CategoryTo My Friends

That was August 14, 1947, the fateful day that changed the course of my life forever. It was the day I gave my promise and pledge to Josei Toda to join the Soka Gakkai, which I did on August 24, ten days later. I was nineteen when I attended that discussion meeting. Mr. Toda, my

Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in itself, of course, brings us benefit. But when our prayer to overcome our illness meshes with a deep sense of mission for kosen-rufu, it powerfully sets in motion the wheels of change toward a fundamental inner transformation, a transformation of our state of life and our karma. From The Wisdom for Creating

The most important thing is that we are filled with a satisfying sense of revitalization after chanting. When we continue chanting in this way each day, we will naturally come to experience a life in which all our desires are fulfilled. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 123–24

To be troubled about helping others is truly wonderful. It is the noblest and most respectable of problems, an expression of genuine compassion. It is the very concern of a Bodhisattva of the Earth and the Buddha. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 270

Those who have a strong resolve to promote our movement for kosen-rufu will see clear blue skies of good fortune appearing rapidly in their lives, stretching ever further and further, as if the wind were sweeping away every dark cloud. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 183

What is the key to enabling others to practice Nichiren Buddhism? It is determination. As long as you have firm resolve, you can transform any situation. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 270

The principle of responsive communion is very important in Nichiren Buddhism. To use an analogy, when talking on the phone, if the connection is good, we’ll be heard even if we speak softly, but if it’s bad, then sometimes the other person won’t be able to hear us even if we shout. In order for

You are chanting daimoku for the happiness of others and the realization of kosen-rufu. You are engaging in Soka Gakkai activities and striving to share Nichiren Buddhism with those around you. Such prayers and actions are themselves expressions of your vow for kosen-rufu. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition,

Serialization of the novel in the Seikyo Shimbun began on November 18, 1993. Each day was a battle into which I poured my heart and soul. Calling to mind my precious fellow members in Japan and around the world striving so earnestly in faith, I tapped the deepest recesses of my being to write my

We all have relationships—with family members, relatives, friends, and others—that are particular to each of us. From the perspective of the Mystic Law, those relationships constitute the true realm of our mission, and each of these people shares a profound karmic connection with us. Each of us alone is responsible and qualified to propagate the

Reality is harsh. Please courageously challenge the stern realities of life and win, and win again, in everything—in daily life, work, school, and family relations. The teachings of Buddhism and our practice of faith are the driving force for unlimited improvement. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 6

What is important is to have the feeling “That person is suffering, I want them to be happy” and also to talk about Buddhism with those around you from time to time. Even if the person you’ve been talking with doesn’t take faith right away, as long as you maintain a strong unwavering wish for

Kosen-rufu will not advance, even with the best-laid plans or strategies, without such united prayer. Strong prayer based on unity will also give rise to tremendous momentum. So even if individuals who seek to disrupt the unity of our movement should appear, their negative influence will be rebuffed by everyone’s focused resolve. From The Wisdom

The sun rises every day. It never takes a break. If you do the same, persistently forging ahead in accord with the Mystic Law, the ultimate Law of the universe, you will come to enjoy a wonderful life of complete satisfaction and fulfillment, far surpassing anything you imagined. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and

Buddhism is a way of life. Winning the trust of those around us and demonstrating proof of victory in our workplaces leads directly to victory in our lives and in Buddhism. That’s why it’s important to play a vibrant and active role in our workplaces and communities. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace,

Mr. Toda once explained unity very simply: “To say to another member ‘Are you also facing difficulties? Are you struggling to make ends meet too? Are you also suffering? Then, together let’s strengthen our faith!’—this is what it means to be united in purpose.” From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised

The path up the hill of life doesn’t follow a straight line. There are successes and mistakes. Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. With each step on our way, with every curve and corner we navigate, we grow a little bit more. In this process, prayer functions as a powerful force preventing us from

Mr. Toda said: “The ‘mind’ of ‘many in body, one in mind’ is not the ordinary mind, or heart. It is the mind of faith. ‘One in mind’ means being ‘one in faith’—one in our commitment to this Buddhism and its practice. That’s the real meaning of ‘many in body, one in mind.’ When young

I therefore believe we have entered an age in which humankind must once again shine a light on the human being. People must be the focus. Without seriously pondering this matter, we will find ourselves repeating the tragedies of the past. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 427

Nichiren Buddhism focuses on the present and the future. Its essence is for us to always keep advancing while looking toward and brightly illuminating the future. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 175