Never Give In to Defeat!

Nichiren Daishonin also made a case for this in The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings saying: “‘Belief’ is a sharp sword that cuts off fundamental darkness or ignorance. … It is a sharp sword that cuts away doubt and perplexity” (OTT, p. 54).

 And Ikeda Sensei, in addressing youth about what it takes to maintain an undefeated life, says: “The first key to maintaining an invincible spirit is believing in yourself—having absolute faith in your inherent Buddha nature” (November 2018 Living Buddhism, p. 48).

In the same lecture, Sensei explains: 

Faith in Nichiren Buddhism begins from awakening to the fact that the great life state of the Buddha exists within each of us.

As such, Nichiren Buddhism is not a “dependent faith,” in which our prayers are an appeal to some external power for help. It is a struggle to believe in our own potential and manifest our inherent Buddhahood. …

Nichiren Buddhism enables us to confidently overcome life’s problems without becoming discouraged, feeling sorry for ourselves or thinking “I’m no good!” or “I can’t do it!” The power of the Mystic Law enables us to decisively vanquish the fundamental darkness or ignorance that tries to diminish our supremely noble lives.

In other words, chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is a battle against the darkness or ignorance that shrouds the truth that we ourselves are Buddhas. That’s why it requires serious dedication. Through chanting daimoku, we can conquer our doubts and break through the shell of our lesser self. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the fundamental power that can transform even sorrow into a wellspring of creativity.

The Daishonin states, “When you chant myoho and recite renge, you must summon up deep faith that Myoho-renge-kyo is your life itself” (“On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 3). Our Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is a struggle to return to our true, original selves and tap the innate life force we have possessed from time without beginning by summoning deep faith and praying with focused resolve. (November 2018, Living Buddhism, pp. 49–51).

Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is fundamentally a battle to quiet the voice of disbelief and amplify, the voice of our inherent Buddhahood. When victory seems far off, it’s easy to focus on the obstacles in front of us and the challenges that seem insurmountable. But belief in ourselves shifts the focus away from what could go wrong and instead directs our attention to the causes we can make now. 

2) Tying Our Victory to Something Greater Than Ourselves

Having a clear sense of purpose is essential to having the motivation to continue. When your “why” is strong enough, it becomes a source of inspiration that can push you past moments of doubt and frustration. 

In Buddhism, we often speak about this in terms of making a vow. The vow that we are referring to is that of a Bodhisattva of the Earth—to lead all people to happiness. Nichiren’s vow is expressed in “The Opening of the Eyes” when he writes: “Whatever obstacles I might encounter, so long as persons of wisdom do not prove my teachings to be false, I will never yield! … I will be the pillar of Japan. I will be the eyes of Japan. I will be the great ship of Japan. This is my vow, and I will never forsake it!” (WND-1, pp. 280–81).

Nichiren’s why was leading humanity to happiness, which he resolved to do regardless of whatever obstacles he might encounter. A vow is made with full awareness of the difficulties that lie ahead, and it serves as a commitment that enables us to bring forth previously untapped power and potential. 

While we may not always feel like Nichiren in this regard, we can continuously strive to remember our deeper purpose. Why is it that we want to achieve our dream? Is it merely for personal gain? Living based on a vow ultimately boils down to recognizing that everything is an opportunity to show actual proof of the power of our lives and of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. 

Sensei writes: “Carrying out the struggle for kosen-rufu is not separate or distinct from our personal efforts to carry out our human revolution and transform our own karma. Rather, when we live with unyielding dedication to our vow for the sake of the Law, for our fellow members and for kosen-rufu, we will demonstrate an invincible spirit we didn’t know we possessed and tap the great power of the Buddha within our lives” (November 2018 Living Buddhism, p. 54).

Next time we feel like giving up, we can remember that our stories of winning become inspiration for others to win.

3) Overcoming Our Limitations 

The path to success requires us to confront and overcome our own limitations. Buddhism teaches the concept of human revolution—polishing our innermost tendencies. 

