TagNew Members

Many SGI members begin practicing Nichiren Buddhism hoping to change something in their lives or to find a deeper sense of fulfillment and happiness. We meet many people in the SGI who have transformed long-term despair into lasting hope, experiencing a great change in the meaning they derive from living. From the standpoint of faith,

“Single-mindedly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and urge others to do the same; that will remain as the only memory of your present life in this human world.” (“Questions and Answers on Embracing the Lotus Sutra,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 64) In the above passage, Nichiren Daishonin says that chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and sharing it

It’s wonderful that you would like to study more about Buddhism, and it’s very natural to want to learn as much as you can about something before deciding to incorporate it into your life. We approach many things in life in a similar way. For example, when scoping out a new restaurant, we might read

The drama that unfolds in the 28 chapters of the Lotus Sutra is described by SGI President Ikeda as “a movie on a truly colossal scale projected on the screen of the whole universe” (The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 1, p. 66). The drama of this “movie” transcends space and time, depicting many

“Shakyamuni Buddha refused to entrust the mission of propagation to any of these people and gave it instead to the Bodhisattvas of the Earth. Thus these bodhisattvas are the ones who had thoroughly forged their resolve.” (“General Stone Tiger,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 953) The passage above from Nichiren Daishonin’s writing

Combating stress starts by changing how we feel about our problems. SGI President Ikeda calls our inner resolve our “secret weapon.” He says: “Through the power of strong inner resolve, we can transform ourselves, those around us and the land where we live. Each of you has this tool, this ‘secret weapon.’ There is no

Every aspect of our Buddhist practice—faith, practice and study—creates causes that give rise to happiness, benefit and fortune in our lives. In Nichiren Buddhism, any positive outcome or gain that results from our practice is called a benefit (kudoku in Japanese), which can also be translated as “blessing,” “merit” or “virtue.” Fundamentally, benefits in Buddhism

Great evil portends the arrival of great good. If all of Jambudvipa [the entire world] were to be thrown into chaos, there could be no doubt that [this sutra would] “be widely propagated throughout Jambudvipa.” (“The Kalpa of Decrease,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1122) People’s ideals and philosophies determine a society’s

Understanding the meaning of the words we recite during gongyo can, of course, help strengthen our confidence and appreciation for our basic Buddhist practice. But as SGI President Ikeda once said: “If you understand and yet fail to practice, it won’t get you anywhere. Moreover, you cannot understand all of the profound significance of the

This article is adapted from the booklet An Introduction to Buddhism, which serves as the study material for the SGI-USA Introductory Exam being administered throughout the nation on Sept. 29. A famous passage from the writings of Nichiren Daishonin states, “I, Nichiren, have inscribed my life in sumi ink, so believe in the Gohonzon with

When we revere Myoho-renge-kyo inherent in our own life as the object of devotion, the Buddha nature within us is summoned forth and manifested by our chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. This is what is meant by “Buddha.” To illustrate, when a caged bird sings, birds who are flying in the sky are thereby summoned and gather

For Our Wonderful New Members—Part 5 [44]

Singing songs rouses people’s spirits, bringing forth the hope and joy that reside in their hearts. Since the early days of the Soka Gakkai, members have created songs to give expression to their vow to widely spread the ideals of Nichiren Buddhism and lead their friends, family and those around them to happiness. SGI President

The following is an excerpt from SGI President Ikeda’s lecture on Nichiren Daishonin’s writing “The Supremacy of the Law,” addressing the concept of “true cause” and the importance of always strengthening our faith. So long as one maintains firm faith, one is certain to receive the great protection of the gods. I say this for

“At first only Nichiren chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, but then two, three, and a hundred followed, chanting and teaching others. Propagation will unfold this way in the future as well. Does this not signify ‘emerging from the earth’?” (“The True Aspect of All Phenomena,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 385) Kosen-rufu—the spread and establishment

The Lotus Sutra expounds the fundamental Law of the universe, the Mystic Law. And Nichiren Daishonin taught that everything in life unfolds in accord with the workings of this Mystic Law. We base our lives on this Law by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which helps us elevate our life force, bring forth Buddhahood from within our lives

For Our Wonderful New Members—Part 4 [43]

When obstacles and hardships arise in our lives, how do we respond? Some people may try to avoid struggles. Others get stopped in their tracks, not knowing how to proceed. There are various responses, of course. As Buddhists, we strive to courageously face hardships head-on. Nichiren Daishonin teaches that in the course of revealing our

“Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle? (“Reply to Kyo’o,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 412) Sometimes in life, we fall ill or something else happens that interferes with our happiness. These are the times when we need to recall Nichiren Daishonin’s declaration: “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

An essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra is that anyone at any time can become a Buddha. Buddhas are not deities who dwell in faraway places or special people who have dedicated a certain number of years to Buddhist practice. Rather, a Buddha is an ordinary individual who has awakened to the reality that they