30

--April 30-- Propagation is the foundation practice in Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. It is also the essence of the Lotus Sutra. This is corroborated by the Great Teacher T’ien-t’ai of China, who declared: “The Lotus Sutra is the teaching of shakubuku, the refutation of the provisional doctrines.” To boldly speak the truth with compassion for the other person and clarify the correctness or error of the tenets they uphold – this constitutes the practice of propagating the Mystic Law.l Our strength lies in the fact that we champion truth.

29

--April 29-- Gaining education qualifications, titles, or position in society are but a means for attaining happiness; they do not constitute happiness in and of themselves. The most important thing is faith.

28

--April 28-- The important thing is how deeply we can be aware of our personal mission. This is the standard that determines the depth and greatness of our lives. Being aware of our mission gives birth to strength and hope and becomes the driving force that enables us to move forward through life’s difficulties. Everyone has a mission in life. Not a single human being is without one. What determines the course of your life is whether you awaken to that mission or not.

27

--April 27-- As practitioners of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism, we have faith and we have ideals. We are leading truly happy and fulfilling lives. Now is the perfect opportunity for us to widely spread the philosophy and ideals of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. Let’s rise to this challenge!

26

--April 26-- Buddhism is reason. And faith is manifested in daily life. Getting enough sleep so that we can wake up refreshed and ready for the new day’s challenges is very important for good health. We practice Buddhism so that we can enjoy good health and happiness.

25

--April 25-- As we strive to realize the widespread propagation of the Mystic Law, the three powerful enemies and the three obstacles and four devils will invariable arise, vying with one another to hinder our progress. Battling these negative forces constitutes the great path to attaining Buddhahood. Through exerting ourselves bravely to surmount various obstacles, we can forge outstanding character. Without such challenges, we would only be armchair Buddhists; our faith would be nothing but an empty formality.

24

--April 24-- Each morning and evening, I am earnestly chanting daimoku for our members in Japan and around the world, with the prayer that they will not be defeated, that they will absolutely triumph. I would like every single member without exception to be a great victor. This is my true and honest wish.

23

--April 23-- Lie if a struggle. Since that is true, let s make it a victorious one! Everything starts from here. This is the spirit of those who from the time of their youth have upheld philosophy and a bright, determined sense of mission. It is the spirit of those who embark on a profound, humanistic struggle for the happiness of their fellow human beings.

22

--April 22-- It is important to energetically advance based on the two ways of practice and study – that is, striving in our Buddhist practice and studying the teachings of Buddhism. We must not simply go through the motions, carrying out our organizational activities out of force of habit. We must actively practice Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings outselves and teach others about them as well, working to advance kosen-rufu as the Daishonin instructs.

21

--April 21-- Everything in life is part of our training; it is for our own benefit and development. We must resolve to accumulate, right now, in the situation we find ourselves at this moment, everlasting good fortune for ourselves at this moment, everlasting good fortune for ourselves as well as for our families and relatives. The human revolution of a single individual can transform everything in a direction leading towards happiness, hope, and peace. Please advance joyfully and in high spirits.

20

--April 20-- In the realm of faith, we are all equal. The strict law of cause and effect is undiscriminating.

19

--April 19-- Advanc preparation is very important. Whether you are heading out for a discussion meeting or to introduce Buddhism to others, or whether you are going to work, it is the person who prepares in advance who succeeds. The most important and fundamental preparation is gongyo and daimoku. Chanting to the Gohonzon with a strong determination to succeed is the best preparation of all.

18

--April 18-- Nichiren Daishonin repeatedly teaches that benefit flows forth when we strive against evil for the sake of kosen-rufu; when we do not, it does not. And he urges us to follow his example. The SGI is an “organization of kosen-rufu” acting in complete accord with the Daishonin’s teachings. It is an organization of supreme human unity.

17

--April 17-- Buddhism teaches the importance of the present and the future. The purpose of Buddhism and faith is for us to always be able to advance from today towards tomorrow filled with hope, taking positive steps for the future. We must never forget this crucial point.

16

--April 16-- The foundation of health is strong faith, which enables us to draw forth strong life force, triumph over harmful, negative forces, and transform our karma. Nichiren Daishonin famously declares: “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?” (WND, p412)

15

--April 15-- Dialogue must be conducted in a spirit of equality, with the parties involved respecting each other as equals. It must be a mutual exchange where the parties speak the truth and actual fact, and not just spout one-sided propaganda. In any event, such truly genuine dialogue is to be found in our efforts to talk to others about Buddhism and share with them our practice.

