We mustn’t avoid those who don’t seem to listen to us or who think differently from us. Part of our practice is learning to work harmoniously with such individuals and gain their understanding and support. This is how our movement as a whole advances and how we grow as individuals. We must strive to be … …
The resounding music of our women’s division members’ unceasing efforts fills the air day after day in every community and locale. Truly, they are the driving force of kosen-rufu, and no praise, no matter how eloquent, can fully do them justice. Every day, my wife and I pray earnestly and sincerely that all of these … …
Prayer produces a change within our hearts, within the depths of our lives. This profound, intangible inner change does not end with us alone [but inspires a similar change in others]. Likewise, when one community changes, it will not be limited to that community alone. Just as a single wave gives rise to countless others, … …
Ultimately, what matters is not worldly power or outward appearances. Rather, it is our efforts to treasure as we would ourselves those who are suffering and those who are making sincere efforts for kosen-rufu. We must never forget that to encourage and care for others in this way is the essence of genuine humanity. From … …
When we’re suffering, feeling sad, or experiencing hard times, we should take everything to the Gohonzon with an open heart, like a child who throws itself into its mother’s arms and clings to her. The Gohonzon will “listen” to everything. Let’s chant as if carrying on a conversation, confiding our innermost thoughts. From The Wisdom … …
The Daishonin writes, “A Buddha is looked up to as the Hero of the World” (WND-1, 835). A hero of the world is a person who is courageously engaged in the realities of life and society. A Buddha is one who intrepidly battles devilish functions and, manifesting the life force of the world of Buddhahood, … …
A powerful determination to transform even negative karma into mission can dramatically transform the real world. By changing our inner state of mind, we can change any suffering or hardship into a source of joy, regarding it as a means for forging and developing our lives. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part … …
In addition, when we struggle with and chant about how to share Buddhism with others and to realize our goals for kosen-rufu, we are already expressing the life state of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth. Through such efforts, therefore, we can overcome and solve our individual problems as well. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness … …
The crucial point is whether we have faith. We must never make light of the Daishonin’s assertion that “it is the heart that is important” (WND-1, 1000). What matters is not form or a person’s position or wealth. Those who have faith in their hearts are truly happy. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and … …
Let’s make our meetings everywhere enjoyable, relaxing, interesting, and meaningful, filled with bright smiles and laughter. The Buddhas and bodhisattvas of the universe are watching over these harmonious gatherings of children of the Buddha, the noblest assemblies in all the world. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 135