| --October 31-- |
| In Nichiren Daishonin’s writings, we find the statement: “Fortune comes from one’s heart and makes one worthy of respect.” Faith is what enables us to strengthen and deepen our hearts to the ultimate degree. |
31
30
| --October 30-- |
| To continue advancing on the path of mentor and disciple for the next 10, 20, 30 years, even if no one is watching our efforts – that is the spirit of a genuine practitioner of Buddhism. |
29
| --October 29-- |
| The path of kosen-rufu is the path walked by Nichiren Daishonin. It is the supreme path of happiness. Let us cheerfully and wisely advance in harmony along this path as we steadily expand the scope of our kosen-rufu movement. |
28
| --October 28-- |
| Sometimes people who have lost their passion for kosen-rufu renew their commitment of their own accord, jolted by experiencing a deadlock in their lives. Though it may take time, the sincerity behind the leaders’ daimoku and encouragement will get through to the person eventually and he or she will definitely stand up again. This is the essence of faith. |
27
| --October 27-- |
| There is no more worthy cause than taking action for kosen-rufu. No one can surpass a person tenaciously carrying out activities for kosen-rufu. Absolutely nothing can defeat a noble champion of the spirit. Please be confident of this. |
26
| --October 26-- |
| President Toda said: “The ultimate fruit of our efforts will begin to appear from our 50s. No matter what your circumstances right now, live with joy and perseverance!” And specifically in his guidance to women, he said: “True happiness will begin to blossom in your lives from your 40s onward.” Therefore, regardless of how painful or trying your present situation, you must not be defeated. It is important to undergo many hardships during one’s youth. |
25
| --October 25-- |
| Gandhi said: “Untruth corrodes the soul; truth nourishes it.” Deceit corrupts the spirit and fosters human misery. Truth enriches our spirit and fosters human happiness. That is why it is so important to thoroughly expose falsehoods and work to spread the truth. |
24
| --October 24-- |
| Mr Toda once firmly instructed the Youth Division: “If the members all support the third president, kosen-rufu will surely be achieved.” If the SGI remains based on the spirit of mentor and disciple that was shared by its first, second, and third presidents, its future triumph is assured. This is the sole source for the everlasting growth and development of our organization. I would like to make this point absolutely clear for the sake of the future. |
23
| --October 23-- |
| Putting the finishing touches on our lives is very important. When a plane lands, it gradually reduces altitude, but as we enter the final chapter of our lives, we should try to keep flying at the same high “spiritual altitude”, we should keep moving forward without reducing our “spiritual speed” – right up until our final moments. |
22
| --October 22-- |
| I hope that as leaders you will show great sensitivity for people’s individual situations. At the same time, I want to remind you that no matter how adverse our individual predicament, we need to live out our lives based on steadfast faith. Only then can we accumulate all kinds of treasures in life as true benefit. |
21
| --October 21-- |
| All sorts of things happen on the road to achieving kosen-rufu. Fellow members may pass away, having fulfilled their mission in this lifetime. It is only natural for us, as human beings, to be saddened by this. However, we must not allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by our emotions that we become weak. The important thing is to continue moving forward with the determination: “Whatever happens, I will keep going! I will challenge myself! And I will win!” |
20
| --October 20-- |
| Life is a struggle. Buddhism is a struggle. Only by surmounting great suffering can we appreciate life’s depth and joy. That is why we must continue to move forward. We must take action. This is what the philosophers of the world teach. |
19
| --October 19-- |
| What kind of person demonstrates true human greatness and nobility? It is someone who, no matter what happens, works single-mindedly for kosen-rufu without wavering in the least, and without moaning or complaining. This is what the Gosho teaches. It is also the way of life expounded in the Lotus Sutra. |
18
| --October18-- |
| Our organization of faith, the SGI, serves as a bulwark against evil and negative influences. Practising together in an organization enables us to advance unswervingly on the correct path towards a firm and certain goal and to achieve personal development and growth through supporting, encouraging, and inspiring each other. This is why having an organization is so important. It is also the reason why organizations exist in all societies and in all areas of human endeavour. |
17
| --October 17-- |
| The Mystic Law enables us to change poison into medicine. Through its power, a change person can turn poverty into affluence and illness into strong health. Anyone can bring his or her life to shine in brilliant splendor. In this process, we are able to carry out our human revolution and ultimately realize a safe and peaceful society. |
16
| --October 16-- |
| Let us also resolutely encourage, train, and wholeheartedly foster the Youth Division and Future Division members, who are our successors. Let us together pledge to solidly construct new strongholds of capable people dedicated to kosen-rufu in each region, always maintaining a spirit of mutual respect and advancing together in harmonious unity. |
