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Many regard Buddhism as a philosophy of peace and calm, a rejection of the cares and distractions of the world to be sought in austere quietude, away from society’s bustle. A pilgrim making an arduous journey to learn the secrets of life from a secluded hermit comes to mind. Certainly, inner peace is a benefit

“Though we live in the impure land, our hearts reside in the pure land of Eagle Peak. Merely seeing each other’s face would in itself be insignificant. It is the heart that is important.” (“The Drum at the Gate of Thunder,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 949) July 3 is the Day of Mentor

Looking at what’s happening in our society today may stir up a vast spectrum of emotions—from pain, anger, disgust and confusion to righteousness, compassion, optimism and determination. Nichiren Buddhism teaches that rather than being swayed by the ups and downs of life, we can become strong, resilient individuals driven by the desire to improve our

Next month marks 760 years since Nichiren Daishonin submitted his treatise “On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land” on July 16, 1260, to the rulers of Japan. Despite the centuries that have passed since then, one could say that Nichiren’s treatise is more relevant than ever. From around 1256, the people

“Spur yourself to muster the power of faith. Regard your survival as wondrous. Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other.” (“The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1001) Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter in 1279 to his trusted disciple Shijo Kingo, a samurai who lived

The following discussion between the late historian and civil rights champion Vincent Harding and Daisaku Ikeda offers insight into this question. These excerpts are taken from the book America Will Be! Conversations on Hope, Freedom, and Democracy, (pp. 85-88). Daisaku Ikeda: Before [Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.] encountered [Mahatma] Gandhi’s philosophy, he had thought that

Nichiren Buddhism teaches us how to bring forth the wisdom to transform the challenges we face in our lives as well as the larger issues impacting society. Nichiren Daishonin teaches that every one of us possesses limitless power to transform even our greatest obstacles into the most beneficial opportunities. Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the fundamental Law

Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turns to spring. Never, from ancient times on, has anyone seen or heard of winter turning back to autumn. Nor have we ever heard of a believer in the Lotus Sutra who turned into an ordinary [unenlightened] person. The sutra

Amid the stay-at-home orders to flatten the curve of the coronavirus pandemic, we may feel restricted by what we are unable to do. Buddhism, however, teaches that regardless of our circumstances, our hearts can remain free. When we offer hope to others, we break through the narrow confines of our personal concerns and expand our

As the global coronavirus pandemic continues to impact our daily lives and all levels of society, many of us may be left feeling uncertain or fearful. Fortunately, Buddhism stresses that in the face of the greatest adversity, we have the power to bring forth limitless strength, transform our circumstances and create the future we envision.

As practice progresses and understanding grows, the three obstacles and four devils emerge in confusing form, vying with one another to interfere. … One should be neither influenced nor frightened by them. (“Letter to the Brothers,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 501) The “three obstacles and four devils” symbolize the internal and

In the following excerpt from The New Human Revolution, SGI President Ikeda, who appears in the novel as Shin’ichi Yamamoto, offers guidance to student division members about transforming personality traits through Buddhist practice. “Unless we bring out the best sides of our character and inner tendencies, they can often become the cause of unhappiness. We

This article is adapted from An Introduction to Buddhism, pp. 40–45, which serves as the study material for the upcoming SGI-USA Introductory Exam, to be held April 26 and 27 throughout the nation. Some of our problems and sufferings are caused by actions and decisions we have made in this life. But for others we

Attaining Buddhahood is no easier than for men of low status to enter court circles, or for carp to climb the Dragon Gate. Shariputra, for example, practiced bodhisattva austerities for sixty kalpas in order to attain Buddhahood, but finally could persevere no longer and slipped back into the paths of the two vehicles . . .

During a question-and-answer session at the Nagano Training Center in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, on Aug. 7, 1992—the summer following the 1992 Los Angeles riots— SGI President Ikeda responded to this question from SGI-USA Culture Department members. This is from a report published in the Aug. 31, 1992, World Tribune, p.4. Your question is very important.

All of us are searching for happiness, but the idea of what makes us happy differs from one person to the next. However, Buddhism expounds a universal happiness that is an expression of our greatest potential, which we also call Buddhahood or enlightenment. Based on the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, second Soka Gakkai President Josei

Never seek this Gohonzon outside yourself. The Gohonzon exists only within the mortal flesh of us ordinary people who embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. (“The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 832) Background: In 1277, Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter to a disciple named Nichinyo, who

Your desire to share Buddhism with others is admirable. And taking action to help connect others to Buddhism is an essential part of our Buddhist practice. Many of us practice Buddhism because of the positive impact it has had on our lives, and, naturally, we also want others to experience similar benefits. Wanting to share

The aim of Nichiren Buddhist practice is to help people develop into individuals who are undefeated by any obstacle and can contribute to the peace and happiness of those around them. An essential aspect of Nichiren Buddhism is sharing its practice with others and helping them establish lives of genuine fulfillment. This process of teaching

New Year’s Day marks the first day, the first month, the beginning of the year, and the start of spring. A person who celebrates this day will accumulate virtue and be loved by all, just as the moon becomes full gradually, moving from west to east, and as the sun shines more brightly, traveling from east to