CategoryTo My Friends

I still remember what my mentor, Mr. Toda, said to me one day as he looked out at the sunset sea in his hometown of Atsuta Village in Hokkaido: “It’s a big, wide world. There are still people who weep in anguish and children who cower in the crossfire of war. You must illuminate Asia

I still remember what my mentor, Mr. Toda, said to me one day as he looked out at the sunset sea in his hometown of Atsuta Village in Hokkaido: “It’s a big, wide world. There are still people who weep in anguish and children who cower in the crossfire of war. You must illuminate Asia

The English Romantic poet Shelley wrote, “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?” No matter how long and bitter the winter may be, spring always follows. This is the law of the universe, the law of life. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 218

But whether the people we talk to about Buddhism decide to practice is fundamentally up to them, depending on their capacity to understand the teachings and other factors. The benefit we gain is the same, whether they begin practicing right away or just listen to what we say but don’t immediately start. From The Wisdom

Falling ill is not a form of failure or defeat. It doesn’t happen because our faith is weak. When the suffering of illness occurs amid our efforts for kosen-rufu, it is the working of devilish influences trying to obstruct our attainment of Buddhahood. As such, we mustn’t let illness intimidate us. The Daishonin teaches us

Our harsh society is filled with endless competition and stress. There are constant clashes of egos. But it is the role of leaders in our organization to ensure that when our members return to the “home” of the SGI, they can relax, smile, gain fresh inspiration, and recharge themselves so that they can set out

You won’t find your mission by standing still. Please challenge yourselves in something; it doesn’t matter what. Then, by your making consistent efforts, the direction you should take will open up before you quite naturally. It’s important, therefore, to have the courage to ask yourselves what you should be doing now, at this very moment.

Mr. Toda observed, “No matter how much humanity may come to understand the physical world, it won’t lead to inner happiness.” He also said: “The Daishonin sought to find a way to enable all people to attain happiness. When we earnestly study and put into practice the life philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism, it will shine

“As inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim” refers to the profound awareness of the deep and inextricable bonds we share with our fellow practitioners. It is a metaphor for those who share the mission of kosen-rufu supporting and respecting one another as precious and irreplaceable comrades. From The Wisdom for Creating

Guidance in faith must be based on the writings of Nichiren Daishonin. The ability to give inspiring guidance cannot be developed by relying just on personal judgments and opinions. It has to be honed through striving in the two ways of practice and study within the organization for kosen-rufu. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness

By continuing to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, dedicating ourselves to kosen-rufu, and triumphing as Buddhists in our daily lives, we adorn ourselves and our families with good fortune. In our turbulent society, such good fortune protects us and brings vibrant prosperity. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 12

Those who have built an indestructible self through engaging in activities for kosen-rufu shine. Please live out your lives with self-confidence and courage. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 306

I hope all of you will also be filled with certainty and indomitable resolve not to be defeated by those negative forces. Muster your courage. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 267

It is not important whether you are unknown or unremarkable in the world’s eyes. What matters is that you know you have done your best, in a way that is true to yourself, for the sake of others, for your friends, and for people in society at large. Those who can declare that with confidence

Perhaps it is natural for people to be drawn to bright lights and glamour. It is often thought that fame makes a person somehow special, and those with high social status are often regarded as great. But that is an illusion. Each of you is the most precious treasure of all. Happiness does not exist

Through discussion meetings, we are blazing a sure and steady trail through the uncharted wilderness of our times toward happiness for all humanity. Through our great discussion meeting movement, let us vibrantly spread the strength and optimism to win in life to our friends and others around us. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and

Our Buddhist practice enables us to attain a vast and expansive state of life in which we can accept whatever happens with courage and joy, and keep moving positively forward. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 143

Having such a great mission means that the challenges you face will also be great. But that is why you will be able to savor a truly rare and irreplaceable sense of fulfillment in your lives and accumulate indelible good fortune. Whatever the situation, decide that you will not be defeated and keep moving forward

Truly, March 16 was the coronation ceremony of the youth, when they received their royal crowns and royal swords. As disciples, we must never forget the profound significance of that day. Today I would like to place a crown on the head of each noble member of the youth division, my young disciples, who are

It was Mr. Toda’s conviction that there can be no bright future for humanity unless the youth division members who will shoulder responsibility for the twenty-first century gain a deep understanding of the philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism, the world’s supreme teaching that can enable all humanity to attain happiness. He was confident that young people