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Brief Guidances

Hardships Serve as a Springboard for Growth

Words of Encouragement From Ikeda Sensei

A waterfall called the Dragon Gate exists in China. Its waters plunge a hundred feet, swifter than an arrow shot by a strong warrior. It is said that a great many carp gather in the basin below, hoping to climb the falls, and that any that succeeds will turn into a dragon.

“The Dragon Gate,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol.1 p. 1002


Nichiren Daishonin shares the ancient Chinese legend of the Dragon Gate waterfall with his young disciple Nanjo Tokimitsu, who was battling against adversity.

According to the parable, a carp that succeeds in climbing the surging waterfall will become a dragon. It illustrates the hope-filled principle of human revolution. Hardships and difficulties all serve as a springboard for personal growth. Taking on challenges is itself a victory. Through earnestly chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we can triumphantly open the way to a brilliant future without fail.

Let us all warmly support and encourage our dear young friends in the future division, especially those working hard preparing for school entrance exams or struggling with various problems.

Translated from the November 28, 2018, Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper.

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