Buddhist practice if you forsake the organisation or your friends in faith. Alone you would be unable to continue a sincere practice of gongyo, daimoku and shakubuku for long.


WISDOM is not merely the accumulation of information or knowledge; rather, it is the ability to use information and knowledge to create value. Wisdom, therefore, concerns the entire human being. Creativity and originality, for example, are part of wisdom. Character, philosophy and action are also included in wisdom.


WE need to unite and pray in the spirit of "many in bodies but one in mind". When everyone prays together for victory in the endeavour to "refute the erroneous and reveal the true", our daimoku becomes that of the lion king. When everyone prays with one mind, kosen-rufu advances with increasing momentum. Prayer itself is the greatest power with which to forge ahead.


YOU are who you are. All you have to do is to walk resolutely in a manner true to yourself along your own path. The important thing is having the courage to fight evil or negative forces which obstruct the path of your conviction. If you leave evil to its devices, it only multiplies and will eventually make us its accomplices. Good exists only in one’s genuine efforts to fight evil.

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

12th December

GONGYO is a solemn ceremony. When we do gongyo, we open wide the doors of the treasure storehouse within; we mine the dynamic well-spring of life force that lies dormant in the vast inner reaches of our being; we tap an inexhaustible source of wisdom, compassion and courage.


EARNEST voices arising from the depths of our lives are certain to reach the hearts of others. When we are in high spirits, those around us also become energised. When we are full of life and vigour, we will be able to spread joy to others.


WHETHER in an organisation, one’s own life, or some undertaking, regardless of how solid and strong things may appear, the slightest error may cause everything to come crashing down in an instant. Ruin begins with complacency and arrogance that accept even more minor blunders. It is a leader’s responsibility to deal with such problems quickly and appropriately without overlooking the slightest details. Each of these instances represents an important crossroad on which future development hinges. We must never forget this.


A car that does not run has no value. Life becomes meaningful only when one strives to become happy. It is natural for human beings to contribute in some way to the society in which they live. Through our actions of faith and practice, in other words, shakubuku and other activities to spread Buddhism, we can contribute to society in a most fundamental way.


RICH or poor, a lofty spirit remains a lofty one. Mean spirited people become increasingly so, the more prosperous they become. It is those who possess lofty who are truly noble people. It has nothing to do with status or position.

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

11th December

THOSE who can say at the end of their lives, "I did my best", "I have fulfilled my mission", "I have carried through with faith", are truly happy. With this intent, we should live out our lives "according to our own mind" (“zuijii”), that is, without being influenced or swayed by anything. Conviction serves as a person's backbone. Therefore, we need to make our conviction unwavering.


ONE cannot continue to practise faith alone. An organisation where people can mutually polish their character and encourage one another is vital in order to correctly carry out one's Buddhist practice for the sake of oneself as well as for others.


IF we are to make the new century a century of peace, a spirit of tolerance is indispensable. But tolerance is different from compromise. Compromise is the product of self-preservation, self-interest and a poverty of the spirit. It results in compliance with evil, and finally in our own corruption. Tolerance, on the other hand, is always found on a clear understanding of the difference between good and evil. It is the product of strong personal commitment.


MR TODA said: “Teach your children to have faith in Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism and place them in the garden of the SGI. Children are easily swayed by their environment. Also, in their desire for freedom, they may sometimes be drawn to undesirable company. It is especially important for mothers, with their abundant love and affection, to bring their children into the ‘realm of security’ of the SGI.”


PRIDE – faith is the highest pride; the highest hope. The unlimited light of a faith will always shine warmly and unerringly on one’s family, community and life.

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

10th December

DAIMOKU is the well-spring of vitality and a driving force for one's daily life and activities within society. This force is accelerated by the study of Buddhism.


FAITH enables us to secure ultimate victory. It enables us to live out our lives with vigour and joy and to strive to improve ourselves and become the very best people we can be. Moreover, faith enables us to walk through life with complete assurance and confidence, unafraid of anything.