In the context of pursuing your dreams, this means fighting against barriers that keep you stuck. Are you afraid of failure? Are you easily discouraged when things don’t go according to plan? We all have weaknesses. Our Buddhist practice challenges us to  face our limitations head-on to grow.

Sensei writes about this in The New Human Revolution:

“Fundamentally, it means to chant diligently and to give your all to polishing your life. It’s important to look at yourself and become aware of your issues and innate tendencies. Each of us has shortcomings, like blaming our unhappiness on others, lacking perseverance, or refusing to listen to others’ opinions. These are basic faults that obstruct our growth and happiness.

“The problem is, most people don’t realize their failings unless they are made aware of them. That’s why it’s crucial to have seniors and friends who care enough to strictly point out our weaknesses and to help us face and overcome them. And we need to pray sincerely in order to challenge them and truly be able to make the change. 

“We can also strengthen and improve ourselves through Soka Gakkai activities. Nichiren Daishonin writes, ‘The flaws in iron come to the surface when it is forged’ (“Letter to the Brothers,” WND-1, 497). When we participate in Soka Gakkai activities, our karma is sometimes manifested in the form of such shortcomings
as weakness, cowardice, and selfishness.

“But as we push ourselves to successfully carry out one activity after another without being defeated, we forge our character and are able to win over our negative tendencies, thus doing our human revolution. Soka Gakkai activities are a kind of training ground on which to strengthen our being. It is by dedicating our lives to the mission of kosen-rufu and developing ourselves that we can transform our karma.” (NHR-16, pp. 11–12)

Ultimately, the aim of our Buddhist practice is to develop an unshakable state of life in which we aren’t defeated or discouraged by anything. Attaining this state of life through our Buddhist practice and inner change is not easy, but it is essential to becoming happy and fulfilling our desires.

Repeat As Many Times as Necessary

When it feels like victory is nowhere in sight, it can be tempting to abandon our dreams. But by believing in ourselves, making a vow and striving to challenge our limitations, we can remain determined to stay true to our goals.

Buddhism reminds us that the journey is just as important as the destination. It’s in the moments of struggle, failure and redetermination that we find our true strength. The ability to continue, despite the odds, is what separates those who achieve greatness from those who give up a day too soon, without having viewed the manigificent moon over the capital that Nichiren describes. Sensei writes:

There may be times when we give in to self-defeat and our determination wanes, or when things don’t go as we’d hoped and we begin to feel anxious or fearful. But the important thing is to continue chanting daimoku, no matter what. Whether our prayers are answered right away or not, we must keep chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, without harboring any doubts. Those who maintain such faith will eventually attain the supreme path and highest pinnacle of value and savor the conviction that everything unfolded in the very best and most meaningful way. They will build immensely fulfilling lives and come to regard everything as a source of joy and a part of their mission. Such are the workings of the Mystic Law and the power of faith. (The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, p. 125)

The experiences in this issue by Hitoshi Masaki (p. 17) and Jo Reed (p. 19) are examples of persevering when victory seems like a distant dream. Through their stories we can learn what it takes to win over ourselves and not just achieve our goals but attain an expansive state of life capable of viewing everything as a benefit. 

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Don’t Stop on the Eleventh Day

Hitoshi Masaki / Los Angeles

Living Buddhism: What was your dream growing up?

Hitoshi Masaki: I was a middle school student in Japan, when I saw the movie Rocky in theatres. For many, it’s a movie about boxing. But for me, it was much more than that. I was deeply inspired by Rocky’s unbreakable, never-give-up fighting spirit. I started dreaming of becoming like Rocky, determined to become a world champion boxer. But when I didn’t make it into the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, I realized it was time to move on. It then occurred to me that I wanted to inspire others the way that Rocky inspired me as an actor! I auditioned for the most respected theater company in Japan and was accepted. I trained there as a theater member for several years before deciding to move to Los Angeles to pursue acting in 1993. 

