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Brief Guidances

Advancing With Conviction in the Principle of “Lessening Karmic Retribution”

Words of Encouragement From Ikeda Sensei

The blessings gained by practicing the correct teaching [Nam-myoho-renge-kyo], however, are so great that by meeting minor sufferings in this life we can change the karma that destines us to suffer terribly in the future.

“Letter to the Brothers,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 497


Nichiren Daishonin, the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law, taught the principle of “lessening karmic retribution,” a teaching of unsurpassed hope.

When we base our lives on courageous faith, even the most negative karma becomes an opportunity for establishing a state of eternal happiness. Boldly challenge all hardships and obstacles by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, and make even the heaviest karmic suffering “vanish instantly” (“Lessening One’s Karmic Retribution,” WND-1, 199).

May you, my friends, especially those battling illness, lead victorious lives of great mission.

Translated from the May 25, 2021 Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper.

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