A tradition of studying and learning together is embedded in the Soka Gakkai’s day-to-day activities. Our members of all ages are eternal learners. They study the writings of Nichiren Daishonin at monthly discussion meetings. They also read, listen, and study intently at various other group meetings. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part … …
Love should help you grow as a person; it should invigorate you and help you realize your full potential. This is the basic premise. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 381
These small gatherings are microcosms of human harmony. They are democracy in action. They are the heartbeat of kosen-rufu, linking faith, families, and local communities. They are filled with the sincere spirit—the spirit of the Lotus Sutra—to help all our precious fellow members and friends become happy. The Lotus Sutra, the ultimate teaching of Shakyamuni … …
Through conversations at discussion meetings and other small gatherings, individuals gained understanding and conviction in the validity of Nichiren Buddhism. They then exerted themselves in Buddhist practice and personally experienced the benefit of faith in their lives. This, in turn, brought in a fresh wave of new members. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and … …
This happened in the cold month of February 1952, the month of Mr. Toda’s fifty-second birthday. I proclaimed Mr. Toda’s message far and wide. I urged the members to follow the path of mentor and disciple. This is because when we align our hearts with the spirit of our mentor for kosen-rufu, the wisdom and … …
The Daishonin promises that if we share the correct teaching with others, we can change our karma and attain Buddhahood. We therefore engage in propagation activities to transform our karma and become happy. Such efforts also contribute to our friends’ happiness and a peaceful and prosperous society. No task is more sublime or sacred. From … …
The cherry tree blossoms as a cherry tree, living to fulfill its own unique role. The same is true of the plum, peach, and damson trees. Each of us should do likewise. We each have a unique personality. We have a distinct nature and character, and our lives are each noble and worthy of respect. … …
Hearing members at discussion meetings and other gatherings relate experiences of how they have turned their lives around through practicing Nichiren Buddhism can also be a major source of inspiration and encouragement. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 393
Why is the Gohonzon important? Because, through having faith in it, we can bring forth the Gohonzon, or the state of Buddhahood, that is inherent in our own lives. The Daishonin states that the Gohonzon is found only in the faith of each one of us (see WND-1, 832). From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness … …
You are all magnificent, noble Buddhas. You are people with an incredibly precious mission. Don’t compare yourselves to others. Value and accept yourselves for who you are and always strive to develop your own unique potential. And just as each one of you is a Buddha, so is everyone else around you. That’s why it’s … …