Is that when you were introduced to Buddhism?

Hitoshi: I started chanting a couple years before my move to America, encouraged by a very good friend of mine. One night, he told me that I was bound to encounter obstacles in life. Practicing Buddhism would ensure that I would never be defeated by obstacles—that I could win over them and achieve my goals. I started going to his house every morning to do gongyo and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. From the start, my Buddhist practice was about developing a spirit to never give up. 

What happened as a result?

Hitoshi: I got a work permit, which allowed me to work as an actor in the U.S. I was taking classes, got an agent and joined the Screen Actors Guild. But
my student visa was nearing expiration, and I still hadn’t booked any good roles in movies or TV.

With little choice, I went back to Japan and worked for my friend’s wholesale hat company. I learned the business and after two years I took the business to Los Angeles. Long story short, it was incredibly challenging, but I learned how to use Ikeda Sensei’s guidance and the Gosho to make impossible things possible. In 2013, I closed the business to again pursue acting.

What helped you decide to make this move?

Hitoshi: I felt that it was now or never to achieve my dream even though I had taken a 17-year gap in acting. As many people know, being a working and successful actor is extremely difficult. I spent many hours making causes by acting in short films, indie films and student films and drove for a ride-sharing service to make ends meet. I was financially struggling but continued to make sustaining contributions and did my best to support the members as a district men’s leader. I fought this way for about a decade, and I had only managed to land a small role in a TV show. 

It must have been difficult to persevere after so many setbacks. How many auditions did you go to?

Hitoshi: Since 2013, probably more than 200 auditions. Then finally I broke through! I landed a big role in the streaming series Shogun, episode 8. During the pandemic, Japan was completely closed for production so they casted actors from Los Angeles, New York and Canada. They were looking for actors my age who could speak as they did in the Edo era. Because I had been trained in Japanese theater, I had already acquired this skill. It was a perfect fit. I flew to Vancouver, Canada, to shoot there for three weeks in April 2022. 

It’s incredible how all your prior efforts were applied to this victory. What helped you continue?

Hitoshi: There was one quote from Nichiren Daishonin that I engraved in my life: “Be diligent in developing your faith until the last moment of your life. Otherwise, you will have regrets. For example, the journey from Kamakura to Kyoto takes twelve days. If you travel for eleven but stop with only one day remaining, how can you admire the moon over the capital?” (“Letter to Niike,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1027). 

I can’t tell you the number of times I felt down after being rejected for a role, but after attending a district meeting, I would feel reinspired by the members. Most of the time, I left feeling my struggle was minor compared to things other people were facing. It was easy to forget my past benefits and lose appreciation, but attending SGI meetings generated a sense of gratitude that I could fight another day. 

Using the analogy of a 12-day journey to Kyoto, in the midst of a struggle, I didn’t know whether I was on day five or day 11. But the key was to believe in myself and trust that I was getting closer to my destination. As long as I kept pushing forward, I knew I was getting closer. In the darkest moments when I felt like giving up, I read Nichiren’s writings, Sensei’s guidance or did an SGI activity. Those actions enabled me to put one foot in front of the other. Without this practice, I could have easily said “forget it” a long time ago!

What did you learn in the process?

Hitoshi: While I had a great breakthrough, landing that role didn’t solve my financial challenges. But centering my life on my vow did. 

In 2024, I was asked to take on responsibility as a chapter men’s leader. Honestly, I felt that I couldn’t accept it because I had strategized that I needed to work 60 hours or more a week driving for the same ride-sharing service to pay off the debt I had incurred. But a senior in faith encouraged me: “When you put this practice in the center of your life, everything shifts toward your success! Now, you’re putting something else in the center of your life. Determination! That’s the key! See what happens if you put faith first. Do your best as a chapter leader and chant to pay off all your debt!” 