WE are living in an age in which wisdom is all important. Wisdom is the driving force for happiness. Happiness might be said to consist of the three components of "beauty, benefit and good". When we possess wisdom, we can channel everything towards the creation of "beauty, benefit and good". We need wisdom to enable all people to become happy.


I am always praying that you and your families will enjoy good health and abundant fortune. Please win in all your endeavours. Please make your family a “fountainhead of faith” and create a brilliant flow of great good fortune that will extend to your children and coming generations, and across the three existences of past, present and future.


AGGRESSIVE humanism – that is the spirit of Soka Gakkai. A thorough-going fighting spirit of great dimension – that is our Soka Gakkai spirit. There is no compromise in faith. Nor is the practice of True Buddhism merely empty words. It is actions. It is results.

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

9th December

IN life there are times when you may face a slump. At times you may also suffer from illness or family problems, have trouble with your children, or experience difficulties in your relationships with other people. However, Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is a great law which enables one to change poison into medicine. Through faith, everything serves to transform one's life into one which manifests the enlightened properties of eternity, happiness, true self and purity.


IT is important that you, for yourself, keep growing and continue living no matter what. Life is an unremitting challenge of the self. If one stops fighting, failure awaits. Worse still, a life in which challenge has ceased is already from that moment on a living death. Live, live and keep on living - this spirit in itself constitutes a life philosophy. The driving force behind this struggle is our faith in True Buddhism.


WE live in the strife-filled “saha” world. It is a world of perseverance - a world where we must endure many sufferings. No matter where we go, we cannot escape from the sufferings that are part and parcel of life. If we cannot avoid these sufferings, then our only choice is to overcome them. And since we have no choice but to overcome them, then we might as well live joyfully and vigorously while doing so. Unless we cultivate in ourselves this kind of strength and resilience, happiness will forever elude us.


THIS lifetime will never come again; it is precious and irreplaceable. To live without regret, it is crucial for us to have a concrete purpose and continually set goals and challenges for ourselves. It is equally important that we keep moving towards those specific targets steadily and tenaciously, one step at a time.


THERE are always countless unseen, mundane efforts behind great achievements. Nichiren Daishonin wrote: “Where there is unseen virtue, there will be visible reward.” (WND, p907) Such behind-the-scene struggles have led to the construction of the global organisation we are today.

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

8th December

IN Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, kosen-rufu is never just a distant ideal. It can be found in one's efforts to gain trust and expand the circle of understanding at his/her place of work and in daily life. The progress of kosen-rufu is totally determined by the behaviour of those who embrace the Gohonzon.


WE need to cultivate the spirit to be able to live with self-assurance, to be able to make our way joyously through life. We practise this faith precisely in order to forge such a strong and vibrant inner resolve.


WITHOUT the wisdom and intellect to shrewdly discern good from evil, and truth from falsehood, one is destined to live a life of failure. Therefore, it is all the more important for us believers of True Buddhism to be more sagacious and clear-eyed than anyone else. In light of our responsibilities to lead others to happiness, we must on no account allow ourselves to be deceived by evil.


IF you continue to advance on the path of kosen-rufu, life force will naturally well up from the depths of your being. As the years pass, you will grow younger and younger and live to the end of your days filled with vitality. That is what Buddhism teaches us, and that is what so many of our worthy seniors and comrades in faith have shown us through the examples of their lives.


GANDHI asserted that even if there was one pure person in a gathering, the rest would be affected by that one person’s purity. The presence of one person is important. If one person stands up, two, three, and more are certain to follow his or her example. Those who can stand alone possess true courage and are genuine leaders.

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

7th December

IT is essential that we keep advancing boldly towards our goal of kosen-rufu, armed with the power of faith and practice. Sometimes we may feel like taking a break and letting things slide. But the key is not to give in to that inertia and instead challenge ourselves to do gongyo and chant daimoku, or attend an SGI meeting. Victory lies in such positive action.


WITH a dauntless spirit, we can lead a cheerful and thoroughly enjoyable life. We can develop a "self" of such fortitude that we are able to look forward to life's trials and tribulations with a sense of profound elation and joy.


