Great Financial Benefit Experience

Hello!

As many of you know, May is the SGI month of financial contribution. It is the opportunity for each of us to make a deep impact on our own financial karma, and set our lives on solid financial footing. 

The idea of using donation to assure financial stability is not a new one created by the SGI. No. Way before I joined the SGI I became aware of the financial principle of dedicating a certain portion of income to the good of all. Some beliefs suggest 10% of all earnings be donated. The SGI does not make such an assertion. Instead, decisions about how much to donate are made by each of us, from our hearts. 

There is no suggested amount, and no dues. We are encouraged to donate as much or as little as we want....with the knowledge that each donation is a CAUSE for our lives.

My first donation was $20 for the building of the Center in Santa Monica in the 80's. I will never forget making that donation. $20 was a lot of money to me at the time. And I donated happily, with a full heart, for all the benefits I had received in the early days of my practice in San Francisco. 

This year when I made my determinations at the beginning of the year I said "This is the YEAR of Stability for me. I will build the four legs of a table under my life in honor of 2014. I will be financially secure, and secure in all other ways too." 

For several reasons this has been a year of getting back on track. I took a year off to write the book (which I am still in the process of creating for you - I have decided to change the word PowerPrayers to Fresh Determinations - what do you think of that?) and returned to the work force in health Care in January at a much lower pay rate than I have earned in the past. And I'm supporting myself now ~ in the process of creating a new future for myself while completing the divorce from my husband of many years. Because of my practice, we remain good friends and united parents to our two boys. 

And here's the financial benefit: 

On Friday morning of last week I woke up with a feeling of discouragement in my heart over my career and financial situation. As I was chanting I told the Gohonzon "I am so discouraged Gohonzon, what do I need to do to bring forth my full power as a Buddha so I can show actual proof at every moment and encourage people with my heart, my actions and my actual proof?" At that moment I decided to take out my computer and make a donation to the SGI to show my resolve to change my karma. I picked an amount I could live with, that didn't scare me too much, and noticed that I could also pay with PayPal. How exciting. I emptied my two PayPal accounts of everything but a few pennies. I felt great! 

As I continued to chant I felt such confidence welling up in my spirit. I felt strength and hope and clear direction. I realized that a job had just opened up in my company that I was completely qualified for, the doubt of my capabilities just evaporated, and I made some notes as I was chanting. 

It was a powerful day! I uncovered a unique opportunity for business and communicated some of my ideas to the executives. I began a process towards giving myself the career I have earned, and am capable of.  

The next day I had a meeting regarding the divorce and found out that the financial settlement awarded to me was going to be much more than originally planned. I breathed a sigh of relief. I am determined to live a life without fear of ANYTHING, including finances. I am determined to live a life without fear. My benefit was immediate.

It is not important what AMOUNT you choose to donate in the May campaign. I have not yet reached my goal, but I will continue to contribute in full appreciation for this practice in my life. 

I will donate more before the campaign ends, then set up a sustainable contribution where a portion of my income is automatically donated every single month. I did that years ago, and earned more money than I've ever earned since. 

Have a great day!

Fresh Determination for a Power-FULL and Happy Day

How do we have Power-FULL Daimoku? 

Every day is a new challenge. 
Every day we wake into our glorious lives, that sometimes don't feel so glorious. Every day we have the chance to begin anew. 
Ever morning, 
every moment 
is "Hon-nim-myo" ~ 
from this moment forth. 

I have a lot of things on my plate - just like you!

So I decided to make a determination before chanting ~ that after my hour of chanting I would feel absolutely refreshed, confident and ready for anything! I turned my phone off, made my tea, and chanted with some of these thoughts in mind. 
I write this Fresh Determination from my heart for you. You can read it before you chant and see if it inspires your fresh determination. 
This blog is for you. I do not express the official voice of the SGI, only the official voice of this one practitioner, myself, who longs for the happiness of all people! 

Fresh Determination
for a Power-FULL Happy Day!
By Jamie Lee Silver from Chantforhappiness.com

Life!
Today I embrace you at every moment
The wisdom I am creating, right now, 
through every Nam-myoho-renge-kyo I chant
pours through me every moment this day. 
Every moment is in rhythm
Every moment I am in exactly the right place 
at the right time
Seeing through the eyes of the Buddha I AM! 
I make a difference in every life I touch

The right words come at the right time. 
My warm heart shines
My confidence shines
I feel the love of those around me
I feel my love for myself, for my warm and wonderful self! 
I create an environment that appreciates me 
as I appreciate it! 
My brilliant future is assured
without me having to worry about it or strategize. 

