An individual’s life span is limited. But when the fundamental spirit of striving for kosen-rufu is passed on from mentor to disciples through successive generations in an organized body of practitioners, that organization will exhibit the eternal life force of a Buddha working continuously to guide all living beings to enlightenment. From The Wisdom for … …
I still remember what my mentor, Mr. Toda, said to me one day as he looked out at the sunset sea in his hometown of Atsuta Village in Hokkaido: “It’s a big, wide world. There are still people who weep in anguish and children who cower in the crossfire of war. You must illuminate Asia … …
I still remember what my mentor, Mr. Toda, said to me one day as he looked out at the sunset sea in his hometown of Atsuta Village in Hokkaido: “It’s a big, wide world. There are still people who weep in anguish and children who cower in the crossfire of war. You must illuminate Asia … …
The English Romantic poet Shelley wrote, “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?” No matter how long and bitter the winter may be, spring always follows. This is the law of the universe, the law of life. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 218
But whether the people we talk to about Buddhism decide to practice is fundamentally up to them, depending on their capacity to understand the teachings and other factors. The benefit we gain is the same, whether they begin practicing right away or just listen to what we say but don’t immediately start. From The Wisdom … …
Falling ill is not a form of failure or defeat. It doesn’t happen because our faith is weak. When the suffering of illness occurs amid our efforts for kosen-rufu, it is the working of devilish influences trying to obstruct our attainment of Buddhahood. As such, we mustn’t let illness intimidate us. The Daishonin teaches us … …
Our harsh society is filled with endless competition and stress. There are constant clashes of egos. But it is the role of leaders in our organization to ensure that when our members return to the “home” of the SGI, they can relax, smile, gain fresh inspiration, and recharge themselves so that they can set out … …
You won’t find your mission by standing still. Please challenge yourselves in something; it doesn’t matter what. Then, by your making consistent efforts, the direction you should take will open up before you quite naturally. It’s important, therefore, to have the courage to ask yourselves what you should be doing now, at this very moment. … …
Mr. Toda observed, “No matter how much humanity may come to understand the physical world, it won’t lead to inner happiness.” He also said: “The Daishonin sought to find a way to enable all people to attain happiness. When we earnestly study and put into practice the life philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism, it will shine … …
“As inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim” refers to the profound awareness of the deep and inextricable bonds we share with our fellow practitioners. It is a metaphor for those who share the mission of kosen-rufu supporting and respecting one another as precious and irreplaceable comrades. From The Wisdom for Creating … …