CategoryEncouragement

When I was young and battling illness, I was struck by a passage in Nichiren Daishonin’s writings: “Through illness, [the Buddha taught] the power [of Buddhism]” (“On Curing Karmic Disease,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 631). I realized that my painful illness had profound meaning. I resolved not to be defeated and

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

Ikeda Sensei sent the following message to the 10th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting Toward Our Centennial, held on Aug. 27, 2022, at the Toda Memorial Auditorium in Sugamo, Tokyo. This message was originally published in the Aug. 28, 2022, issue of the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun. Twenty-five years ago, before an audience

Therefore, I say to you, my disciples, try practicing as the Lotus Sutra teaches, exerting yourselves without begrudging your lives! (“The Selection of the Time,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 583–84) I once asked my mentor, second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda, why it is important to practice Buddhism “without begrudging one’s

Ikeda Sensei composed the following poems to commemorate Aug. 24, the 75th anniversary of the start of his Buddhist practice. They were translated from the Aug. 24, 2022, issue of the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun. On my 75th anniversary of embracing faith, I dedicate to my mentor the honor of making the Mystic Law resound throughout the

The following essay by Ikeda Sensei was translated from the Aug. 4, 2022, issue of the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun. A statue depicting the French author Victor Hugo (1802–85) striding forward as he holds a book stands in the lobby of the main auditorium of Soka University, “a fortress for the peace of

In the letter Nichiren Daishonin wrote to the lay nun Myoichi containing his famous words “Winter always turns to spring” (“Winter Always Turns to Spring,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 536), he expresses his appreciation for her sincere support and assistance, saying: “In what lifetime could I ever forget what you have

Ascending a New Summit of Kosen-rufu Together

The Song of Human Victory

The following essay by Ikeda Sensei was originally published in the June 30, 2022, issue of the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun. Today, June 30, is the 65th anniversary of the student division, a proud gathering of young Bodhisattvas Universal Worthy—people of broad-ranging wisdom. This year is also the 60th anniversary of the start

Dynamic progress in human revolution begins with the fierce courage to surmount hardships. Amid unrelenting persecution while in exile on Sado Island, Nichiren Daishonin called out to Shijo Kingo: “Bring forth the great power of faith, and be spoken of by all the people of Kama-kura, both high and low, or by all the people

Part 1 of 2

Nichiren Daishonin writes, “If the [source] is inexhaustible, the stream will never run dry” (“Flowering and Bearing Grain,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 909). It is the Soka Gakkai’s unsurpassed honor to have an everlasting source in its founding spirit. June is the birth month of our founder and first president Tsunesaburo

The following new essay by Ikeda Sensei was published in the May 24, 2022, issue of the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun. Time is nothing other than the mystic rhythm of cosmic life. Hence, when we chant and spread the Mystic Law, our lives will accord with the time, and time will be on

Ascending a New Summit of Kosen-rufu Together

Ascending a New Summit of Kosen-rufu Together

“Start anew with a fresh spirit!”—that’s the message I imparted to our Soka Gakkai Sports Division members. Whatever your present condition, the key is to always start anew and tackle the next challenge with a fresh spirit. We have the writings of Nichiren Daishonin, who teaches that it is our heart or spirit that is

Ikeda Sensei’s Lecture Series—Installment 77

The first point I wish to convey to you is “Please put your health first.”  I hope you’ll use your wisdom and creativity to find ways to improve and maintain your health. Our Buddhist faith and practice are the driving force for good health. But that doesn’t mean we should be complacent about our health.

First, allow me to congratulate the new women’s division in Japan on the great success of their first district-level general meetings being held this month. Tonight will be a full moon. Whether or not it is visible, I hope you will applaud and commend one another with smiles as bright as the beaming moon.  As