In the more than two thousand years that have passed since the Buddha’s advent, Shakyamuni himself, T’ien-t’ai, and Dengyo were the only three who perfectly carried out the Buddha’s teachings. Now in the Latter Day of the Law, Nichiren and his disciples and lay believers are just such practitioners.
“On Practicing the Buddha’s Teachings” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 395
As direct successors of Nichiren Daishonin, we of the Soka Gakkai have “perfectly carried out the Buddha’s teachings” in modern times. We have triumphed over attacks by the three powerful enemies[1] and spread the correct teaching of Buddhism all around the globe. Shakyamuni, T’ien-tai and Dengyo would surely applaud and praise us.
The true lineage of Nichiren Buddhism is found in the Soka Gakkai. Nothing can stop our movement—the main current for kosen-rufu—that we are advancing as the Daishonin’s true heirs united in the spirit of “many in body, one in mind.” Embodying the vision and resolve of our founding president Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, let us make fresh strides toward realizing peace and happiness for all humankind.
Translated from the November 16, 2021 Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper.
References
- Three powerful enemies: Three types of arrogant people who persecute those who propagate the Lotus Sutra in the evil age after Shakyamuni Buddha’s death, described in the concluding verse section of the “Encouraging Devotion” (13th) chapter of the Lotus Sutra. The Great Teacher Miao-lo of China summarizes them as arrogant lay people, arrogant priests, and arrogant false sages. ↩︎
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