Courage—Your Determination to Win in This Moment Can Change Everything

Issuing the lion’s roar^[1]
to guide the poor and destitute 
to happiness—
seven years of my life
crowned with delight.

For seven years, he had selflessly dedicated himself to going out among the people and working for their happiness, striving harder with each passing year, ascending the steep and difficult path to a new summit of triumph in our movement for kosen-rufu. 

Inexhaustible Fighting Spirit

Instead of just sitting back, however, Mr. Toda resolved to exert himself even more bravely and vigorously. 

In December 1957, after the announcement that we had achieved the goal of 750,000 households, Mr. Toda said, “Daisaku, I want to devote the next seven years to reaching two million households.” But just two months later, he set an even higher goal of three million. Having surmounted one towering peak, he resolved to take on the next, to keep engaging in new challenges. 

Whenever I, a disciple committed to striving alongside my mentor, saw Mr. Toda’s inexhaustible fighting spirit, I was inspired and uplifted, and I fought with even greater courage and resolve.

Our Mentor’s Call to Strive Bravely and Vigorously

In his editorial, Mr. Toda predicted that great obstacles would befall the Soka Gakkai. He called on his precious fellow members to stand up with courageous faith, writing: “No matter how strong our opponents, you mustn’t fear them, you mustn’t let them sway you. … I pray earnestly that you will forge ahead bravely and vigorously on the great path of kosen-rufu.”^[2] And in closing, he urged:

Repeat to yourself morning and night the Daishonin’s words “You must not spend your lives in vain and regret it for ten thousand years to come” (“The Problem to be Pondered Night and Day,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 622), and strive with faith that grows stronger day by day, month by month, and year by year. This should be the basic spirit for everything you do in the coming year and throughout your life. Start by making a firm determination! Then, set to work with courage!^[3]

Let us once again answer Mr. Toda’s powerful call and make the great life force that comes from exerting ourselves bravely and vigorously rise brilliantly within us like the morning sun!

I would like to dedicate the next several chapters of this series^[4] to our youth division members, to whom I fully entrust our movement for worldwide kosen-rufu. In doing so, I wish to share passages from the Daishonin’s writings and recorded teachings that offer lessons on humanistic leadership and guidelines for living a victorious youth. 

The first subject is courage, the essence of which is the Buddhist teaching of “exerting oneself bravely and vigorously.”

Let us begin with a passage from The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings.^[5]

Freely Revealing Our Buddhahood

If in a single moment of life we exhaust the pains and trials of millions of kalpas,^[6] then instant after instant there will arise in us the three Buddha bodies^[7] with which we are eternally endowed. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is just such a “diligent” practice. (OTT, 214)

“Emerging from the Earth,” the Lotus Sutra’s 15th chapter, contains the phrase “in order that day and night with constant diligence they may seek the Buddha way” (LSOC, 260). Here, Shakyamuni Buddha, the teacher, praises the devoted efforts of the countless Bodhisattvas of the Earth,[refBodhisattvas of the Earth: The innumerable bodhisattvas who appear in “Emerging from the Earth,” the 15th chapter of the Lotus Sutra, and are entrusted by Shakyamuni with the task of propagating the Law after his death. In “Supernatural Powers,” the 21st chapter, led by Bodhisattva Superior Practices, they vow to spread the Buddha’s teaching in the saha world in the evil age of the Latter Day of the Law.[/ref]] his disciples, who have dynamically emerged on the scene.

The passage from the Orally Transmitted Teachings we are studying here is Nichiren Daishonin’s comment on this phrase.

No matter what storms of adversity we may encounter, we must persevere in our faith in the Mystic Law. We must dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to the struggle for kosen-rufu and continue along the supreme path to a life of supreme value. In this passage, Nichiren assures us that if we do, we will activate the boundless state of Buddhahood within us. 

A Passage That Offers a Lesson for Soka Youth 

Soon after I joined the Soka Gakkai, Mr. Toda said to me sternly, referring to this passage: “Engrave these words of the Daishonin in your life. Champions of the Soka Gakkai should never forget them.” 

