We are “lighting a fire for others” through offering our time, resources and support, and that very flame illuminates our own lives with courage, wisdom, good fortune and benefits.
Nichiren Daishonin writes, “If one lights a fire for others, one will brighten one’s own way.”[1]
In this single sentence, he captures a vital dynamic of Buddhist practice—the syncing of practice for oneself and for others. In essence, supporting others becomes the very cause that brings us clarity, fortune and benefit.
This passage is from the letter “On the Three Virtues of Food” that Nichiren wrote to express his gratitude to a disciple who had sent him much-needed provisions. Food, he explains, has three virtues: It sustains life, enlivens complexion and nourishes strength. When food is offered, both the giver and receiver enjoy these benefits. In the same way, causes made for others return to enrich us.
‘Lighting a Fire’ for Others Brings ‘Treasures of the Heart’ for Us
Here, “lighting a fire” means making causes for others’ happiness. In Nichiren Buddhism, one way we give concrete expression to this spirit is through making offerings to advance kosen-rufu—the movement to awaken all people to their Buddhahood and build a peaceful society.
A fire provides warmth, illumination and direction. In our Buddhist community, that light often takes the form of encouragement that helps someone take one more step; a study meeting that clarifies confusion; a sustained organizational focus that ensures no one is left isolated; or promoting a culture of dialogue that carries hope into society.
Such conditions do not appear by chance. They are the result of SGI members choosing, again and again, to support kosen-rufu with their time, heart and resources.
Our May Commemorative Contribution activity is an expression of that ongoing determination to “light a fire” so that others can find their way forward.
From the standpoint of Buddhist causality, our lives are the storehouse of causes. According to the law of cause and effect operating in the depths of life, such efforts inevitably return to us as benefits. They become what Nichiren calls “treasures of the heart”[2] that emerge as protection, supportive relationships, unexpected opportunities and the strength to transform difficulties.
Benefitting Others Benefits Us
How, then, does supporting others “brighten one’s own way”? It doesn’t mean our path becomes free of obstacles. Rather, it means cultivating an inner brightness—courage, wisdom and resilience—to meet whatever comes our way and turn them into fuel for our growth and happiness.
The greater the cause for the many, the greater the benefit in our own life. Sensei explains:
When we do something for others, we also benefit ourselves; we brighten both our own and others’ future. Benefitting others leads to benefitting ourselves. When we, as practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism, pray and take action for the happiness of others, we expand our own state of life and carry out our human revolution together with them.[3]
This month of May—when we celebrate Soka Gakkai Day and Soka Gakkai Mothers Day (May 3), and Soka Gakkai Successors Day (May 5)—is an auspicious time to renew our resolve as protagonists of kosen-rufu. Through our efforts, we can ensure that Soka humanism continues to flow powerfully into future generations.
Whether through financial contributions, giving our time or offering encouragement, each sincere action supports our shared mission: developing capable people and advancing peace, culture and education in our communities. Each person’s sincere offering becomes part of a far-reaching flame that continues to spread.
In a sense, the virtues Nichiren associates with food can be likened to contributions for kosen-rufu. Just as food strengthens the body, our support strengthens the vitality and unity of the Soka community. And just as offering food nourishes both the giver and receiver, each cause we make for kosen-rufu naturally sustains us as well—imparting the vitality, conviction and courage necessary to face our challenges and brighten the way forward.
—Prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department
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