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
Those who never forget that they have a unique mission are strong. Whatever problems they have, they will not be defeated. They will transform all their problems into fuel for growth toward a hope-filled future. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 214
In struggling against illness for both ourselves and others, we can attain a state of shining health. Chant daimoku, trusting in the power of the Gohonzon. Strive fearlessly and patiently. Refuse to accept defeat. Never retreat a single step. In the end, you are certain to triumph! From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, … …
A great human revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation and, further, will enable a change in the destiny of all humankind. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 59