31

--August 31-- Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, wrote: "The whole art of government consists in the art of being honest." Honesty is crucial; the honest person triumphs in life. The higher one's position, the more important honesty is. This is the mark of a truly humanistic organization.

30

--August 30-- As long as he lived, Founding President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi continued to increase his circle of comrades in faith and to develop his state of life limitlessly by taking action for kosen-rufu, chanting daimoku, and writing and speaking to spread the Law. This ceaseless dedication is the way of life of Buddhism; it is the way of life of Soka

29

--August 29-- We have truly entered the age in which the great life philosophy of Buddhism will lead the world. Many thoughtful, discerning leaders around the globe are focusing intently on the wisdom of Buddhism and enthusiastically endorse the humanistic principles upheld by the SGI. Let us proudly work to expand our network dedicated to bringing peace to the world through the propagation of the correct teaching of Buddhism.

28

--August 28-- I hope you will never become the kind of cowardly individuals who gaze on indifferently while wrongdoing is perpetrated, taking the attitude that it does not concern you and that getting involved will only be to your detriment - the kind of self-serving individuals look good and maneuver to protect themselves from becoming the target of attack. Indifference to injustice is our enemy. Those who pretend not to see evil are accomplices to evil.

27

--August 27-- In many cases, other family members are not practising Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. There is no need to worry or grow anxious about this. This is because if we ourselves stand up confidently in faith, we can lead all of our family and relatives in the direction of happiness and hope. We are like a solitary lighthouse on a dark night, enabling numerous ships to safely sail the seas.

26

--August 26-- An organization is like a person's frame. Having a strong frame is important for healthy growth and development. In the same way, when the organization is united and solid, its members are protected and kosen-rufu can advance.

25

--August 25-- Society is moving forward day by day, and it is a constant challenge to keep up with the pace of change. Apathy is the path to defeat. The bureaucratic mentality that tends to take root in organizations is the source of all evils.

24

--August 24-- The chinese character "Men" of Men Division (MD) literally means "men in the prime of life". It is important therefore that the MD members, while on the one hand being self-possessed and level-headed, continue on the other to demonstrate courage, energy, and action as people who burn with passionate commitment to kosen-rufu. If the MD develop remarkably and establish a solid framework for kosen-rufu, our organization will remain secure forever.

23

--August 23-- Youth Division in particular must not behave arrogantly. I ask the youth leaders to sincerely look after their juniors in faith, and work wholeheartedly for the happiness of their fellow members.

22

--August 22-- Meeting others face-to-face is the only way. Meeting in person forges bonds of trust and brings people together. It also plays a vital role in fostering capable people. Our organization has achieved the global development that it has today precisely because we have persistently carried out such one-to-one dialogue. This is the unwavering formula by which the development of our movement unfolds.

21

--August 21-- The Gohonzon is neither outside of us, nor in some specific place. It is found within faith. Without faith, we cannot bring forth the life state of Buddhahood. The Gohonzon exists in the lives of all who believe in the Mystic Law, chant daimoku, and work for kosen-rufu; it encompasses all of the treasure of the universe.

20

--August 20-- Ultimately, it all comes down to you confidently sharing your conviction and experience in faith with your friends. This plants the seeds of happiness and hope in the lives of those you talk with. These seeds will definitely take root, bud, and eventually flower. Until that happens, it is enough that you continue chanting and wait for that time to come.

19

--August 19-- There are people who live in lavish mansions, but are not happy in the least. There are those who are fabulously rich, yet miserable. Wealth does not equal happiness. Rather, for many people it can actually be a source of suffering. Similarly, just because you gain social position or graduate from a prestigious university does not necessarily mean you will be happy.

18

--August 18-- The human heart is unfathomable. It is fickle and constantly changing. From moment to moment, our inner state of mind changes; we experience various emotions – joy, sorrow, anger, pain. Life, too, is full of changes. That is why, for countless centuries and millennia, humanity has pondered the fundamental question of what constitutes the best and surest way to lasting happiness.

17

--August 17-- We possess the eternal prime point of faith. Those who persist in faith throughout their lives will never be deadlocked at the most fundamental level. For there are no deadlocks in the Mystic Law and faith is the source of infinite hope. It is the vacillating, doubting human heart that creates deadlocks.

16

--August 16-- Nichiren Daishonin writes: “Though we may experience suffering for a time, in the end we will savour joy.” (Gosho Zenshu, p 1656) No matter what suffering and pain you may encounter in life’s journey, you can ultimately transform it all into joy. This is the quintessence of faith.

