Sowing the Seed of the Law


Shakyamuni Buddha is the original teacher for all people, and moreover, he is endowed with the virtues of sovereign and parent. Because I have expounded this teaching, I have been exiled and almost killed. As the saying goes, “Good advice grates on the ear.” But still I am not discouraged. The Lotus Sutra is like the seed, the Buddha like the shower, and the people like the field.

(Passage from “The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood”, The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p748)

Background
This letter was written in the right month of 1276 at Minobu. It is addressed to Soya, a lay follower who lived in Soya Village in Shimosa Province. His full name and title were Soya Jiro Hyoe-no-jo Kyoshin, and he is thought to have been a samurai who governed this province.

He was converted to Nichiren Daishonin’s teaching around 1260 and became one of the leading believers in the area, together with Akimoto Taro and Ota Jomyo. Soya had social standing and most comparatively more affluent. The fact that most letters addressed to Soya by Nichiren Daishonin were written in classical Chinese indicates that he was also well-educated.

Explanation
In this passage, Nichiren Daishonin made the point that people should understand who their fundamental teacher is. The word, “Shakyamuni”, here indicates that people should revere Shakyamuni Buddha as their teacher, as opposed to other Buddhas like Amida. The Japanese people during the Daishonin’s time had to an extent “lost sight” of Shakyamuni Buddha and his most important teaching, the Lotus Sutra. Here, the Daishonin tried to establish the importance of following the original teacher, Shakyamuni Buddha in the hope of leading people to the Lotus Sutra and ultimately to his teachings of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

From the viewpoint of Nichiren Buddhism however, the Daishonin himself is the fundamental teacher who taught that the source of enlightenment is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Because the Daishonin dedicated his life to the spread of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, he faced a series of life-threatening persecutions. He was exiled to Izu and Sado, he was attacked with a sword at Komatsubara, and he was nearly beheaded at Tatsunokuchi.

In the face of all this, the Daishonin said, “Still I am not discouraged.” He courageously expressed he determination to never stop – to always propagate the great Law and lead people to happiness – no matter how great the difficulty.

As SGI members, it is our challenge to maintain the determination to practice faith and strive for kosen-rufu no matter what obstacles we may face. However, if we become stagnant and backslide in faith, we will be going against the teachings of the Daishonin.

An important point of the determination to practice as the Daishonin intended involves telling others about the Law. The Daishonin taught in this passage, “The Lotus Sutra is like the seed, the Buddha like the shower, and the people like the field.” Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the fundamental seed of Buddhahood that allows people to attain limitless happiness and joy. Naturally, we should direct the lives of our friends and family towards enlightenment by “sowing the seed” of Buddhahood. Simply sharing Buddhism with others, regardless of whether they choose to practice or not, implants benefit in their lives.

Because we are calling forth the Buddha nature of others when we share the Mystic Law with them, it is important to talk about Buddhism with sincerity.

President Ikeda said, “Nichiren Buddhism is the Buddhism of sowing. By sharing the teachings of the Daishonin, we are advancing kosen-rufu. For this reason, such actions accrue boundless benefits and good fortune. Such actions constitute upholding justice and the eternal posterity of the true Law.”

Strengthening our Buddhist practice and sharing it with others promotes the advancement of our kosen-rufu movement. Good fortune and virtue lie in our efforts to spread Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. This is the correct way to sow the seed of happiness in people’s lives.

Connecting Directly to Nichiren Daishonin


Now at the beginning of the Latter Day of the Law, I, Nichiren, am the first to embark on propagating, throughout Jambudvipa, the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo, which are the heart of the Lotus Sutra and the eye of all Buddhas. During the 2,200 or more years since the Buddha’s passing, not even Mahakashyapa, Ananda, Ashvaghosha, Nagarjuna, Nan-yueh, T’ien-t’ai, Miao-lo, or Dengyo has propagated them. My disciples, form your ranks and follow me, and surpass even Mahakashyapa or Ananda, T’ien-t’ai or Dengyo!

(Passage from “The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra”, The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p764-5)

Background
This letter was written in 1276 and addressed to the lay nun Konichi, a widow who lives in Awa, the Daishonin’s native province. Lay nun Konichi is also known as Sage Konichi. Her son, Yashiro, had earlier converted to the Daishonin’s teachings, and through him she and her husband became Daishonin’s disciples.

Some time after her conversion, she lost both her beloved son and her husband. But through the Daishonin’s continuous and wholehearted encouragement, she overcame her deep sorrow and remained a sincere believer in the Daishonin’s Buddhism to the end of her life.

This Gosho, The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra, is an autobiographical account covering the events of an important period in Nichiren Daishonin’s life – from the arrival of a delegate from the Mongol empire in 1268 shortly before the Tatsunokuchi Persecution, through his two-and-a-half year exile on Sado Island, to his eventual retirement to Mount Monobu. In this Gosho, the Daishonin penned his struggles and persecutions over this period of nine years in great detail.

Explanation
In this passage, Nichiren Daishonin expressed that the teachings to be spread throughout the entire world (Jambudvipa) in the Latter Day of the Law is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the heart of the Lotus Sutra. The Daishonin revealed that this Mystic Law is a great teaching which has never been propagated before – not even by the great teachers of the Former and Middle Days of the Law.

Mahakashyapa and Anada were direct disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha. They were considered the Buddhist teachers who had correctly propagated Hinayana teachings for the first 500 years of the Former Day of the Law. Ashvaghosha and Nagarjuna were active as teachers who spread the teachings of Mahayana Buddhism in the second half of the Former Day of the Law in India.

Nan-yueh, T’ien-t’ai, Miao-lo and Dengyo are Buddhist teachers who appeared in China and Japan in the Middle Day of the Law and propagated the theoretical teachings of the Lotus Sutra. All these individuals propagated the appropriate teachings in accord with the age and time in which they appeared but did not spread Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the essential teaching hidden in the depths of the Lotus Sutra.

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the fundamental source of Buddhahood that has led and leads all Buddhas to enlightenment. For this reason, the Daishonin referred to Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as the “eye of all Buddhas”. He also called it the “heart of the Lotus Sutra” because its teaching is found in the depths of the Lotus Sutra.

