DAILY GUIDANCE

28th January

2012-01-28T00:00:00.001+08:00

AS followers of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, we must propagate the correct teachings and meaning of Buddhism with composure and compassion, untouched by anger or animosity, no matter what difficulty, insult or calumny we may face. You should be convinced that only through your ceaseless effort of propagation will the world of Buddhahood, the life-condition of enlightenment, manifest itself within your life.

BUT phantom is a phantom. Reality is reality. You are you; nothing more, nothing less. Never forget that, or allow you to become too involved with superficial matters, and lose sight of the true meaning, the true purpose of life.

AS long as they have hope, people will develop. As long as they have hope, people will feel young and their lives will be enjoyable. They will also be healthy and have abundant wisdom. Because they are joyful, they will also be blessed with good fortune.

WHAT makes a person great? What makes someone noble? Greatness does not derive from popularity, status, fame or wealth. Those who uphold and spread the supreme Law are truly noble. Those who embrace the Mystic Law, and who work among the people and for the people, are truly respectworthy.

THE Mystic Law is not a mere phrase. It is not something that someone invented arbitrarily. It is the fundamental principle of peace that pervades the universe.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

27th January

2012-01-27T00:00:00.001+08:00

NOW is the time for you to cultivate your mind through reading. That will decide everything. There is no limit to how far your potential will reach if the earth of your mind is cultivated and well nourished. Within each of you lies a vast field of infinite possibility and reading is the hoe which to till that boundless frontier.

LET'S ask ourselves this question, "What kind of person is truly great?" Nichiren Daishonin cited the words, "Since the Law is wonderful, the person is worthy of respect; since the person is worthy of respect, the land is sacred." (WND, p1,097) The person who upholds the supreme Law deserves supreme respect. This is true humanism. How respectworthy, then, are all of you who are striving so hard to spread the Mystic Law!

IT is impossible to achieve victory and glory without wisdom and strength. What matters in Buddhism is winning. It is the same with life. In fact, this applies to all things. Consequently we must win. Unless we emerge victorious, we cannot protect our friends; we cannot defend justice.

FINDING a teacher when you are young and receiving true guidance for life is the greatest glory of your youth. Once you have grasped this essential truth of life, you will not be distracted by vain trappings of wealth and fame, and you will not fear anything.

CONSCIENTIOUS performance in the work place leads to progress and prosperity; be it for the individual or group. In contrast, shoddy performance inevitably leads to failure.

A great revolution of character in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a society, and further, will enable a change in the destiny of humankind.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

26th January

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000+08:00

CHANTING daimoku and doing shakubuku will set your life on an orbit of happiness which will last forever.

THE master's concern for his disciple is much more profound than the disciple may imagine. There is no greater misfortune for a disciple than to be unaware of this.

DAYS of stagnation produce a life of regression. With the passage of time, one who leads such a life is increasingly overcome by a sense of loneliness and regret. Faith lies precisely on constructing an existence in which you can find personal joy and satisfaction, and a state of life that affords you the hope and joy to live vigourously.

KOSEN-RUFU is a religious movement to illuminate the world with great wisdom just as the sun illuminates the earth. The idea is for each person to become a light of wisdom; when there are many such lights, the entire world will be illuminated. Kosen-rufu could be described as the grand "art" of revolutionising the inner state of one's life. In concrete terms, it comes down to the expansion of peace, culture and education.

THE only way to create a current of lasting peace is by forging heart-to-heart ties through wide ranging exchange relating to culture and education. The SGI is carrying out this grand experiment - testing and proving its validity - for the first time in the history of humankind. In our respective countries and communities, let us continue to sincerely and wholeheartedly contribute to grassroots diplomacy and peace-building in the 21st century.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

25th January

2012-01-25T00:00:00.001+08:00

FOR what purpose should we cultivate wisdom? For what purpose is our faith? The answer is to win - to win in life, in society and as human beings; it is to win without fail so that we may secure happiness and create peace. People who have this are strong. People who have forgotten their purpose are weak.

NO one has only faults or only merits. We all have a mixture of both. Therefore, you should strive to develop and polish your positive attributes. As you do so, your shortcomings will fade until they are no longer apparent.

IT is indeed the case that "not to advance is to regress". Those who advance are filled with hope. Such people manifest courage. They live positive lives and know true fulfilment. Again, such people are able to produce meaningful results. It is for these reasons that they are happy.

BUDDHISM concerns itself primarily with victory or defeat. We must never allow ourselves to be defeated by obstructions on the road to kosen-rufu. Progress is made possible only by facing the tough reality of hardships and displaying proof of victory as Buddhists both in our personal lives and in society.

IN anything you do, you must have an objective or goal. No matter how seriously you may strive to achieve it, if you deviate from that course or give up your effort halfway before you achieve the goal, you will never make the exuberant feeling of accomplishment.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

24th January

2012-01-24T00:00:00.001+08:00

IN any place, and at any time, voices chanting sincere daimoku with faith in the Gohonzon will be heard by the Buddhas and bodhisattvas throughout time and space. Such voices will reverberate throughout the universe. Filled with a sense of pride, you should chant daimoku confident that the reverberations of your voice will carry as far as billions of light-years away. By cultivating faith of such great conviction you will be able to receive tremendous benefit.

FAITH enables us to transform not only our day to day problems but our lives at their very foundation. Through the Buddhist practice, we can develop a strong inner core and a solid and inexhaustible reservoir of good fortune.

IN any endeavour, whether the arts or sports or any other pursuits, the master-disciple relationships is both challenging and rewarding. In particular, how strict and yet compassionate the bond is between master and disciple in the practice of faith, which comprises the very fundamentals of life, and in the pursuit of the great goal of kosen-rufu.

NOTHING is more noble than a life dedicated to kosen-rufu. Such people are devoted not only to their own happiness but also that of others. They enjoy good health and a fulfilling life. They accumulate boundless good fortune and benefit. This is the ultimate way of life. And it is the absolute promise of Nichiren Daishonin, the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law.

ONE must not be so narrow-minded as to seek only to increase one's strength or exhibit one's capability. Doing so will obstruct the flow of kosen-rufu. The way to bring about a dynamic and powerful advances of kosen-rufu, like waves building upon waves lies in finding capable people, raising them and diverting them towards the goal of kosen-rufu.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

23rd January

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000+08:00

THE Daishonin's Buddhism teaches us that the Law of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo encompasses everything. For this reason, no matter what happens, we need simply continue chanting with confidence. Without being swayed in the least by untoward circumstances, let us continue proudly chanting resonant daimoku.

NO matter what anyone says, or even if, for instance we encounter from time to time unpleasant individuals along the way, we must not leave the SGI, because the correct practice of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism for the realisation of kosen-rufu is found only in the SGI.

EACH of you has a precious mission that only you can fulfill. Suffering people around the world are waiting for your brave endeavours. To neglect one's mission and seek only personal pleasure is a sign of selfishness. It is impossible for an egotistic, self-centred individual to truly love another person.

THE bond between parents and children is deep. But the bond that connects disciple with master is even stronger and deeper. The desire to seek a teacher is a lofty one, and the joy you experience when you find that teacher is enormous. Having a master is so important that it is said that you cannot trust a person who does not have a master.

THERE is no such thing as a life without trials and tribulations. A life without meeting obstacles is a weak one. One cannot depend on someone who has not had to overcome difficulties.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

22nd January

2012-01-22T00:00:00.000+08:00

SUCCESS can never be genuine unless it is based on the accumulation of steady and strenuous efforts, expended day by day and from moment to moment.

THE Mystic Law embraces the law of cause and effect, the absolute law that pervades all existence, both sentient and insentient. This is why our thoughts and actions, based on the Mystic Law, will not disappear without effects but will be registered in our lives, which are one with the great universe, and will shine for all eternity as infinite blessings and virtues.

A person who perseveres with genuine faith is able to accumulate genuine good fortune. Absolutely no one and nothing can destroy the happy state of life that we ourselves have constructed, or rob us of the blessings and virtues we have accumulated. On the contrary, every time we encounter a great persecution, we are able to open and cultivate a still more wonderful state of life.

THE richer our own hearts, our own humanity, the more we are able to recognise and value the humanity of others. Those who bully and belittle others only diminish their own humanity.

ALL of us in the SGI are “old friends of life”, “old friends across eternity”, precious beyond measure and linked by bonds from the ‘beginningless’ past. We have treasured this world of trust, friendship and fellowship. How sad and pitiful it is to betray and leave this beautiful realm! Those who abandon their faith travel on a course to tragic defeat in life.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

21st January

2012-01-21T00:00:00.001+08:00

IN our organisation, there is no need to listen to the criticism of people who do not do gongyo and participate in activities for kosen-rufu. It is very foolish to be swayed at all by their words, which are nothing more then abuse, and do not deserve the slightest heed.

“TO continue” means to continue faith in the True Law; in your own beliefs; in your own wisdom; in the pursuit of happiness; in the fundamental power that leads to the eternity of the three existences of past, present and future; in the realm of all wonderful treasures of the universe; in an indestructible, lofty spiritual state; and on the solid road to good fortune. “Continuing” applies to everything.

THE principle of cause and effect is strict and exacting: it holds true whether or not your efforts are appreciated. It is not outward appearance of things that matters. Nor is authority or position of any importance. It is your heart or spirit. It is the actions that you take. This is the teaching of Nichiren Daishonin.

YOU will never find happiness if you do not change yourself from within. Happiness is not something that someone else can give to you. You have to achieve it for yourself. And the only way to do so is by developing your own character and capacity as a human being; by fully maximizing your potential. If you sacrifice your own growth and talent for love, you will absolutely not find happiness. True happiness is obtained through fully realizing your own potential.

SOME people spent their days pursuing idle amusement. Some live aimless lives, succumbing to indolence and apathy. But neither of these ways of living will ever lead to true fulfillment or happiness.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

20th January

2012-01-20T00:00:00.001+08:00

NICHIREN DAISHONIN wrote, "To accept is easy; to continue is difficult. But Buddhahood lies in continuing faith." "To continue" means to embrace the Gohonzon throughout your life and for eternity, upholding your vow of faith no matter what happens. Because of the truth of the simultaneity of cause and effect, everything is of value inherent in a single thought of faith.

IN the world of faith, we are able to accumulate blessings and virtues to the extent that we offer prayers, speak out and take action; this is in accord with the principle of cause and effect. To the same extent, we are also able to expand our spiritual horizons and solidify the path of happiness in our own lives. Absolutely no effort is wasted in the world of faith.

ALONE, one's sufferings only deepen. Hope disappears. Human beings need to be with and among other human beings. Engagement with others forges our characters and enriches us.

WHILE resonantly chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the fundamental rhythm of the universe, we work, speak and act for the development of society, world peace and the happiness of humanity. There is no more noble life than this. That is why thinking people around the world are strongly seeking out Buddhism, the supreme law that permeates life and the universe.

THROUGH home visitation, bring the light of faith to members who cannot attend meetings. Constant encouragement will accumulate and someday become a rushing a river of joy.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

19th January

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000+08:00

HAVING knowledge is not itself happiness. To have much knowledge is indeed one essential condition for a personal awakening to life and the development of society. Nevertheless, you should not consider having knowledge to be the same level as enjoying true happiness to the fullest.