I am creating my future as I lovingly love my present! 
Here are some goals I am visualizing: 
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Gohonzon!
Life!
Some kind of way 
I am shakubukuing others at every moment! 
Some kind of way 
the people I am chanting for 
will be happy and healthy!
I chant for ___________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
their health and happiness and stability! 
their ability to tap into their practice and get results!
their strong life force!
their mission for kosen-rufu! 
For ______________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
to be inspired and come to the meeting! 
This is a great day!

Waking The Buddha! This is Our Time!

Clark Strand and Jamie Lee Silver

May 18th 2014

Yesterday, Clark Strand, author of Waking the Buddha spoke at the SGI-USA Chicago Culture Center.  

This important book that has come along at the perfect time for the spread of worldwide kosen-rufu. 

The book itself is part personal memoir, and part religious history of the SGI. It's an easily accessible book - a perfect book to pass along to shakubuku and members. 

Clark Strand is a former Zen Buddhist monk, former editor at Tricycle, a Buddhist magazine distributed widely, and a well-respected writer. He is not an SGI member ~ which, in my opinion, lends even more credence to his views. 

There is so much I'd like to relate to you. For now, before I head off to work, I will mention a few things that make Waking the Buddha so important. 

As Clark said yesterday, Waking the Buddha is a mirror of what the SGI movement is and what we as individuals are doing. We live with the constant thought and intention of using our lives and the examples of actual proof we show to encourage others to become happy.

We have spread this teaching of the Mystic Law in a unique way...person to person...candle to candle. The SGI is the world in miniature...a microcosm of the peace we know is possible, and are ushering in with every Nam-myoho-renge kyo we chant. 

Clark Strand has the force of spirit to say 

(I paraphrase for now - I will directly quote in future posts) 

"Look at you, the SGI! You are doing it! You are an organization unique in all the world. The SGI is the most diverse Buddhist movement, religious movement on the face of the earth. You are the fastest growing, best organized and you serve no clergy. The SGI exists for the sake of the happiness of the members. This is revolutionary. You are already successful. This is your time. This is your time!" 

He even has a rebuttal for those who would comment "Aren't those the Buddhists who chant for cars?" He answers "Yes, and they chant for the happiness of others, and for world peace, and for their families and to be better at their jobs. They chant for everything! Isn't that great?"

There is so much more to write. Stay tuned. Write me your impressions and how you are using this book at chantforhappiness@gmail.com 

And as always, send me your victories to share! 

Waking the Buddha is published by Middleway Press and is available through SGI centers in America, is on Amazon.com and is also on the website SGI-USA.org. 

Challenging the Fierce Storms of Our Karma! We are Victorious!

Challenge! 

Where there is challenge, there is progress. 
Where there is challenge, there is hope. 
Where there is challenge, there is joy.
Where there is challenge, there is happiness. 
Where there is challenge, there is victory. 

All things in the universe 
are constantly engaged in challenge. 
Flowers strive to break through the deep snows 
to send up new sprouts. 
Waves crash tirelessly against rocks on the shore, 
wearing them down. 
Day after day, the sun bursts forth from the darkness 
and emerges joyously.
All things quietly and tenaciously persevere, 
working unceasingly to fulfill their unique mission, 
whether seen or unseen. 
Challenge! 
Challenge!
Challenge!
That is what it means to be alive. 

We will take on the challenge ~~
to teach one friend after another the way to happiness, 
for the sake of peace and prosperity for all people;
to stand defiant 
in the face of the fierce storms of our karma, 
so we can demonstrate the true potential of human beings;
to lead a life in which we can enjoy ourselves
at ease (see the Lotus Sutra and it's opening and closing Sutras, p. 272),
so we can proudly declare how happy we are! 

I will keep moving forward ~~
for my single, small step today
will eventually forge a great path! 
I will not be defeated~~
for I know that, even after dark nights of raging blizzards, 
the sun of victory will rise again tomorrow without fail!

