As practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism, we get up in the morning and do gongyo. Some perhaps may do so rather reluctantly! Nevertheless, doing gongyo is itself a truly great and noble thing. Gongyo is a solemn ceremony in which we are, in a manner of speaking, gazing out across the universe; it is a dialogue … …
In any situation, dialogue is positive. It builds solidarity and creates unity. To reject dialogue is wrong; it can be divisive and destructive. The point is to meet and to talk. It is only natural that our perspectives may differ from others. But discussion gives rise to trust, even among those who don’t see eye … …
As long as war and natural disasters afflict the land, people cannot attain personal happiness. It is not just a matter of striving for one’s own happiness. True happiness can be attained only by praying for a peaceful and prosperous society for all and working to make it a reality. From The Wisdom for Creating … …
In contrast, people who have worked hard and long to develop their own identities take delight in seeing others develop theirs to the fullest too. They support and encourage them in their efforts. They take joy in others’ successes. And they have the capacity to work for the happiness and welfare of others. I hope … …
Josei Toda urged young people to “strive constantly to improve themselves, to become more dignified and cultured, and to establish a better, greater self.” Develop yourself! This was his message to the youth. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 341-42
Our organization exists to mobilize the spirit of human goodness—people’s desire to help and benefit others—and use it to create great value. You might say that the Soka Gakkai is a body or organism that took form and came to life specifically to bring together the basic goodness of people’s hearts, to further develop that … …
Practicing Nichiren Buddhism enables us to become as strong as we possibly can. To live in such a way that we can perceive everything in terms of faith and are always determined to overcome everything through faith means to walk the path to eternal happiness. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, … …
When we dedicate our lives to kosen-rufu, overcoming painful suffering and perseveringin faith, we, too, can actualize the principle of casting off the transient and revealing the true. As ordinary people, we can bring forth the same life state of Buddhahood as Nichiren Daishonin. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised … …
The sun of Nichiren Buddhism has begun to rise above the distant horizon. Rather than seeking after your own praise or glory, I hope that you will dedicate your noble lives to sowing the seeds of peace of the Mystic Law throughout the entire world. I shall do the same. At times I will lead … …
Seniors in faith have a responsibility to demonstrate victory, for the sake of their fellow members who have been striving valiantly for kosen-rufu. By victory, of course, I do not mean the external trappings of worldly success or superficial honors. True victory exists in realizing the great uncrowned state of having joyfully and confidently fulfilled … …