THE last of the five cardinal virtues is that of fidelity or, as I think it might be rendered, sincerity. This is the basic element in transforming distrust into trust, hostility into understanding, and hatred into compassion. The elements of confidence and friendship cannot be cultivated "strategically". Real trust is indispensable if the people of the world are to open their hearts and minds to one another.

BATHED in the Daishonin's immense compassion, we are composing an eternal history moment by moment and day by day. We are able to turn the lands where we strive to fulfil our mission into strongholds of everlasting happiness and joy, into eternal Buddha lands. For this reason, no effort made in the realm of faith is wasted. Everything will have a positive meaning. Everything becomes a force propelling us towards the state of eternal happiness over the three existences.

IN faith, things do not just happen automatically. Our prayers are answered only if they are accompanied by tenacious and steadfast efforts. Without ninety-nine percent efforts, there can be no victory.

BUDDHISM teaches that we all inherently possess the state of Buddhahood and so wherever we dwell is in fact the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light. It is the power of the Mystic Law that enables us to transform the place where we are now - the place where we struggle with the daily realities and problems of life - into a place of victory.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

18th January

2012-01-18T00:00:00.001+08:00

SOME may think that our activities are inconsequential and mundane. But I hope you will be aware and proud that each of our efforts contributes to a dynamic momentum that spreads throughout the entire world. The age of the SGI has finally arrived, causing people around the world to sit up in wonder!

ONE of our challenges as human beings is how we maintain a sense of purpose each day. The important thing is to continually strive to find something that gives one joy and hope and thereby bring one's life to a fulfilling and satisfying completion. In any effort, it is the finishing stages that are very important. Similarly, the final chapter of our life is crucial.

OTHER people will go their own way, and you will go yours. It is important to realise your mission which you have decided upon and live up to your convictions. No matter how your surroundings may change, if you remain unswayed and advance straight ahead with steadfast faith, you will become a victor in the end.

THE virtue of wisdom is the source of all creative endeavours. It is necessary that we free ourselves from rigid and fixed modes of thinking, tap fresh sources of wisdom that inspire a flexible and adaptive attitude, and bring this wisdom to bear towards the resolution of these dire threats to human existence.

NEVER forget that you can create two or three times as much value as before when you face each situation with a sense of responsibility and aspiration.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

17th January

2012-01-17T00:00:00.001+08:00

WHAT other people think of you should not be the object of your concern. What is important is how you evaluate yourself and how much pride you can derive from your own life. As you live your life sincerely according to your beliefs, you can exemplify the most valuable way of living to your own existence.

PROPRIETY refers to acknowledging and respecting the existence of others. Our world is an aggregation of many different people and nations, each with its own cultures and traditions, which forms the core of national identity. Acknowledging and making effort to understand and respect different cultures is the basis for peaceful co-existence.

CERTAINLY, our daily reality is an unending succession of change. However, we who chant the daimoku of the Mystic Law and are dedicated to advancing kosen-rufu do not surrender ourselves to the eddying tides of impermanence that lead to suffering. Instead, by turning all changes into an impetus for accumulating eternal good fortune, we lead lives replete with joy.

OUR voice is an expression of our life force. That is why our voice is so important. It is vital, therefore, that we speak out with confidence, dignity and the courage of lions, and to fearlessly refute with razor sharp reasoning, the slanderous accusations levelled against us. This is the path that leads to the progress of kosen-rufu.

YOU are all emissaries of the Buddha. Whatever your situation or circumstances, you have a mission. You will attain happiness without fail. I hope that, no matter what obstacles you face, you will continue to advance calmly, enjoying everything you encounter in life.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

16th January

2012-01-16T00:00:00.001+08:00

FIRST of all, lets tear down any walls within our minds. For it is often the case that we ourselves determine our limits.

WE live in a world today where many think only about themselves and forget about those who are suffering. Yet all of you are striving day in and day out for the sake of humanity and working for the welfare of society. This is why people the world over place their trust and confidence in us. This is why people the world over find hope for the new century in the SGI.

STRONG are those who plant firm roots, tirelessly exert themselves, and create an unshakable foundation wherever they go. Such people are in fact creating their own eternal foundation of good fortune and benefit.

"THE Gohonzon is found in faith alone," the Daishonin declared. If we have faith, the Gohonzon will manifest itself in our lives. Those who enshrine the Gohonzon yet do not practise faith (as the Daishonin taught), however, will receive no benefit. The Gosho strictly sets forth this principle of causality.

LIFE is a struggle. In a struggle, the person with the strongest desire to win triumphs. In the long journey of kosen-rufu, too, you must proceed forward with determined courage. With bold vigour, stride forever forward to grasp the laurel crown of triumph as an individual and for human society.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

15th January

2012-01-15T00:00:00.001+08:00

WHEN we dwell in the world of the Mystic Law, the sun of hope continually rises in our hearts and we experience a new dawning of life at each moment. Kosen-rufu is an activity for the purpose of building a glorious land where shines the sun of eternal peace. It is a battle to rid the world of misery and unhappiness, and call forth the dawn of happiness and security.

OUR daily life is a constant struggle to break through deadlocks. Yet, no matter what may happen to us, there is no need to become pessimistic. Viewed from a more profound perspective, every problem is a test of our faith; it provides us with an opportunity, and a turning point, to increase our happiness and further advance towards attaining Buddhahood.

A mirror that is tarnished or dirty will not reflect anything. It must be polished. Chanting daimoku with faith in the Gohonzon is the act whereby we polish the mirror of our life. The Daishonin established the Gohonzon solely so that people could polish their lives and powerfully manifest the Gohonzon existing within.

WINNING is not a matter of form or appearances. It has nothing to do with vanity. Nor is it a matter of simply navigating one's way smoothly through an organisation that has already been created. Victory in life ultimately hinges on whether one has truly strived, whether one has truly advanced.

A struggle means making strenuous, painstaking efforts behind the scenes, always being the first to take action on all fronts, always thinking ahead and being well prepared in advance, in order to open a sure path to victory.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

14th January

2012-01-14T00:00:00.001+08:00

LIFE passes by in an instant, which is why it is so important for us to keep striving and challenging ourselves.

WHEN you wage a struggle, you might win or you might lose. But, regardless of the short-term outcome, the very fact of your continuing struggle is proof of your victory as a human being. A strong spirit, strong faith and strong prayer - developing these are itself victory. It is Buddhahood.

NO effort based on faith is wasted or in vain. The state of our heart, the causes we make in our inner realm, determine precisely just what effects we shall receive. This is owing to the inscrutable mystic function of our life.

IT is a mistake to think that because one practises faith, one does not need to avail oneself to medical treatment. This way of thinking amounts to fanaticism. It is natural that we should seek and follow the instructions of doctors regarding the treatment of illness. Faith strengthens our inherent curative powers and at the same time enables us to change the fundamental causes of illness that exist in the depths of our lives.

NO matter what difficulty you may encounter, you should continue to advance true to your hopes and ideals. As long as you live up to this basic principle, ten, twenty or fifty years from now you will find that all your prayers have been answered thanks to the power of the Mystic Law.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

13th January

2012-01-13T00:00:00.001+08:00

TO have true faith means to advance resolutely towards the goal of kosen-rufu, no matter what may happen, without doubting the Mystic Law in the least.

JUST as there is no storm that lasts forever, there are no difficulties that will continue indefinitely. What is important is that we always maintain our faith in the Gohonzon and firmly persevere in the way of faith, practice and study. So long as we have faith, we can use any difficulty as an opportunity to transform our karma.

"FAITH alone is what really matters," the Daishonin stated. He did not say that ritual is what matters. It is one's spirit that is of essence. With time, subtle differences in people's mind of faith reveal themselves in great differences in their lives with respect to both their actual circumstances and their state of life.

OUR daily activities may not be glamourous or always exciting, but through each effort we make, we are building a "palace of the people" that will stand eternally. And we are constructing the "palace of life" within our own being - a palace that we will adorn with the most precious treasures of the heart.

OUR lives are eternal throughout past, present and future. Therefore, no matter where we are reborn, we will enjoy the most wonderful state of life we could wish for. We will lead lives of deep fulfilment and continue working to propagate the Mystic Law far and wide.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

12th January

2012-01-12T00:00:00.001+08:00

HAPPY are people who at the end of their days have something to leave behind. How much happier, still, are those who leave an enduring legacy in the annals of history. Glory and satisfaction belong to those who fight on undaunted by life's vicissitudes right up until they have completed building their own chosen tower.

THE way a friend helps us is as natural and spontaneous as the movement of the heavenly bodies. It enriches the soul, brings cheer and produces joy. Expanding one's circle of friendship is equal to expanding the sphere of kosen-rufu. I hope that you will develop deep heart-to-heart bonds of friendship, both within and beyond the organisation.

A person's true nobility is determined by his/her spirit and actions. And to praise and venerate those whose spirit and actions are truly noble - that is the spirit of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. You, who are striving for kosen-rufu, are the most respectworthy and admirable people of all.

IF we work hard to realise kosen-rufu, we benefit ourselves. In lifetime after lifetime, we will be reborn in the life-state of absolute happiness that is Buddhahood.

OUR goal in life is completely different from that of others. We are in no way motivated by the pursuit of worldly fame and fortune. What matters to us is having the determined spirit to achieve kosen-rufu, always revitalising ourselves with a fresh attitude in faith.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

11th January

2012-01-11T00:00:00.001+08:00

AS votaries or practioners of the Lotus Sutra (the Mystic Law), the more we struggle undefeated amid daunting obstacles and hardship, the more our life-force grows, the more our good fortune multiplies and the more our energy increases. We can use everything as fuel to power our human revolution and transform poison into medicine, becoming stronger and more compassionate people and developing an expansive state of life.

PROPAGATION begins with the inner struggle to defeat one's own cowardice or inner weakness. Introducing others to Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is a lofty act of compassion. It is to share with others, based on a sincere prayer for their happiness, the supreme teaching and the supreme way of life that we ourselves embrace. Consequently, when we properly carry out propagation, genuine friendship and trust are born.

"WE burn the firewood of earthly desires and behold the fire of enlightened wisdom before our eyes," wrote the Daishonin. Daimoku converts all life's various trials into an impetus for hope-filled advancement. Suffering then is an essential source of sustenance for happiness. People of true faith are those who make their own goals - people who chose their own "mountain" to conquer and then proceed to scale its peak.

A capable person is one who embraces the rigours of faith and kosen-rufu with lifelong devotion.

WE have opened wide the door of the True Law for the sake of the people. To this day, we have worked to help people understand our movement through sincerely praying, conducting dialogue, taking action, and exercising our wisdom. While fighting to dislodge the ‘rubbish’ covering people’s hearts, we have to endeavour to help them awaken to the path of supreme happiness. This is our proud history, and this is the course that we will continue to follow in the future.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

10th January

2012-01-10T00:00:00.001+08:00

BEING human, it is quite natural for our minds to wander, for all sorts of thoughts and memories to surface. You should just share all those thoughts with the Gohonzon. There is no set form or pattern for how we should pray. Buddhism emphasises being natural. Therefore, simply chant earnestly without pretence or artifice, just as you are, as your faith develops; you will naturally find it easier to focus your mind when you chant.