It was Nichiren Daishonin who first spread the fundamental teachings of the Mystic Law in the Latter Day of the Law, which the Buddhist teachers of the Former and Middle Days did not propagate. For this reason, the Daishonin is revered as the original Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law.

The Daishonin opened the way for kosen-rufu in the current age of the Latter Day while enduring life-threatening persecutions. Based on the Buddhist principle of “oneness of mentor and disciple”, we must strive to develop and maintain this direct connection with Nichiren Daishonin and practice faith in exact accordance with the Daishonin’s teachings throughout our lives.

The Daishonin calls to us in this passage, “My disciples, form your ranks and follow me.” The Daishonin is teaching us that the quintessence of faith is to advance on the path of kosen-rufu opened by the Daishonin in the same mind and spirit as him.

The SGI has all along maintained faith that is directly connected to the Daishonin and advanced the movement of worldwide kosen-rufu in accord with the Daishonin’s decree. This basis of the SGI movement is the greatest proof of the validity of the organization.

While exerting ourselves in our practice of faith on the world stage of kosen-rufu, let us also strive to foster new capable leaders who can join us in “forming our ranks” in following the footsteps of the Daishonin. Based on the spirit of harmonious unity, let us together strive to open a new age for worldwide kosen-rufu.

Determination, Prayer and Action


When the head swings, the hair sways; when the mind is at work, the body moves; when strong winds blow, trees and grasses do not remain still; when the ground shakes, the great ocean churns. Since this is the case, if one moves Shakyamuni, the lord of teachings*, can any trees or grasses remain unshaken or waters unperturbed?

(Passage from “On Consecrating an Image of Shakyamuni Buddha Made by Nichigen-nyo”, Gosho Zenshu, p 1,187)

* The lord of teachings: The “lord of teachings” refers to one who expounds the Law. In other words, it refers to the Buddha. Nichiren Daishonin refered Shakyamuni who expounded the Lotus Sutra as the “lord of teachings”, in the context of the Latter Day of the Law, the lord of teachings refer to the fundamental Buddha who expounded Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. This refers to the Daishonin himself. In addition, in accord with the principle of the oneness of the person and the Law, it refers to the Gohonzon.

Background
Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter in the second day of the second month of 1279 to Nichigen-nyo, the wife of Shingo Kingo. This letter was written in response to Nichigen-nyo’s offerings and reports that she had erected a wooden image of Shakyamuni Buddha.

Explanation
When she turned 37, traditionally an unlucky age on Japan, Nichigen-nyo, the wife of Shinjo Kingo, made offerings to Nichiren Daishonin and reported to him that she has made a three-inch image of Shakyamuni.

In response, the Daishonin wrote back to her and praised her faith. This is because many people at that time worshipped Amida Buddha of the Pure Land school and Danichi Buddha of the True Word school as the object of devotion, and she did not. The Daishonin therefore saw her acts of sincerity towards Shakyamuni Buddha as one that is directed towards the Lotus Sutra and the true Law of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

In Nichiren Buddhism, the object of devotion is the Gohonzon. The Daishonin realizing Nichigen-nyo’s undeveloped understanding of his teachings, considered her act of making the statue of Shakyamuni as one that is directed to this true Law. Considering the time and capacity of the people during that period, the Daishonin often acknowledged that a statue of Shakyamuni was a means to lead followers to the Lotus Sutra and eventually to the Gohonzon.

In this passage, the Daishonin used various analogies of human activity and natural phenomena to explain that the changes and movements one observed actually begin with the changes of a source. The swaying of the hair begins with the swing of the head, the body’s movements begin with the workings of the mind and so on. The Daishonin used these analogies to portray the important principle that one’s circumstances can be changed when the fundamental basis upon which one places one’s belief and determination changes.

When the Daishonin referred to Shakyamuni as the “lord of teachings”, he actually meant the fundamental Buddha, which is the Gohonzon in terms of our practice today.

When we have strong faith in the Gohonzon, pray earnestly and take action towards our goals, everything will move in the direction of our prayer by virtue of the Gohonzon’s power. The Gohonzon’s power is of course, reflective of our life’s innate power of wisdom, life force, courage as well as our ability to draw forth the universal protective functions (or functions of Buddhist gods).

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, inscribed down the centre of the Gohonzon, is the fundamental law which forms the very basis of the existence of all things and phenomena in the universe. When we pray based on this Law, our prayers permeate everything. That is why with the Gohonzon, no prayer goes unanswered. Everything changes for the better with our faith and prayer, but the extent of changes will depend on the power of our faith and practice.

To bring for the power of the Gohonzon, we must base our faith and practice on a strong determination. When we pray and practise with the strong resolve to change our circumstances, we can make the impossible possible.

SGI President Ikeda said, “Prayer is the energy of life, permeating the entire universe and becoming the driving force for change. Radioactivity and ultraviolet rays are invisible, but they definitely exist and affect things. The ‘energy’ of your prayers to the Mystic Law, though invisible, has infinite power.”

With a strong prayer and determination, we can change anything and open up new paths for victory for ourselves and for others.

On Rebuking Slander of the Law and Eradicating Sins - No Prayer Will Go Unanswered

I am praying that, no matter how troubled the times may become, the Lotus Sutra and the ten demon daughters will protect all of you, praying as earnestly as though to produce fire from damp wood, or to obtain water from parched ground.

(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Vol 1, p444)

Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter on Sado Island in 1273 to his devoted follower Shijo Kingo, who lived in Kamakura.

During this time, persecutions from the authorities were not only directed to the Daishonin but also to his disciples. The community of the Daishonin’s disciples in Kamakura especially, was subjected to harsh persecutions.

However, the Daishonin encouraged his disciples based on his absolute conviction in this letter. For instance, the Daishonin said that, though in exile, his overriding emotion is one of joy, stating with conviction that he has been banished precisely because he denounced the errors of those who slander the Lotus Sutra. Because he had met this great trial for the Sutra’s sake, the Daishonin explained, he was certain to thereby eradicate in this lifetime his evil karma accumulated since the distant past.

