This ultimate way of living articulated by Nichiren Buddhism views all aspects of life as a series of struggles that must be fought and won. This is the true reality of existence. For those who earnestly take on this challenge, everything that happens in life, even events in society, become part of their Buddhist practice. … …
Those who have experienced great suffering can develop into outstanding people. Those who have undergone painful trials can help many others. Such individuals have an important mission. This is the teaching of Nichiren Buddhism and the bodhisattva way of life. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 253
Each of you possesses the spirit of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth. You have the spirit to resolutely protect the Law, and the bodhisattva spirit to encourage others and help relieve people’s suffering. You sincerely respect others. That is the spirit of the Lotus Sutra and of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth. From The Wisdom … …
Our happiness does not exist apart from the happiness of others. The Buddhist’s foundation for action is the spirit of compassion. Compassion has two aspects—relieving suffering and providing ease. It seeks to eliminate people’s anxieties and fears and impart joy, reassurance, and hope. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, … …
Living with joy throughout all is the hallmark of a lofty state of being, of strength and happiness. In contrast, a life that greets everything with criticism and complaint is miserable, no matter how fine it might look from the outside. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 177
If we have hardships to overcome, we can grow and savor exhilarating joy once we surmount them. And when we strive with courageous, pure-hearted faith, all difficulties are transformed into a source of benefit and good fortune, becoming springboards for creating an even brighter future. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, … …
As members of the Soka family, we have always reached out to support those around us, no matter how deep their sorrow, how great their despair, or how challenging their karma. We have stood together with them, encouraging them to be confident that they can surmount any hardship, find a way forward, and become happy … …
Worldwide kosen-rufu can be realized only by encouraging and fostering people who have the courage to stand alone and act on their own initiative. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 26
Faith in the Lotus Sutra is not an intellectual or abstract theory. It must enable us to demonstrate practical wisdom for winning in society, in the real world. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 174
The path of hope for humankind, the great path of Buddhism, lies in locating the means to strengthen the power of our character and humanity, which will take precedenceover military might, political power, or economic growth. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 508