To make the twenty-first century a century of hope for humanity, we need to return to the basics—to what it means to be a human being—and from there build a sound foundation for human happiness. This is how to address the questions of life and death and make the twenty-first century a Century of Life, … …
There is no sorrow or gloom in the realm of the Mystic Law. Family members who practice the Mystic Law will always be enveloped in the moonlight of eternity, happiness, true self, and purity—the four noble virtues of Buddhahood. Their lives will impart immeasurable hope and courage to those who follow in their footsteps. From … …
Our daily activities, valuing each individual, are the ultimate expression of humanistic education. There is no more sacred undertaking than our activities to impart hope to people and build peace in our societies. Please advance with confidence and pride. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 384
Life is a struggle. It is a struggle to become happy. But happiness is not simply the absence of hardships. Buddhism teaches that the sufferings we experience as human beings lead us to enlightenment. The Daishonin writes, “There is no true happiness for human beings other than chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo” (WND-1, 681). From The Wisdom for … …
In another letter, the Daishonin writes: “The sun breaks through the pitch-black dark” and “The Lotus Sutra is compared to the sun” (WND-1, 315). As Soka Gakkai members who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and base our lives on the Mystic Law, a bright sun of hope shines ever in our hearts. We can dispel all darkness and … …
Each of you is as unique as a cherry, plum, peach, or damson blossom (see OTT, 200), as Nichiren Daishonin explains. Please bloom in the way that only you can. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 215
Nichiren Daishonin teaches, “Life is the foremost of all treasures” (WND-1, 1125). I hope that as long as you live, you will always be able to feel in your hearts what a precious treasure life is—more wondrous than all the treasures in the universe. And, please remember, it is the power of faith in the … …
As a Buddhist—and, indeed, as a human being—taking action for people’s happiness is only natural. But sometimes the simplest things can be the most difficult. The essence of the teachings of Buddhism is simple: treasure each person. A Buddha is one who strives and works tirelessly for the happiness of every individual. From The Wisdom … …
No one can avoid the suffering of having to part from loved ones. Buddhism offers clear insights on this point. Nanjo Hyoe Shichiro, Nanjo Tokimitsu’s father, died of illness while still quite young. Tokimitsu was only seven at the time. By embracing the Daishonin’s teachings, unafraid of the persecution this would invite, Hyoe Shichiro had … …
Life is about challenge and effort. Each day of our lives as Soka Gakkai members brings tremendous fulfillment and immeasurable benefit. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 165