LIFE is, without exception, an ongoing struggle with various problems and difficulties. Faith is what allows us to simply transcend the accompanying pain and suffering, and to establish an indestructible fortress of happiness in our lives - a fortress that will last for all eternity. Our fortune grows in direct proportion to the state of life we are able to develop.

NICHIREN DAISHONIN said that the most important point is to be consistent in your faith and that as long as you are consistent, all your desires of the present and future will eventually be fulfilled. The thing you should never forget is to continue chanting daimoku no matter what.

WE should strive to read the Gosho everyday. Busy as we may be, I hope you will all make renewed efforts in this sphere. Reading the Gosho changes our lives enormously. Tremendous confidence that we can triumph in all life's struggles will well forth within us.

TO be earnest and to be stern is different. Bravery is different from desperation. A person of great courage is bright and cheerful. A confident person is calm and serene. A person with wisdom has the latitude to smile.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

9th January

2012-01-09T00:00:00.001+08:00

TRAINING means to dedicate ourselves sincerely to the two ways of practice and study. A person who does not undergo rigorous training cannot be expected to express his full potential and act wisely at a crucial moment in life or to accomplish major undertakings. A person who lacks training will, in the long run, be disregarded by others and experience painful suffering.

A life bound up in worldly fame and the superficial will never develop a satisfying sense of security. All too often, such a person is constantly swayed, and has a tendency to regret and complain. A correct practice of faith can lead only to happiness. It leads everyone, unfailingly and increasingly, towards Buddhahood. I ask each of you to offer guidance and encouragement with that conviction in mind.

GONGYO is a daily activity in which we purify and prime our hearts and minds. It is starting the "engine" for our day's fresh start. It is like grooming ourselves before we set out for the day.

THE Buddhist Law is wondrous and unfathomable. The greater our efforts for kosen-rufu, the greater the energy and strength that wells forth from within us. Our lives overflow with rich benefit.

NUMBERS mean little. What is important is that each individual shines with the brilliance of a hundred or a thousand, and that he or she goes on to become a great leader in society. This is the way you show proof of the two fundamental Buddhist principles: Buddhism manifests itself in society; and faith manifests itself in daily life.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

8th January

2012-01-08T00:00:00.001+08:00

I hope that you will always maintain a sincere and honest mind both in your faith and in your life. It is also my hope that, with a correct view of life and correct faith, you will become a person with a broad and magnanimous mind.

DEPENDING on how we view any given situation, its meaning will change immediately. Can we not say, then, that faith is the inexhaustible source that gives us the ability to accept all events in a constructive manner? At the same time, no matter what tumultuous changes lie in our path, with ichinen as one's steering wheel, our lives will unfailingly go in the proper direction - one filled with zest, satisfaction and happiness. Such is the function of the Mystic Law.

IN order to bring hope and joy to others, one must feel hope and joy oneself. Hope and joy come from making efforts for the sake of the Buddha's children, because these very efforts help defeat one's own inherent laziness and negativity.

HOW can we create the greatest value in the short span of a lifetime? Those of us who embrace the Mystic Law know the answer. Our faith in and practice of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism enables us, in the course of this lifetime, to solidify the world of Buddhahood in our lives and establish a state of being of eternal happiness. That is the purpose of faith in the Mystic Law, the purpose of our Buddhist practice.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

7th January

2012-01-07T00:00:00.001+08:00

WE have faith. Faith is the ultimate source of courage. Let us bring the sun of courage to blaze in our hearts and use it to brighten our communities, our families and the lives of our fellow members.

IF you only repeat what you have seen and heard, you will never advance beyond imitation. The mind is crucial. You have to experience with the mind and express with the mind in order to innovate. That requires blood, sweat and tears; it requires relentless searching and continual effort. Only then do you gradually acquire the ability to express yourself fully and naturally.

THE most fundamental thing is to have a sense of humility towards the Law and truth. It is to our own benefit to advance along the path of faith with sincere humility and a boundless seeking mind. The greater our seeking spirit, the greater the fortune we gain, and the stronger our faith will become. We will then lead a life of happiness.

AS we advance, we have no need to grieve or be afraid, no matter what may happen. This is because the more obstacles we face, the greater the happiness that we engrave in our lives become. This happiness, indestructible under any circumstances, shines ever brighter with the passage of time; its radiance becomes distinguished and expands.

WHEN you encounter a severe difficulty, you may despairingly feel that it is the end of everything and give up. However, you should never succumb to such difficulties in life. You must win by all means. If you do, you will later be able to look back with a feeling of satisfaction on your days of desperate struggle.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

6th January

2012-01-06T00:00:00.001+08:00

IT is through the ordeal of facing hardships that we are able to firmly establish the indestructible self of Buddhahood in the depths of our lives.

WHETHER one will be happy or unhappy is decided by the philosophy, beliefs and religious faith one possesses. Fortunately, we have been able to embrace True Buddhism, the great Law for attaining enlightenment. We have a fountain of wisdom that can transform all into something yet more valuable. We know the route to happiness that encompasses past, present and future. We need only to advance along this great path with utmost confidence.

SURELY the true and most humane way for us to live is to advance just as we are, as ordinary people, basing our lives on Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and striving to improve ourselves little by little. Buddhism is the great Law that is open to all people; it does not make irrational or unreasonable demands.

OUR time in this world is short, it passes by in an instant. By whole-heartedly devoting ourselves to faith during this lifetime, we can attain the eternal state of Buddhahood. It is to our advantage, therefore, to exert ourselves in faith as much as possible now, while we still can. It sometimes happens that people become sick and then regret not having done more while they can.

TO have the courage to always keep pressing forward and be utterly committed to winning. To persevere right to the end, even in a pinch when the odds are stacked against you. To have the invincible spirit to press forward further still. When you give your all, victory is truly exhilarating.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

5th January

2012-01-05T00:00:00.001+08:00

WHEN we chant and exert ourselves for kosen-rufu, we can block negative, destructive forces from entering our lives and allow the positive, protective forces of the universe to enter instead. Please chant with strong conviction, as if calling, "Brahma, Shakra, the gods of the Sun and the Moon, enter my life and put your power to work!"

BY dedicating ourselves to Buddhism, we transform our lives into "gold". Inept and unworthy though we may think we are, our lives come to shine with supreme brilliance and will remain so eternally. That is why Nichiren Daishonin urges us to strive earnestly in our practice of faith.

HAPPINESS is ultimately determined by oneself alone, not by others. To base one's happiness on how one appears to the world is to live in a "provisional" way, only chasing after illusions. In contrast, to live in accord with the "true" or "essential" way of life is to determine by oneself: "I did my best. I am satisfied. I have won." These two ways of life are as different as heaven and earth, and water and fire.

LIFE without philosophy, without belief, is indeed both vulnerable and fleeting. Swept along in the current of times, such a life drifts aimlessly. One's soul knows no rest, preoccupied with the immediate and the transience of other people's opinions.

NO one can avoid the sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death. It is the Mystic Law that is capable of eliminating suffering equally from the lives of all people. For this reason, it is our responsibility to teach all mankind the power and benefit of the Gohonzon which embodies the Mystic Law.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

4th January

2012-01-04T00:00:00.001+08:00

SOME people think that just because they are practising Buddhism their business will prosper and they will succeed. This kind of short-circuited thinking shows a lazy attitude in faith. We should never forget that our faith will only bear fruit if we continue to work and study harder than other people to develop mastery of our work and a full understanding of life.

A person with conviction is strong. That individual is beset neither by confusion nor by lack of purpose. In whatever circumstances, such person never despairs, but always directs his/her life towards the positive. One of the benefits of Buddhist faith is that it enables one to realise and to embody a positive and constructive way of life.

FAITH is not an obligation. It is our privilege - something that we practise in order to become happy. People will receive benefits only to the extent that they make determinations and take action.

LIFE'S true exhilaration lies in how we live each moment, how hard we strive and challenge ourselves in the present, in our journey for ultimate victory. Life is interesting precisely because we have to battle our way through all kinds of ups and downs. We are enacting the drama of kosen-rufu on an infinitely grand stage.

FAME does not equal happiness, nor does it equal ability. Those who talk the supreme path of happiness known as faith are great artists of life. Compared to this distinction, fame and popularity are mere illusions; they are as fleeting as the images on a TV screen, which disappear when you turn off the set. There is absolutely no reason for you to let your happiness be governed by popularity and fame. Ordinary people are an example of those who have no fame but are the most noble of all.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

3rd January

2012-01-03T00:00:00.001+08:00

FAITH lies not in simply reciting the sutra. Nor does it lies in eloquence or being skilled at giving guidance. A genuine Buddhist is one who, no matter what happens, actively pursues the way of faith, practice and study as taught by Nichiren Daishonin, right to the very end - a person who continues striving earnestly for kosen-rufu. Such conduct is the very essence of the Nichiren Buddhism.

LET us give something to each person we meet – joy, courage, hope, assurance, or philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.

HAVING the ability to advance, to press forward and make progress is proof of one's humanity. Even just one or two steps are sufficient. Even just one or two millimetres. The important thing is to be certain to advance each day. One who does so is a person of victory and a person of glory.

WE live in a stress-filled society. The definition of stress is "an external assault on one's mind". We must fight this attack. Can it not be said, then, that the best means to repel stress is to take positive and spontaneous actions? In this context, the action we take based on faith in the Gohonzon is action in line with the universal Law of life, revitalising and regenerating our lives.

LIFE'S true joy and happiness can only be savoured by those who live out the chosen path of their beliefs, no matter what others may say of them.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

2nd January

2012-01-02T00:00:00.001+08:00

TRUE victory is that you experience at the last moment of your life. No matter how victorious you may be in the course of your life, unless it leads to final triumph, it will have little meaning.

ACTIVITY undertaken for the sake of the Law, as well as for the people and society, is a tremendous source of life-revitalising energy. If, however, you feel it troublesome to act for the sake of others or withdraw yourself into a shell of egoism and negative individualism, ceasing to take action for the sake of others, both your mind and body will stagnate. Then, the devil of sickness will find it easier to take advantage of you.

NO matter what sins or offences one may have committed, through the power of the Mystic Law one can transform these into a driving force for becoming happy. The determination to strive willingly for the sake of kosen-rufu enables us to open the state of Buddhahood in our lives.

ONE'S attitude can totally transform one's situation. The thing is to decide to spend each day happily and productively - wherever you happen to be. A wise person can create value under any circumstances.

IT is important to win all endeavours. Winning is a joy. It is a source of benefit and happiness. A person who is easily defeated does not have the strength or capacity to make others happy. Please strive to become the kind of person who will strive and win amid the harsh realities of society, while always upholding and championing justice and making efforts to develop your character. Please become a strong person, a capable person.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

1st January

2012-01-01T00:00:00.001+08:00

A New Year. The sun of a grand and lofty state of being rises high. An ancient Chinese maxim urges, "Renew yourself each day." In this New Year, I hope you will all, without exception, make wonderful progress, free of any regrets, in the place where you are carrying out your mission and on the stage of your life. Please establish a towering record of complete victory.

