Mr. Makiguchi, a great scholar, at first hoped that his writings would be an effective means of propagation, but they were not. Then he tried speaking to large groups at lectures and meetings. That, too, proved ineffective. Books were no good, big meetings were no good. So he set out on his own to meet … …
True dignity means having absolute, irreplaceable value. Our lives, which inherently possess the world of Buddhahood, are of absolute value. That is the meaning of the term treasure tower. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 76
There are no requirements other than to “embrace the Lotus Sutra.” We don’t have to do anything special. That’s why there is no need to try to be anyone other than who we are, to put on airs, or to envy others. When we face problems and suffering, all we need to do is continue … …
Offering heartfelt encouragement is what defines a genuine practitioner of Buddhism. Losing no time in encouraging those who are struggling or suffering; helping people transform their sadness into courage and suffering into hope—this is the spirit of the Daishonin. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 86
Who in actuality is striving earnestly to share Nichiren Buddhism with others? Who is working wholeheartedly to spread our movement for kosen-rufu? It is our members, all ordinary people from different walks of life, with our women’s division members in the forefront. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. … …
You must love, respect and treasure yourself. You’ll be miserable if you allow yourself to be swayed by the prejudices, passing trends and contradictions of society. Never forget to be who you are, to be true to yourself. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 344
Persevering for us means continuing in our efforts to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and share Nichiren Buddhism with one person after another. We who know this sure and practical way for transforming winter into spring are fortunate indeed. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 339
Only those who have experienced the harshness of winter can truly know the joy of spring. The same is true of life. The Swiss philosopher Carl Hilty asserted: “What joy is, is essentially known only to those who have suffered much. Others know only pleasure, which is in no way similar.” Those who haven’t experienced … …
True unity is achieved when we each have the strength to stand alone—the conviction and fortitude to advance, even if we are the only one. It’s not just passively depending on the support of others or finding strength in numbers. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 159
Our environment doesn’t decide our happiness; we do. We are either defeated by our environment or we triumph over it. That’s what determines our happiness. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 347