The Daishonin concluded thi letter by stating that no matter how tumultuous the times, he was earnestly praying that the heavenly beings and benevolent deities (protective functions of the universe) would protect each and every one of his disciples.

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This is a passage in which Nichiren Daishonin taught the importance of offering powerful prayers to make the impossible possible.

As the Daishonin stated here, “no matter how troubled the times may become”, the living conditions when this letter was written was indeed one of chaos and turmoil with the appearance of the three calamities and seven disasters. One year before this letter was written in 1272, the calamity of revolt within one’s own domain happened with the occurrence of the “February Disturbance”. The following year after this letter was written; in 1274 the calamity of invasion from foreign lands occurred when the Mongol army invaded Japan.

Amidst such turbulent conditions, Nichiren Daishonin’s disciples were going through intense oppression from the authorities because of their practice of faith. Moreover, the Daishonin himself was confronting one of the harshest persecutions of exile to Sado, which was deemed as good as the death penalty. Living conditions in Sado were so hostile that the Daishonin was not sure if he could survive till the next day.

Despite living in such extreme conditions, the Daishonin continued to offer powerful prayers for the protective forces of the universe to protect his disciples. The Daishonin’s profound compassion and powerful determination must have been a great source of inspiration to his disciples to resolutely stir up their faith to confront and overcome the persecutions they were facing. In this way, the path of the disciples in Nichiren Buddhism is to stand up in response to the mentor’s callings and consistently offer prayers based on the united spirit of mentor and disciple.

Moreover, the Daishonin also taught us the mindset and determination with which we should offer such prayers by using an analogy: he stated “… praying as earnestly as though to produce fire from damp wood or to obtain water from parched ground”. Through this illustration, the Daishonin was teaching us the essence of faith to never give up even though things may seem impossible in reality, and that we must continue to pray till our prayers are realized.

Only when we continue to offer such powerful prayers with perseverance will wisdom and courage well forth from the depths of our lives and the power of all Buddhas, bodhisattvas, heavenly beings and benevolent deities (protective forces in the universe) be activated to render their protection, thereby opening the way forward.

Quoting this Gosho passage, SGI President Ikeda gave the following guidance:

“While deeply cherishing the profound meaning of this Gosho, both my wife and I are sincerely sending daimoku to all fellow members every day. Precisely because the times are so troubled and turbulent, we must never, ever forget the absolute conviction that ‘no prayer will go unanswered’! This is what we call faith.”

Let’s us continue to advance with hope based on prayers infused with the united spirit of mentor and disciple and absolute conviction.

Footnote:
Ten demon daughters – refers to the ten female rakshasa who protect those who uphold the Lotus Sutra as heavenly gods and benevolent deities (protective functions of the universe). The Sanskirt word, rakshasa means demon. In the “Dharani” (26th) chapter of the Lotus Sutra, they vow to shield and guard the sutra’s votaries.

Translated and adapted from the May 2014 issue of The Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai’s monthly study journal.

The Three Kinds of Treasure - The Practice of Revering Others

The heart of the Buddha’s lifetime of teachings is the Lotus Sutra, and the heart of the practice of the Lotus Sutra is found in the “Never Disparaging” chapter. What does Bodhisattva Never Disparaging’s profound respect for people signify? The purpose of the appearance in this world of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, lies his behaviour as a human being.

(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Vol 1, p851-852)

This letter was written at Minobu on 11 September 1277 and addressed to Shijo Kingo in Kamakura and titled, “The Three Kinds of Treasure”.

Sometime back, Shijo Kingo had begun making efforts to convert his Lord, Ema, to Nichiren Daishonin’s teaching. Lord Ema, however, did not respond positively. On top of this, Kingo’s colleagues spread scurrilous reports about him, and Kingo was accused of fomenting trouble at a religious debate at Kuwagayatsu in June the same year. Kingo faced his greatest crisis in life when his angry lord gave him the ultimatum to discard his faith or have all his lands confiscated.

Later that year Lord Ema fell illm and Kingo, being a skilled physician, was told to treat his lord. This letter was written in response to Kingo’s report that he was going to administer medicate treatment to his lord.

Eventually, Kingo managed to cure him and his grateful lord later increased Kingo’s land-holdings.

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This is a passage in which Nichiren Daishonin taught that the essence of the practice of Buddhism lies in “the behaviour as a human being in revering others” based on the firm belief that Buddhahood exists in one’s life and in that of others.

“The heart of the Buddha’s lifetime of teachings” is none other than the Lotus Sutra - the teaching that expounds the universal enlightenment of all living beings. The Daishonin continued to state that the heart of the practice of the Lotus Sutra is found in the practice of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging described in the “Never Disparaging” chapter of the Lotus Sutra.

Bodhisattva Never Disparaging accorded everyone he met the highest respect, repeating the words from the “Twenty-four-character Lotus Sutra”, bowing to them in reverence as he recited the words. He was thus names because he was a bodhisattva who never disparaged others.

However, he was struck with sticks of wood, tiles and stones, and was vilified and persecuted by people who simply cannot believe that ordinary beings can attain Buddhahood. Nevertheless, Bodhisattva Never Disparaging persevered in his practice of revering others and as a result, achieved the purification of his six senses (purification of his life state) through the benefit of the Lotus Sutrs and attained Buddhahood. The Lotus Sutra expounds Bodhisattva Never Disparaging as Shakyamuni Buddha in a past existence.

In this way, when one perseveres in the Buddhist practice of revering others, it becomes the power source in transforming one’s life, which in fact, is the transformation of one’s karma and the purification of the six senses.

In other words, the conduct of revering others is equivalent to spreading the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and it is this practice of propagation that enables one to attain Buddhahood, that is, the fundamental victory in life.

The conduct of “the universal reverence for all living beings” demonstrated by Bodhisattva Never Disparaging is the very embodiment of the concept of the “universal enlightenment of all living beings”, the central theme underscoring the Lotus Sutra, the scripture that contains the true intent of the Buddha.

