CategoryTo My Friends

Localized heavy rains are increasing. Beware of loose sediments and   rising waters! To all those who are visiting and   providing encouragement to affected   citizens, as well as those involved in    rescue and restoration efforts―   please do your best to stay safe    and clear of accidents yourself. Tentative translation of

Let’s become deeply compassionate   Buddhists who always lend wholehearted   support and comfort to those who are   facing difficulties and worries. The essence of the Gakkai spirit is   reflected in our sincere efforts to help    “remove suffering and impart joy.”(*) (*)In Japanese, “bakku-yoraku” is the practice of compassion in Buddhism interpreted

If one individual of deep resolve   stands up, then “two, three and    a hundred”(*) will follow. This is the formula for unity. Let’s build a castle of capable individuals   in our community through strong   prayer and action!  (*) “The True Aspect of All Phenomena,” WND I, 386. “At first only Nichiren

Our faith and practice enables us   to manifest the boundless potential   that exists within our lives. Let’s confirm and praise one another’s   daily efforts and challenges and   fulfill our noble mission! Tentative translation of “To My Friends” published in the Seikyo Shimbun, based on President Ikeda’s recent guidance.

―WORDS OF THE WEEK― Nichiren Daishonin states, “Now you must build your reputation    on the Lotus Sutra and give    yourself up to it.”(*) Newly appointed leaders of    the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, be   standard bearers who initiate action! Let’s all unite our hearts as one   and make a fresh departure. (*) “The

Let’s go out into the community   and spread friendship,   cheerfully and refreshingly! The momentum for kosen-rufu’s   progress begins with developing   trust!

The realization of a world without   nuclear weapons was the will and   testament of my mentor,   and it is our vow. With awareness as protagonists who   will create history, let’s forge    a grass-roots solidarity of action    to positively transform an era    mired in crisis!

Let’s strongly believe in   our own potential! That is faith. The power to continuously   advance exists within   our own life!

The most difficult of times  provide the opportunity for  even greater transformation.Courageous daimoku and action  will lead to glorious victory  without fail.

Those who continue to study   and learn are never deadlocked. Let’s steadily build a foundation   for victory by making efforts to   study Nichiren Buddhism every day   with a strong, seeking spirit.

―WORDS OF THE WEEK― Nichiren Daishonin declares, “Those with the heart of a lion king are   sure to attain Buddhahood.”(*) The mentor and disciples of Soka are   fearless. Manifest courageous faith and    cheerfully triumph over all!  (*) “Letter from Sado,” WND 1, 302 Tentative translation of “Words of the Week” published in

July, the month of youth, has arrived. Nichiren Daishonin asserts,   “Iron, when heated in the flames  and pounded, becomes a fine sword.”(*)  Youth, who live for kosen-rufu,   spend the springtime of your youth   developing your lives through challenging   and surmounting hardship! (*) “Letter from Sado,” WND-1, p. 303 

Reciting gongyo and chanting   daimoku every day is the driving   force for remarkable transformation. Nichiren Daishonin states, “The daimoku is a big voice.”(*) Let’s rouse the entire universe   with prayer infused with   powerful conviction! (*)OTT, 90

Nichiren Daishonin states,“Ordinary people keep in mindthe words ‘earnest resolve’and thereby become Buddhas.(*)Let’s advance, embracing in our   hearts great, earnest resolve   for the attainment of kosen-rufu!This determination transforms our   actions and enables us to achieve   victory in life! (*) “The Gift of Rice,” WND 1, 1125

“Unlike most people . . . I, Nichiren,    have occasion to meet with a    great many persons.”(*) This is the Daishonin’s great pride. Let’s continuously meet people   and create a steady groundswell   for kosen-rufu. (*) “Condolences on a Deceased Husband,” WND 2, p. 778

Swift action will move   people’s hearts.The accumulation of such   efforts will create trust   and strengthen the bonds   that connect us. Tentative translation of “To My Friends” published in the SeikyoShimbun, based on President Ikeda’s recent guidance.

―WORDS OF THE WEEK― Nichiren Daishonin states, “When one gives [other people] strength,    one gives oneself strength, too.”(*) When we make an effort to foster   successors, limitless power wells forth    from within our own lives. Let’s encourage the Youth and Future   Division members and help them develop   into remarkable, capable

“Anyone who teaches others even    a single phrase of the Lotus Sutra    is the envoy of the Thus Come One.”(*) Let’s all wholeheartedly praise those who   share this Buddhism with their friends   and joyfully commence a grand march   as the Bodhisattvas of the Earth! (*) “The Ship to Cross the

Regardless of who is watching,   let’s devote ourselves to helping   our friends become happy. Such dedicated efforts will bring   about immeasurable benefit. Let’s live out our lives fulfilling   our noble mission with conviction   in the principle of “myo-no-shoran”  (literally, “the Mystic Law is our witness)―   that all our efforts

A strong seeking mind toward   Buddhism helps us develop and    grow as a person. With pride in living up to our    mission, let’s advance    “day by day and month after month,”(*)   wholeheartedly praying, studying and    engaging in conversation. (*)”On Persecutions Befalling the Sage, WND p. 997 Tentative translation of