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"Those of you who are boldly taking initiative for kosen-rufu and those of you who are fostering, supporting, and earnestly encouraging others in that noble endeavour will all enjoy tremendous benefit. There is not the slightest doubt that your sincere efforts, though perhaps often unseen by others, are observed by the Buddhas and bodhisattvas throughout the universe.
"Nichiren Daishonin declares: 'Because I have persevered without fear, there are now people who think my teachings may be true' (WND-1, 489). He is saying, in other words, that his unwavering faith in the Mystic Law and tireless efforts to impart an understanding of the correct teaching of Buddhism, undeterred by any hardship or persecution, have resulted in people beginning to believe in the truth of his assertions.
"Irrespective of the other person’s attitude, if we confidently convey to them the true greatness of the SGI, they will definitely come to gain a deeper understanding of our activities. Nothing is more effective than making consistent efforts to communicate the truth with powerful conviction. This is the shakubuku spirit—the spirit to share Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism with others; it is also the Soka Gakkai spirit. "
SGI Newsletter No. 8533, On Our Shared Journey for Kosen-rufu, (10) Engaging in Dialogue with Courage and Confidence, from the 15th April, 2012, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, translated 8th June 2012.
"There are some who, after they have attained a certain social status, think they are better than others and look down on ordinary Gakkai members, dismissing the importance of Gakkai activities.
"But being a doctor or lawyer doesn’t make one better than others. Society needs all types of professions. A skilled physician may not be able to make delicious rice, and an expert lawyer can’t build a house. Every profession is important.
"Nothing is more foolhardy than thinking you’re more important than others, slacking off in your Buddhist practice, and straying from the direct path to attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime.
"Buddhism teaches the way to build a state of absolute happiness in this life for both self and others and the path to happiness for all eternity. It teaches the way to lasting peace and prosperity for all humanity.
"That’s why those who practice Buddhism and share it with others are truly great and respectworthy.
"I hope that you will remain genuine Buddhists and walk along the great path of Soka without succumbing to delusions about one’s rank or social position.”
SGI Newsletter No. 8537, The New Human Revolution––Vol. 25: Chap. 3, Gentle Breeze 9, translated June 12th, 2012
"I entrust you with the propagation of Buddhism in your province. It is stated that 'the seeds of Buddhahood sprout as a result of conditions, and for this reason they preach the single vehicle.'"
(The Properties of Rice - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1117) Selection source: President Ikeda's essay: Our Great Path to Victory, Seikyo Shimbun, May 30th, 2012
"Humanity must listen to the voices of mothers who embody true wisdom, and move toward a world without war.
"Women possess the power to nurture life and the spirit to respect and value life. They know better than anyone else that life itself transcends all national borders and material differences and inequalities."
SGI Newsletter No. 8567, SGI President Ikeda's Essay, OUR BRILLIANT PATH TO VICTORY, The Dynamic Growth of the Women's and Young Women's Divisions—Part 1 [of 2], translated 26th July 2012
"Iron, when heated in the flames and pounded, becomes a fine sword. Worthies and sages are tested by abuse."
(Letter from Sado - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Volume 1, page 303) Selection source: Gosho study for Ikeda Kayokai, Seikyo Shimbun, August 7th, 2012
The Daishonin teaches us,
"From this single element of mind
spring all the various lands and environmental conditions."*
Our minds have infinite potential.
By chanting daimoku and putting our faith into action,
let's make our local community the land of happiness!
Daisaku Ikeda
*"The Unanimous Declaration by the Buddhas of the Three Existences regarding the Classification of the Teachings and Which Are to Be Abandoned and Which Upheld" - WND-II, page 843
"'The voice does the Buddha's work' from The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings (cf. OTT, 4). In other words, our voices can awaken people's Buddha nature, the supremely noble life-state of Buddhahood within. That is why it is important to chant vigorous daimoku and speak to others unstintingly, our voices ringing with courage, sincerity, truth, and inspiration. It is essential to meet and talk with people, and increase the number of those who have a connection with Buddhism."
SGI Newsletter No. 8167, OUR BRILLIANT PATH TO VICTORY, The Hope-filled Dawn of a New Age--Part 2 [of 2], from the Jan. 21st, 2011, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, translated Feb. 22nd, 2011
"The seeds of one kind of plant are all the same; they are different from the seeds of other plants. If all of you nurture the same seeds of Myoho-renge- kyo in your hearts, then you all will be reborn together in the same land of Myoho-renge-kyo. When the three of you are reunited there face to face, how great your joy will be!"
(Reply to the Mother of Ueno - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Volume 1, page 1074) Selection source: SGI President Ikeda's guidance, Seikyo Shimbun, August 9th, 2012
One-on-one dialogue is the very driving force
that can change society for the better.
Renewing the pledge of renunciation of war,
let's share this Buddhism, the greatest philosophy of humanism,
with as many people as we possibly can!
Life is long. We practice the Daishonin's Buddhism so that we can confidently surmount the unavoidable human sufferings of birth, aging, sickness, and death, and adorn the final years of our life with a rich sense of fulfillment and satisfaction like a golden autumn harvest.
SGI Newsletter No. 8570, SGI President Ikeda's Encouragement, On Our Shared Journey for Kosen-rufu "Keep Forging Ahead with an Ever-Youthful Spirit and Steadfast Commitment!", translated 31st July 2012
"In the light of the above points, this shows, my followers, that you had better cut short your sleep by night and curtail your leisure by day, and ponder this! You must not spend your lives in vain and regret it for ten thousand years to come."
(The Problem to Be Pondered Night and Day - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Volume 1, page 622) Selection source: Kyo no Hosshin, Seikyo Shimbun, August 11th, 2012