CategoryBuddhist Study

The following text is excerpted from Ikeda Sensei’s lecture on “The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon,” which can be found in Learning From Nichiren’s Writings: The Teachings for Victory, vol. 4, pp. 4–8. The Gohonzon Exists for the Enlightenment of All People “To begin with, this Gohonzon was revealed in the last eight years of

Key highlights from this writing Background This letter details the figures represented on the Gohonzon and their significance. It was written in 1277, when Nichiren was living at Mount Minobu. Details are unknown about the recipient, Nichinyo, but it is thought that she was an educated person with strong faith. She deeply appreciated having received

There should be no discrimination among those who propagate the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo in the Latter Day of the Law, be they men or women. Were they not Bodhisattvas of the Earth, they could not chant the daimoku. “The True Aspect of All Phenomena,”The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 385 Nichiren Daishonin

Ikeda Sensei’s Lecture Series—Installment 85

“Usually these sufferings appear one at a time, on into the boundless future, but Nichiren has denounced the enemies of the Lotus Sutra so severely that all eight have descended at once. This is like the case of a peasant heavily in debt to the steward of his village and to other authorities. As long

Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study. Without practice and study, there can be no Buddhism. You must not only persevere yourself; you must also teach others. Both practice and study arise from faith. Teach others to the best of your ability, even if it is only a single sentence or phrase.

What is the sangha? The Sanskrit word sangha refers to the Buddhist Order, or the community of Buddhist believers who uphold, practice and spread the Buddha’s teachings. This community of believers is the third of the three treasures in Buddhism: the treasure of the Buddha, the treasure of the Law (the Buddha’s teachings) and the

You have associated with a friend in the orchid room and have become as straight as mugwort growing among hemp. “On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land,”The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 23 On April 28, 1253, Nichiren Daishonin established his teaching of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and began his propagation efforts.

The following text is excerpted from Ikeda Sensei’s lecture on “The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra,” which can be found in Learning from the Writings: The Hope-filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, pp. 143–44. In its original sense, the term strategy refers to battle tactics, the science of warfare or martial arts. Considered more broadly, it

Key highlights from this writing Background Nichiren wrote “The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra” to Shijo Kingo, who had, some years prior, incurred the wrath of his feudal lord, Ema, after trying to convert him to Nichiren Buddhism. He eventually regained his lord’s trust by continuing to serve him sincerely and by following Nichiren’s advice

The following excerpts are from The World of Nichiren’s Writings, a discussion between Ikeda Sensei and Soka Gakkai study department leaders on the life of Nichiren and context of his writings. They can be found in vol. 1, pp. 2–3. Katsuji Saito: To begin with, I would like to ask about Nichiren’s writings in general

I am praying that, no matter how troubled the times may become, the Lotus Sutra and the ten demon daughters will protect all of you, praying as earnestly as though to produce fire from damp wood, or to obtain water from parched ground.  “On Rebuking Slander of the Law and Eradicating Sins,”The Writings of Nichiren

Ikeda Sensei’s Lecture Series—Installment 84

“A blue fly, if it clings to the tail of a thoroughbred horse, can travel ten thousand miles, and the green ivy that twines around the tall pine can grow to a thousand feet. I was born as the son of the one Buddha, Shakyamuni, and I serve the king of scriptures, the Lotus Sutra.

The following is SGI President Ikeda’s monthly encouragement published in the October edition of The Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai’s study journal. In this existence,joyfully walkthe unsurpassed way that isfragrant with beautiful flowers of humanity,together with smiling friends. We develop our characters and grow as individuals through our interactions with others. The Italian thinker Giuseppe Mazzini

Many hear about and accept this sutra, but when great obstacles arise, just as they were told would happen, few remember it and bear it firmly in mind. To accept is easy; to continue is difficult. But Buddhahood lies in continuing faith.   “The Difficulty of Sustaining Faith,”The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p.

Key highlights from this writing Background The two brothers to whom this letter was written were sons of Ikegami Yasumitsu, who held an important post in the government’s Office of Construction and Repairs. Yasumitsu was an earnest supporter of Ryokan, an eminent priest in Kamakura who plotted against Nichiren. For more than twenty years, Yasumitsu

A passage in the Six Paramitas Sutra says to become the master of your mind rather than let your mind master you.  “Letter to the Brothers,”The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 502 The Ikegami brothers, Munenaka and Munenaga, received this letter from Nichiren Daishonin in 1276 at a critical juncture in their lives. 

Ikeda Sensei’s Lecture Series—Installment 83

“And you demons, by making this man suffer, are you trying to swallow a sword point first, or embrace a raging fire, or become the archenemy of the Buddhas of the ten directions in the three existences? How terrible this will be for you! Should you not cure this man’s illness immediately, act rather as