CategoryTo My Friends

The Daishonin states: “You must not only persevere yourself; you must also teach others. … Teach others to the best of your ability, even if it is only a single sentence or phrase” (WND-1, 386). Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and sharing the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism with others are the two wheels of our Buddhist practice. From

Both ourselves and others matter. Caring only about one’s own happiness is selfish. Claiming to care only about the happiness of others is hypocritical. Real “joy” lies in both ourselves and others becoming happy together. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 228

When we face a tough situation, that’s the time we need to summon our courage. The more difficult the challenge, the more bravely we must tackle it. This is the essence of the Soka Gakkai spirit. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 260

Our practice of Nichiren Buddhism empowers us to build a strong self that can bravely face every trial we encounter, enabling us to challenge the situation with a positive spirit and see it as a chance for growth. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 125

Becoming people who are trusted, respected, and liked by all—indispensable people who are needed at home, at work, and in our community—is the way to show the validity of our Buddhist practice and advance our movement for kosen-rufu. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 100

Nichiren Buddhism gives us the power to ride out life’s rough waves. The path to building indestructible happiness is found on the front lines of Soka Gakkai activities. Our dedicated efforts for kosen-rufu bring us precious good fortune, each step we take along the way enabling us to transform our karma and open the way

When the SGI was established on Guam [on January 26, 1975], I said to the assembled members: “Rather than seeking after your own praise or glory, I hope that you will dedicate your noble lives to sowing the seeds of peace of the Mystic Law throughout the entire world. I shall do the same.” I

A person who can sincerely say thank you has a healthy, vital spirit; each time we say those words, our hearts sparkle and life force wells up within us. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 66

Whether in our personal relationships, our interactions with our neighbors and those around us, or in relations between nations, everything starts from meeting, talking, and getting to know one another. It’s a matter of having the courage to meet and talk with others. To choose dialogue is itself a victory for peace and a triumph

Buddhism teaches that both good and evil are potentialities that exist in all people. Compassion consists in the sustained and courageous effort to seek out the good in any person, whoever they may be, however they may behave. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 117

Some of those you talk with about Buddhism may immediately decide to take faith and start practicing, but others may not. There’s no need to worry. In both cases, your sincere prayers for others and your effort to share Buddhism with them produce enormous benefits. And precisely because it’s so challenging, you can tap your

In life and in the struggle for kosen-rufu, all our sufferings and earthly desires are fuel for our enlightenment. The tougher the challenges we face, the greater the joy and benefit and the higher the life condition we will ultimately savor. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 199

Those who fight against their own weaknesses and keep pressing forward resolutely—challenging themselves instead of giving up and taking personal responsibility for victory instead of criticizing others—triumph in the end and attain happiness. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 213

Peace is not something to be left to others in distant places. It is something we create day to day in our efforts to cultivate care and consideration for others, forging bonds of friendship and trust in our respective communities through our own actions and example. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part

When our faith is so strong that we love the Gohonzon, love daimoku, and love Soka Gakkai activities, the “benefits of responding with joy” will flow forth limitlessly in our lives. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 249

Dialogue also enables us to engage with people of different personalities, philosophies, and beliefs, thereby absorbing new information, wisdom, and ideas. Dialogue is the direct path to elevating ourselves as human beings. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 500

Living for kosen-rufu means living for the happiness of oneself and others, and for the peace and prosperity of society. By making this our fundamental purpose in life, we can make the most of our knowledge and cause our talents to flourish. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p.

Human beings have the capacity to change. Who you are now is really no more than the starting point for an even more wonderful you in the future. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 210

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

Faith is shown in your strength and ability as an individual. Therefore, please chant earnestly, study hard, exert yourself, be creative and enterprising, and throw all your youthful energy into your work. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 371