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Gosho Study

Our Mission as Bodhisattvas of the Earth

At first only Nichiren chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, but then two, three, and a hundred followed, chanting and teaching others. Propagation will unfold this way in the future as well. Does this not signify “emerging from the earth”? At the time when the Law has spread far and wide, the entire Japanese nation will chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, as surely as an arrow aimed at the earth cannot miss the target. (“The True Aspect of All Phenomena,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 385)

Ikeda Sensei’s Guidance

The “time” for the Bodhisattvas of the Earth to carry out their mission is the evil age of the Latter Day, and the “place” where they will do so is this saha world. Having chosen the most challenging circumstances, they rise into action here and now to help those experiencing the greatest suffering attain enlightenment.

Nichiren Buddhism teaches the principle of voluntarily assuming the appropriate karma. This represents the transformation from a passive life to an active, self-motivated life—one based on the conviction that we have voluntarily chosen to be born into difficult and challenging circumstances to lead others to enlightenment. By making a vow for kosen-rufu based on this principle, we can transform our karma into our mission. When we awaken to our mission from the remote past, we will gain a new sense of self. We will be able to “cast off the transient and reveal the true” in our own lives and enable our real potential to shine forth.

Those who have awakened to their mission as Bodhisattvas of the Earth fear nothing. When we take on the mission to help others become happy, courage and strength well up spontaneously from within us. … At first only Nichiren chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, but then two, three, and a hundred followed, chanting and teaching others. Propagation will unfold this way in the future as well. Does this not signify “emerging from the earth”? At the time when the Law has spread far and wide, the entire Japanese nation will chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, as surely as an arrow aimed at the earth cannot miss the target. (“The True Aspect of All Phenomena,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 385)

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Here, I would like to reconfirm the SGI’s mission with you as follows:

1) As an organization of Bodhisattvas of the Earth directly connected to Nichiren Daishonin, the SGI will forever be dedicated to realizing the great vow for kosen-rufu and work tirelessly for world peace and the happiness of humanity.

2) With faith based on the spirit of the oneness of mentor and disciple and the unity of many in body, one in mind, the SGI will forever strive to open the way to the triumph of humanity.

3) Acting with self-initiative and respect for each individual, the SGI will forever illuminate people’s lives and society with the light of courage and hope.

4) Standing on the side of the people, the SGI will forever champion the welfare of the people and advance together with them.

5) Transcending all forms of discrimination and prejudice, the SGI will forever spread its network of human equality. (Learning From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin: The Teachings for Victory, vol. 6, pp. 38–41)

Showing Victorious Proof of Our Human Revolution

Sharing Nichiren Buddhism—The Compassionate Practice for Realizing Happiness for Ourselves and Others