CategoryTo My Friends

The Lotus Sutra, the ultimate teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha, is itself a discussion meeting on a grand scale. It is a gathering of people earnestly seeking the meaning and purpose of life. Shakyamuni replies to their questions with utter sincerity, relating his personal experiences and employing similes and parables. Those observing and listening to this

If we look at things from the perspective of faith, the way forward will become clear to us. Do not be deceived by pretense or hypocrisy. The time of youth is one when we are easily swayed by our emotions and environment. Establishing an unshakable foundation of Buddhist study in your lives while you are

On the eve of the young men’s division’s establishment, my mentor, second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda, said to me, “Start your struggle as a group leader on the front lines, and lead our organization toward the realization of kosen-rufu!” “I’m counting on you!” he declared and then urged me: “Work for the happiness of

In the eyes of society, our discussion meetings may seem very simple, modest gatherings, involving a small number of individuals and not particularly noteworthy. But these meetings are based on a profound philosophy that teaches the Law pervading the entire universe. They have a warmth that embraces everyone. They brim with irrepressible hope that can

I hope you will all experience for yourselves, and demonstrate to others, just how sublime is a youth spent exerting oneself in the two ways of practice and study. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 311

A caring spirit and deep concern for others is indispensable in offering personal guidance. That spirit will manifest as warm consideration and words of heartfelt concern and encouragement. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 99

All of you who uphold the world’s foremost life philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism are leading the most triumphant, meaningful lives, spending your youth in the most noble and fulfilling of ways. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 310

“Youth, just one of you stand! A second and then a third will definitely follow!” In these words, President Toda revealed the formula for kosen-rufu. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 166

What is the way to expand your state of life as leaders? Simply put, in addition, of course, to deepening your own faith in the Mystic Law, it lies in taking personal initiative to serve your fellow members who are striving earnestly for kosen-rufu. It is respecting and supporting them with a genuinely sincere and

In my youth, I studied the Daishonin’s writings thoroughly, to the extent that I actually committed many of his major writings to memory. That effort has built a foundation that has stood me well for my entire life. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 285

My flight from Hokkaido had a stopover at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, and my mentor, Josei Toda, was there waiting to meet me. At that time, he said, “Daisaku, should death overtake you, I will rush to your side and throw myself upon you and accompany you in death.” There were tears in his eyes.

Mr. Makiguchi truly worked tirelessly to advance kosen-rufu, spreading the Mystic Law. Amid persecution by the authorities and while already at an advanced age, he conducted more than 240 discussion meetings (from May 1941 to June 1943, when he turned seventy-two). He also traveled alone to different regions and personally introduced some five hundred people

Observing many leaders, I have come to the conclusion that those who have dedicated themselves to offering personal guidance to members never give up their practice. I think this is because giving guidance—though hard, unglamorous, and inconspicuous work that requires a great deal of patience—truly deepens one’s faith. And as these leaders continue to offer

The student division’s mission, deeply imbued with the Soka Gakkai’s history at that time, is to develop leaders of the Mystic Law who are committed to living their lives together with the people, protecting the people and fighting for the people. June 2025 Living Buddhism, pp. 51-52

Nichiren Daishonin writes, “The popular proverb says that ‘one is the mother of ten thousand’” (WND-1, 131). One person may seem small and unimportant, but one person is the “mother,” or source, that can empower countless multitudes. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 95

Mr. Toda declared with absolute conviction, “If practicing this Buddhism doesn’t make you happy, I will give you my life!” If we cannot help real, living people, no matter how deep their despair, then this Buddhism is a lie. Mr. Toda continued, with all his might, to touch people’s lives and awaken in them a

The Soka Gakkai has always worked for the happiness of the people, and it continues to do so today. That’s why it has won the people’s trust. There is nothing more powerful. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 358

In most cases, by simply interacting with others as true friends and communicating sincerely and openly, we will help them form a connection with Buddhism. It is also important that we continue to pray for the happiness of those individuals. Later, we may have an opportunity to talk to them in a very natural way

I have met with many leaders of international stature and renown in my time and spoken with individuals who will no doubt be recognized by history, but Mr. Toda was a leader of singular greatness. I know this better than anyone. It is an unparalleled source of pride to have lived my life as the

You are all dealing with personal challenges, I am sure. But you have voluntarily chosen to be born into these circumstances. You are all courageous Bodhisattvas of the Earth, who in accord with your own vow and mission have risen to action to create peace and happiness wherever you live. From The Wisdom for Creating