CategoryTo My Friends

Teaching people the power of Nichiren Buddhism today is just as challenging as it would have been trying to teach people a thousand years ago about atomic energy or explain to them the wonders of radio and television. You can do your best to explain the teachings of Buddhism, but people still may not understand.

Nothing provides greater reassurance and hope than words of encouragement brimming with conviction based on personal experience. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 275

Those who spread the Mystic Law are true disciples of the Daishonin who carry on his spirit. Nikko Shonin [the Daishonin’s direct disciple and successor] praised all who courageously propagated the Daishonin’s teachings, declaring to the effect that we should revere as respected seniors in faith those teachers of the Law who engage in propagation,

We must not spare our voices in sharing with many others the supreme teaching [of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo]. Through such efforts, we help connect them to the Mystic Law, a cause for their eternal happiness. And we create a personal chronicle that brims with everlasting good fortune. As the Daishonin says, “Single-mindedly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and urge others

Establishing the state of Buddhahood as our basic life tendency is what it means to “attain Buddhahooad.” Of course, even with Buddhahood as our basic life tendency, we won’t be free of problems or suffering because we will still possess the other nine worlds. But the foundation of our lives will become one of hope,

The fundamental aim of Nichiren Buddhism is the development of kosen-rufu. Time and time again in his writings, Nichiren Daishonin stresses the importance of kosen-rufu, or “widespread propagation” of the Mystic Law. As such, the true measure of the success of our movement is the degree to which we have been able to expand the

Spreading the teachings encompasses all forms of practice in Buddhism. There is no better way to forge character. If we neglect this basic practice of sharing the teachings, we cannot cultivate ourselves as human beings. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 216

An individual’s life span is limited. But when the fundamental spirit of striving for kosen-rufu is passed on from mentor to disciples through successive generations in an organized body of practitioners, that organization will exhibit the eternal life force of a Buddha working continuously to guide all living beings to enlightenment. From The Wisdom for

I still remember what my mentor, Mr. Toda, said to me one day as he looked out at the sunset sea in his hometown of Atsuta Village in Hokkaido: “It’s a big, wide world. There are still people who weep in anguish and children who cower in the crossfire of war. You must illuminate Asia

I still remember what my mentor, Mr. Toda, said to me one day as he looked out at the sunset sea in his hometown of Atsuta Village in Hokkaido: “It’s a big, wide world. There are still people who weep in anguish and children who cower in the crossfire of war. You must illuminate Asia

The English Romantic poet Shelley wrote, “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?” No matter how long and bitter the winter may be, spring always follows. This is the law of the universe, the law of life. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 218

But whether the people we talk to about Buddhism decide to practice is fundamentally up to them, depending on their capacity to understand the teachings and other factors. The benefit we gain is the same, whether they begin practicing right away or just listen to what we say but don’t immediately start. From The Wisdom

Falling ill is not a form of failure or defeat. It doesn’t happen because our faith is weak. When the suffering of illness occurs amid our efforts for kosen-rufu, it is the working of devilish influences trying to obstruct our attainment of Buddhahood. As such, we mustn’t let illness intimidate us. The Daishonin teaches us

Our harsh society is filled with endless competition and stress. There are constant clashes of egos. But it is the role of leaders in our organization to ensure that when our members return to the “home” of the SGI, they can relax, smile, gain fresh inspiration, and recharge themselves so that they can set out

You won’t find your mission by standing still. Please challenge yourselves in something; it doesn’t matter what. Then, by your making consistent efforts, the direction you should take will open up before you quite naturally. It’s important, therefore, to have the courage to ask yourselves what you should be doing now, at this very moment.

Mr. Toda observed, “No matter how much humanity may come to understand the physical world, it won’t lead to inner happiness.” He also said: “The Daishonin sought to find a way to enable all people to attain happiness. When we earnestly study and put into practice the life philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism, it will shine

“As inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim” refers to the profound awareness of the deep and inextricable bonds we share with our fellow practitioners. It is a metaphor for those who share the mission of kosen-rufu supporting and respecting one another as precious and irreplaceable comrades. From The Wisdom for Creating

Guidance in faith must be based on the writings of Nichiren Daishonin. The ability to give inspiring guidance cannot be developed by relying just on personal judgments and opinions. It has to be honed through striving in the two ways of practice and study within the organization for kosen-rufu. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness

By continuing to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, dedicating ourselves to kosen-rufu, and triumphing as Buddhists in our daily lives, we adorn ourselves and our families with good fortune. In our turbulent society, such good fortune protects us and brings vibrant prosperity. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 12

Those who have built an indestructible self through engaging in activities for kosen-rufu shine. Please live out your lives with self-confidence and courage. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 306