AGAIN today the sun rises. And, in the same way, again today we chant daimoku, causing the inner sun to rise in our hearts. Once the sun rises, everything is illuminated. The challenge is to keep this sun blazing brilliantly in the depths of our lives, to each day renew our determination to chant, strive on, live victoriously and accumulate good fortune. Herein lies the ultimate path of happiness.

DAILY we change, daily we grow. This is human revolution. This is the life of a person of true faith. It is no good to be always saying the same things, succumbing to inertia. Rather, please start by creating waves of change from within your own heart.

TO sit in front of the Gohonzon, chant daimoku and perform gongyo is, in all senses, the most dignified and significant ceremony that is in perfect unison with the cosmic law. In chanting, each individual human being, a microcosm, comes to harmonise with the fundamental rhythm of the macrocosm. Every day we can revitalise and infuse our lives with youthfulness. This is the first fundamental rhythm of the macrocosm. Everyday we can revitalise and infuse our lives with youthfulness. This is the first fundamental of good health and longevity.

VALUE is born and victory shines forth in your life only to the extent that you develop your life condition. Good fortune and benefit adorn your existence only to the extent that you live out your life exerting yourself for the sake of the Law and for the sake of kosen-rufu.

NOTE: New! Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On The Treasure Tower.

31st December

2011-12-31T00:00:00.000+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

30th December

2011-12-30T00:00:00.001+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

29th December

2011-12-29T00:00:00.000+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

28th December

2011-12-28T00:00:00.001+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

27th December

2011-12-27T00:00:00.001+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

26th December

2011-12-26T00:00:00.001+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

25th December

2011-12-25T00:00:00.001+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

24th December

2011-12-24T00:00:00.001+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

23rd December

2011-12-23T00:00:00.001+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

22nd December

2011-12-22T00:00:00.001+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

21st December

2011-12-21T00:00:00.000+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

20th December

2011-12-20T00:00:00.002+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

19th December

2011-12-19T00:00:00.001+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

18th December

2011-12-18T00:00:00.001+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

17th December

2011-12-17T00:00:00.001+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

16th December

2011-12-16T00:00:00.001+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

15th December

2011-12-15T00:00:00.001+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

14th December

2011-12-14T00:00:00.001+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

13th December

2011-12-13T00:00:00.001+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

12th December

2011-12-12T00:00:00.001+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

11th December

2011-12-11T00:00:00.000+08:00

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, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

10th December

2011-12-10T00:00:00.001+08:00

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 Persecutions Befalling the Sage.

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9th December

2011-12-09T00:00:00.001+08:00

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 Persecutions Befalling the Sage.

8th December

2011-12-08T00:00:00.001+08:00

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 Persecutions Befalling the Sage.

7th December

2011-12-07T00:00:00.000+08:00

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 Persecutions Befalling the Sage.

6th December

2011-12-06T00:00:00.001+08:00

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 Persecutions Befalling the Sage.

5th December

2011-12-05T00:00:00.001+08:00

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 Persecutions Befalling the Sage.

4th December

2011-12-04T00:00:00.001+08:00

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 Persecutions Befalling the Sage.

3rd December

2011-12-03T00:00:00.001+08:00

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 Persecutions Befalling the Sage.

2nd December

2011-12-02T00:00:00.001+08:00

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 Persecutions Befalling the Sage.

1st December

2011-12-01T00:00:00.001+08:00

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 Persecutions Befalling the Sage.

30th November

2011-11-30T00:00:00.001+08:00

NICHIREN DAISHONIN taught that the Mystic Law possesses limitless power, permeating the entire universe. You already embrace the Mystic Law. Therefore, it is certain that you will enjoy prosperity and good fortune.

IT is important to continue your faith for first ten, then twenty and then thirty years. If you sincerely and straightforwardly strive in your faith, continuing to do so for thirty years, the roots of good fortune will sink deeply into your life and a great flower of happiness will definitely bloom.

THE two phases of life and death are inseparable. Through faith we are able to fill both phases with limitless happiness and contentment. The original Buddha guaranteed that the Mystic Law is the supreme staff that one may use eternally over the three existences of life.

THE true mission of religion is to give society joy and a sense of security. Moreover, the mission of Buddhist leaders is to give members delight and confidence. If you exert yourself as a leader without begrudging your life, encourage your friends warmly, encounter them with a smile, admire them and instill confidence in them, you can create a comfortable community where no impasse may thwart the advance of kosen-rufu.

THE power of one person is truly immense. Such power and strength cannot fail to become manifest in those who awaken to their mission as Bodhisattvas of the Earth. Such confidence is the point of departure for everything.

“THOSE with the heart of a lion king are sure to attain Buddhahood.” (WND, p302) Let us rise up and roar as lions! This is Nichiren Daishonin’s teaching. I hope that you will continue to strive even more vigourously with the indomitable heart of a lion king and surmount any and all obstacles you may encounter.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On Persecutions Befalling the Sage.

29th November

2011-11-29T00:00:00.001+08:00

THOSE who can always resolve, "I will make a new departure!", "I will construct something new!" will be victorious in the end. By contrast, those who think, "I have done enough already," are leading the lives of defeat.

ALL of our prayers and activities for kosen-rufu become good fortune and virtue that adorn our lives. And our life itself embodies the true entity of the Mystic Law. We are able to help many people form connections with Buddhism only to the extent that we take action and speak out.

IN Buddhism, zenchishiki, or good friends, are essential. You cannot seek the Way if you make mistakes in choosing who to follow. Only when you follow the proper leaders of kosen-rufu can you make great strides in developing yourself.

WHEN we fundamentally change our own lives through the great good of the Mystic Law and enable others to do the same, then even acts of medium and minor good will all come to have significant effect and value.

AS we advance towards kosen-rufu, the three obstacles and four devils (sansho shima) will definitely appear. Therefore, we must always be deeply determined to overcome any obstacle or hindrance to our accomplishing kosen-rufu and attaining Buddhahood.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On Persecutions Befalling the Sage.

28th November

2011-11-28T00:00:00.001+08:00

NICHIREN DAISHONIN stated in the Gosho, "Neither the pure land and hell exists outside ourselves; both lie within our own hearts." (MW2, p 239) Everything depends upon one's inner life, or ichinen. Therefore, what is important is one's heart. No matter how unfavourable the situation, it can be transformed into "the pure land" if you courageously address the problem by deciding that it is your Buddhist practice to develop yourself.

YOU must always maintain a seeking spirit. "Seeking the way" in Buddhism is an attitude that leads to profound happiness. Remember that a spirit to always seek the Law for the sake of your daily self-improvement is actual proof of your faith itself.

FAITH is the greatest of all treasures. Passing on correct faith to your children is the surest way for both parent and child and for the entire family as well, to walk the path of eternal happiness.

THE sun burns its own mass as fuel in order to illuminate the cosmic darkness, bring its light to the moon and the planets. Similarly, the courage of one individual who possesses a sprit that burns like the sun will touch and inspire countless others. This is the unchanging formula for achieving the spread of the Law, the most difficult of all undertakings.

TO encounter persecution because of one’s faith is in fact a wonderful thing. It is precisely one struggles to overcome hardships that one is able to create integrity. In an environment that is monotonous and placid, stagnancy and degeneration may overtake vivacity. It is because there are storms of great struggles that the blue sky of existence opens up and fresh vigour wells forth in one’s life.

NOTE: New! Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, On Persecutions Befalling the Sage.

27th November

2011-11-27T00:00:00.000+08:00

WHEN the seeds of Buddhahood are firmly rooted, they will naturally grow into a great tree of blessing and virtue, and produce the flowers and fruit of good fortune. In this way, I hope you will lead a life in which all desires are fulfilled. No matter what may happen, you must never cut the roots of your faith.

THE means to change hardship into happiness; suffering into growth; obstacles into development; and confusion into progress lies in our heart, in our single-minded determination. This is the essence of faith. Encountering a few difficulties is nothing at all to those who have solidly constructed their "inner kingdom".

CHALLENGE all difficulties with determination and composure. Those who persevere with unflagging passion and enthusiasm always win in the end. In contrast, those who give up and stop trying out of fear only wind up unhappy.

SHAKYAMUNI BUDDHA exists in the lives of all those who are struggling for kosen-rufu. The power of the Bodhisattvas Universal Worthy and Medicine King – these are all contained in our lives. Therefore, wisdom cannot fail to well forth. We cannot possibly be defeated by the devil of illness. We are naturally able to manifest great life force.

THE bond of master and disciple is the prime point of life. It is not schooling that determines a person’s wisdom. In any age, in any world, the person who bases his or her life upon the master-disciple relationship is the one who will live life most wisely.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

26th November

2011-11-26T00:00:00.001+08:00

LIFE is eternal. We need to focus on the two existences of the present and the future and not get caught up in the past. We must always have the spirit to begin anew "from this moment", to initiate a new struggle each day.

FAITH is not a matter of scholarly credentials. Nor is it a matter of understanding theory. Rather it comes down to conviction; infinite wisdom wells forth in the life of one who has faith of strong confidence in the Gohonzon.

HOW does one obtain the power to survive and break free from a restrictive destiny? The fundamental source of this power is nothing other than the Mystic Law, the Gohonzon and strong faith. In true Buddhism there is no sentimentality.

IN order to enjoy health and good fortune in your forties and fifties, in order to feel a sense of purpose and success in your daily endeavours, it is vital that you build a firm foundation for your life through your Buddhist practice while you are still young. For anything that is built on a weak foundation only crumbles.

A leader has to stand up in the vanguard. You must not simply leave everything up to others. It is the duty of leaders to rack their minds in an effort to enable everyone to advance with joy, self-confidence and soaring hope.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

25th November

2011-11-25T00:00:00.001+08:00

GET up early in the morning and do gongyo. Fight productively and be full of enthusiasm in the evening, and get to bed earlier.

DO not look to others; look to yourself. If you make yours a meaningful life which you can say with calm objectively, "It was good. It was full of triumph," then you have lived a glorious life. The person with such a strong character is a happy person.

WHEN we are tired, we can sleep well. When we have worked hard, we can sleep all the more soundly. When we have worked at something with all our might, we are left with a sense of peace and well-being. Striving to realise our dreams is exhausting. But nothing is more satisfying or fulfilling.

BEHAVIOUR reveals faith. It might well be said that faith exists within action. If you take some action for the sake of other members, even though it might seem insignificant at the time, it will definitely come to assume brilliance over the course of time.

JUST because someone has a high standing in the organisation or status in society, that does not mean the person has faith. Someone who behaves arrogantly solely because he or she went to a prestigious school is the worst kind of person and is utterly lacking in character. Some people are flashy; some are modest. Some people have advanced degrees; some do not. Some people are wealthy; some are poor. While all people are different, the important question is who is truly happy.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

24th November

2011-11-24T00:00:00.001+08:00

PRAYER is hope. It is the dawn of life. It sows the seeds of happiness. Those who challenge the future with prayer are sure to see continual improvement in their lives.

ALWAYS remember that victory or defeat in our battle to accomplish kosen-rufu depends upon a tremendous, diamond-like sense of indestructible determination engraved deep within the heart of each and every one of us. After all, Buddhism is "win" or "lose".

