Brightly Illuminate the World With the Light of Human Revolution

Warm greetings to all of you attending this joyous New Year’s gongyo meeting, from which we will set out to triumphantly scale a new summit of worldwide kosen-rufu! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to be here today.

I am chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo earnestly that each of you, my precious friends, and your families will enjoy tremendous good fortune and success in the year ahead, as you advance with the energy and vigor of the rising sun.

Nichiren Daishonin, the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law, states, “The wonderful means of truly putting an end to the physical and spiritual obstacles of all living beings is none other than Nam-myoho-renge-kyo” (“The Wonderful Means of Surmounting Obstacles,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 842). When we align our lives with the Mystic Law, there is absolutely no difficulty or obstacle that we cannot overcome. With this great conviction, let’s continue to chant, challenge ourselves and press forward victoriously.

Nichiren also cites the words: “Since the Law is wonderful, the person is worthy of respect; since the person is worthy of respect, the land is sacred”^[1] (“The Person and the Law,” WND-1, 1097). We of the Soka family are working for kosen-rufu and leading contributive lives as we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo ourselves and share its greatness with others. Therefore, the noble communities and societies in which we strive are certain to shine as Lands of Tranquil Light where the humanistic principles of Nichiren Buddhism spread to create peace and security for all.

To fulfill our mission from time without beginning, let us continue exerting ourselves to brightly illuminate the places where we live, the world as a whole and the future with the light of human revolution. And let’s move forward together in unity and high spirits to make 2019 a year of supreme fulfillment, radiant hope and victory in all our endeavors.