CategoryBuddhist Study

“The Future Is Yours to Change”

Become the master of your mind rather than let your mind master you. (“Letter to the Brothers,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 502) As 2020 comes to a close, we continue to face uncertainties amid the unprecedented global coronavirus pandemic. For many people, each day might be likened to an internal boxing match between

The holiday season, when many deepen their spirit of generosity and giving, is a good time to reflect on an important element of Buddhist practice: “almsgiving,” or making offerings to support the spread of Buddhism. This is an act that makes possible the endeavor to lead all people to enlightenment and happiness while implanting abundant

A Life Committed to Spreading Buddhism

Sho-but chi-e. Jinjin muryo. Go chi-e mon. Nange nannyu.

In light of the Mystic Law, everything we encounter has meaning and helps us move forward.

If you see a person who accepts and upholds this sutra, you should rise and greet him from afar, showing him the same respect you would a Buddha. (The Lotus Sutra and Its Opening and Closing Sutras, p. 365) How we greet people can make a difference in their lives. As Shakyamuni stated in the

The assembly on Holy Eagle Peak which continues in solemn state … has not yet disbanded. (The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, p. 135) Creating dramatic change calls for sustained effort and conviction. Our daily Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and engaging in SGI activities enables us to refresh and forge our determination to

Born on June 6, 1871, in the coastal village of Arahama in present-day Niigata Prefecture, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi experienced tremendous hardships from an early age. By age 6, his parents could no longer care for him, and they placed him with relatives. At 11, he quit school to work to support his impoverished family. And at

The following excerpt is from Ikeda Sensei’s dialogue series “The World of Nichiren Daishonin’s Writings,” installment 3, published in the June 2002 Living Buddhism, pp. 13–17. This serves as supplemental study for the article titled “Transforming Tendencies That Block Our Happiness,” in the Sept. 18, 2020, issue of the World Tribune. Ikeda Sensei: It is clear

It is through the use of words and letters that the Buddha saves living beings. … If one rejects the use of words and letters, then how can the Buddha’s work be done? (“Letter to Renjo,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 2, pp. 6–7) Nichiren Daishonin studied the vast body of Buddhist sutras, among

As a youth, Nichiren Daishonin delved into the doctrines of the popular Buddhist schools of his time. He sought a religious practice that could help people overcome suffering and misery rampant in society. He found in the Lotus Sutra a teaching that could enable all people, without exception, to reveal their Buddhahood—their highest potential—transform their circumstances

Most religions recognize and revere a founder, great sage or savior, and many, a supreme deity of some sort. Usually it is not an option for ordinary believers to consider themselves equal to these figures. This was even true among the Buddha’s disciples, who found it difficult to regard themselves as equal to the Buddha.

Niji seson. Ju sanmai. Anjo ni ki.

“What would a healed America be like?” asked historian and Civil Rights activist Vincent Harding in a discussion with Ikeda Sensei. Sensei responded, outlining the ultimate purpose of our Buddhist movement: The root of the English word heal originally included the meanings “totality” and “completeness,” and the word health has the same root. In this sense,

Sharing Buddhism with others is a natural and essential part of Buddhist practice, because by doing so, we are able to develop compassion for ourselves and for others. Second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda, speaking about this practice of compassion, once said: Compassionate action is “the work of the Buddha.” It is also truly noble because,

“I entrust you with the propagation of Buddhism in your province. It is stated that ‘the seeds of Buddhahood sprout as a result of the conditions, and for this reason they preach the single vehicle.’ ” (“The Properties of Rice,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1117) In his letter “The Properties of

Overcoming adversity enables us to develop the courage, wisdom and resilience needed to achieve the ultimate aim of revealing our Buddhahood and establishing genuine and lasting happiness. Buddhism describes obstacles in various ways—namely as devilish functions, the three obstacles and four devils and the devil king of the sixth heaven. These negative functions are expressed

Many regard Buddhism as a philosophy of peace and calm, a rejection of the cares and distractions of the world to be sought in austere quietude, away from society’s bustle. A pilgrim making an arduous journey to learn the secrets of life from a secluded hermit comes to mind. Certainly, inner peace is a benefit

“Though we live in the impure land, our hearts reside in the pure land of Eagle Peak. Merely seeing each other’s face would in itself be insignificant. It is the heart that is important.” (“The Drum at the Gate of Thunder,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 949) July 3 is the Day of Mentor