This monthly encouragement by Ikeda Sensei was originally published in the December 2020 issue of the Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai’s monthly study journal.
In one of his letters, Nichiren Daishonin commends a disciple who had shown dedicated faith in a time of social turmoil, when people were undergoing great suffering and distress. He writes: “Surely you are sowing good seeds in a field of fortune. My tears never cease to flow when I think of it [your sincere devotion]” (“The Bodies and Minds of Ordinary Beings,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1134).
I take these words as praise for all our noble members who have persevered with unwavering dedication to kosen-rufu in what has been a challenging year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Nichiren Daishonin, the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law, is fully aware of everything we are going through. In a letter to Shijo Kingo, who was facing a series of hardships, he states: “If you should fall into hell for some grave offense, no matter how Shakyamuni Buddha might urge me to become a Buddha, I would refuse; I would rather go to hell with you. For if you and I should fall into hell together, we would find Shakyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sutra there” (“The Three Kinds of Treasure,” WND-1, 850). Have no fear, Nichiren assures Shijo Kingo, telling him that he will accompany him if he falls into hell. Even hell can be transformed into a Land of Tranquil Light, he says.
We are always advancing together with the Daishonin, the Mystic Law, and all Buddhas and heavenly deities throughout the universe. Is there any source of hope more powerful, profound and all-encompassing?
With this unsurpassed hope, Shijo Kingo persevered bravely and patiently, refusing to be defeated by anything. He ultimately overcame the obstacles he faced, achieving a victory of mentor and disciple and continued to encourage and support his fellow practitioners.
This invincible spirit of Shijo Kingo that was lauded by Nichiren was revived in modern times in the form of our Soka Gakkai spirit.
Through their great struggle of selfless dedication to propagating the Law, our first and second presidents, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda, clearly demonstrated that all our efforts to realize kosen-rufu and the ideal of “establishing the correct teaching for the peace of the land” are a shared struggle with the Daishonin. They taught us that when we burn with this pride and hope, and pray for, support and encourage one another, we can triumph over anything without fail.
Today, through the digital edition of the Seikyo Shimbun and various other online platforms, our members and friends around the world are able to remain closely connected. The human revolution of a single individual and the united achievements of one community can serve as a bright source of hope, and inspiration for members and nonmembers alike, setting in motion fresh waves of victory.
Aiming toward our centennial, and in the spirit of “Here I will make a great vow” (“The Opening of the Eyes,” WND-1, 280), let’s sow the seeds of the Mystic Law and cause our lives to brim with “the greatest of all joys” (The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, p. 212). With supreme hope and unparalleled victories, together let’s illuminate the 21st century and usher in a brighter future!
May boundless flowers of happiness
adorn the lives of
our precious members
who continue to sow the seeds of kosen-rufu,
whether or not their efforts are recognized.
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