TO study the Gosho is to come into contact with the spirit of Nichiren Daishonin; it is to receive supreme encouragement and guidance directly from the original Buddha about faith and the propagation of Buddhism. Only when we take action in accord with the Gosho can we say that we have grasped the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.

NICHIREN Buddhism is focused squarely on human beings. Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda, the first and second Soka Gakkai presidents, steadfastly spread the teaching among the people, who were labouring under extreme suffering. Buddhism and the advance of the SGI exist in dedicating ourselves to others and imparting joy, causing flowers of happiness and victory to blossom, and in unfurling the “banner of justice” in society.

THE prime of life for the men’s division is the time for putting the finishing touches on one’s life. Ultimate victory in life is determined by the extent to which one has struggled for kosen-rufu and for the happiness of others. Furthermore, all of one’s efforts become one’s eternal treasure. No efforts for the sake of faith are wasted. One can make one’s life shine only to the extent that one exerts oneself for the sake of the Law and for the sake of others.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

23rd November

2011-11-23T00:00:00.001+08:00

FOR us who practise Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, spiritual strength means the power of prayer. All kinds of things happen in the course of life. There are difficult times; times when we find ourselves deadlocked, times when we cannot see what lies ahead. For precisely this reason, we need to make prayer our foundation in life. Only with the sword of daimoku (prayer) can we defeat life's devilish functions.

HUMAN revolution, in other words, refers to raising one's gaze beyond one's restricted, ordinary, everyday world and striving for and dedicating oneself to achieving something more lofty, more profound, more all-embracing.

FOUNDING President Makiguchi said, "As human beings, we must continually advance. And we must do so with a sense of purpose. Of course, we will inevitably experience failure and make mistakes along the way. Such times are opportunities to self-reflect. Without self-reflection, we cannot progress. However, self-reflection is not the same as regret, even though they are often confused. Nothing can come of regret. Self-reflection leads to advancement." His words are truly profound.

DEVOTE yourselves and your lives to kosen-rufu, the noblest, eternal and imperishable labour. Never forget the glory of being one of the disciples of the Daishonin. Never lose the pride of being cubs of the Lion King.

THOSE of you who studied the profound Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin, teach the unhappy the way to happiness and guide and encourage those who are suffering, will actually enjoy a tremendous state of life, creating great value through your movement. You should also have pride that you have gained tremendous wisdom through your practice of true Buddhism.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

22nd November

2011-11-22T00:00:00.001+08:00

DYNAMIC growth begins with a positive determination. An unflagging effort is the key to breaking through our self-limitations. Faith is a never-ending process of challenging ourselves.

HUMAN beings cannot grow without undergoing hardship. People cannot become great without struggling. Those who are not trained and tempered by difficulty will be lacking in fortitude. In this sense, those who possess firm resolve are strong. They do not waver. They do not grumble or complain. They do not have any regret. They never become stagnant.

KOSEN-RUFU is a battle for the sake of all humanity. That is why those who are devoted to kosen-rufu live lives that are open to the entire world and all humanity. Kosen-rufu is the sacred labour that is eternal and imperishable. That is why people who are devoted to kosen-rufu shine with eternal and imperishable light.

NEVER cause stupid accidents. Act with common sense.

PRESIDENT TODA said: “Youth who oversleep and arrive late for work in the morning will not succeed. Morning is crucial; it decides victory or defeat. Brim with lively energy amid the fresh breath of morning. Therein lies the key to great growth.” Youth who are tardy in the morning will not succeed in life. The success or failure of an organisation or group is decided by the kind of start it makes in the morning. This is a universal rule.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

21st November

2011-11-21T00:00:00.001+08:00

NOT everything in life can turn out as you would like. There are times of winning and times of losing. However, even if you should suffer momentary loss, you must not be defeated by your own self. Those who lose the inner battle are most wretched. No matter what might happen, no matter what you might be told, no matter how difficult your present circumstances, as long as you win the battle with yourself, you will be a victor in life.

THERE is no greater happiness than chanting daimoku. A voice chanting the Mystic Law instantly reaches the farthest corners of the universe. The more we chant, and the more we teach others to do the same, the more we make it possible for ourselves to attain a state of life in which we can travel unhindered through the universe with perfect serenity and freedom. Daimoku is the source of good fortune and boundless life force throughout the three existences of past, present and future.

FAITH is a battle between the “Buddha” and “devils”. Since Myoho is a fundamental principle that leads to happiness, the battle between good and evil is severe, the conflict between happiness and suffering intense. Just when you think that there could not be any greater unhappiness; that is when real faith and tremendous joy begin to sprout. This is the true power of faith and the ultimate joy a human being can experience.

THE Mystic Law is eternal. So those who live in accord with this Law are eternal. The Mystic Law is vast and limitless. So those who live in accord with the Mystic Law are truly living with the vast and limitless state of mind equal to the universe.

GANDHI said: “If a man has a living faith in him, it spreads its aroma like the rose its scent.” A “living faith” lies not in abstract concepts or commandments; it is found in action and in practice. It means that our conduct is the embodiment of our faith.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

20th November

2011-11-20T00:00:00.001+08:00

THOSE who make their homes available for discussion meetings are making a fundamental cause for the welfare and prosperity of themselves and their families. The more that people visit their homes, the more they will flourish. Similarly, those who actively go out to meet and interact with others lead lives that are always rich and open to new possibilities.

YOU have to possess the fortitude and the life force not to be defeated by anything. Those who do so will become winners in the end. Therefore, no matter what happens, you must always live as yourself and in a manner true to yourself. It is vital to create a self that is firm and unyielding like a wall of rock. This is the essence of faith.

THE important thing about life is what you live it for. We each have our life and a way we live it. It is important that in our particular situation we sense our duty or goal, and that we live true to ourselves to the very end.

IN learning, art, on the job, or in any field, it takes tremendous effort to become a first-rate individual. At times, you may have to put forth even tens of times the effort of those around you. If you lose the spirit of self-discipline, you will only fall into a cycle of complaint and criticism, failing to create any value or whatsoever.

EACH of you has been solemnly entrusted by the original Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin, with the realisation of kosen-rufu in your area in the 21st century. Please create a splendid and glorious history in the land of your mission.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

19th November

2011-11-19T00:00:00.001+08:00

NO matter how many cowardly, crafty, dishonest, irresponsible and spiritually weak people you assemble, you cannot accomplish anything of value. All it takes is a single individual – a single individual earnestly striving in the field of his or her mission and is prepared to accept full responsibility for it. Such a person will be the foundation from which the flames of the victory of justice will burn bright and spread forever.

WE can understand neither faith nor life through theory or logic alone. Life is not an abstraction. It has to be lived and experienced. It is the history we write through our real-life efforts and struggles.

FROM my youth I have survived every conceivable kind of struggle, I have faced one test after another, I have steeled myself harder and harder. That is why I am afraid of nothing now. Nothing shakes me. I am never defeated. I have learned that harsh Buddhist practice is necessary to produce a person of true faith.

LIFE is occasioned by various hardships and difficulties. However, it is only by overcoming difficulties that we can leave behind a brilliant history and attain greatness as human beings. If life were all smooth sailing and we had neither hardships nor obstacles to contend with, then how could we polish ourselves? How could our activities in life constitute a "practice"?

READING the gosho and deeply absorbing its supreme philosophy of life will enable you to expand and deepen the scope of your own precious existence. Reading the gosho consistently throughout your life will create an excellent foundation for your existence and become the great cause for achieving tremendous growth in faith.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

18th November

2011-11-18T00:00:00.001+08:00

I believe the time has come when you will be introducing Buddhism to eminent scholars, scientists and others. If you are going to be able to give convincing explanations on such occasions, it is absolutely vital that you master the Buddhist teachings.

IT is important to live long but how you live is even more important than how long you live. Did you accomplish your goals?

THOSE who continue struggling are great. There is no such thing as "retiring" in life. This is all the more true in the world of faith. Our faith should not be affected by our having reached retirement age or having grown advanced in years. Buddhism is strict. The path of mentor and disciple is strict. The lives of those who wage an unremitting struggle in faith are most sublime.

ORDINARILY, most people probably assume that doing evil is worse than simply not doing good. Not doing evil, but not doing any good either - this is how most people in the modern age lives. But SGI First President Makiguchi argued that not to do good is the same as doing evil.

NOVEMBER – our founding month is a month of creating new history. It is also a month in which courageous, self-reliant champions of justice rise purposefully into action. Kosen-rufu is a process of endless creativity and forward movement that does not permit even a moment’s cessation or stagnation. Our founding month lives on forever in the present because our victory at each moment, right now, contributes to “founding” an ever-victorious SGI that will solidly endure the next 50, next 100 years.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

17th November

2011-11-17T00:00:00.001+08:00

IF we neglect gongyo, the foundation for attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime, we cannot summon up life-force, and lose our qualification as followers of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth.

THE expression of a person who is engaged in a struggle is different from others. His eyes shine with a beautiful light. His inner satisfaction is naturally revealed in his external appearance, and his face takes an expression of ineffable refinement. You, too, are fighting. Your example is noble as you devote yourselves to the spiritual struggle for kosen-rufu.

HAPPINESS is ultimately determined by our “heart” of faith. If we have the heart to develop harmony among fellow members and the heart to prove justice by thoroughly fighting against evil, we will increasingly accumulate good fortune. On the contrary, if we have the heart to destroy the unity of itai doshin (many in body, one in mind) among believers, the heart that harbours doubts or cowardly avoids struggles, we will only ruin our good fortune.

WE who devote our lives to kosen-rufu remain forever youthful - our lives are un-aging. Brimming with powerful life force, we know no deadlock. Throughout eternity, we vigorously pursue the path of our mission - our lives are undying. There is no deadlock in this faith.

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.

OUR movement for kosen-rufu is a noble enterprise to put the Buddhist philosophy of the sanctity of life into practice in all areas of society. Let us take pride in advancing on the leading edge of the times.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

16th November

2011-11-16T00:00:00.001+08:00

ACTIVITIES for kosen-rufu require enormous effort, but for that reason we can accumulate great benefits, not only for ourselves in the present but also for ourselves into the future. Therefore, to pass up the opportunity to take on this struggle would be our infinite loss.

THERE is no more joyous realm than the world of faith. Chanting daimoku is the key to attaining genuine happiness and fulfilment at the most fundamental level of lives. Worldly pleasures provide momentary satisfaction destined only to fade and disappear. They are shallow and mere illusions.

IF our faith is weak, poison remains poison within us. But if our faith is strong, any poison, no matter how virulent, will be transformed into beneficial medicine. Therefore, I hope all of you will have utmost confidence. The greater our misery, the happier we will become. The one who suffers most will be happiest in the end. Such are the workings of the Mystic Law. Such is the immense power of the unfathomable Law of life.

EACH of us possesses the sure right to be truly happy. Another word for this right is faith. Therefore, if you discard or retreat in your faith, you abandon your "right" to become happy. Please become a winner in life as you maintain your right to happiness.

I declare that within the fighting spirit for kosen-rufu, there is faith in accord with the intentions of the original Buddha. It is not a matter of outward appearances or of social rank. It is our thoughts and actions that count.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

15th November

2011-11-15T00:00:00.001+08:00

PROBLEMS come in all shapes and sizes. With daimoku, you can turn all these worries and concerns into fuel to propel you forward - you can transform them into life force, into greater depth of character, and into good fortune.