It is a difficult passage to understand, but since my mentor told me to engrave it in my life, I deeply determined to grasp its full meaning. I read and pondered it again and again. I did so during the bitter winter of adversity when Mr. Toda’s businesses collapsed in the postwar recession, and I worked my hardest to support him and turn the situation around. I also did so during the Osaka Campaign of 1956,^[8] which paved the way to our achieving a victory that everyone had said was impossible. I prayed and strove earnestly to break through the obstacles before us and win in each moment. 

Through those efforts, I summoned forth the “wisdom of the truth that functions in accordance with changing circumstances” (OTT, 10), broke through all the dark clouds that hung over us, and raised high the banner of the victory of Soka. Now I would like to present this same passage to you, my beloved youth division members around the world. I hope you will engrave its essence in your lives, which are united with my own, and carry on the invincible spirit of Soka champions. 

This Moment Determines the Eternal Future

“The pains and trials of millions of kalpas” (OTT, 214) connotes eons of painful, arduous effort. We could take this to mean endless such struggles. 

But in a dramatic departure, Nichiren Daishonin teaches that when we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and work to spread the Mystic Law, in those very actions, we “exhaust the pains and trials of millions of kalpas” in each moment. That is, we concentrate millions of eons’ worth of arduous effort in a single moment. Ultimately, this teaches that we must win decisively right now.

The Daishonin writes: “The lion king … always exerts its full power in attack, regardless of the strength of its opponent” (“A Comparison of the Lotus and Other Sutras,” WND-1, 1039). Lion kings never hold back their strength, regardless of the opponent. It’s important, therefore, that we give our all, seizing each moment, chanting Nam-
myoho-renge-kyo, and continuing to make wholehearted efforts. Such diligent practice is what “exerting ourselves bravely and vigorously” means and is the very essence of courage.

By “exerting ourselves bravely and vigorously,” we activate the “three Buddha bodies with which we are eternally endowed” (OTT, 214)—that is, the Buddha’s compassion and wisdom come flowing forth like a wellspring from within, and we find the true strength innate in our lives. 

The Vibrant Spirit of ‘True Cause’

Regarding the phrase from the Lotus Sutra, the Daishonin offers a deeper interpretation. He suggests an alternative reading: “Constant diligence day and night—this has always been the way to seek the Buddha way” (OTT, 214). In other words, by striving diligently in our Buddhist practice day and night, we fulfill our vow from the remote past. Diligent practice is the key. Those who carry out diligent practice by devoting themselves to kosen-rufu manifest, in instant after instant, the three Buddha bodies.

By maintaining deep-seated resolve to continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo oneself and to teach others to do the same, no matter what happens, the spirit of constant diligence will become firmly rooted in your lives. As long as we never forget to chant throughout the ever-changing circumstances of our lives, our spirit to seek the Buddha way will remain strong and keep burning brightly, which is the meaning of “this has always been the way to seek the Buddha way.” This is the dynamic life state of the Buddhist spirit of “true cause”^[9]—of always moving forward from this moment on—a life state that is ever new, ever strong and ever dedicated. It is what the Daishonin means when he says, “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is just such a ‘diligent’ practice.” 

Why does the Soka Gakkai always brim with a vibrant spirit of growth and development? Because its members—men, women, young, and old—embody this unflagging seeking spirit in faith. They embody the courage to challenge their human revolution and work for kosen-rufu.

Heroic Ordinary People Surmounting Every Obstacle

Courage is not just acting bravely. Buddhist courage embodies “perceiving the true aspect of reality^[10] and having the wisdom to triumph over adversity.

In life, we may encounter an endless array of unexpected challenges and daunting hardships: financial difficulties, human relations problems, illness, accidents and even the possibility of our own death. Storms of karma may assail us and plunge us into the depths of despair. But by opening the eyes of faith and perceiving the true aspect
of reality, we can see that everyone inherently possesses the indestructible life state of Buddhahood. We can see that everyone, by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, can manifest the life force of the Buddha to overcome every challenge and find true happiness and fulfillment.

