Congratulations on the hope-filled start of the Year of Advancement and Capable People!
The magnificent light of the Buddhism of the Sun is now beginning to illuminate communities and global society ever more brightly.
This year, we will celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Soka Gakkai’s founding and the 45th anniversary of the SGI’s establishment. Aligning our lives with the Mystic Law, the fundamental rhythm of the universe, let’s cause the sun of time without beginning—our inherent Buddhahood—to shine forth with fresh and vibrant brilliance each day to create boundless and immeasurable value in the form of happiness and peace.
Nichiren Daishonin declares: “When one who is able to show clearly visible proof in the present expounds the Lotus Sutra, there also will be persons who will [come to] believe [in the sutra]” (“Letter to Horen,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 512).
Chanting and spreading Nam-myoho-renge-kyo based on the vow for kosen-rufu, just as the Daishonin teaches, we of the Soka family have overcome and transformed, one by one, all manner of personal karma and challenges in society. And we continue to do so today. Nothing is more eloquent than the countless examples of actual proof we have shown of the power of faith and practice.
Humanity is thirsting for the hope-inspiring principles of human revolution and “establishing the correct teaching for the peace of the land.” Let’s share these principles with unflagging optimism, sincerity and conviction, explaining and communicating their importance to as many people as possible.
In a letter celebrating the arrival of a new year, the Daishonin assures us, “Those who . . . believe in the Lotus Sutra will gather fortune from ten thousand miles away” (“New Year’s Gosho,” WND-1, 1137).
“Day by day and month after month” (“On Persecutions Befalling the Sage,” WND-1, 997), with strong prayer and unity of purpose, let us:
1) Advance together wisely, harmoniously and joyfully, accumulating “treasures of the heart” (“The Three Kinds of Treasure,” WND-1, 851)!
2) Advance, calling forth new capable Bodhisattvas of the Earth and encouraging and fostering them!
3) Advance, leading the way to harmony, peace and prosperity for our families, communities, homelands and the countries where we live!
Together with my wife, Kaneko, I am chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo even more earnestly and praying for the happiness and long, healthy, fulfilling lives of all of you, our dear fellow members everywhere, the global citizens of Soka.
Wishing you the very best!
New Year’s Day, 2020
Daisaku Ikeda
President, Soka Gakkai International
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