And, the conduct of revering all living beings can be said to be an indispensable practice for an individual aspiring to attain Buddhahood. For this reason, the Daishonin concluded here that “the purpose of the appearance in this world of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, lies in his behaviour as a human being”.

In this age of the Latter Day of the Law characterised by mistrust, disbelief and insecurity arising from the contempt of human life and all life entities, we are holding high the banner of the sanctity and dignity of life as we continue to engage others in dialogue to help them form connections with Buddhism. In this sense, our daily practice is in exact accord with the original spirit of Buddhism.

SGI President Ikeda said, “Those who sincerely revere and praise others will in turn be revered and praised. Likewise, those who sincerely rejoice at the happiness of others are those who are truly happy themselves.”

Let us expand the circle of friendship and trust as we strive for the happiness of ourselves and others while conducting ourselves with wisdom when engaging in sincere dialogues.

Translated and adapted from the September 2012 issue of The Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai’s monthly study journal.

On Persecutions Befalling the Sage - The "Courage of the Lion King" is the Soka Gakkai Spirit

Each of you should summon up the courage of a lion king and never succumb to threats from anyone. The lion king fears no other beasts, nor do its cubs. Slanderers are like barking foxes, but Nichiren’s followers are like roaring lions.

(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Vol 1, p997)

Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter at Minobu on the 1st day of the 10th month in 1279 to his followers in general. The Daishonin also instructed that this letter be kept by Shijo Kingo.

Around this time, propagation around the Fuji area began to produce significant results under the leadership of Nikko Shonin. There were a number of converts among both priests and laity, especially farmer believers.

However, as the number of new believers increased, so did the pressures from the religious and secular authorities as they deemed it a threat. It especially incurred the wrath of Gyochi, the deputy chief priest of Ryusen-ji temple, whose opposition to the Daishonin’s teachings eventually led to the Atsuhara Persecution whereby 20 farmer believers were arrested on false charges, and three of them, Jinshiro, Yagoro and Tarokuro, were later beheaded. In spite of these persecutions, not one of the twenty farmers abandoned their faith.

Seeing that his followers were now ready to give their lives if necessary to protect the Law, the Daishonin realized that the time had come to fulfill the purpose of his life – that is, the inscription of the object of devotion for the sake of all humankind.

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This is a passage in which Nichiren Daishonin taught us that the key to surmounting obstacles in life through our practice of faith is none other than “courage” and the “mentor-disciple spirit”.

Simply put, the “heart of the lion king” refers to “courage”, and at the same time, the fundamental life force that wells forth in our lives. It also refers to the latent strength we possess within us.

The Daishonin said we must “summon up” the “courage of the lion king”.

We cannot bring forth something that does not already exist. Qualities such as courage and life force do not belong solely to an exclusive group of individuals. We all inherently possess it inside us. Since it already exists within our lives, all we need to do is to summon forth this courageous spirit to defeat cowardice and delusion clouding our lives.

To reiterate that we must remain absolutely fearless no matter what oppression or adversity may befall us, the Daishonin added, “The lion king fears no other beasts, nor do its cubs.”

The spirit of selfless dedication without begrudging his life, which the Daishonin opened the way for kosen-rufu to lead all people to happiness, is itself “the heart of a lion king”. We, the disciples are the cubs of a lion king. Therefore, when we strive with the same spirit as our mentor in the same commitment of faith, we too cannot fail to bring forth this courage of the lion king that remains undefeated in the face of all kinds of obstacles, no matter how harsh.

Faith based on the shared commitment of mentor and disciple is what enables us to summon up that heart of a lion king. When disciples stand up and chant the daimoku o the Mystic Law in the same mind as the mentor and strive to uphold justice, our lion roar will surely prevail over the devilish functions and powerful enemies, who are like “barking foxes”.

SGI President Ikeda said, “The courage of the lion King is none other than the Gakkai spirit. This courageous spirit is to be summoned forth. There is not a single individual in this world who does not possess courage. It is there in the lives of all but for some, it is in the state of latency. It has yet to be summoned forth… Losers use adversities and words like ‘impossible’ as excuses to limit their own potential without taking any actions. Victors, on the other hand, fearlessly take action with courage and audacity. Herein lies the deciding point between losers and victors.”

Let’s summon forth the Gakkai spirit from within our lives and boldly move forward in order to breakthrough all barriers of obstacles and impossibilities to emerge as shining victors in life.

Translated and adapted from the July 2012 issue of The Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai’s monthly study journal.

Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life - The Spirit of "Many in Body, One in Mind" is the Driving Force of Kosen-rufu

All disciples and lay supporters of Nichiren should chant Nam-myo-ho-renge-kyo with the spirit of many in body but one in mind, transcending all differences among themselves to become as inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim. This spiritual bond is the basis for the universal transmission of the ultimate Law of life and death. Herein lies the true goal of Nichiren’s propagation. When you are so united, even the great desire for widespread propagation (kosen-rufu) can be fulfilled. But if any of Nichiren’s disciples disrupt the unity of many in body but one in mind, they would be like warriors who destroy their own castle from within.

(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Vol 1, p217)

This letter, dated the 11th day of the second month in 1272, was sent by Nichiren Daishonin Daishonin to Sairen-bo Nichijo, who, for reasons that are unclear, was also living in exile on Sado Island.

Details about Sairen-bo are scarce but it is known that he was a learned priest formerly of the Tendai school who had become a follower of the Daishonin while on Sado Island.

It would seem that Sairen-bo had written to him asking about “the heritage of the ultimate Law of life and death”, a term used in the esoteric doctrine of the Tendai school at the time and “The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life” was written in response to his question.

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In this passage, Nichiren Daishonin taught that the heritage of the ultimate Law of life flows in the united spirit of many in body, one in mind.

Right at the outset of this passage, the Daishonin used the phrase, “All disciples and lay supporters of Nichiren”, to address what he was about to say. In other words, the Daishonin was addressing this vital guideline to all practitioners who base themselves on the true spirit of mentor and disciple with the shared commitment to realize kosen-rufu – that is, the harmonious community of practitioners.

