Material for Discussion Meetings (June)

Passage

I entrust you with the propagation of Buddhism in your province. —“The Properties of Rice,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1117

Background

Although only a fragment of “The Properties of Rice” remains and its recipient is unknown, the writing still offers profound encouragement for us today. Nichiren Daishonin explains that rice sustains not only those who spread the Lotus Sutra but even those who oppose it. This represents the deep compassion of the Mystic Law—nourishing all people and giving even adversaries the strength to one day become allies. 

Nichiren entrusts the recipient with the mission of propagation, affirming that the seeds of Buddhahood are planted through sharing the Lotus Sutra. His words remind us that our sincere efforts to help awaken hope in others can positively influence them, even if they don’t immediately take faith. 

From Ikeda Sensei’s The New Human Revolution

In July 1978, while visiting members in Yonago in Tottori Prefecture, Ikeda Sensei (who appears in the novel as Shin’ichi Yamamoto) offers the following guidance. 

How we advance kosen-rufu depends on the area. For instance, the lives and relationships of people in densely populated urban centers differ from those in remote mountain villages or islands. We have to account for such differences as we consider how to promote Nichiren Buddhism and carry out Soka Gakkai activities.

Nichiren Daishonin writes: “I entrust you with the propagation of Buddhism in your province” (WND-1, 1117). Spreading Nichiren Buddhism in each area is the responsibility of Soka Gakkai members living there.

Though the way we carry out Soka Gakkai activities may differ from place to place, the fundamental principles remain the same.

First and foremost is having the determination to realize kosen-rufu in our areas no matter what. Without the resolve to stand alone and take action, committed to turning our communities into oases of happiness, nothing will change no matter how many years or decades pass.

Second is winning the trust of the community. Only by cultivating a foundation of trust can we have fruitful dialogue. Trust is the cornerstone of human relations.

Third, each person must show undeniable proof of the value of our Buddhist faith and practice. Naturally, improving our financial situation, recovering from illness or creating family harmony are important examples. And developing the resilience to be undefeated by life’s challenges, refining our character and becoming liked and respected also give brilliant testimony to our practice.

When we advance with these three elements—determination, trust and actual proof—we open the way for kosen-rufu in our communities. (The New Human Revolution, vol. 28, pp. 72–73)

Presenting this month’s 3-minute Gosho? Click here for a brief tutorial video.

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What Do You Think? 

What are the benefits of sharing our faith experiences? 

Think back to when a friend talked about overcoming a hurdle and sparked a sudden sense of hope in you. Was it the details or their sincere excitement that moved you? 

In the SGI, sharing our personal faith experiences means far more than filling a slot on a meeting agenda—it’s the heartbeat of our community, a living expression of our Buddhist practice for self and others. Telling our story, however small, has the power to unlock a new stage of benefit and growth for both our listeners and us. 

We may sometimes hesitate to share. For some, the discomfort of opening up outweighs what they think they can offer or gain. Yet studies suggest that people who regularly talk about positive experiences tend to feel happier and more satisfied, reinforcing their own sense of meaning while uplifting those listening.^[1]

In our Buddhist practice, sharing our joys and victories creates an even deeper ripple effect, benefiting far more people than we might imagine.

Founding Soka Gakkai President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi described discussion meetings as gatherings for sharing “experimental proof of a life of great good.”^[2] Our experiences—deeply human and still in progress—demonstrate concretely how inner transformation leads to positive change and can inspire fresh determination in everyone present.

‘Using Our Voices to Help Others Become Happy’

While research points to the psychological benefits, Nichiren Buddhism offers a deeper explanation for the far-reaching impact of sharing experiences. It teaches the interconnectedness of life—that our inner state is expressed in our environment and directly influences the lives of others.

By chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to the Gohonzon, we awaken to this interconnectedness and draw forth our innate wisdom, courage and compassion. When we speak sincerely about the growth and benefits we’ve gained through Buddhist practice, we embody Nichiren Daishonin’s words, “The voice carries out the work of the Buddha.”^[3] Ikeda Sensei explains:

Because we are using our voices to help others become happy, it’s important for us to make continuous and persistent efforts to engage in conversation. Mr. Toda said: “If you speak to others a hundred times, it will return to you as benefit a hundredfold.”^[4]

Sharing Buddhism, he also says, comes down to conveying our conviction and experiences in faith, planting seeds of happiness and hope that will one day flower.^[5]

Modern-Day Parables That Convey the Power of Faith

The proof we see of the power of faith in daily life is more than a personal victory—it testifies to the power of the Mystic Law. Our experiences illustrate the qualities we develop through embracing Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

As we face our own obstacles, we can find encouragement in the struggles of Nichiren’s disciples. For instance, when the Ikegami brothers united to overcome their father’s longstanding opposition, Nichiren praised them, writing, “Could there ever be a more wonderful story than your own?”^[6] Sensei says: 

The same applies to us. Our individual experiences of triumph over our problems give courage and hope to many others. Our personal victories, in other words, become parables expressing the power of the Mystic Law. And those who hear our experiences can share them with still others.^[7]

Nichiren Buddhism isn’t magic or an escape from reality. That’s why we talk about how our faith helps us overcome real problems. For those who have never chanted consistently, the promise of lasting happiness may feel abstract. Hearing how determined prayer led to tangible change makes Buddhist practice real and relatable.

After practicing for some time, we may find ourselves relying on past victories or wondering why challenges persist. That’s when speaking about our breakthroughs—or hearing someone else’s—revives us. Faith is something we renew each day, and voicing our efforts keeps our practice alive and dynamic. 

Our experiences are modern-day parables that illuminate our own path and help others find their own way forward. Sharing our stories contributes to the ever-expanding movement of kosen-rufu, offering inspiration and hope for generations to come.

—Prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department

From the June 2026 Living Buddhism