The following is from Ikeda Sensei’s guidance in My Dear Friends in America, third edition, pp. 432–34.
To Lead Victorious Lives Is the Purpose of Buddhism
Prayers based on the Mystic Law will definitely be answered. The 26th high priest, Nichikan, writes: “If you take faith in this Gohonzon and chant Nam-myoho-
renge-kyo even for a short while, no prayer will go unanswered, no offense unexpiated, no good fortune unbestowed and no righteousness unproven.”[1]
“No prayer will go unanswered.” We practice to make our prayers and dreams come true and to achieve the greatest possible happiness. The purpose of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism is to enable us to realize victory. The fact that our prayers are answered proves the correctness of this teaching.
When we plant the seed of happiness that is faith and carefully tend its growth, it will produce fruit without fail. We have to bear in mind, however, that we cannot plant a seed today and expect it to bear fruit tomorrow. That’s not reasonable, and Buddhism is reason. If we persevere in the practice of faith equals daily life in accord with reason, then our prayers will definitely be answered. This is Nichiren Daishonin’s promise to us, and his words are true beyond any doubt.
“No offense unexpiated.” Any offense or slander will be cleansed from our lives through the power of the Mystic Law. It will disappear and turn into benefit.
“No good fortune unbestowed.” Good fortune will be attracted to our lives in ever-increasing abundance, and in time we will definitely enter the path of life in which all wishes are fulfilled.
“No righteousness unproven.” All correct reason and principles will be clearly manifested and verified in our lives. We will definitely see actual proof and become experts of human existence and masters of daily life.
I would like each of you to show glowing proof of these four points in your own lives.
The Power of Daimoku
“Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion” (“Reply to Kyo’o” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 412), Nichiren Daishonin says. It is by chanting powerful daimoku, like a lion’s roar, that we can move the Buddhist deities, the protective forces of the universe.
The voice is very important—it has profound power. If a wife is scolding her husband, for example, her words won’t have any effect if she speaks in a weak voice. To get his attention, she has to shout, “Hey, you!” with a voice that reverberates throughout the house.
While naturally being careful not to disturb your neighbors, I hope you will try to chant cheerful and powerful daimoku that reaches all the Buddhist deities and Buddhas throughout the ten directions.
The purpose of life is to be happy. We should not be pessimistic. Let us always be optimistic—joyful, strong and bright. That is why we practice the Daishonin’s Buddhism.
‘My Dear Friends in America’
This book is a collection of Ikeda Sensei’s addresses from his visits to the United States in the 1990s. On each visit, he addressed the unique needs of American members and gave us clear and compelling guidance on how to win over obstacles, attain personal happiness and work toward the spread of Nichiren Buddhism in our country. Get your copy for $15.95 at your local SGI-USA bookstore or online at bookstore.sgi-usa.org.
‘The World of Nichiren’s Writings,’ Vol. 1
In these insightful discussions, Daisaku Ikeda explores the life, times and teachings of Nichiren Daishonin as described in his writings. Gain a deeper understanding of how to put into daily practice Nichiren’s philosophy of hope and victory. Buy it for $15.95 at your local SGI-USA bookstore or online at bookstore.sgi-usa.org.
April 14, 2023, World Tribune, p. 8
References
- “Commentary on ‘The True Object of Devotion,’” Fuji shugaku yoshu, vol. 4, p. 213. ↩︎
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