THE Gosho states, "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the greatest of all joys." We aspire for a life filled with the greatest kind of joy. The Daishonin's Buddhism enables us to create causes which will lead to such a joyful existence. Faith gives rise to wisdom and joy, while doubt and slander are the characteristics of icchantika, or those who are incapable of attaining Buddhahood.


THE marvellous thing about faith is that without fail the final days of one’s life will be filled with inexhaustible benefit – days of total enjoyment and contentment in life. Therefore, I hope you will be reassured that while you are experiencing hardships, you are not going to die anytime soon! President Toda often said this.


THE wonderful art of peace is devoting oneself entirely to linking one beautiful human heart to another. When such cultivated lives and culture itself are joined, the truly humane culture of the new century will be born. When fully realised humanity and art come together, a truly humane art will be born. It is your mission to forge that spectacular and creative future.

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

6th December

NICHIREN DAISHONIN stated in the Gosho, "To discard the shallow and seek the profound is the way of a courageous man." As we study the profound view of life, society and the universe expounded in Buddhism, and pursue a way of life based on deep faith, we can build a beautiful existence, one which is crowned with glory.


EVEN though a person's life may appear to be going well along the way, there is no telling how things will turn out in the end. The reason for our faith in True Buddhism is so that we can attain that final victory in life.


WHETHER we regard difficulties in life as misfortunes or whether we view them as good fortune depends entirely on how much we have forged our inner determination. It all depends on our attitude or inner state of life.


OUR lives are fundamentally one with the universal life itself. All the treasures of the universe exist within each person; each person is an infinitely respectworthy entity. Therefore, through our mind of faith we can transform ourselves and our family, and we can change our community, our country and the entire world in the direction of hope, happiness and peace.


IT is the nature of animals to accumulate food for themselves. If we were to keep the means we have found for attaining happiness to ourselves and not share it with others, it would mean that we have succumbed to the state of Animality (selfishness) and of Hunger (greed). The wish to share the truth with others, to share the means for achieving happiness with others, is the hallmark of philosophy, education, culture and Buddhism.

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

5th December

BUDDHISM is a struggle. Life is a struggle. It is struggle that makes life interesting. Since struggle is inevitable, we ought to enjoy it. Those who strive for kosen-rufu become healthy. Victory is itself happiness. All our efforts in faith return to us as eternal good fortune and benefit.


TO embrace the Gohonzon, which embodies the fundamental, boundless and magnificent law of the universe, is to enjoy ultimate power and satisfaction, far greater than any amount of wealth or any social status can provide.


THOSE who share the philosophy and ideals of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism with as many people as possible are victors in life. Our victory is determined by how much energy we put into caring for the members and working for their welfare. Only by forging close unity with all kinds of people and helping them advance towards kosen-rufu can we ourselves be victorious.


IN the final analysis, the lives of those who lead a self-centred existence, merely doing as they please and avoiding difficulties, lack direction just like an airplane that is flying off course. Not only do such people fail to become happy themselves, but they actually destroy the happiness of others.


LIFE is a drama. Dramas can be broadly divided into those with happy endings and those with sad or tragic endings. Similarly, depending on its ending, a person’s life can be termed as having been either happy or sad. To envy or ridicule others solely on the basis of their lives up to a certain point indicates a lack of understanding odf the reality of life.

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

4th December

NEVER forgetting debts of gratitude incurred when one has been protected in times of great difficulty is what humanity is all about. This is the correct behaviour of a human being. Being friendly to those you are indebted to when you have fallen upon hard times, but casting them off the minute your fortunes improve - such behaviour deviate not only from the path of humanity, but from one's path as a Buddhist as well.


THE Mystic Law activates all things. Through its practice we can give full play to the unique character and culture of our particular area, causing it to blossom. While earnestly seeking to contribute to the community, we can create and expand a seamless and boundless solidarity of peace and justice.


THERE is no doubt that you can make fruitful progress in your activities towards kosen-rufu of the true Law, when you advance with both wisdom and action. If you have only one of the two, your activities will tend to be unsound.


