A long life is not necessarily a good life. What matters is what we leave behind, what kind of value we create, and how many people we help become happy.Ultimately, therefore, dedicating ourselves to kosen-rufu is the supreme way to live. It is the greatest possible contribution we can make to society. From The Wisdom … …
It goes without saying that we must properly instruct members in the fundamental principles that are the basics of Nichiren Buddhism, but it is unwise to make unnecessary comments on or criticize their personal lives. We each have our own personality and lifestyle. Our circumstances also differ. The key is to respect one another and … …
It is easy to be attracted to abstract ideals but difficult to challenge the realities of daily life. I hope that while upholding the magnificent ideal of kosen-rufu, you will spend your days in the actual practice of encouraging and motivating one person and then another and another to contribute to kosen-rufu. From The Wisdom … …
Observing many leaders, I have come to the conclusion that those who have dedicated themselves to offering personal guidance to members never give up their practice. I think this is because giving guidance—though hard, unglamorous, and inconspicuous work that requires a great deal of patience—truly deepens one’s faith. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and … …
Heart-to-heart discussion is always more effective than ordering people around. And because dialogue takes place between individuals, it requires that we respect and value the other person. This sets the stage for lively and enriching discussion meetings. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 127
Whether you are chanting to the Gohonzon, engaged in Buddhist study, or writing words of encouragement to your friends and fellow members—the crucial thing is to devote yourself to that activity fully and wholly each moment. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 218
The logs of unhappiness fuel the flames of happiness. Because we experience hardships, we can know joy. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 138
The Daishonin writes, “If lay believers and their teacher pray with differing minds, their prayers will be as futile as trying to kindle a fire on water” (WND-1, 795). He declares that unless our hearts are united with our mentor, our prayers will not be fulfilled. By contrast, if the prayers of mentor and disciple … …
Individuals and families who are unchanging and unwavering in their resolve whatever happens, staying true to and pursuing their chosen path to the very end, are unshakable champions with beautiful hearts. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 81
The courage of a lion king is the spirit of the mentor who has fearlessly opened the way for kosen-rufu. When we share that spirit as our own, we cannot fail to bring forth the courage of a lion king in our lives. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, … …