CategoryIkeda Sensei’s Lectures

In “The Opening of the Eyes,” Nichiren Daishonin writes, “If there exists a votary of the Lotus Sutra, then the three types of enemies are bound to exist as well” (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 278). Persecution by the three powerful enemies—arrogant lay people, arrogant priests and arrogant false sages—arises in response

Kosen-rufu is a struggle to spread the Lotus Sutra so that all people in the evil age of the Latter Day of the Law can attain enlightenment. Obstacles and devilish forces of every imaginable kind are sure to assail the votaries of the Lotus Sutra who take up this challenge. In particular, the three powerful

The widespread propagation of the Mystic Law in the Latter Day—this is the great vow expressed in the Lotus Sutra, representing not only the individual wish of Shakyamuni but the shared aspiration of Many Treasures Thus Come One and all Buddhas and bodhisattvas throughout the ten directions and three existences. In the three pronouncements of

When he established his teaching in 1253, Nichiren Daishonin foresaw that great difficulties and obstacles would inevitably lie ahead of him. Nevertheless, he stood up as the votary of the Lotus Sutra, vowing to summon up “a powerful and unconquerable desire for the salvation of all beings and never to falter in [his] efforts” (“The

I, Nichiren, am the only person in all Japan who understands this [that the other Buddhist schools proffer slanderous teachings and cause people to fall into the evil paths of existence]. But if I utter so much as a word concerning it, then parents, brothers, and teachers will surely censure me, and the ruler of

Preface Religion is the pillar of humanity. Philosophy is the backbone of life. The Soka Gakkai has advanced based on the strength of its members’ solid grounding in Buddhist study, a pursuit that can be likened to the rigorous training of a master swordsman. Opening the pages of Nichiren Daishonin’s writings with the spirit of

The Heritage for Attaining Buddhahood Flows in the Lives of Disciples Who Strive Selflessly for Others’ Happiness in the Same Spirit as the Mentor

The Practice of the Buddha’s True Disciples to Awaken All People to the Power of the Mystic Law Inherent in Life

Buddhism is a teaching conveyed through the mentor-disciple relationship. The oneness, or shared commitment, of mentor and disciple forms the essence of Buddhist practice. If we forget the mentor-disciple relationship, we cannot attain Buddhahood. Nor can we achieve eternal happiness or realize kosen-rufu. It is through the bond of mentor and disciple that the Law

The following list chronicles Ikeda Sensei’s study lectures published after the Soka Gakkai’s spiritual independence from the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood on November 28, 1991. These lectures on Nichiren Daishonin’s writings appeared in the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun, and monthly study journal, Daibyakurenge. They showcase Sensei’s wide-ranging efforts and his vast compendium of works

The True Heritage of Faith Flows in the Harmonious Community of Practitioners Who Share the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu

Key Passages From The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings

Part 14: ‘The Bodhisattva Never Disparaging’ Chapter— Engaging in Dialogue in a Spirit of Friendship and Activating the Goodness in Each Person’s Heart

Part 13:‘The Life Span of the Thus Come One’ Chapter—Part 3 of 3 Praying Each Day and Working to Build a World of Happiness Embodying the Words This, My Land, Remains Safe and Tranquil

Part 12: ‘The Life Span of the Thus Come One’ Chapter—Part 2 of 3 A Sublime State of Being Where We Experience Joy in Both Life and Death

Part 11: ‘The Life Span of the Thus Come One’ Chapter—Part 1 of 3 Sowing the Seeds of Buddhahood—The Sacred Work of the Buddha to Bring Happiness to All People

Part 10: ‘Emerging from the Earth’ Chapter—A Noble Life Dedicated to Fulfilling the Mission of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth

Part 9: ‘Encouraging Devotion’ Chapter—The Soka Gakkai Spirit of Striving in Faith With the Conviction That ‘Hardships Are Badges of Honor’

Part 8: ‘The Emergence of the Treasure Tower’ and ‘Devadatta’ Chapters—Shining Our Brightest Amid the Realities of This World

Part 7: ‘The Teacher of the Law’ Chapter—The Great Vow of Kosen-rufu Is the Heart of the Soka Gakkai