15

--August 15-- In the realm of Buddhism we are all equal and we are all worthy of respect. We all have a mission and we are all equally direct disciples of Nichiren Daishonin. Everyone, therefore, has the right to voice their opinions. It is also important that we listen to everyone’s opinions as well. It is crucial, too, to create an atmosphere within our organization where people can discuss things freely.

14

--August 14-- The purpose of faith is for each of us to attain happiness. The purpose of Buddhism is for each of us to be victorious. Please be deeply compassionate leaders who protect your fellow members without begrudging your lives.

13

--August 13-- Buddhism teaches that principle of three thousand realms in a single moment of life. Through intense prayer we can significantly transform our destiny, as well as the destiny of our families and society. It is vital to pray with resolute conviction. Prayer stimulates wisdom and fills us with life force.

12

--August 12-- The most sublime, eternal human drama is found in the dynamic transmission of correct faith, philosophy and belief from parent to child, from senior to junior, from mentor to disciple.

11

--August 11-- Nichiren Daishonin says, “The protection of the gods depends on the strength of one’s faith.” (WND, p 953) If we let down our guard, then even the Buddhists gods will desert us. Carelessness is a great enemy. We must avoid carelessness at any cost.

10

--August 10-- I dedicate these words of second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda to you, our Youth Division members: “I want you to be fine young people who cherish the ideal of benefiting the nation, while at the same time making efforts in your immediate environment to solidify your own foundations.”

9

--August 9-- The ultimate human solidarity can be forged only by the supreme unity of comrades who dedicate their lives to the great wish for kosen-rufu. Where there is such unity, members receive benefit that increases boundlessly. Though unseen, the Buddhas and the bodhisattvas definitely observe all of our sincere efforts.

8

--August 8-- Life is a battle. Unless one has an unbreakable steel-like spirit, one cannot accomplish momentous undertaking. When we look at historical figures, and in modern society as well, it is only those who have forged a spirit as strong as steel that are victorious or successful. There is no one who has achieved success by taking it easy. There is no ultimate victory to be found in such an approach.

7

--August 7-- It is remarkable how even in the most difficult circumstances the determination of a leader can draw forth irrepressible joy and courage and can inspire profound confidence in everyone. You are all leaders of faith. Therefore, no matter what might happen, please continue resolutely leading the way to victory, encouraging everyone and helping them advance with hope and in high spirit.

6

--August 6-- Kosen-rufu is the loftiest form of human diplomacy. It is a struggle of communicating turbulent times. We must not be careless or negligent. As the saying goes, “You must keep up your guard, even after a victory.” To engage in a struggle is to exert oneself to the fullest extent. As long as our hearts continue to burn with this spirit, the SGI will develop doundlessly.

5

--August 5-- Nothing is wasted in working for kosen-rufu. Absolutely nothing ever goes to waste on our efforts to introduce Buddhism to others. I am sure that, at times, many of you are concerned and anxious that your efforts to share Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings with others are not proceeding as you might hope. But these are all noble struggles that arise out of your desire to lead others to happiness.

4

--August 4-- Freedom is not some abstract notion, separate from our lives. It is not something given to us by others. Nor is it something that belongs only to certain people and not to others. Freedom is something that ordinary people living in society must, by becoming wise and strong, win for themselves, day after day. From a certain perspective, our SGI activities can be described as a spiritual struggle to win the freedom required to live decent human lives.

3

--August 3-- We who possess a supreme commitment to spreading the Mystic Law are unequalled in strength. With this firm conviction, please lead as many people as possible to the great, eternal path of absolute happiness. And please boldly raise the banners of victory – signifying your wonderful triumph in life and struggle for kosen-rufu – in the place of your mission.

2

--August 2-- We ourselves are the treasure towers of the Mystic Law. The place we are now, wherever it may be, is the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light that has existed for all time. Therefore, we have nothing to fear. We will never be deadlocked. We will never become unhappy.

1

--August 1-- Naturally, leaders and their families will have their share of problems, just like other families. There may be illness to deal with or a host of other areas that need attention. You should not feel the slightest bit ashamed of this. We live in human society and we are an organization of human beings. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “It is the heart that is important.” Appearances are inconsequential. Though various things may happen in our lives, ultimately what matters is our heart. What matters is our attitude in faith.