CategoryQ&A

Many of us may have experienced listening to someone share how they achieved something wonderful, only to be left thinking, How great for them, but I could never do something that amazing. Regarding the tendency to think less of ourselves, American philosopher Walt Whitman writes: Why what have you thought of yourself ? Is it

A: Nichiren Daishonin writes, “You will grow younger, and your good fortune will accumulate” (“The Unity of Husband and Wife,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 464). Ikeda Sensei gives us guidance below on. how to attain this goal and urges us to practice with hope while facing any difficulties, including those that

A: Just as trees bloom in their own distinct way, we should strive to live in the way that is most natural for us. This is the purpose of our Buddhist practice. Nichiren Daishonin also stressed that our essential identity is “something that was not worked for, that was not improved upon, but that exists

A. It is difficult to inspire oneself, especially in isolation. Therefore, we need to stay in close communication with our fellow members and continue to seek encouragement from Ikeda Sensei through our publications. Let’s see what Sensei says about our spirit and mission as Many Treasures Group members in The New Human Revolution: • •

A: No one likes to be controlled by others, and it’s only natural to wish that we could do what we want without people bothering us all the time. I’m sure there are students who dream of what freedom they would enjoy if there were no rules, and if they had plenty of money and

A: I want the young fathers and mothers among you to thrive with your children, surmounting difficulties. Your children’s education may cost you a lot of money. And you may live in cramped quarters. Moreover, your children are probably often so boisterous that you are not well rested. However, these are mere trifles. Your duty

A: First of all, it’s critical that you observe all the medical guidance by 1) staying at home as much as possible, 2) wearing a mask when you have contact with anyone out- side your household, 3) washing your hands frequently and 4) maintaining social distancing. The ABC Campaign—Abundant chanting, Buddhist study and Connect life-to-life—is

A: The value—or, if you like, the quality—of a 100-dollar bill is more than a 10-dollar bill. Naturally, most people would prefer a 100-dollar bill, right?Similarly, in faith, sincere, strong prayers are important. Of course, having lots of 100-dollar bills is even better! Likewise, in chanting Nam- myoho-renge-kyo to the Gohonzon, both quantity and quality

A. It must have been very hard for you. You must have really suffered. But you have the Gohonzon, haven’t you? Faith is the power to survive. … Whether you [go back] is something that you must decide for yourself. However, as you already know, happiness will not necessarily be waiting for you there. Unless

Ikeda Sensei: To get right to the point, it boils down to making a decision to do your best in everything and then having the determination not to retreat a single step. In severe circumstances, people tend to give up all too easily. They are convinced that the situation is hopeless before even considering what

A: Don’t worry! The times when you are suffering and struggling in that way, chanting [Nam-myoho-renge-kyo], taking action and working really hard, are the greatest opportunities for you to do your human revolution and make headway in changing your karma. There’s no need to be anxious or impatient. This is the time to surely and

A: Everything that happens in our lives has meaning. Moreover, the way of life of practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism is to find and discover meaning in all things. Nothing is insignificant. Whatever a person’s karma may be, it definitely has profound meaning. This is not just a matter of outlook. Changing the world starts by

A: Many dictionaries define prayer as a request or petition to a higher power. Based on this common understanding, prayer can seem passive. Nichiren Daishonin redefined prayer as a rigorous effort to reveal our innate enlightement— and to help others do the same. For instance, he states that his “determination has perhaps acted as a

A: The straight and simple answer is, Yes! Ikeda Sensei asserts, “A great human revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation and further, will enable a change in the destiny of all humankind.” Human revolution is another way to express bringing forth our Buddhahood. It

A: While there are many reasons to study Buddhism, Ikeda Sensei in an essay points to three. (see February 2020 Living Buddhism, p. 60). Someone diagnosed with a terminal illness, may think: I’m sincerely practicing Buddhism. Why did this happen to me? In such critical times, studying Buddhism helps us quickly transform our doubts and

A: No matter how wonderful our dreams, how noble our ideals or how high our hopes, ultimately we need courage to make them a reality. We can come up with the greatest ideas or plans in the world or be filled with boundless compassion for others, but it will all come to nothing unless we

A: Every family is different, so there is no one approach that fits all. But I think we can say it’s important to ensure that a child does not feel inferior to others. It is unnecessary for single-parent families to try to imitate families where both parents are present. There may be times when a

On Aug. 14, 1957, 10 years to the day since meeting Josei Toda, Ikeda Sensei was in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, attending to his ailing mentor. They discussed how Mr. Toda would compose his Declaration for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons, which he delivered a month later on Sept. 8. This declaration became his final injunction,

A: Humanity today faces a whirlwind of complex issues and divisiveness for which there may not be quick or clear solutions. Buddhism teaches valuable principles for broadening our perspectives and creating the greatest value and results amid complicated challenges and hardships. For instance, in his writings, Nichiren Daishonin teaches the foundational concepts of the “three

A: Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the primary practice of Nichiren Buddhism. It activates the power inherent in ourselves and all phenomena. Gongyo is the secondary practice, which consists of reciting portions of the Lotus Sutra’s “Expedient Means” and “Life Span of the Thus Come One” chapters, coupled with chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Doing gongyo is our declaration to