This series, prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department, aims to answer questions about the basics of Nichiren Buddhism.
We all crave comfort—and so do our brains! Studies show that we prefer familiar thoughts and feelings, often resisting advice.[1]
Yet research also reveals that staying open to input accelerates our growth.[2]
Such tendencies signal how seeking to further our understanding of Buddhism helps us break free from our assumptions—about life, ourselves and the limitless potential and power of our Buddhist practice.
Nichiren Daishonin often praised his disciples’ seeking spirit—the drive to learn, improve and keep moving forward—writing for instance:
For you to inquire about the Lotus Sutra and ask its meaning is a rare source of good fortune. (“The One Essential Phrase,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 922)
• • •
If you do not question and resolve your doubts, you cannot dispel the dark clouds of illusion, any more than you could travel a thousand miles without legs. (“Letter to Niike,” WND-1, 1031)
In other words, questioning things and voicing our doubts are vital fuel for our development. The tradition of seeking guidance and sharing encouragement has driven the Soka Gakkai’s global movement.
Seeking guidance in faith isn’t weakness; it’s an exercise of strength. Even seasoned members seek advice from younger leaders. Why? Because heartfelt dialogue sparks something profound—the inner Buddhahood in both people. It’s not just the words; it’s the connection and heartfelt exchange that leaves us refreshed and ready to chant and take on life with greater resolve.
‘Questions Lead to Progress’
Ikeda Sensei reminds us:
Questions lead to progress. When doubts are cleared away, a refreshing certainty is established. (The Teachings for Victory, vol. 5, p. 45)
Nichiren wrote countless letters responding with care to his followers’ questions—letters that still inspire millions today.
In Nichiren Buddhism and the SGI, the more questions, the better! They open the door to joyful, heartfelt exchanges that transform people’s lives.
Josei Toda, the second Soka Gakkai president, spent hours each day encouraging members who were struggling with financial, health and family problems. His warm words, brimming with faith and conviction, turned despair into hope.
For instance, he once said to someone: “Don’t worry. If you practice this Buddhism, you cannot fail to become happy. Please be a champion of the spirit. Live out your life fully and proudly as a praiseworthy member of the Soka Gakkai” (The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 93).
People left their sessions with him smiling—not because their circumstances suddenly changed but because their hearts did.
Sensei carried on this tradition. In The New Human Revolution, he encouraged a farmer in Brazil facing crop failure. Speaking with him in detail about his work, Sensei concluded:
“Prayer in Nichiren Buddhism means to chant based on a pledge or vow. At its very core, this vow is to attain kosen–rufu. It means chanting resolutely with the determination: ‘I will realize kosen–rufu in Brazil. Therefore, I will show magnificent actual proof in my work. Please enable me to somehow bring forth my greatest potential.’ This is what our prayer should be like.” (vol. 1, p. 269)
That guidance transformed the farmer’s hopelessness into resolve—and led to his remarkable success.
For SGI leaders, the key is to pray, listen deeply, empathize and share inspiration rooted in the Daishonin’s teachings—not personal opinion—so each person can rise up with hope.
A Spirit to Improve Limitlessly
Mr. Toda once wrote:
Faith in Nam-myoho-renge-kyo means self-improvement—unlimited self-improvement. … The Mystic Law enables us to improve ourselves even more, even further. (Feb. 16, 2018, World Tribune, p. 2)
A seeking spirit means summoning the will to keep moving forward, to grow endlessly, while deepening our awareness of our unique mission to spread peace and happiness through Buddhism. By forging on with a seeking spirit, we can transform our challenges into victories and grow limitlessly.
—Prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department
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