Next, the Daishonin cited three key requirements in voicing his expectation of an ideal vision of a harmonious community of practitioners. He urged his disciples to “transcend all differences among themselves”; to “become as inseparable as fish and water”; and to “unite in the spirit of ‘many in body but one in mind’”.

Let’s us first look at the term “differences” in the phrase “transcending all differences among themselves”. What the Daishonin specifically means here are feelings of antagonism, discrimination and selfishness that arise from the tendency to see self and others, or diverse phenomena or events, as separate and disconnected – a tendency that obstructs empathy and understanding.

To “transcend” such differences means to wage an intense struggle against one’s own self-centeredness.

In addition, the Daishonin said that his followers should “become as inseparable as fish and water in which they swim”. This indicates a spirit of mutual respect, understanding, support and caring, regardless of superficial differences in circumstances or position.

Finally, the Daishonin stressed the importance of uniting in the spirit of “many in body but one in mind”. This is the very foundation of the harmonious community of practitioners. It also encompasses the two preceding points.

“Many in body” – which can also be translated as “different in body” – means that we each have our own unique personalities, talent, roles to play; and so on.

In general sense, “one in mind” – or “one in heart” – means sharing a common goal or values. More specifically for us, it means sharing faith in the Mystic Law and the great vow for kosen-rufu.

The Daishonin concluded that the heritage of the ultimate Law of life and death flows in the lives of those who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and advances with this spirit of many in body, one in mind.

In this passage, the Daishonin went on to clarify the crucial point that the “true goal” of his propagation lies in ensuring that his followers embody the spirit of “many in body but one in mind”.

The Daishonin stated with conviction, “When you are so united, even the great desire for widespread propagation (kosen-rufu) can be fulfilled.” The Daishonin was teaching here that only by putting into practice the principle of many in body, one in mind, based on “faith grounded in the shared commitment of mentor and disciple” and “unity built on genuine respect for our fellow practitioners”, can the great vow of the Buddha to realize kosen-rufu be achieved.

SGI President Ikeda said, “Let us continue exerting ourselves wholeheartedly in faith and taking sincere action to create unity in diversity – ‘many in body but one in mind’ – and thereby further expand our harmonious community of practitioners, built by the first three presidents through the shared commitment of mentor and disciple. For this itself is the path of kosen-rufu and is a sure step towards world peace.”

While emphasizing the importance of harmonious unity, the Daishonin also admonished those who disrupt the unity of “many in body but one in mind” as being “like warriors who destroy their own castle from within”. In other words, they are like “worms within the lion’s body”, destroying the kosen-rufu movement from the inside. Hence, the Daishonin instructed his followers about the importance of “transcending all differences among themselves” and to protect the community from such destructive forces.

Let’s consolidate the solidarity among all fellow practitioners and boldly open the way forward for the realization of happiness for all people.

Translated and adapted from the July 2012 issue of The Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai’s monthly study journal.

The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra - The Benefit of Supporting the Votary of the Lotus Sutra

Every being, from the highest sage on down to the smallest mosquito or gnat, holds life to be its most precious possession. To deprive a being of life is to commit the gravest kind of sin… In providing another with sustenance, one obtains three kinds of benefit. First, one sustains one’s own life. Second, one brings colour to one’s face. Third, one gains strength.

(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Vol 1, p667)

This letter was written at Minobu in the intercalary third month of the second year of Kenji (1276) and addressed to Myomitsu, a believer who lived at Kuwagayatsu in Kamakura. While detailed information about Myomitsu is not available, it appeared that he and his wife frequently made offerings to the Daishonin at his small dwelling in the wilderness of Mount Minobu.

Miyomitsu and his wife, together with other followers centering around Shinjo Kingo, maintained their sinere faith in the Daishonin’s teachings even during the most difficult times of the Atsuhara Persecution.

The following explanation is based on SGI President Ikeda’s study series: “Learning from the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin: The Teachings for Victory” on the Gosho, “The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra”.

The Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin teaches that all people can manifest the sublime power of the Mystic Law within their lives. It is a teaching that elucidates the fundamental dignity and sanctity of all life.

The Daishonin began this writing by stating that life is the most precious of all treasures. All living beings, even mosquitoes and gnats, he observed, prized their lives.

Shakyamuni Buddha himself valued all living beings and had immense compassion for them. Regarded as equally important, he added, is making offerings of sustenance, which sustain life.

By starting his letter in this way, the Daishonin seek to lavish the highest praise on Myomitsu for his invaluable offerings that supported and sustained the life of the votary of the Lotus Sutra, an act that will bring the giver unimaginably great benefit.

The Daishonin noted that because such offerings benefit the recipient by sustaining his life, brightening his complexion, and increasing his strength, the same benefits are also gained by the giver. (cf WND-1, p667)

In other words, offerings of sustenance function to support life, bring inner radiance, and strengthen vitality and life-force.

The Daishonin then went on to explain that the givers of such offerings are assured of receiving three kinds ofwondrous karmic reward.

First of all, in the human and heavenly realms, the benefit of having sustained another’s life will manifest as gaining long life; the benefit of having given strength to another will manifest as possessing virtue and influence and winning the trust and respect of many people; and the benefit of bringing colour to another’s face will manifest as being endowed with the thirty-two features and being as graceful and dignified as a lotus flower. (cf WND-1, p667)

The Daishonin also described the karmic rewards of such offerings in the realm of Buddhahood, which appear as the “three bodies of the Buddha” [embodiments of ultimate truth, wisdom, and compassion].

These benefits respectively consist of manifesting oneself as a Buddha of the Dharma body, a body that is as vast and boundless as space; manifesting oneself as a Buddha of the reward body, emanating the pure and brilliant light of supreme wisdom; and manifesting oneself as a Buddha of the manifested body, overflowing with compassion like Shakyamuni. (cf WND-1, p667)

Thus, because actions that support and nurture life are the very heart of Buddhist practice, the benefit of providing another with sustenance manifests not only as immense good fortune for the giver in the human and heavenly realms, but also manifests in the realm of Buddhahood by one’s life perfectly endowed with the three bodies of the Buddha in a single body.

