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Brief Guidances

Those Who Keep Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo Have Nothing to Fear

Words of Encouragement From Ikeda Sensei

A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished, it is sure to become like a clear mirror, reflecting the essential nature of phenomena [or the Dharma nature] and the true aspect of reality.

“On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 4


Founding Soka Gakkai President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi underlined and put into practice this passage. During his wartime imprisonment for his beliefs, he wrote that it is important to strive diligently in our Buddhist practice day and night. He also said that he was not the least bit anxious and was certain to change poison into medicine.

Those who keep chanting have nothing to fear. Let us break through all delusions arising from fundamental darkness and make our lives shine like bright mirrors.

June 6 marks the 150th anniversary of Mr. Makiguchi’s birth (in 1871). With courageous resolve, let’s demonstrate what he called “surefire actual proof” of victory as a way of showing our gratitude to him.

Translated from the May 31, 2021 Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper.

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