NICHIREN DAISHONIN wrote, "An inconspicuous deed will produce a conspicuous benefit." (MW 2, p. 274) When you exert yourself for the Law, for others, for your friends, all your effort will return to you as benefit. In the world of kosen-rufu, the person who does even the smallest, most inconspicuous thing with utmost sincerity and energy will always be adorned with the greatest happiness. This is the teaching of Buddhism and the essence of faith.

LIFE is a drama. Since we are going to perform on the stage of life anyway, we ought to live vigorously and joyfully, and enact an inspiring drama of successive victories. We have to win in life. We have to win in society. We have to win a resounding victory for kosen-rufu.

EVERYTHING is part of the world of the Buddhist Law. The manifestations of the Law of the Buddha are not limited or restricted in any way. The Buddhist Law is to be found in every aspect and detail of human society. The activities of the SGI, based on Buddhism, to promote culture, peace and education are based on this spirit.

STUDY and discussion meetings are the two greatest pillars of Soka Gakkai. President Toda stated that “understanding gives rise to faith and faith seeks understanding, which in turn, deepens faith. Deepening one’s faith deepens one’s understanding”. Please reflect once again on the pure spirit of practice carried out by the pioneers of our movement who studied the Gosho and deepened their faith as they fought for kosen-rufu.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

14th November

2011-11-14T00:00:00.001+08:00

WHEN you base yourself upon the unchanging prime point of faith directed towards kosen-rufu, all of your troubles and efforts will turn into boundless joy, and you will establish a magnificent state of life as the original state of Buddhahood begins to pulsate within you. Therefore, although you may meet various difficulties, you must never give up your faith.

IN any battle, the enemy always look strong if you are cowardly. In most cases, it is not that the enemy is mighty and the struggle daunting, but it seems so that way because you are weak hearted. On the other hand, you must not be overconfident either. The first step towards victory is to wisely comprehend the true nature of your enemy.

THE Daishonin stresses the importance of behaviour, of taking action. Therefore, rather than sitting around alone, doing nothing, we must endeavour to reach out to others. That is how we polish and refine our characters. This is the practice of a Buddhist.

PROPAGATION must always take place in the context of deepening friendship and earning the trust of others. Today we live in an age where there are superficial discussions, but lacking in true dialogue. Propagating Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism, however, is a true dialogue; a stimulating sharing, based on consideration and concern for our friends, as we invite them to walk with us on the path of true and complete happiness.

Naturally, there may be times when, due to work commitments, members will be unable to participate in SGI activities. Those who are self-employed also faced incredible hardships. As fellow members, we should be understanding of what these individuals are going through. To rally around a struggling member, supporting them with our prayers, our encouragement and our warm acceptance – this is the harmonious realm of humanity of the SGI.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

13th November

2011-11-13T00:00:00.001+08:00

BUDDHIST practice means never coming to a standstill. We have to cultivate a self that absolutely no negative influence can sway. What matters is winning in the end; the wins and losses along the way are of secondary significance. It is final victory in life that counts, and that is the reason for our Buddhist practice.

LOOKING to others will not help. True happiness and victory are found in creating our own goals, working towards them and attaining them - and in being satisfied with our achievements and having no regrets.

TO people who acts lawlessly, ignoring reason, those who uphold principles seem to be wrong. Such a person is like someone who tilts his/her head sideways to look at the world and then decides everything but himself/herself is crooked.

WE are all common mortals. Therefore, we may sometimes lose sight of the correct way to eternal happiness. However, you should never make any mistake about following the fundamental principle of Nichiren Daishonin's true Buddhism and carrying out the basis of faith, practice and study towards the accomplishment of kosen-rufu.

IT is vital to continually breathe fresh air and inject fresh energy into our organisation, which is dedicated to widely propagating the teachings of Buddhism. Each of our members has a profound mission for kosen-rufu. How can we enable them to bring forth their true potential? How can we best advance kosen-rufu in a way that protects everyone and bring them joy? It is the responsibility of the leaders to concentrate their energies on these points and work hard behind the scenes to support their fellow members.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

12th November

2011-11-12T00:00:00.000+08:00

WE need to strive daily to build and expand our connections with people based on Buddhism, sowing the “seeds of the Mystic Law” and the “seeds of victory” in their hearts. These seeds will assuredly blossom as “flowers of peace and happiness” that fill the new century with exquisite fragrance.

THE SGI has always placed the highest value on people of true sincerity. Faithfulness will always be met in kind, and doubled. This is the attitude of a person with religious faith, his path as a human being. The mind of true faith – we value that mind. From that conviction, trust and good fortune grow, deepen and spread.

NO one is an island unto himself or herself. We can only uncover and reveal our wonderful potential when we have many good people around us - trusted friends who support us and respected seniors to whom we can turn to for sound advice. For this reason, please cultivate wisdom. This is the purpose of faith. Do not forget the importance of practising with the SGI, an organisation of harmonious family.

THE more difficulties we encounter, the more we can deepen our faith. This is the way Buddhism works. So, should we find ourselves in circumstances worse than any we could have imagined, we must courageously challenge them head on. This spirit and the actions we actually take towards this end are linked to attaining Buddhahood. To those who live in accord with this Mystic Law, sufferings are benefits, difficulties are happiness. There can be no unhappiness in life.

REMEMBER that sincere and courteous words express your own humanity and show the highest regard for the other person as an individual.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

11th November

2011-11-11T00:00:00.001+08:00

IT is crucial to actively foster and develop new people and to allow them to play a full and active role. Seniors must not hold back their juniors.

THIS life is short; from the standpoint of eternity, it is but a moment. But by maintaining a steadfast practice throughout this existence we can firmly establish Buddhahood as the basic tendency of our life. Then we can continue to enjoy the state of life of the Buddha eternally. That is why it is so important that we practise whole-heartedly in the present.

PEOPLE do not grow when their environment is too comfortable, when they are not challenged. It is in the very midst of suffering and hardship that character is formed. Once we have decided to accomplish something, we must see it through to the end. A certain amount of problems and difficulties is only to be expected.

HOW do you see others? In most cases, your vision of others is a mirror that reflects your own mind just as it is. If, for example, you are a greedy, covetous sort, you will not be able to perceive others' sincerity. Even honesty will appear dwarfed because of your enormous greed. It is not that others lack integrity. It is that you are too greedy.

BEFORE worrying or doubting, a person of true faith will carry out the practice of gongyo. Remember that it is the road to and root of all solutions.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

10th November

2011-11-10T00:00:00.001+08:00

A struggle is not won by theory or calculation. The factors that determine the outcome are energy, perseverance, capable people, and single-minded action.

AS our faith matures, we can see ourselves clearly, including our faults and shortcomings. As we try to conquer those failings, we learn humility. As we change, we also come to recognise the strengths and virtues of others. The true practice of Buddhism is to deepen our state of life, striving always to reflect on ourselves and to develop and grow.

IT is ideal to live without regrets. Social positions are for more the most part man-made institutions; by making the appropriate effort, one attains the corresponding status. However, the status of life, throughout this existence and eternity, is determined solely by faith in the Mystic Law.

THE test of a leader is whether he can recognise reasonable behaviour and honestly admit when he is wrong. A realm in which reason is not recognised as the truth is an unfortunate realm indeed. It will not survive long. Eventually people will abandon it, and it will perish. This has been proven again and again in history.

IF we are sincere, people will understand our intentions and our positive qualities will radiate. Those who act with discretion and speak with a sincere concern for and interest in others will leave a deep and lasting positive impression on people and steadily gain trust and confidence of many.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

9th November

2011-11-09T00:00:00.001+08:00

THOSE of you, who have encountered the Mystic Law, this sublime law of life, in your youth, are the happiest and most fortunate people in the world. The question is whether or not you can fully appreciate this fact. The only way you can really awaken to the wonder of this practice is to actually experience it yourself.

I want you to be sharp, considerate and wise people. And whatever happens, you must never lose heart, you must always keep trying and be patient. Such a person will always triumph. It is the Lotus Sutra that has taught us this unbeatable strategy.

A person of conviction who leads an upstanding life and demonstrates shining victory in society is a true winner. More precisely put, a person who has faith is the ultimate victor. Buddhism exists to enable us to lead such a life. This is something that I want to clarify for the sake of the future.

OUR life grows only to the degree that we give hope and courage to others, and enable them to develop their lives. Therefore, while we speak of practising for others, it is we ourselves who ultimately benefit. With this understanding comes the ability to take action with a sense of appreciation.

EVEN those without much education can obtain Buddhahood if their faith is strong. On the other hand, even someone who graduated from the highest educational institution may suffer in the state of Hell if he/she becomes arrogant.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

8th November

2011-11-08T00:00:00.001+08:00

ADVANCING kosen-rufu comes down to propagating the teaching. Through such efforts, we are laying the foundation for an age of the people. Those who can actually expand kosen-rufu are genuine leaders. Those who cannot, lack courage and are self-centred.

NO matter what might happen, the reason for all our problems and difficulties is so that we can show actual proof of the validity of faith. Once we realise this, confidence and courage, the sense that "there's no way that I cannot resolve this problem", wells forth from our lives. The greater our sufferings, the greater the actual proof that we can show, and the more magnificent the "drama of mission" we can perform.

HUMAN beings possess an innate and undeniable instinct for prayer. Religion first came into being in response to this. Prayer did not come into existence because of religion; it was the other way round. Prayer in Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism - chanting daimoku to the Gohonzon - directly fuses all of our diverse prayers with reality, based on the universal law of life. In short, religion came into being out of human desire for happiness.

ACCORDING to the teachings of Buddhism, there is always a sign of tiding of a future event, followed by its actual manifestation or occurrence. This is true of both good and evil. The wise person is one who is keenly alert of those little signs and uses them to nip evil in the bud and encourage the first sprouts of good.

GUIDANCE is not merely encouragement. It begins with mercy (“Jihi”) and enables another person to gain absolute confidence.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

7th November

2011-11-07T00:00:00.001+08:00

HAPPINESS is not something bestowed on us by others or that it comes from somewhere outside us. It is something that we ourselves must gain, with our own hearts. As Nichiren Daishonin said, "It is the heart that is important." (WND, P 1000)

THE satisfaction one feels, as he/she chants daimoku to the Gohonzon about the problems that arise in his/her immediate environment and surmounts them one by one, is proof of his/her human revolution, and of the faith that will enable him/her to accumulate happiness and good fortune eternally.

BEING alone may seem carefree and undemanding but it is a very sad and lonely experience. Cut off from others, we can neither polish our character nor develop our potential. The challenge lies in developing truly rich human relations. Good human relations are treasures that enrich our lives.

PEOPLE instinctively wish for protection for themselves and their loved ones when faced with sudden natural disaster or threat, and at the most desperate and dire of times. When such a wish is powerfully concentrated, it becomes a prayer. It is not of the realm of logic or intellect. It transcends such things. Prayer is an act in which we give expression to the pressing and powerful wishes and hopes in the depths of our being and yearn for their fulfilment.

