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Brief Guidances

Encouragement That Plants the Seeds of Buddhahood in Others’ Hearts

Words of Encouragement From Ikeda Sensei

Photo by Leigh Patrick / Pexels

The Lotus Sutra is like the seed, the Buddha like the sower, and the people like the field.

“The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 748


When we tell others about the joy of practicing Nichiren Buddhism, we plant the seeds of Buddhahood in their hearts. We therefore don’t need to worry about whether they respond positively or negatively. With time, those seeds will produce flowers of happiness and create an ever-unfolding garden of harmony and joy.

We are sowing the seeds of the Mystic Law. Taking pride in carrying out this most noble work of the Buddha, let us carefully nurture each of the precious connections we have made through sharing the Mystic Law.

With the eternal optimism of “still I am not discouraged” (WND-1, 748), let us continue, wisely and cheerfully, to help many more people form a connection to Nichiren Buddhism, directly carrying on the Daishonin’s spirit.

From the Dec. 28, 2021, issue of the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun

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