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Background In August 1275, about a year after the first Mongol invasion of Japan, Nichiren addressed this letter to the infant girl Oto. Though addressed to her, the content was clearly meant for Oto’s mother, Nichimyo. She was an earnest believer living in Kamakura who, even after her husband died, maintained pure faith while raising

The following excerpt is Ikeda Sensei’s guidance on bringing up children with humane brightness and cheer. It can be found in Happy Parents, Happy Kids, pp. 93–95 I cherish the boys and girls of the future division. I suppose that among you who have gathered here today, there are those who have many children. Children

The following excerpt is Ikeda Sensei’s guidance on becoming strong parents who are not swayed by anything they encounter. It can be found in Happy Parents, Happy Kids, pp. 22–23. I will never forget May 3, 1951. On this day, Josei Toda was inaugurated as the second Soka Gakkai president. At the end of the

Ikeda Sensei’s guidance on how parents can work together to create an atmosphere at home that colors their children’s hearts with peace, encouragement and happiness. This can be found in Happy Parents, Happy Kids, pp. 13-15. Many parents fight about their children’s problems, blaming each other and making matters worse. Children clearly see this, and

The following is Ikeda Sensei’s guidance on recognizing the value and mission of every child. It can be found in Happy Parents, Happy Kids, pp. 2–3. Children are precious treasures of the future. All children have the right to become happy. No child is without a mission. Parents are exerting themselves every day to raise

Ikeda Sensei offers guidance on helping our children grow into compassionate individuals by leading by example and learning to understand their hearts. It can be found in Happy Parents, Happy Kids, pp. 71–72. Children’s hearts are naturally pure until polluted by the muddy, egoistic society of adults. It takes genuine kindness to understand the pain

The following is Ikeda Sensei’s guidance on supporting our kids through all the experiences they may face at school. It can be found in Happy Parents, Happy Kids, pp. 53–56. Children experience many things at school that help them become stronger. It is important that they spend time with other children so they can learn

The following is Ikeda Sensei’s guidance on achieving growth and maintaining conviction as parents when our children are not interested in embracing faith in Buddhism. It can be found in Happy Parents, Happy Kids. Faith is a lifelong matter. It is all right if it deepens gradually, over time. It is not something to be

Ikeda Sensei’s speech from an SGI Representatives Conference in Miami, Florida, Feb. 3, 1993. This guidance can be found in My Dear Friends in America, revised edition, pp. 244–50. I am sure that the just-announced decision to found the SGI-USA future division will shine with increasing significance as time goes by. My most heartfelt congratulations.

Ikeda Sensei’s guidance on being sincere and showering our children with love. It can be found in Happy Parents, Happy Kids, pp. 5–8. The Lotus Sutra relates the story of the dragon king’s daughter, or dragon girl, who attained Buddhahood at only eight years of age. Nichiren says, “As for the dragon girl, her father

Ikeda Sensei talks about the role parents play in building a harmonious family. This guidance can be found in Happy Parents, Happy Kids, pp. 97–99.  These days we see so many cases of children who run away from home or become delinquent. Often, quarrels between parents seem to be a contributing factor. One thing I

Ikeda Sensei talks about the role parents play in guiding their children to take faith. This guidance can be found in The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 6, pp. 200–02. How do we encourage our children to take faith in Buddhism? The most important thing is to help them learn to respect and love

Ikeda Sensei has spoken with and offered advice to parents and children around the world about creating harmonious families. In Happy Parents Happy Kids, we take a look at his encouragement on family and parenting (pp. 75–77). Respect your children’s creativity. Children’s vision is directed toward the future, because it is filled with possibilities. Parents