I realized he was right. I had to make a greater cause and overcome my weaknesses! I chanted and decided to accept this new responsibility. Based on the Gosho, I determined: “This I will state. Let the gods forsake me. Let all persecutions assail me. Still I will give my life for the sake of the Law. … 

“Here I will make a great vow. … 

“I will be the pillar of Japan. I will be the eyes of Japan. I will be the great ship of Japan. This is my vow, and I will never forsake it!” (“The Opening of the Eyes,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 280–81). 

I dove into activities and started supporting members and meetings to the best of my ability. Within two months, I received a phone call from my car injury attorney who told me that my case from two years prior, that I had honestly forgotten about, had been settled. The settlement amount was way higher than I could have ever imagined! I could finally pay off all my debt—everything! And I still had money to buy a house. But the greatest thing is I now have more time to support the members of my chapter! 

Shogun was also nominated for a record-breaking 26 Emmys and won 18! It set a new record as the most awarded single season of television in Emmy history. I am so proud that I got to be a part of it. I am now realizing the power of this practice. We can change any poison into medicine when we base our lives on the great vow for kosen-rufu.

Had I stopped on the fifth, 10th or 11th day, I wouldn’t have experienced such astonishing victories. 

Do you have any advice for those in the middle of their journey?

Hitoshi: Believe in yourself and have faith in the Gohonzon. Do your best and never give up on your dreams. I’m still continuing to fight to become an actor who can deeply inspire people, just as Rocky did. 

All I know is that if you continue to practice Nichiren Buddhism with the SGI, you will transform everything and win in life. 

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You Are Worthy of the Greatest Life 

Jo Reed / Alexandria, Virginia

Living Buddhism: Many long for a fairytale love story, but in actuality, finding a compatible partner can be quite challenging. Can you tell us about your journey?

Jo Reed: When I started practicing at 28, I suffered a great deal from anxiety and depression. Chanting and participating in SGI activities lifted my spirits and gave me focus, energy and hope, and my life changed dramatically. I entered graduate school, which I’d been putting off for eight years, moved to the East Coast to pursue an exciting and meaningful career in federal policy advocacy, and saw actual proof in virtually all aspects of my life—except in the love department. I would date, sometimes for a while, but it never lasted. I found that I lacked confidence that those relationships would stand the test of time, and usually I was the one who ended them. 

I had a lot of inner work to do. Growing up, I had a very difficult relationship with my dad. He was a very intelligent man, loved his family and worked hard to support us, but he was also deeply unhappy, and would become physically and verbally violent when drinking. There were regular threats, insults and demeaning behavior. I became a good little actress to avoid triggering his anger.

As an adult, I resolved many issues with my dad through therapy and my Buddhist practice, and amazingly he started practicing Buddhism when he was 68. Chanting changed his life, along with my sisters’, who began practicing around the same time. My dad was profoundly grateful for this practice and thanked me for introducing him many times. Changing this relationship and seeing him become happy was one of my greatest benefits. 

Nevertheless, those early experiences left their mark and helped shape my view of men and love. Among the effects were distrust, fear and a deep lack of self-confidence. I determined never to let a man control me. I wanted to become a woman of substance and strength who could stand on her own, as well as enjoy a relationship of genuine love and respect.

What do you think was the biggest hurdle for you?

Jo: It was many years before it dawned on me that I lacked trust—in myself. How could I trust myself to make the right choice in a partner? Even if I did, how could I handle the inevitable changes and challenges that would occur in each of us over time? How could that person continue to love me, and I him? I felt really stuck.

I received guidance from my leaders, year after year, about the lack of love in my life. I saw so many other members break through in this area but I couldn’t seem to find the one. In my innermost heart, I started to believe that I couldn’t have a loving relationship.

Deep down, I don’t think I felt deserving of a happy relationship. It was a battle to believe in myself. Nichiren Daishonin is so direct about this in “On Attaining Buddhahood in this Lifetime.” When we change something profound in our lives, all phenomena reflect that shift. If that’s true, then we should be capable of changing everything, whatever it may be.