That is why, in the Soka Gakkai, we see so many dramas of human revolution unfold as members confront every kind of harsh and bitter reality head on. Our organization shines with countless heroic ordinary people who have taken on life’s challenges and obstacles bravely, without self-pity, fear, or dread, chanting and fighting hard to win. Throughout the world, such courageous champions of transforming karma—champions of good fortune and benefit—work actively for kosen-rufu. They all give expression to their unique potential in accord with the Buddhist principle of cherry, peach, plum and damson (see OTT, 200).

Every person is a brave and noble Bodhisattva of the Earth and a committed fighter in the shared struggle of mentor and disciple.

Steadfastly Committed to the Path of Mentor and Disciple

The Great Teacher Miao-lo^[11] stated, “The stronger one’s faith, the greater the protection of the gods.”^[12]So long as one maintains firm faith, one is certain to receive the great protection of the gods. I say this for your sake. I know your faith has always been admirable, but now you must strengthen it more than ever. Only then will the ten demon daughters [guardian deities of Buddhism]^[13] lend you even greater protection. You need not seek far for an example. Everyone in Japan, from the sovereign on down to the common people, without exception has tried to do me harm, but I have survived until this day. You should realize that this is because, although I am alone, I have firm faith. (“The Supremacy of the Law,” WND-1, 614)^[14]

Next, let us look at “The Supremacy of the Law,” a letter Nichiren addressed to Nichimyo, also referred to as the “mother of Oto” in his writings.

Nichimyo earnestly sought Nichiren’s teachings. She traveled the vast distance from Kamakura, crossing mountains and sea, to visit him in his exile on Sado Island. Many of his disciples had abandoned their faith in the face of hostility and persecution. But this brave woman remained true to the path of mentor and disciple. In tribute, Nichiren gave her the Buddhist name Sage Nichimyo (Sun Wonderful).^[15] During the Daishonin’s lifetime, and today as well, brave women of strong faith like Nichimyo have blazed new trails for kosen-rufu. 

Ordinary men and women standing up with the same spirit as their mentor to pass on the legacy of faith to future generations—their courageous stories have transcended the boundaries of time and place, and spread today to friends all around the globe. That is how the worldwide propagation of the Mystic Law has unfolded. 

Nichimyo practiced Buddhism with utmost dedication, which Nichiren fully knew. Still she struggled amid adversity while caring for her young daughter, Oto. This is why Nichiren encourages her, “I know your faith has always been admirable, but now you must strengthen it more than ever” (WND-1, 614). Now is the time, he tells her, to rouse even deeper and stronger courage. He assures her that she will definitely overcome her troubles. 

Those who will inherit and carry on this courageous spirit of strengthening one’s faith more than ever are none other than our youth division members, who embody the principle “blue dye is bluer even than indigo itself” (“Offerings in the Snow,” WND-2, 809).

Champions Stand Alone With Firm Faith

In “The Supremacy of the Law,” the Daishonin encourages Nichimyo to “strengthen [her resolve] more than ever” (WND-1, 615). He tells her, “You need not seek far for an example,” and shares how he has endured and triumphantly overcome all kinds of persecution and hardship. He states that though alone, he could win over everything because he had “firm faith” (WND-1, 614).

The opposite of firm or courageous faith is cowardice. Earlier in this letter, he writes: “In battles soldiers regard the general as their soul. If the general were to lose heart, his soldiers would become cowards” (WND-1, 613). Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the Soka Gakkai’s first president, heavily underlined this passage in his copy of the Daishonin’s writings. Soka Gakkai leaders need to have resolute courage. It is like the Japanese saying “Under a brave general, there are no cowardly soldiers.” 

The Daishonin repeatedly stresses the importance of courage, writing, “Nichiren’s disciples cannot accomplish anything if they are cowardly” (“The Teaching, Practice, and Proof,” WND-1, 481) and “Have profound faith. A coward cannot have any of his prayers answered” (“The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra,” WND-1, 1001). Courage means conquering fear and cowardice, and basing ourselves on deep, resolute faith. That is the way of a great champion in life.

