CategoryTo My Friends

Bodhisattvas are courageous individuals who plunge headlong into the very thick of society to lead others to happiness. What kind of character should bodhisattvas possess? Shakyamuni asserts that they should have hearts that are invulnerable to assaults from the eight winds. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 129

What is the secret to longevity? Of course, individual differences must be taken into account, and there are many diverse opinions on this subject. But we of the Soka Gakkai would naturally agree that an important key to long life is our practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part

Fostering mutual trust as fellow human beings is important. Never be self-righteous. Remember that the flow of kosen-rufu in the community is secured by reassuring people and winning their praise and admiration through your exemplary behavior as practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 103

The Daishonin’s practice of shakubuku was thoroughly rooted in his immense compassion to open the eyes of people deceived by erroneous teachings and to lead them to enlightenment. Likewise, our practice of shakubuku, or sharing the Mystic Law, must accord with the Daishonin’s compassionate spirit; it must arise from our desire to lead others to

The young women of Soka cherish a true philosophy and work alongside true comrades in faith to expand our circle of true friendship. They are walking a path to genuine happiness far superior to any enjoyed by those who seek only wealth or power. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised

First, I hope you will show care for your neighbors. We do not live in isolation; we exist as members of a community. We need to be considerate of one another. That is just common sense. If we simply assert our own rights or what suits our convenience, we are not responsible members of society.

I believe that now more than ever we need to widely implement the kind of education for peace and happiness that Mr. Makiguchi advocated. We must teach children the preciousness of life and a spirit of respect for others. We must foster in them courage and awareness as world citizens and help them develop the

It is said that Nichiren Buddhism begins and ends with “On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land.” And dialogue is the backbone of this important work. It is through one-to-one dialogue that individuals form bonds of genuine trust. Neither military force nor political coercion hold any answers. From The Wisdom for

Buddhism is ultimately a teaching about human life and conduct. In that sense, our Buddhist practice is expressed in our words and actions. The important thing is how we lead our lives in society, how we conduct ourselves each day, based on faith in the Mystic Law. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace,

To whom does culture belong? For whom does it exist? It is for the people, for all people. No matter how splendid works of art or culture may appear, if they disregard this essential point, they will not endure, like castles built on sand. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised

What will the future be like? No one knows the answer to that question. All we know is that the effects that will appear in the future are all contained in the causes we make in the present. The important thing, therefore, is that we stand up with a lofty purpose in our hearts, unswayed

The essence of shakubuku is the Buddha’s fervent wish to enable all people to realize true happiness. To make this spirit one’s own is the vow of genuine disciples who strive for kosen-rufu in the Latter Day; it is the vow of Bodhisattvas of the Earth. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part

Stand up bravely on your own and live strongly based on faith. Triumph in your youth, and win boldly in life. Study hard, develop your minds and bodies, and become great leaders of kosen-rufu and society. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 362

Just being born in human form doesn’t make us so. It requires wise, conscious efforts to be genuinely human. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 429

Bodhisattvas are courageous individuals who plunge headlong into the very thick of society to lead others to happiness. What kind of character should bodhisattvas possess? Shakyamuni asserts that they should have hearts that are invulnerable to assaults from the eight winds. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 429

Love and gratitude for one’s parents are the foundation of genuine humanity. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 462

Nothing is more barbarous than war. Nothing more cruel. That’s why I hate war and am forever opposed to the devilish nature of authority that causes it. My absolute commitment to pacifism, to fight for peace throughout my life, was engraved in my being when I was a youth. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness

Music speaks to the heart, striking universal inner chords to create a harmony of empathy and friendship. It can rouse our courage, inspire a prayer for peace, and awaken our sense of pride and dignity. Such are the beneficial powers of music. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p.

It is because each of us is different that dialogue enables us to create fresh value and make new discoveries. Dialogue serves as a mirror, enabling us to see others as well as ourselves. It enables us to break through the shell of our ego and expand our state of life. From The Wisdom for

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