From Appreciation Comes Courage and Joy

The World Tribune is publishing Ikeda Sensei’s encouragement every month for the SGI-USA women’s division’s America Victory Daimoku Group and Sophia Group meetings. The following excerpt is from The New Human Revolution, vol. 26, pp. 333–34.

“Second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda often used to say: ‘Those who are always thankful for the Gohonzon enjoy ever-increasing prosperity and good fortune.’ Those who lose their sense of gratitude will find that their good fortune will begin to dissipate. ‘I’ve always been protected. It’s all because of the Gohonzon.’ From this spirit of appreciation come joy, hope and courage.

“Gratitude also enriches our heart. On the other hand, if we are always dissatisfied and disgruntled, we will impoverish our own heart. By taking part in day-to-day Soka Gakkai activities with a spirit of gratitude to the Gohonzon, we can transform our life state.

“Offerings are a means of repaying our gratitude to the Gohonzon and the Buddha. Traditionally in Buddhism, there are two kinds of offerings. They are 1) offering of goods—such as food, clothing and other material goods—and 2) offerings of the Law—such as paying reverence to the Buddha, praising and honoring him. Spreading Buddhism and encouraging our fellow members fall into the category of offerings of the Law.

“It may not be immediately apparent, but when we participate in Soka Gakkai activities and joyfully make such offerings of the Law, we will gradually be accumulating good fortune. Eventually this will manifest as great benefit. This is called inconspicuous benefit. Through this, we can build an unshakable foundation for our lives and realize a state of absolute happiness.”