15
| --October 15-- |
| The new century is one in which the wisdom of women will truly shine. It is the century in which women will stand up to play an increasingly active role. And those organizations, companies, and nations where women are able to speak out feely on any subject and dynamically actualize their potential will experience growth and prosperity. |
14
| --October 14-- |
| If, in our earnest endeavour to promote this great people’s movement for kosen-rufu, you behave as if everything is a joke or strut about with self-centered arrogance, you will destroy the noble realm of Buddhism. If you forget the demanding practice of faith and just seek to enjoy an easy indolent life, hellish suffering is bound to await you down the line, Nichiren Daishonin sternly warns us of this in his writing. |
13
| --October 13-- |
| Buddhism teaches the oneness of birth and death. It is important that we bring our lives to a magnificent close, just like the setting sun paints the sky in majestic crimson hues. |
12
| --October 12-- |
| Nichiren Daishonin wished for happiness and peace for all people of the ten thousand years and more of the Latter Day. He envisioned the widespread propagation of the Mystic Law throughout the entire world. This Buddhism transcends the narrow confines of a single sect or school and is open to all humanity; it is a human religion, a universal religion. |
11
| --October 11-- |
| As youth, it is important that you devote yourselves earnestly and sincerely to kosen-rufu, whether others are watching your efforts or not. Please cast aside airs and pretension, putting on airs is pathetic playacting. With pretense, you cannot help others. You cannot even make yourself happy. Nichiren Daishonin writes, “Relay on the Law and not on persons.”(WND, p872) The important thing is that we devote our lives to the Mystic Law. |
10
| --October 10-- |
| There are members and friends who are suffering. We need to reach out to them with words of support and encouragement. It is important to respond immediately to the issues before us. Remaining silent is foolish, lacking in compassion, and leads to defeat. |
9
| --October 9-- |
| “One’s voice does he Buddha’s work”(Gosho Zenshu, p 708). Our voice can serve as a jeweled sword for cutting down evil and corruption, or it can express warm, heartfelt encouragement. The voice that does the Buddha’s work is not merely our physical voice, either; it is also the words we write in proclaiming the truth. |
8
| --October 8-- |
| The truly great do not seek greatness for themselves; they seek to enable others to realize greatness. It is the responsibility of seniors to protect and work for the welfare of their juniors, and to foster them into people even more capable than themselves. |
7
| --October 7-- |
| It is not up to others; it all comes down to us. Our inner resolve and our actions have an influence more powerful than a book of million words. Through taking action we will also feel a sense of purpose and savour joy and good fortune. |
6
| --October 6-- |
| Nichiren Daishonin said: “The realm of the environment also arises from this single law of life.” (Gosho Zenshu,p 563). As the principle of “three thousand realms in a single life-moment” (ichinen sanzen) teaches, the power to transform society lies in the fundamental attitude or inner resolve of human beings. |
5
| --October 5-- |
| Young people should not be too easy on themselves, because that is the path to ruin. Cast aside your dependency! There is no way but to stand up in faith through your own efforts. With your sincere and persistent prayers, please touch the lives of all around you – friends and opponents alike – and create a grand alliance of the people and a powerful new ground swell for kosen-rufu. |
4
| --October 4-- |
| A famous saying by the Russian writer Leo Tolstroy (1828 – 1910) is: “Suffering is the necessary condition for spiritual and physical growth.” Experiencing various trials and problems leads to personal growth and to the polishing of our character. In particular, all of our challenges are exertions in working to realize kosen-rufu make our lives sparkle like gemstones. This is a principle of Buddhism. |
3
| --October 3-- |
| Founding President Makiguchi once said: “We are trying to faithfully carry out Nichiren Daishonin’s decree, so that we could possibly be holding you back? Buddhism is not an intellectual game. Its purpose is to liberate the land and the people from suffering, to stand by with folded arms and fail to do so when the time arises is to betray the Buddha’s Intent.” |
2
| --October 2-- |
| The SGI seeks to enable all people to realize genuine, indestructible happiness, not only those who are obviously suffering, but also those who are leading what appear to be happy and enjoyable lives. That is because, no matter how happy a person may think they are, there is no happiness greater than practicing Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. As the Daishonin says, “There is no true happiness for human beings other than chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.”(WND,p 681) |
1
| --October 1-- |
| Raising capable people is not something achieved through intellectualizing or daydreaming. Second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda, too always made a concerted effort to meet people. The Soka spirit is found nowhere but in our efforts to meet with sincerely encourage each person and to advance together with them towards kosen-rufu. |