Daisaku Ikeda, 
from The New Human Revolution, Volume 26, Chapter 2, installment 1. as excerpted in the May 2014 Living Buddhism

"At That Time" Our Determination Changes EVERYTHING~!

Deciding to "Stand Up and Fight" Changes Everything!

The beginning of the "Expedient Means" chapter of the Lotus Sutra, which we recite during morning and evening Gongyo begins with the phrase "At that time the World Honored One calmly arose from his samedhi and addressed Shariputra"

In "The Heart of the Lotus Sutra" Daisaku Ikeda states: 

"In terms of our practice, therefore, I would like to stress that "that time" exists only when we pray to the Gohonzon and manifest determination and awareness of our mission for kosen-rufu. (World peace through our own human revolution - using our problems to FUEL our happiness and light the way of inspiration for all by showing the impossible is possible through our lives, notes mine, js) 

We have to make a determination, 
pray and take action. 
Unless we do so, 
our environment will not change in the least, 
though five or ten years may pass, 
that time" will never arrive.

Our single minded determination for kosen rufu, 
and that alone, 
creates the "time." 
"That time" is 
when we set our lives in motion, 
when we stand up 
of our own volition and by our own will and strength. "That time" is when we summon forth strong faith 
and take our place on the grand stage of kosen-rufu.

Goethe writes, "The moment alone is decisive; Fixes the life of man, and his further destiny settles." 
"That time" is the moment you resolve 
from the depths of your heart: 

"Now I will stand up and fight!" 

From that moment, 
your destiny changes. 
Your life develops. 
History begins. "

(note from Jamie: When I sit in front of my Gohonzon, and look into the mirror of my life... I chant in appreciation for my problems and VOW to show actual proof to others that the impossible is possible, and that each one of my problems leads us closer to a world of happiness for all...because one more woman stood up and said "NO WAY!" "I will WIN!" I picture the outcome already secure and chant in happiness.) 

Mother Poem

The Most beautiful poem about mothers. By Daisaku Ikeda

Mother, what a wondrous, nourishing power you have!
Were it not for you in this world,
People would lose the earth to return to,
And wander for all eternity.

Mother, our mother.
Persevering through the storm,
You offered prayers in sadness.

I pray you will stay in good health until the day
When all your wishes are fulfilled,
And, as though endowed with wings,
you take flight toward the heavens.

Mother, with your ideas and wisdom,
I hope you will perform a melody of peace on the earth,
Where people look forward to the arrival of spring.
Thus, you will become the mother of the Century of Humanity

Preparing for a Daimoku Toso

What's a toso and why do Nichiren Buddhists do them? 

A Toso is an extended chanting session...an hour...two hours...three or more. They are not required or suggested or enforced in any way. People who do tosos just feel like doing tosos. Today I doing a toso because I really feel like chanting. Remember that scene in Forest Gump? WHen he's interviewed after running across the country and back for so long and he's asked why he did it, he says: "I just felt like Running." 

I have many challenges. No doubt you have many challenges too. We live in very challenging and uncertain times. 

I am writing my list of things to chant about, making tea, having a friend join me and here I go!
Join me! 

Wisdom from Daisaku Ikeda

FAITH is the fundamental source of vitality. Do not be defeated by a slump in faith. It is important to strive in chanting daimoku, and in association with one’s fellow believers. Although we speak of activities for kosen-rufu, the benefit of all such efforts ultimately returns to oneself.


BUDDHISM expounds the principle that “earthly desires are enlightenment”. In like manner it may well be said that hardships are benefits. As long as you maintain faith in the Gohonzon, you can definitely make your problems and sufferings the springboard towards great happiness.

THE question is whether or not prayer is at the basis of your action. Both a sense of responsibility and compassion are manifested in prayer. Action without prayer is nothing but an artifice.


NICHIREN DAISHONIN said, “Do not expect good times but take the bad times for granted” (WND, p998). If you engrave this teaching in your life, you will have nothing to fear. Nor will you ever become deadlocked. The important thing is to take that first step. If you barely overcome one small fear, it will give you the courage to take on the next one.

WHETHER or not one has attended this or that school is a trivial matter when viewed from the cosmic scope of Buddhism. Please take pride in the fact that you are studying in the eternal university if life, which teaches the supreme law of cause and effect – the Mystic Law – and the way to lead lives of absolute freedom.