IT is important for youth to cultivate their minds, hearts and characters. If young people only pursue and neglect the development of their humanity, then society will rapidly move in the wrong direction. Fostering well-balanced individuals based on solid character development is essential.


PHILOSOPHY is essentially the wisdom that helps us to lead better lives. When we acquire that philosophy, that knowledge, through our Buddhist practice, it becomes a source of boundless strength that we can tap freely to respond to life’s diverse challenges, and we also come to see that we are advancing on the road towards genuine happiness and fulfilment.

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

3rd December

NO matter what may happen, pray to the Gohonzon and chant daimoku resolutely, and everything will surely be resolved. In any event, along with your prayer to the Gohonzon, your powerful determination or ichinen will become your fundamental guiding force in all life's battles.


TRUE seeking spirit does not discriminate on the basis of the status of the person in whom wisdom is sought. For it is the Law that is important, not the status of the person expounding it. This is the fundamental spirit of Buddhism.


BY pressing forward without respite and taking courageous action, we can cultivate the supreme state of Buddhahood in our lives, and achieve happiness. Happiness lies in the pursuit of a noble and worthy cause. We will never feel deep fulfilment or be able to secure true happiness if we live in idleness or act from the force of habit without making a sincere effort.


THOSE who fail to exert themselves at the crucial time cannot attain Buddhahood. Discarding vanity and concern for appearances, let us cause the "gears" of our hearts to mesh and resolutely advance along the great path of supreme faith.


HAPPINESS is not determined by outward appearance, beauty, wealth or possessions. It is determined by your ability to change your karma and by the amount of good fortune you have accumulated in your life.

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

2nd December

BUDDHISM is victory or defeat. Life is an eternal struggle. To the end, we should live with strength and vigour. In any realm of activity, reality is very strict. It is the power of Buddhism that enables us to win in any situation. Difficulties are inevitable in life - that is true for everyone. Herein lies a profound reason for our practice; we should always remember this.


THE process of human revolution is one of steady, marked improvement, enabling us to keep growing and developing throughout our lives and for all eternity. We will never hit a limit, a dead end, in our journey for self-perfection. Faith is the engine, the power source for our ongoing human revolution.


GUIDANCE in Buddhism is guidance aimed at the very depths of life. It is an all-out challenge to motivate someone to change his/her life. Unless our own life overflows with vitality, nothing we do or say will penetrate the lives of others.


WHETHER one always acts with faith, or complains that erases the good causes for benefit which he has thus far created, depends on one's ichinen (determination). Herein lies the vital importance of one's ichinen and attitude in faith.


KOSEN-RUFU is also a great undertaking that will take thousands of years to accomplish. We must bring this enterprise to completion while passing on the strong heart of faith and the eternal spirit of the Soka Gakkai from generation to generation.

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

1st December

WE cannot win in our jobs unless we are in good health. The workplace is one of society's battlefields. Since Buddhism finds expression in society, we need to exhibit a strong life force in that realm in order to be victorious.


THOUGH our bodies may age, through participating in SGI activities our hearts and minds remain as bright and shining as the sun. We are youthful as long as we live. Those who work for others' happiness and for Buddhism remain vigourous and full of energy.


PEOPLE may circulate deceptive rumours and baseless accusations with the intent of wounding or harming others. But never allow yourself to be swayed by such malice in the least. Only you will lose out if you do. The vital thing is that you strive resolutely for kosen-rufu with an unshakeable spirit.


THE Daishonin’s teachings constitute our foundation. The Gosho is our eternal standard. When we view things in the light of the mirror of the Gosho, there is absolutely nothing that we need to fear, and furthermore, we are able to see through all malevolent scheming. How fortunate we are to possess such a mirror!


THE law of the Myoho is the fundamental principle which can fundamentally change this age of sadness and tragedy into one of absolute happiness. This is the purpose of our movement for kosen-rufu. It may seem like a detour, but there is no other way to open a definite path towards mankind’s happiness.

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