UNSHAKEABLE faith, a future-orientated outlook, warm consideration, abundant wisdom, enthusiasm towards one’s mission, and a vast life-condition capable of embracing everything – these qualities cultivated through faith constitute a humanity capable of penetrating people’s lives, and opening the doors of their hearts.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

6th November

2011-11-06T00:00:00.001+08:00

THE practice of chanting daimoku to the Gohonzon sends the radiation of the Mystic Law, so to speak, into one's being, life and society. While accumulating good fortune for oneself, it cuts off one's devilish workings at the root.

IT is important that we win the trust and acceptance of others. Embracing the supreme Law enables us to manifest our character to its fullest brilliance. This is what Buddhism is all about. While polishing the shining jewel of our own humanity, we have been helping more and more people understand True Buddhism.

WHAT is the secret to helping young people develop their potential? It is important not to take them to task unreasonably. There are also times when praise alone will not adequately move people’s hearts. While on occasion it is important that we give our juniors specific advice and direction, it is even more important that we work with them and together take action for kosen-rufu.

THERE is no limit to how widely we can open the path of kosen-rufu through words and our voice. Our struggle requires us to speak out. Therefore, we must not begrudge employing our voice and using words. Polishing ourselves so that we may speak in a way that is pleasant and refreshing and be wise in our choice of expressions is also an important part of our Buddhist practice.

NO one becomes great without a struggle. All of life is a struggle. Only those who have faced and triumphed over adversity possess genuine greatness; without this struggle, no matter how famous or celebrated one may be, any claim to greatness is merely an empty facade.

THE function of our organisation is to enable us to support and encourage one another so that we each maintain the “axial rotation” of our personal practice, and our broader “orbital revolution” of working with and for others, and thus never veer from the proper orbit in life.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

5th November

2011-11-05T00:00:00.001+08:00

HE whose words are sought after are trusted and whose attitude is one of tolerance and understanding can win great support and develop capable people.

THE first thing people look at in others is how they conduct their daily lives. What is their life like? How do they rate on the counts of culture and integrity? The eyes of others are extremely exalting. No matter how correct the Law is, it is pointless to think that society will trust someone who embraces it, if they are loose with money, lack good sense or behave in a high-handed manner.

MUTUAL development and true Buddhist practice lie in joining together with people from many different backgrounds, experiencing various challenges together with them as we encourage each other to grow and move forward together. Herein lies a genuinely humanistic way of living and the path to true freedom. Practising together with many good people enables us to grow. This is in accord with the principle of the oneness of life and its environment.

THE benefit of the Mystic Law is inconspicuous. Even if we cannot see the results of our efforts right away, everything is constantly moving in the very best direction for our lives. That itself is the most profound benefit.

FAITH is the engine that powers our growth throughout life. But without making concrete efforts to advance, that engine would not work. For students, advancement means studying. Even if you chant and engage in faith-related activities, if you do not challenge yourself in your studies, you will be like a stalled car that is going nowhere.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

4th November

2011-11-04T00:00:00.000+08:00

BUDDHISM is concerned with the present and the future. Instead of looking back at the past, we should always live our lives gazing from the present towards the future. No matter what great things we may have achieved in the past, we must not allow ourselves, now or in the future, to become people who succumb to criticism and complaint, to stray from the correct path, and cause trouble to our fellow members and the SGI as a whole. We will become losers if we do so.

IT is perfectly fine for you to speak about Buddhism from the heart, in your own words, in a very natural way, just as you are. The purpose of faith is not to make you look good in the eyes of others. To have compassion for others means sincerely praying and working for others’ happiness, no matter how they may regard you.

BUDDHISM does not exist removed from actual society, nor does it exist removed from human beings. Just shouting about the righteous of True Buddhism in a loud voice will not gain it ready understanding among others. Quite to the contrary, it may have a deleterious effect by actually alienating people from the path of Buddhism. Such behaviour goes against the spirit of the Daishonin, who bequeathed us the task of realising kosen-rufu.

THE important thing is to decide clearly the arena of the mission to which you will commit your life. The life of one who fails to decide this ultimately remains incomplete.

IN faith, the way to become a Buddha lies in making persistent effort. If we abandon efforts to develop our lives midway, then we cannot become truly happy. Those who persevere will be victorious. Those who are unflagging in their efforts will win in the end.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

3rd November

2011-11-03T00:00:00.000+08:00

A person may have all the wealth and treasure in the world, but viewed from the perspective of the ultimate reality of life, such things are mere illusions. We cannot carry them with us into the next existence. The most important thing is to build an indestructible “palace of happiness” within our own life. This is the purpose of Buddhism and of Buddhist practice.

THERE is no need to be impatient. Faith is a lifelong process, spanning the three existence of past, present and future. What is important is to make plenty of friends and work at solidifying those relationships. Introducing others to Buddhism and striving for kosen-rufu is just an extension of the spirit of friendship that wishes those we care about become happy.

DAIMOKU is the fundamental source of vitality. It is also the way to solve one's actual problems. Through daimoku, one can acquire a profound and respectworthy state of life, surpassing anything else, in which he/she enjoys himself/herself in the world.

THE Daishonin's Buddhism is a great Law which allows common mortals to display their humanity freely just as they are, without restriction. This Buddhism neither compels one to undergo special austerities nor demands one's becoming some kind of special human being. Common mortals can attain Buddhahood just as they are, in their present form. The greatness of the Daishonin's Buddhism lies in this point.

THE Gohonzon exists within our life. The Gohonzon, or object of worship, to which we pray is the external cause enabling us to tap the power of the Gohonzon within us. People of strong faith make their own lives shine as the entity of the Gohonzon. It is impossible that such people could fail to become happy.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

2nd November

2011-11-02T00:00:00.000+08:00

ULTIMATELY you alone know the condition of your faith. I hope that, no matter what may happen, you will steadily and faithfully maintain the kind of faith that can build happiness.

SINCERITY and integrity are important. Be it in our work, in introducing others to Buddhism, or in the area of diplomacy, sincerity is the means by which we can deeply win the hearts of others. And, it is this sincerity which provides the key to true, final victory. Manifesting sincerity requires incredible dedication and effort, not to mention prayer.

SO long as we are alive, we are bound to experience various fears and worries. These are like clouds that block the light of the sun. Regardless of appearances, the sun rises with the same majesty even when it is rainy or windy. So long as the sun of faith in one's heart continues to blaze, one's life will shine with happiness.

IT is important to remember that everything is up to you. If you are determined to absorb everything you can, you will most likely learn something from any meeting you attend. If you were to make the effort to attend a meeting but return home without having gained a thing, that would be your loss.

IN life, there is nothing more precious, correct and important than faith. For that very reason, please do no forget that it is an act of the deepest parental love and affection to, above all, encourage your children to live in the “garden of the SGI”.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

1st November

2011-11-01T00:00:00.001+08:00

IT is at critical moments that the great path to enlightenment unfolds. Stand up with the conviction that you can break through all obstacles. At such times you must not vacillate, retreat, or do anything else that will later give you cause for regret.

THE history of kosen-rufu will be created by climbing and conquering one mountain of victory after another. In the practice of Buddhism, there are no half measures; there is only a never-ending succession of advancement and constant challenge. The most crucial factor for achieving victory is conquering oneself.

OUR mind cannot be seen. Yet our inner determination is directly reflected in the world and the universe. If our inner state of mind is broad, profound and rich, then the same will be reflected in our life, our surroundings and the land where we live.

PROBLEMS are proof that we are alive. They are also the source of all growth and progress. We have to use our problems and sufferings as the energy or fuel for propelling us forward towards even greater happiness in the future.

IF we are going to live this life, we must not waste it on trivial, self-centred pursuits but instead live for a lofty ideal. And the loftiest ideal is worldwide kosen-rufu. Those who continue to uphold a great philosophy, a great ideal, and a great religion are unsurpassed victors as human beings.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

31st October

2011-10-31T00:00:00.001+08:00

IN Nichiren Daishonin's writings, we find the statement, "Fortune comes from one's heart and makes one worthy of respect." Faith is what enables us to strengthen and deepen our hearts to the ultimate degree.

THOSE who persevere in their Buddhist practice throughout their lives are true followers of Nichiren Daishonin. Those who embrace the Gohonzon and never abandon their practice no matter what difficulties lie ahead are Nichiren Daishonin’s genuine disciples.

A life of staunch perseverance and struggle based on faith will, like flowing water; break through any wall of obstacles that stands in its way. Therefore, one must not discard the heavy load that one is carrying. A position in the organisation is, in a sense, a heavy load to bear. However, one who continues walking straight ahead while shouldering these responsibilities will, in proportion to their weight, be able to greatly develop one’s state of life.

THERE is no person who has ever achieved first-class standing in his or her given field merely on innate talent or favourable circumstances alone. It is the number of life and death struggles a person has experienced that forges and creates an individual of genuine first-class standing.

A person who makes serious efforts to achieve a great goal does not overlook even the slightest details. One who neglects small things will never amount to much.

NOTE: NEW! Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, Many in Body, One in Mind.

30th October

2011-10-30T00:00:00.001+08:00

TO continue advancing on the path of mentor and disciple for the next 10, 20, 30 years, even if no one is watching our efforts – that is the spirit of a genuine practitioner of Buddhism.

EVERYTHING is contained in the single word, faith. It encompasses truth, courage, wisdom and good fortune. It includes compassion and humanity as well as peace, culture and happiness. Faith is eternal hope; it is the secret to limitless self-development. Faith is the most basic principle for growth.

THIS is the age of self-indulgence. Therefore, those who lack a clear direction in life inadvertently drift towards merrymaking and pleasure-seeking. The organisation of kosen-rufu and SGI activities direct one towards self-improvement and towards realising true fulfilment in life. No action taken based on faith is wasted. In every respect, such actions will come to take on the greatest significance.

OPTIMISTS are raised by good mothers. It is important for mothers to be optimistic and not brood over their troubles. Such cheerfulness, while not only being beneficial for the mother herself, will also become a source of strength for the children throughout their lives. If a mother is full of vitality, then her children will be also. Thus, she will enable the whole family and those around them to feel at ease to go about their activities full of hope.

THERE are innumerable types of suffering. What we should realise is that the times when we suffer severely are also when we challenge and change our karma, and unlock the door to great good fortune. True happiness means to establish a condition in which we can gladly face even the greatest suffering and overcome it.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, The Opening of the Eyes.

29th October

2011-10-29T00:00:00.001+08:00

THE path of kosen-rufu is the path walked by Nichiren Daishonin. It is the supreme path of happiness. Let us cheerfully and wisely advance in harmony along this path as we steadily expand the scope of our kosen-rufu movement.

WHERE is joy found? Mahatma Gandhi declared, "Joy lies in the fight, in the attempt, in the suffering involved, not in the victory itself." It is exhilarating to win but the challenges we encounter and surmount along the way bring an even greater sense of fulfilment. True joy is found in struggle.

BENEFIT in the Latter Day of the Law is fundamentally inconspicuous in nature. A sapling grows larger year after year, and then, when certain conditions are met, it bursts into bloom – not one or two branches, but the entire tree. Similarly, by continuing to make assiduous efforts we will become champions of eternal victory whose lives are replete with benefit and good fortune. It is towards this end that we exert ourselves in our daily Buddhist practice. Those who make tenacious efforts advance; they make strides in their human revolution.