THE ultimate aim of attending university is also to become happy. Likewise, gaining a good position in society is also merely a means to attain happiness. In contrast, faith constitutes the direct path to happiness. It connects directly to that goal. Guiding people to happiness is the SGI’s mission.

OUR Buddhist practice entails much hard work and effort, but there is also the tremendous joy of human revolution that could never be derived from merely leading a life of idle pleasure. That is why Nichiren Daishonin sternly warns that we must not forget the promises we have made when the crucial moment comes.

BUDDHISM teaches that it is possible to live to be 120 years old. In this sense, we are all still very young and our lives are just beginning. Our spirit to live “from this moment on” makes our lives youthful and refreshed.

CAN one live a truly happy existence if he spends it uneventfully never experiencing the waves and storms of hardships or painful experiences? I doubt it. In the process of struggling through and overcoming wave upon wave of tribulation, you can discipline yourself and elevate your state of life. In so doing, you can lead a life which is far more valuable than that of the one who never experiences storms of hardship.

FIRST, be healthy. 

Second, establish your economic base. 

Third, be trusted on your job. 

Fourth, raise your children with affection, 

and establish a secure family life. 

These are all aspects of daily life, 

and apart from daily life, there is no Buddhism.

 

Source: Daily guidance by Daisaku ikeda, Vol. 1 to 5, Singapore soka association.

True Wisdom from Daisaku Ikeda

PRACTICE and study are like the two wheels of a cart and faith is like its axle. No matter how great your knowledge of Buddhist doctrines, without practice, it will be incomplete.

REALIZING eternal freedom and happiness is the goal of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. It constitutes the purpose of our faith and of our life as a whole. You can never relive this particular existence. If you are to crown your life with the laurels of victory, you must never be cowardly. In every instance, I hope you will summon forth the courage to advance along the great path of attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime.

WHAT seems like a misfortune can be an opportunity. Wherever we find ourselves, we are in the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light. Complaining does not help. Whining does not produce anything of benefit. When faced with trouble, the way to rouse one’s courage is to think positively. If one sets a positive goal - to learn something new, to regain one's health, to live a richer life - courage, hope and wisdom will well forth to meet the challenge.


ONLY when you experience the crushing, painful depths of sufferings can you begin to understand the true meaning of life. Precisely because you have experienced great sufferings, it is imperative that you go on living. The important thing is to keep moving forward. If you use your sadness as a source of growth, you will become a person of greater depth and breadth - an even more wonderful you. This is the harvest of your pain and sufferings.

SOCIAL progress, economic progress, and in fact all progress depends upon the progress of human beings themselves, who are the protagonists in these endeavours. At the same time, if the faith or ideology that human beings take as their foundation does not advance, there will be no real human progress.

FIRST of all, it is vital that we practise faith as part of the SGI organization, for only the SGI are people working together towards kosen-rufu in the unity of "many in body, one in mind". Some people may think that practicing faith alone, unconnected to the organization, is easier. But when people practice alone, their faith tends to become selfish and their actions, egocentric. This is a frightening thing.

YOU have to pray to the Gohonzon to become more broad-minded and tolerant. You have to chant and look unflinchingly at the people and the things in your life that are making you unhappy. 

Running away from things you find unpleasant is what causes suffering. 

But, if you face and challenge such situations, they will enrich your life.

NICHIREN DAISHONIN told us that "One who perseveres through great persecutions and embraces the sutra from beginning to end is the Buddha's emissary". (MW 3, p290) As long as we are striving to realise kosen-rufu, we are sure to encounter persecution. 

And it is the very presence 

of great obstacles 

that serves to strengthen our faith 

and forge 

the state of Buddhahood within us.

FAITH in the Mystic Law is the fundamental power to overcome the four sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death and to develop an eternally free and joyous state of existence.


YOUR Buddhist study will greatly support your efforts to develop a faith that never wavers, no matter what obstacles may arise. I hope you will have this spirit to read the Gosho, as it is a wonderful expression of your faith.

 

Source: Volume 1 to 5, Daily Guidance, Singapore Soka Association

Inspiring Experience from Geeta, a reader in India!

