On Nov. 18, 1930, our first and second presidents Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda, mentor and disciple, established the Soka Gakkai in Tokyo. Our founding month is a month of creating new history. It is also a month in which courageous, self-reliant champions of justice rise purposefully into action. Our founding month is not simply … …
However hard we may have exerted ourselves in the past, the important thing is how we challenge ourselves from now on. We need to rouse even stronger faith than we have before. The heavenly deities, or benevolent functions of the universe, will protect us if we do. The appearance of the “three powerful enemies” and … …
Heart-to-heart discussion is always more effective than ordering people around. And because dialogue takes place between individuals, it requires that we respect and value the other person. This sets the stage for lively and enriching discussion meetings. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 127
There is nothing more beautiful, more inspiring, than this spiritual relay, the passing of the baton to those who will carry on the struggle. Without the mentor-disciple relationship, anything we undertake just ends with our own lifetime. It becomes nothing more than a small drama and a pursuit for our own self-satisfaction. In contrast, the … …
Abstract principles and theories are not enough; we have to build a solid and enduring organization dedicated to justice and good so that people will actually unite together as a force for good—it was with this conviction that Mr. Makiguchi and Mr. Toda established our organization. When my mentor, Mr. Toda, was released from prison … …
Offering heartfelt encouragement is what defines a genuine practitioner of Buddhism. Losing no time in encouraging those who are struggling or suffering; helping people transform their sadness into courage and suffering into hope—this is the spirit of the Daishonin. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 86
What is the way to expand your state of life as leaders? Simply put, in addition, of course, to deepening your own faith in the Mystic Law, it lies in taking personal initiative to serve your fellow members who are striving earnestly for kosen-rufu. It is respecting and supporting them with a genuinely sincere and … …
“So you see, the deeper and greater the suffering, the more magnificently one can show proof of the powerful benefit of Buddhism. You could say that karma is another name for mission. “I myself am the son of a poor seaweed farmer. I worked by Mr. Toda’s side throughout the bitter trials of his company’s … …
A single unhappy person in a family makes the entire family unhappy. That’s why we need to chant sincerely and support one another, so that no one is unhappy, no one stops practicing, and everyone finds true joy and satisfaction together. These human ties will give rise to real unity. From The Wisdom for Creating … …
Please be confident that your strong prayers will activate the power of the world of Buddhahood inherent in the universe itself and further resonate with the workings of the worlds of bodhisattvas, voice-hearers, and cause-awakened ones as well as the protective functions of all heavenly deities, enabling you to open the way to a life … …