WHETHER scholar, a politician or a millionaire – all are human beings. Moreover, as the Daishonin stressed over and over again, in front of the Gohonzon, everyone is equal. No discrimination exists – nor must it be allowed to exist. The realm of Buddhism is an egalitarian and democratic one, where all human beings are equal.

THOSE who practise Buddhism should be strictly warned against committing slander, and they should guard closely against arrogance. It is most dangerous for one who practises Buddhism to vainly exhaust his/her inner life-force by giving free rein to his arrogant mind.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, The Opening of the Eyes.

28th October

2011-10-28T00:00:00.001+08:00

TAKE great care with your words. For compassionate talk can move a person, while an inconsiderate word can leave his/her heart deeply wounded.

EVEN though your existence may appear ordinary, I hope that all of you wise members will live lofty lives by fulfilling the respective vows you have made for kosen-rufu. According to the Gosho, those who do so will shine as Buddhas; all of you are the true children of the original Buddha.

IN any event, if we are going to wage a struggle, then we must not be defeated. Buddhism is about winning or losing. Life too is a struggle to achieve victory. Everything is a struggle between victory and defeat. Victory brings happiness, while defeat brings misery. Life's purpose is to be victorious. The purpose of faith is to win in every aspect of our lives.

A self-centred existence may seem free and uninhibited but the truth of the matter is that it will only lead us to suffer in the life-state of Hell. In contrast, a life dedicated to Buddhism and the happiness of our fellow members will enable us to attain the state of Buddhahood and achieve enlightenment.

SOMETIMES people who have lost their passion for kosen-rufu renew their commitment of their own accord, jolted by experiencing a deadlock in their lives. Though it may take time, the sincerity behind the leaders’ daimoku and encouragement will get through to the person eventually and he or she will definitely stand up again. This is the essence of faith.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, The Opening of the Eyes.

27th October

2011-10-27T00:00:00.000+08:00

YOUTH are the hope of the future. Boys and girls are the treasure of tomorrow. It is our foremost responsibility to place trust in and harbour expectation for youth, and to love and cherish boys and girls from the bottom of our hearts. Otherwise, the people of the world will never see a future of rich fields alive with fragrant flowers.

HUMAN beings are exactly that - human beings. There is no way a human being can be any more than this. The most important thing is whether an individual is great as a human being when stripped of all worldly artifice or affection. Regardless of one's title or position - or lack thereof - a great person will always be a great person no matter what. This is the essence of Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin which expounds that the life of a common mortal is the most sublime.

WHAT is praiseworthy is the determination to fight, to exert oneself. In a sense, it is the act of striving itself that is great - irrespective of whether one wins or loses. It may be said that one who continues to forge on no matter what has already won as a human being.

THE words of Nichiren Daishonin represent guiding principles that have universal and eternal relevance. It is important to study the Gosho. And it is especially crucial that the members of the youth division gain a solid grounding in Buddhist study. The two ways of practice and study are important. A half-hearted attitude will not allow you to complete these two paths.

THERE is no more worthy cause than taking action for kosen-rufu. No one can surpass a person tenaciously carrying out activities for kosen-rufu. Absolutely nothing can defeat a noble champion of the spirit. Please be confident of this.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, The Opening of the Eyes.

26th October

2011-10-26T00:00:00.001+08:00

PRESIDENT TODA said: “The ultimate fruit of our efforts will begin to appear from our 50s. No matter what your circumstances right now, live with joy and perseverance!” And specifically in his guidance to the women, he said: “True happiness will begin to blossom in your lives from your 40s onward.” Therefore, regardless of painful or trying your present situation, you must not be defeated. It is important to undergo many hardships during one’s youth.

MAKING a start is important in life. If we just spend our time prevaricating about taking our place on the stage of our mission, if we hesitate and run back into the wings, our lives will be lackluster and unfulfilling. Do you agree that it is far more satisfying and exhilarating to walk out intrepidly onto that stage, fired with resolve to do our best, to achieve something of value and to touch and inspire our audience?

IT is the present moment, what one does from now on, that counts. We must always live with our focus on the present and the future. We must continuously challenge the future from the vantage of the present. This is the Buddhism of the True Cause.

PEOPLE can see through the likes of cunning and deception. More importantly, such behaviour is judge by history. You must not be fooled by hypocrisy, deceit or fraud. If you let that happen, it is your own personal defeat. You will destroy the castle of good fortune in your life that you have striven so painstakingly to build.

LIFE is a continuous series of victories and defeat. Therefore, to crown your life with victory, you must first construct a firm foundation and then you will be able to brave any difficulty.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, The Opening of the Eyes.

25th October

2011-10-25T00:00:00.001+08:00

GANDHI said: “Untruth corrodes the soul; truth nourishes it.” Deceit corrupts the spirit and fosters human misery. Truth enriches our spirit and fosters human happiness. That is why it is so important to thoroughly expose falsehoods and work to spread the truth.

GENUINE Buddhist dialogue is discussing such crucial matters as the true values of life, what is right and wrong, based on our daily lives and our personal experiences. This is the ultimate practice of humanism, and this is propagating Buddhism.

STRONG determination becomes the cause for great growth. The ‘seed’ of a truly penetrating determination will produce a ‘great tree’ that people will continue to gaze upon with admiration for centuries. We need to manifest such determination not sometime in the future, but right now. The present moment is the time to initiate our struggle.

TRUE courage is not found in short tempers; it lies in composed forbearance.

HE is most happy who embraces the sun of kuon ganjo within his life. Therefore, throughout the year, though the days may be overcast or stormy, never forget that you can let the sun within your heart sine brilliantly.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, The Opening of the Eyes.

24th October

2011-10-24T00:00:00.000+08:00

IF spring is symbolic of vibrant activity, then autumn is the season of the mind; and if summer is the time of impassioned celebration, then winter must be the season of training. Thus, I have chosen to walk a path through the four seasons of life so as to live with infinite value.

PEOPLE who have experienced real hardship know how to look at, and discipline themselves. People who sit back nonchalantly and enjoy comfortable lives, whike making others do all the hard work, tend to lose sight of themselves and what is accepted as normal behaviour. Such people eventually miss their footing and go astray somewhere along the way.

VALIANT and courageous people do not regard defeating feeble adversaries as any achievement. Rather, they aspire to fighting and defeating powerful enemies. The stronger one’s opponent, the more vigourously one must fight to win. A true disciple of Nichiren Daishonin takes pride in waging such a struggle.

GONGYO and chanting daimoku represent a ceremony in which our lives commune with the universe. Gongyo is an activity in which, through our faith in the Gohonzon, we vigorously infuse the microcosm of our individual existence with the life force of the macrocosm, of the entire universe. If we do this regularly each morning and evening, our life force – our engine – is strengthened.

MR TODA once firmly instructed the Youth Division: “If the members all support the third president, kosen-rufu will surely be achieved.” If the SGI remains based on the spirit of the mentor and disciple that was share by the first, second and third presidents, its future triumph is assured. This is the sole source for the everlasting growth and development of our organisation. I would like to make this point absolutely clear for the sake of the future.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, The Opening of the Eyes.

23rd October

2011-10-23T00:00:00.001+08:00

A skilled pilot must be able to guide the plane through turbulence in the atmosphere. In faith, if you are afraid of difficulties, then you cannot grow.

PRIDE – that is the pillar which supports the soul. It provides the resilience which to knock back oppression. It is a miserable existence to live subserviently, bereft of pride. What good is a religion if it only offers a life of slavery under those in power and authority? How much more so is this true for you, who as true disciples of Nichiren Daishonin are courageously living for the cause of kosen-rufu?

LIFE is eternal. If you devote yourself single-mindedly to propagating the Buddhist teachings, your days will bear golden fruits that will adorn your life throughout eternity. Nichiren Daishonin praised the children of the Buddha who pray and fight for the realisation of kosen-rufu, offering his protection. When you feel confident about this fact, you will be filled with immeasurable courage, hope and wisdom. You will be able to live cheerfully no matter what happens.

THE fundamental spirit of Buddhism is that all people are equal. A person is not simply great because of his social standing, fame or academic background. In the world of faith, the truly great are those who spread the Mystic Law and strive for kosen-rufu, who actively works for the sake of Buddhism and the happiness of others. Supremely respectworthy are those who champion the cause of kosen-rufu.

PUTTING the finishing touches on our lives is very important. When a plane lands, it gradually reduces its altitude but as we enter the final chapter of our lives, we should try to keep flying at the same high “spiritual altitude”, we should keep moving forward without reducing our “spiritual speed” – right up until our final moments.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, The Opening of the Eyes.

22nd October

2011-10-22T00:00:00.001+08:00

I hope that as leaders you will show great sensitivity for people’s individual situations. At the same time, I want to remind you that no matter how adverse our individual predicament, we need to live out our lives based on steadfast faith. Only then can we accumulate all kinds of treasures in life as true benefit.

A genuine leader is one who springs to the aid of those who are suffering from the greatest pain and agony in an attempt to lead them to happiness.

HOPE is a far greater wealth than any other kind. There is no progress or victory for people, who possess everything else but lack hope and the strength to live. This cannot be called a human way of living, nor is it in which happiness can be found.

ONE’S faith is not determined by one’s position in the organization. A person who works hard to propagate Buddhism and offers strong prayers with all his or her heart will become an outstanding person.

SINCE our Buddhist practice takes place in the midst of our daily lives, it is all too easy for us to grow lazy and neglect it. So in that respect, there is perhaps no more difficult practice when it comes to continuing. Nonetheless, if we challenge ourselves to keep up a little bit each day, before we realise it we will have built a path to happiness in the depths of our lives; we will have established a solid embankment that will prevent our ever being swept away towards unhappiness.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, The Opening of the Eyes.

21st October

2011-10-21T00:00:00.001+08:00

ALL sorts of things happen on the road to achieving kosen-rufu. Fellow members may pass away, having fulfilled their mission in this lifetime. It is only natural for us, as human beings, to be saddened by this. However, we must not allow ourselves to be so overwhelmed by our emotions that we become weak. The important thing is to continue moving forward with the determination: “Whatever happens, I will keep going! I will challenge myself! And I will win!”

ALTHOUGH victory is important, it is more important for one to construct a self which will not be defeated under any circumstances. The Buddha is called Nonin, one who can endure. Thus, young people must bear in mind the need to painstakingly build a foundation of endurance in the depths of their lives.

A person who can find enjoyment under any circumstances is indeed a happy person. Our Buddhist practice functions to allow us to do just that.

A fresh, invigorating spirit is the engine that drives our Buddhist practice. If we lose that spirit, we will cease to move forward; if we grow conceited and think we know it all, our lives will become polluted and stagnant. Even when studying the Buddhist teachings, we must persevere the lively spirit of questioning that constantly asks, “Why?”

IT is natural for prayers to centre on your own desires and dreams. There is no need to pretend that you are praying for something really lofty when you are not. You are only fooling yourself if you do. By chanting very naturally, without affectation or reservation for what you seek most of all, you will gradually come to develop a higher and more expansive life-condition.

NOTE: Visit http://nichirendaishoningosho.blogspot.com/ for Nichiren Daishonin's gosho, The Opening of the Eyes.