Making offerings enables one to achieve good – the highest expression of which is the supreme good of attaining Buddhahood. In the Daishonin’s Buddhism, especially, the person or teaching to whom the offering is made is also very important.

The provisional teachings teach that if one makes offerings to a sage, one will be reborn in the human and heavenly realms. But by making offerings to the Lotus Sutra, the teaching for attaining Buddhahood, once can manifest the three bodies of the Buddha in one’s own life.

Accordingly, supporting and protecting a votary of the Lotus Sutra, who expounds and spreads the ultimate teaching for gaining enlightenment, is particularly praiseworthy.

The Opening of the Eyes - Establishing Faith to Strive On "When the Crucial Moment Comes"

Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbour doubts in our hearts, we will as a matter of course attain Buddhahood. Do not have any doubts simply because heaven does not lend you protection. Do not be discouraged because you do not enjoy an easy and secure existence in this life. This is what I have taught my disciples morning and evening, and yet they begin to harbor doubts and abandon their faith. Foolish men are likely to forget the promise they have made when the crucial moment comes.

(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Vol 1, p283)

“The Opening of the Eyes” was a treatise in which Nichiren Daishonin revealed his identity as the Buddha of the Latter of the Law, thereby establishing the basis for this treatise being designated as the writing that clarified the object of devotion in terms of the Person.

The Daishonin began writing this treatise immediately after arriving on Sado Island and completed it in February 1272. It was addressed to Shijo Kingo, on behalf of his followers.

The title, “The Opening of the Eyes” means exactly that: “To open the eyes”. It is a call to all people in the Latter Day of the Law to “open their eyes to Nichiren”, who would lead them to happiness.

After experiencing a near execution at Tatsunokuchi on 12 September in the previous year, the Daishonin was exiled to Sado by the authorities. In the aftermath of the Tatsunokuchi Persecution, many of his disciples were imprisoned, banished to exile, or had their lands confiscated.

As a result, a majority of his followers in Kamakura began to harbor doubts and abandoned their faith. The Daishonin described this situation in one of his writings in this manner: “…in Kamakura, among 999 out of 1,000 people… gave up their faith when I was arrested.” (WND-1, p469)

Many in society, including his disciples scathingly asked why, if the Daishonin were truly the votary of the Lotus Sutra as he claimed, he and his followers did not enjoy protection from the heaven.

It was against this setting that the Daishonin composed this treatise. In order to dispel people’s negativity and doubt and instill them with confidence and conviction, it was imperative that the Daishonin provided clear answers to the doubts raised by both his followers and the general populace.

The greater part of this treatise is devoted to clarifying such doubts.

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This is an important passage in which Nichiren Daishonin taught us on establishing faith for surmounting difficulties.

Prior to this passage, the Daishonin wrote: “This I will state. Let the gods forsake me. Let all persecutions assil me. Still I will give my life for the sake of the Law”. (WND-1 p280)

Ready to brave all consequences, the Daishonin articulated his own unshakeable vow to persevere in his efforts to spread the Mystic Law in order to lead all people of the Latter Day to enlightenment., irrespective of the difficulties this may entail and even though he may not receive any protection from the heavens.

The Daishonin then called forth to his disciples to respond to this lion’s roar and share his resolve to stand up and struggle aslongside him through this passage that we are studying this month which begins with the words, “Although I and my disciples…”

It is expounded in the Lotus Sutra that in the course of our endeavor to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime, the three obstacles and four devils will vie with one another to appear and the three powerful enemies will surely appear in our journey of kosen-rufu.

It I for this reason that the Daishonin empahsised here inthis passage that we must not harbor doubts because heaven does not lend us protection or be discouraged because we do not enjoy an easy and secure existence in this life.

Another reason for this admonition is because disbelief is the root of slander and this will destroy one’s faith.

Now, the question is how do we surmount and prevail over these hardships?

The Daishonin stated here very clearly, “if we do not harbor doubts in our hearts” – in other words, by sharing and maintaining strong faith based on the spirit of not begrudging one’s life demonstrated by the Daishonin himself, one will be able to summon forth the great life force that enables one to surmount and prevail over all kinds of obstacles. By doing so, we will “as a matter of course” attain Buddhahood.

This was what the Daishonin had been teaching his disciples all along but when obstacles appear in reality, many began to harbor doubts and abandon their faith.

“Crucial moments” are precisely the time when one should uphold and never forget the promises they made to their mentor and rise up to take on the challenges.

SGI President Ikeda said, “The principles that ‘obstacles lead to enlightenment’ and ‘persecutions lead to attaining Buddhahood’ signify that all obstacles we encounter in life or in the course of our practice of faith appear so that we can attain Buddhahood. Attaining Buddhahood means to attain absolute happiness and eternal victory. It means we can enjoy the same life state as the eternal Buddha and thereby manifest the ultimate strength as a human being.”

Let us be convicted that it is courageous faith to fight all obstacles at crucial moments that will enable us to manifest Buddhahood from within and charge ahead fearlessly.

(Translated and adapted from the May 2012 issue of The Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai's monthly study journal.)

Letter to the Brothers - Times of Difficulties is Precisely the Opportunity to Attain Buddhahood

If you propagate it, devils will rise without fail. If they did not, there would be no way of knowing that this is the correct teaching. Once passage from the same volume reads: “As practice progresses and understanding grows, the three obstacles and four devils emerge in confusing form, vying with one another to interfere… One should be neither influenced or frightened by them. If one falls under their influence, one will be led into the paths of evil. If one is frightened by them, one will be prevented from practicing the correct teaching.” This statement not only applies to me, but also is a guide for my followers. Reverently make this teaching your own, and transmit it as an axiom of faith for future generations.

(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Vol 1, p501)

This is a letter that Nichiren Daishonin wrote to the Ikegami brothers who lived in Ikegami in the province of Musashi (present day Ota Ward in Tokyo) and their wives in which he taught the essence of “faith for surmounting obstacles”. The letter was originally thought to be written in 1275 but recent studies indicate that it was 1276.

