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Brief Guidances

The Seeds of Effort Become the Flowers of Victory

Words of Encouragement From Ikeda Sensei

December 1, 2020

The lotus-grass blossom, also known as Chinese milk-vetch, is one of 3,000 species of herbs and small shrubs in the Fabaceae family. The flowering plant blooms from April to July, and its seeds ripen from June to August. In his essay, SGI President Ikeda writes, “The lotus-grass blossoms reminded me of the lotus, a symbol of the principle of the simultaneity of cause and effect.” Photos by KOROROKEROKERO / GETTY IMAGES.

This guidance from Ikeda Sensei originally appeared in the Dec. 1, 2020, issue of Boys and Girls Hope News, the Soka Gakkai’s monthly newspaper for the boys and girls division.

You have all done your best in this very difficult year. You have continued to challenge yourselves without giving up. You are all victors!

There may be times when, even though you’ve done your best, you don’t see the outcome you hoped for right away. But just as the lyrics from the boys and girls division song “Be Brave! With a Lion’s Heart!” remind us, no effort is ever wasted.

Nichiren Daishonin states, “Winter always turns to spring” (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 536). All of the daimoku [Nam-myoho-renge-kyo] you chant and the tenacious efforts you make become seeds of hope. Those seeds will produce wonderful flowers of victory without fail.

By making efforts yourself, you will come to understand the struggles of others. I hope you and your friends will praise each other’s efforts and that you will say thank you to your families for their support.

Let’s joyfully strive together again next year!

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