This monthly encouragement by Ikeda Sensei was originally published in the June 2021 Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai’s monthly study journal.
Those who practice Nichiren Buddhism just as Nichiren Daishonin teaches are certain to become happy and win in life. That is the essence of the Soka Gakkai’s “faith for absolute victory.”[1]
Our founding president, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, underlined as important the following passage from Nichiren Daishonin’s writings, “Concerning the teaching, practice and proof … the Latter Day of the Law possesses all three” (“The Teaching, Practice, and Proof,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 482). Nichiren declares that through practicing the teaching of the Mystic Law, all people are assured of attaining the proof, or beneficial effect, of Buddhahood.
The efficacy of even the most remarkable medicine is only clearly proven by the recovery of those who take it. That is why Mr. Makiguchi gave his life to showing the members how they could demonstrate what he called “surefire actual proof” of the marvelous power of the great beneficial medicine of the Mystic Law, making the Buddha nature shine in their own and others’ lives. He rejoiced at the experiences that the members shared with one another with smiles and tears, describing those experiences as “diamonds”—noble actual proof of the effectiveness of practicing Nichiren Buddhism.[2]
Nichiren Daishonin writes, “The entity of Myoho-renge-kyo[3] is the physical body that the disciples and followers of Nichiren who believe in the Lotus Sutra received from their fathers and mothers at birth” (WND-1, 420).
Sixty-five years ago [during the 1956 Osaka Campaign], Kansai members and I studied this passage from “The Entity of the Mystic Law.” We reached out to others in dialogue, seeking to realize Nichiren’s ideal of “establishing the correct teaching for the peace of the land,” each of us brimming with the pride and joy of being “an entity of the Mystic Law.”
All people have problems, and our society also faces countless issues that we must grapple with together. Against that background, the genuineness of the members of the Soka family, engaged in committed, courageous and sincere efforts for the happiness of others and the welfare of society, shines with the warm radiance of the Buddhism of the Sun. Bringing revitalizing light to the hearts of those racked by suffering, we are making steady strides together in our human revolution.
The human flowers of Soka, cheerfully encouraging one another and dauntlessly overcoming every obstacle, are now blossoming all around the world.
The growing number of people who are awakening to the value of our inspiring network of Bodhisattvas of the Earth is a source of hope for transforming the destiny of humankind.
This June marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mr. Makiguchi,[4] who died in prison for his beliefs. Let’s make his legacy of treasuring each person shine in our own interactions with others. And summoning the heart of a lion king, the shared spirit of mentor and disciple, let’s work hard and forge ahead, confident that “victory is certain”![5]
Lives deeply imbued
with the Mystic Law
rejoice,
cheering with treasured friends
on surmounting all hardships.
References
- “Faith for absolute victory” is one of the five eternal guidelines of the Soka Gakkai. ↩︎
- See Translated from Japanese. Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, Makiguchi Tsunesaburo zenshu (Collected Writings of Tsunesaburo Makiguchi), vol. 10 (Tokyo: Daisanbunmei-sha, 1987), p. 144. ↩︎
- Nichiren Daishonin often uses Myoho-renge-kyo synonymously with Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in his writings. ↩︎
- Tsunesaburo Makiguchi was born on June 6, 1871. ↩︎
- A line from the Tokyo Soka Gakkai song “Ah, Our Inspiring Members.” ↩︎
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