Coming to believe that the power exists within our own lives and then challenging ourselves to make our goals a reality is a lifelong process. 

Did you ever feel like giving up on this goal of finding a great partner? What kept you going?

Jo: There were countless times I cried tears in front of the Gohonzon, asking, What is wrong with me? Reading or hearing experiences about people finding their “kosen-rufu partner” became painful. 

My greatest fortune, though, has been having the support of people around me who believed in me—more than I believed in myself: my leaders, family and friends in the SGI. But most importantly, I started to develop trust in Ikeda Sensei as my mentor. I came to realize that he would not betray me and that I could believe in what he was saying. I knew that if I was serious about my faith, then I had to keep challenging myself. That’s what Buddhism teaches, that we can’t give up. I felt, if Buddhism is true, I must win. 

I carried on with my practice because I increasingly believed that kosen-rufu was the only answer to my own and the world’s problems. Sharing this Buddhism with others gave me more joy than anything else. Actually, I was developing a rich and fulfilling life despite this one obstinate issue.

What was the process of breaking through like for you? 

Jo: In recent years, one leader in particular continuously challenged me and others to take on our most painful karma and change it. She urged us to articulate what that issue was and make a fresh determination with each SGI campaign to win over it. I hated doing this because it caused me to confront my self-doubt and would inevitably make me cry in front of other people. I felt so weak, defeated and ashamed that I had not shown actual proof in this area of my life, after all these years of practice. But, little by little, I began to voice my desire as a determination, as something I intended to change without fail.

I think it was important for me to continuously be encouraged to face it, to pray about it and use my SGI activities to transform this aspect of my life. Because the truth is, I would have liked to avoid it. 

In fact, I usually started out chanting for something else entirely. I’d finally arrive at this sensitive issue in my life and start plummeting into the depths of hell and feeling horrible. But as I continued to chant and share Buddhism with others, eventually my life condition would lift and then I could move forward. Continuously challenging it in this way, I believe, helped me to chip away at the disbelief and lack of self-worth that has been deeply rooted in my life.

So what happened?

Jo: Several years ago, I got back into online dating. After some dates, I met one person who I liked a lot. But just around the time we were starting to develop a deeper connection, he broke it off. I was crushed. But my friends and seniors in faith continued to encourage me. 

The next relationship was with Robb. He caught my attention because he looked so joyful in all of his photos, a stark contrast to many of the other profiles I had seen. 

Robb and I bonded over two things initially. Both of us had a passion that we pursued—his is Tai Chi, mine is kosen-rufu. Neither of us had felt supported in our passions in past relationships. So, we agreed we would understand and support each other. The other thing was that we both struggled to be on time. He told me a former boss once said they would start a meeting at 9:05 a.m. —“Robb Time.” That cracked me up because I have the same struggle! I joked that we might be soulmates! He’s a kind, wonderful, humanistic person who respects and supports me.

I don’t know yet if we are soulmates. I’m not sure what the future holds. But we’ve been together now for 2.5 years, and it gets better all the time. 

Most importantly, I am feeling confident for the first time that I am worthy of everything I want in this life—including, that as a Bodhisattva of the Earth, it is my right and my mission to have a loving partner. I am learning to trust that whatever comes, I am up to the challenge. And I am more determined than ever to share this magnificent life philosophy and practice widely, especially with as many youth as I can. I am deeply grateful. Most of my tears these days are tears of appreciation. 

Do you have any advice for people who feel victory is out of reach?

Jo: It may sound cliché, but never give up. Never leave the SGI—the circle of incredible support and wisdom. What is it that you haven’t broken through? What is it that you’re fighting for? What are you trying to change in your life? Whatever it is, fight for what you want and don’t stop until you achieve it. Because in the process you will discover something even greater—that you can make anything happen and that you are worthy of the greatest life. 

From the February 2025 Living Buddhism