Another of his writings states:

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 beast, nor do its cubs. Slanderers are like barking foxes, but Nichiren’s followers are like roaring lions. … Strengthen your faith day by day and month after month. Should you slacken in your resolve even a bit, devils will take advantage. (WND-1, 997) 

He urges his disciples to “never succumb to threats”—that is, to not let anything frighten or intimidate them. The Lotus Sutra says of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth: “Their minds know no fear” (LSOC, 263). We must always ask ourselves, do we at this moment have courage in our hearts? Courage is the foremost requirement for leading a victorious life. It is the heart of leadership for winning in our struggle for kosen-rufu.

Overcome Inner Weakness With the Lion’s Roar of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo

Courage does not lie outside our daily lives or beyond our reach. We find it right here within our lives, which embody the principle of the mutual possession of the Ten Worlds.^[16] Anyone, irrespective of age or gender, can bring forth courage. We can overcome our inner weakness with the lion’s roar of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, and we can surmount our self-imposed limitations that make us give up or settle for less. 

Further, when we bravely talk to people out of a wish to realize happiness for ourselves and others, we are practicing compassion. “As ordinary mortals, it can sometimes be difficult for us to summon forth compassion,” Mr. Toda said, “but we can substitute courage for compassion. The courage to speak the truth is equivalent to compassion. They are two sides of the same coin, and heads is courage.” 

Courageous faith itself reflects the life state of Buddhahood. The mentors and disciples of Soka will forever continue to take action and win with the power of courage. 

Walk the Path of Our Convictions Based On the Spirit of Mentor and Disciple 

I would like to share with you some words of Mahatma Gandhi: “If I am told that my dream can never materialize, I would answer, ‘that is possible,’ and go my way. I am a seasoned soldier of nonviolence, and I have evidence enough to sustain my faith. Whether, therefore, I have one comrade or more or none, I must continue my experiment.”^[17]

His profound words teach us that there is no more courageous way of life than remaining true to one’s convictions. We of the Soka Gakkai walk our own path of conviction. We have unwavering belief that the lofty ideal of kosen-rufu will lead to realizing humanity’s dream of lasting peace and true happiness for all. 

The Soka Gakkai originated from the relationship of mentor and disciple between two individuals, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda. Mr. Makiguchi died in prison for his beliefs under the oppressive wartime militarist government. Mr. Toda, imprisoned alongside him and later released, rose up alone amid the devastation of postwar Japan and declared that the time for kosen-rufu had arrived.

At nineteen, I became Mr. Toda’s disciple. I wholeheartedly supported him and inherited his legacy in full. And, together with my fellow members, I have made real the vow shared by mentor and disciple to achieve worldwide kosen-rufu. 

The first three Soka Gakkai presidents overcame hatred and jealousy more intense than those during the Buddha’s lifetime.¹⁹ Without power, wealth, or status, we held aloft the torch of courage and built a great network of ordinary people—individuals awakened to their mission as Bodhisattvas of the Earth—that shines brilliantly in the annals of Buddhism. 

The mentors and disciples of Soka have walked the path of unsurpassed courage, the essence of faith for attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime. It is the path of undying courage dedicated to realizing kosen-rufu and the Daishonin’s ideal of establishing the correct teaching for the peace of the land. 

Today, youthful Bodhisattvas of the Earth around the world continue to build strong ties as they stride forward along this great path. How happy this would surely make Presidents Makiguchi and Toda!

Courageously Creating a Golden Age of Global Kosen-rufu 

We have entered a magnificent golden age of worldwide kosen-rufu in which our members are striving dynamically in 192 countries and territories. The mentors and disciples of Soka have achieved indisputable victory. 

Let us of the Soka Gakkai continue to advance with unflagging courage! Courage gives rise to resolve, action and joy. It is a source of hope. It breaks through limitations, opens the way forward and assures victory. And courage spreads, creating more courage. 

My dear young friends around the world, have courage! Have courage at all times! Have resolute and thoroughgoing courage!

Now is the time for all our members, who embody the youthful spirit of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, to exert themselves bravely and vigorously. With vibrant courage, let us make a victory song of brilliant achievement resound far and wide.

From the January Living Buddhism