It is not clear when the Ikegami brothers took faith in the Daishonin’s teachings but they were generally thought to have been the Daishonin’s earliest followers. The brothers belonged to the Ikegami clan, a prominent samurai family that served as a leading construction contractor for government building projects.

However, after the Daishonin went to live in Mount Minobu, their father opposed their faith in the Lotus Sutra disowned Munenaka, the elder of the two. The guidance in this letter was written in response to the report of this development.

The Daishonin revealed the the true nature of hardships that the brothers were confronting. He explained that hardships arise due to the devil king of the sixth heaven harassing practitioners by negatively influencing those around them.

The Daishonin also explained that practitioners encounter hardships due to their own karma from past lifetimes and that they should in fact be considered a benefit in the form of lessening one’s karmic retribution.

Finally, the Daishonin further explained that hardships can also be seen as an ordeal devised by the heavenly deities - the protective functions of the universe - to test the strength of a person’s faith.

In addition, the Daishonin taught that the appearance of the three obstacles and four devils serves to show that the Ikegami brothers were on the correct path of Buddhist practice and urged them to remain united, and together with their wives, prevailed over the adversity that they were confronting then, based on faith.

Some time after this letter was written, the elder brother was disowned for the second time (after he was reinstated after the first disownment). However, the brothers practiced exactly in accordance with the Daishonin’s teachings and finally wn their father over by successfully converting him to the Daishonin’s Buddhism.

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The practice of Buddhism entails a struggle between the forces of the Buddha and devilish functions.

To the beleaguered Ikegami brothers who were confronting one of the most serious crises in their lives, the Daishonin encouraged them that they must on no account be defeated by such negative forces.

The first point that the Daishon encouraged them that they must on no account be beaten be defeated by such negative functions.

The first point that the Daishonin revealed in this passage is that when one carries out one’s Buddhist practice correctly, the working of negative forces will surely appear.

The Daishonin’s Buddhism is a religion of transformation that uphold the universal enlightenment of al people. It is preciously for this reason, when once strives in one’s Buddhist practice based on resolute faith, that negative functions appear to hinder one’s progress in one’s faith and practice.

In this passage the Daishonin cited a message from the Great Teacher T’ien T’ai’s Great Concentration and Insight which reads: “As practice regresses and understanding grows, the three obstacles three obstacles and four devils emerge in confusing form, vying with one another to interfere.” In our context, we can say that when we strive on the two paths of study and practice and when our conviction in faith is about to be further strengthened, that is the crucial when negative forces will appear to hintder us from doing so.

On top of this, the point to note is that the passage stated that the “three obstacles and four devils emerge in confusing form”.

These negative functions seek to catch practitioners of the Daishonin’s Buddhism off guard, and through various insidious means, they vie with one another to tempt, discourage or exhaust them.

Now, the question is how do we remain unaffected by the three obstacles and four devils? Here, the Daishonin outlined two key ingredients for the find of faith needed to conquer them - (1) “not being influenced by them” and (2) “not being frightened by them”.

“Not being influenced by them” manifest the “wisdom” to see devilish functions for what they are and not be swayed by them, while “not being frightened by them” means to summon forth the “courage” to stand up to them without fear. In terms of our daily practice, it is by carrying out the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge kyo that will enable us to manifest the wisdom and courage from within our lives to defeat such negative forces.

Nichiren Daishon himself set an example by walking along this very path of battling and thoroughly triumphing over devilish functions in exact accordance with the passage from Great Concentration and Insight expounds. Based on the actual proof, the Daishonin stated, “This statement not only applies to me, but also is a guide for my followers. Reverently make this teaching your own, and transmit it as an axiom of faith for future generations.”

In this way, the Daishonin called forth to his disciples to courageously wage a struggle against all obstacles that appear before us in the shared commitment of mentor and disciple.

SGI President said, “It is because we strive to realise kosen-rufu that devilish functions appear to obstruct us. And their appearance is precisely your opportunity to attain Buddhahood. Struggling against the three obstacles and four devils is the path to Buddhahood. This is the formula for attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime.”

Let’s us strive based on faith that remains undaunted in the face of the three obstacles and four devils and open forth a victorious state of life.

(Translated and adapted from the April 2012 issue of The Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai's monthly study journal.)

The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood - Sowing Seeds of Happiness in Life of Others

Because I have expounded this teaching, I have been exiled and almost killed. As the saying goes, “Good advice grates not the ear”. But still I am not discouraged. The Lotus Sutra is like the seed, the Buddha like the sower, and the people like the field.

(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Vol 1, p748)

This letter was written from Mount Minobu on August 1276 to Soya, a lay follower who had lived in Soya Village in Shimosa Province.

His full name and title were Soya Jiro Hyoe-no-jo Kyoshin, and he was thought to have been an officer of the high court of the Kamakura shogunate. Together with Toki Jonin and Ota Jomyo, he was one of the leading believers in Shimosa.

He received many important writings containing the essential doctrines of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. The content of these letter clearly indicated that he had strong faith and was highly educated.

In this letter, the Daishonin first explained that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo constitutes the two elements of reality and wisdom, the way to Buddhahood.

The Daishonin also pointed out at the end of the letter that one who ignores those who commit slander will not be able to attain Buddhahood. In this way, as the title of the Gosho suggested, the Daishonin laid down the essentials for attaining Buddhahood.

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To whom do we owe this debt of gratitude for the fact that we are practising the teaching of the Mystic Law today? As memories raced through our minds, probably the faces of seniors in faith, fellow members or family members who did their utmost best to share Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings with us appear vividly.

However, if we were to trace to the beginning of it all, the wellspring is none other that Nichiren Daishonin himself.

The Daishonon established the teaching of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the essence of the Lotus Sutra, as the fundamental teaching for all people in the Latter Day of the Law to enjoy peace and happiness in their lives. Thereafter, he initiated a movement to spread this teaching far and wide.

In this letter, the Daishonin taught that if one forgets the original teacher, one would surely lose sight of the correct path to enlightenment. During the Daishonin’s time, various Buddhist schools slandered and criticised Shakyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sutra.