14

--April 14-- Hope and courage do not lie somewhere far out of reach, nor are they bestowed on us from without. Anyone who aligns themselves with Mystic Law can tap from within their lives an indomitable state if being as vast as the universe and make it shine forth with sunlike brilliance, wherever they may be. Here we find a philosophy if the highest humanism for which the world has been yearning and waiting.

13

--April 13-- The times are changing ever more rapidly with each passing year. Darkness and confusion grow ever deeper. For that very reason, I hop you will all triumph with strong faith and resolute action. In accord with the Buddhist principle of “consistency from beginning to end”, your victory will determine the victory for all future generations. This is the formula for winning in Buddhism. Now is the formula for winning in Buddhism. Now is the time for you to solidly secure the cause for victory in your own lives.

12

--April 12-- We can have all the power, wealth, or fame in the world, but that alone would not assure us of happiness that will endure throughout eternity or allow us to create universal value. It may not even be enough to secure our happiness in this lifetime. Our true worth is determined by the philosophy and principles we cherish and by our views and attitudes towards life, society, and human existence.

11

--April 11-- Cowardance is also the fundamental nature of all those who have betrayed the SGI over the years. There is no more pitiful characteristic for a human being to possess than cowardice.

10

--April 10-- Because people are wise, they are maligned. Because people are just and upright, they are defamed. You may also encounter slander and abuse because of your faith in Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism, but never let this surprise or intimidate you.

9

--April 9-- It is important to live with tenacity, right to the very end, to boldly write your own history in your own unique way. There is no need for you to be resentful or jealous of others. We possess the Gohonzon, unsurpassed in all the world. And we are able to freely tap the infinite treasures that exist within our own lives.

8

--April 8-- It is important to live true to yourself. If you become strong, then no matter how trying your present situation may be, you will not be daunted by it. Even if you are struggling financially now, as long as you continue making efforts based on faith, you will eventually find that you have the money you need. Even the most painful and difficult situations will, when viewed from the distance of time, seem like the events of a dream.

7

--April 7-- There is no need to lament when criticized for doing good. This is even more true with regard to our efforts to introduce Buddhism to others, an act of the highest good. Nichiren Daishonin also says that we should rejoice when we encounter obstacles. This is the SGI spirit.

6

--April 6-- If everything is smooth sailing right from the beginning, we cannot become people of substance and character. By surmounting painful setbacks and obstacles, we can create a brilliant history of triumph that will shine forever. That is what makes life so exciting and enjoyable. In any field of endeavor, those who overcome hardships and grow as human beings are advancing towards success and victory in life.

5

--April 5-- It is an illusion to think that we can find happiness by going to some other place, far away from our present reality. Our happiness is determined by or mindset. If we resolve that the place where we are right now is the perfect place for carrying out our Buddhist practice, and if we challenge ourselves there, then that place will become the “Capital of Eternally Tranquil Light”. It will shine as a bright citadel of happiness.

4

--April 4-- We of the SGI who propagate the Mystic Law are the emissaries of the Buddha and the emanations of the Daishonin. Consequently, no matter how tumultuous the times, we who are equals of the Buddha will never be unhappy nor defeated by hardship. That is why I hope, whatever happens, you will always keep pressing forward, ever forward, in high spirits.

3

--April 3-- There may be people who appear to have higher social status or seem to be happier than you, but the person who believes in and propagates the Mystic Law is already the happiest person in the world and a great leader. Why? Because the Mystic Law is the path to absolute happiness. Because the Mystic Law is a teaching that awakens us to the truth that all living beings are Buddhas. Nothing surpasses the Mystic Law – this is the truth conveyed in Nichiren Daishonin’s writings.

2

--April 2-- President Toda once said to me, “Nothing is more frightening than human jealousy. Nothing is more fearful than the evil and destructive forces that reside in the human heart. For that reason, you must become strong. You must live with such conviction that you have no regrets!” I would like to present these words to the members og the Youth Division, whom I cherish deeply. I call on you: “Uphold the banner of truth and justice!” “Always be courageous!”

1

--April 1--

Please treat everyone you have a connection with, including your own parents, with utmost respect. I hope you will work to broaden our network of friendship and trust with open and generous hearts. The more you do so, the greater the benefit you will receive, the further kosen-rufu will advance and the more expansive your own state of life will become.