It was in response to this religious landscape that the Daishonin called forth that one should never forget the originsl teacher for all people, and tried to awaken these schools from their erroneous thoughts by expounding “this teaching”.

For this reason, as the Daishonin said in this Gosho, “Good advice grates on the ear”, the Daishonin was intensely hated by people with deep attachments to erroneous thoughts and teachings.

As a result, the Daishonin was harshly persecuted, experiencing life-threathening oppressions, including a near-execution and exiles.

Despite having experienced such adversities, the Daishon stated, “But still I am not discouraged.” Though short, this statement expresses the Daishonin’s indomitable resolve to continue waging the struggle for kosen-rufu and that he would never give up this endeavour no matter what happens.

This is because the Daishonin was well aware that he did not overcome these great obstacles and spread the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, the Law that would lead all people of the Latter Day to happiness will perish.

The Daishonin revealed the underlying profound significance of the teaching he had establish in this manner: “The Lotus Sutra is like the seed, the Buddha like the sower, and the people like the field.”

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the seed of Buddhahood that enables all ordinary beings to become a Buddha.

The Buddha is like a sower, who sow the seeds of Buddhahood in the lives of the people.

Likewise, when we share the teachings of the Mystic Law with someone, our efforts can help awaken the innate Buddhahood that exists in the depths of his or her life.

In this way, there is no doubt the practice of propagation constitutes the “Buddha’s action” of sowing the seed of Buddhahood in life of the others.

SGI President Ikeda explained in this guidance: “Kosen-rufu is an endeavour to sow the seeds of absolute happiness - seeds that enable people to feel that living is itself a joy - in the lives of all people.”

Let’s us continue carrying out the noble endeavour of sowing seeds of happiness in the lives of others by initiating sincere dialogues based on prayers for the happiness of our friends.

(Translated and adapted from the November 2011 issue of The Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai's monthly study journal.)

Winter Always Turns to Spring - Advancing Fearlessly towards the Spring of Victory

Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are a if in winter, but winter always turn to spring. Never, from ancient times on, has anyone heard or seen of winter turning back to autumn. Nor have we ever heard of a believer in the Lotus Sutra who turned into an ordinary person. The sutra reads, “If there are those who hear the Law, then not one will fail to attain Buddhahood.”

(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Vol 1, p997)

This letter, written in the fifth month of 1275 when Nichiren Daishonin was 54, was addressed to lay nun Myoichi, who lived in Kamakura.

Lay nun Myoichi and her husband were strong believers who maintained pure faith throughout the most difficult times of the Daishonin’s life from the Tatsunokuchi Persecution to the Sado exile.

But because of their faith in the Lotus Sutra, their estate was confiscated and on top of this, Myoichi’s husband passed away before the Daishonin was pardoned from his sentence of exile on Sado. Besides losing her husband, Myoichi was struggling to raise her children alone. Despite her many difficulties, Myoichi sent her attendant to where the Daishonin was in Sado to serve and protect him.

Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter to encourage her, explaining that believers of the Lotus Sutra are as if in the midst of winter, but that winter unfailingly turns to spring. The Daishonin assured her that there is no doubt about her husband’s attainment of enlightenment since he displayed strong faith by continuing to follow the Daishonin even when his estate was confiscated because of his faith.

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Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism is a teaching of hope that expounds the possibility of changing any kind of karma. The purpose of our practice of faith is to accumulate good fortune each time we overcome hardships in life to attain a life state of absolute happiness that remain indestructible for eternity.

Even though we may be in the midst of a harsh winter in life, there is no doubt that we will usher in the spring of life underscored by victory. The winter of life is filled with harsh adversities is in fact, a turning point that serves as an opportunity for us to establish a life state of Buddhahood, that is, absolute happiness.

This was precisely what Nichiren Daishonin perceived in the life of Myoichi. The Daishonin perceived that this was the crucial moment for Myoichi. She must have been experiencing extreme hardship having lost her husband and left alone to raise her children, one of whom was sickly.

However, from the perspective of the eternity of life, there is absolutely no doubt that both Myoichi and her husband who strove together with the Daishonin through the most difficult times, had already entered the orbit of attaining Buddhahood, that is, realising a life state of absolute happiness that remains indestructible for eternity.

The Daishonin experienced successive persecutions, some of which were life-threatening, for the sake of propagating the teaching of the Mystic Law that leads all people in the Latter Day to happiness. However, no matter how great the persecution, the Daishonin’s heart remained undefeated. Even in the midst of adversities, the Daishonin wrote, “Not once have I thought of retreat” (WND-2, p465); “I feel immeasurable delight” (WND-1, p386).

The Daishonin established a magnificent life state that remained unaffected by the trials and tribulations in life. Not only did he remain undefeated, the Daishonin waged a tremendous struggle and turned the tables around by actually returning to mainland Japan alive from his exile on Sado, scoring an unprecedented victory.

On top of this, the righteousness of the Daishonin’s teachings was proven when his prediction of foreign invasion was realised with the Mongols’ invasion of Japan.

Based on these actual proofs of victories that the Daishonin demonstrated with his life, the Daishonin called forth to Myoichi with absolute conviction: “Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turns to spring.” The Daishonin powerfully convinced Myoichi that it is simply not possible that one who believes in the Lotus Sutra would continue suffering forever.

Through these words, the Daishonin urged Myoichi that she must never harbour any doubts in her practice of faith and that she must continue forging ahead, no matter how difficult it is.

SGI President said in his novel, The New Human Revolution, “When the spring of victory comes after a winter of harsh trials, everything is transformed into happiness and joy. Without having cried, you cannot genuinely laugh; without having suffered, you cannot savour real joy. I’m sure there are times when, in the midst of some difficulties, you think, ‘Why me?’ But that in fact is your change to fulfil the mission you have chosen. The deeper your suffering, the greater your mission.”

Let’s us be convinced of the spring of victory in our lives and continue in our courageous endeavour to construct a youthful SGI.

(Translated and adapted from the February 2012 issue of The Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai's monthly study journal.)