Myself, Geeta Gurav, was introduced into this amazing world of SokaGakkai by my Husband Mr.NarendraGurav 4 years ago. And it’s the most prestigious gift of my life. 

My Husband took the practice seriously from the beginning, but I was taking it lightly. I attended meetings regularly, but was not serious like my husband.

I was working at Fort – Mumbai and had to leave by 6.20 in the morning. In the discussion meetings many times I heard that we should keep a goal and chant towards it. Also senior leader visited us when we were new in the practice and told us the importance of goals in life. With Total Conviction for the first time I chanted for 1 Hour to get a job in Vashi for which I had been trying for quite long. To my surprise very next morning I got call from the company that I was selected with my desired Package. This was my first victory and since then we have numbers of Victories not only in our lives but in our friends’, members’, office colleagues’ and relatives’ lives.

Around this time, my husband decided to start business and I also encouraged him. Same time Building extension work came up…we were in deep thought how to manage as business needed huge money Then we also got the news that we would be receiving the GOHONZON. I was excited and told my husband now things would settle down. We took mortgage loan and extended 2 rooms which ended our worry of where to keep the Gohonzon. Enshrinement of Gohonzon was life changing experience again. It gave us feeling of having some one in the home who can guide us throughout lifetime.

During all this we came to know that I had conceived. It was great surprise because 6 years earlier I had a miscarriage due to Chicken Pox within 3 months pregnancy and had infections in blood which resulted into no chances of conceiving again. We really thanked the new addition to our family and making it complete. Because of Members chanting and support throughout after gap of 13 years and miscarriage, I had normal delivery. 

Gosho passage says, “ as practice progress & understanding grows, the tree obstacles & four devils emerge in confusing form, vying with one another to interfere, you should not be influenced or frighten by them.” Soon we started facing financial difficulty. My company did not offer salary during 4 months of leave for delivery, we had new loan with bigger EMI and our business was still a Baby. 2 companies whom we were getting regular orders, stopped giving us orders and we were caught up in personal debts. We had to stop the business and we started looking for new opportunities. Almost for 7-8 months my husband was without any earning and whereas expenditure was added because of new born baby. I stopped going in Auto till the station and started walking. My husband stopped eating night meal most of the time. We defaulted on EMI’s, telephone bills, delayed school fees of our daughter. We walked up to 30 minutes to attend meetings to save some money.  

  Amidst all this one day, our daughter said “Mom I am a big girl now, I don’t want to drink milk anymore” This she said because she knew what her parents were going through and now her younger brother needed milk more than her. I am truly blessed to have such an understanding daughter. I rejoined office keeping my 3 months child to a baby sitter and as a Buddha child, my son stays very nicely with the baby sitter.

Gosho says, “Wise will rejoice while foolish will retreat.” In spite of all these challenges, my Husband, even for a second, never felt defeated instead he cut down on his own expenses and bought me Gosho Book so that I could read the Gosho. Time to time my husband also sought guidance from senior leaders. Now we were very regular in our practice. In fact I became more regular in morning and evening Gongyo. It was only because of having correct attitude towards life and deep faith in the Gohonzon & sensei we could stand tall to our problems.

Like the Goho says “Winter always Turns into Spring”… My prayer was answered. My husband got a call to work in Dubai. Overcoming confusion with power of chanting he went to in Dubai in December last year. But our true victory was the company deals in Corporate Gifting – the same business he was running here in India. Once again we got the proof that this practice gives you what we actually need and at the right time. 

Now there was new obstacle ready for me. On 23^rd December I coughed in the office and saw little blood. I got scared at first but then chanted to support myself. Sensei says “No matter how harsh the adversity, we can always find a way to make in to a opportunity for our great human revolution. We can always use to create value.” I chanted and chanted for getting Right Doctor and Right Treatment. Finally after few days of hospitalization I was discharged and I have recovered fast and resumed my activities.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my Daughter because of her only – I can attend all the meetings – she always takes care of her younger brother and allows me to attend the meetings or doing home visits. At times I reach home after 8-30 or 9 also. My little one also support by remaining calm and loving. My both Kids are following this beautiful practice and making me proud. My daughter is also speaker for today meeting.

My victory is of my one of office friend who was not getting married for long time.  From day one of my practice every day I chanted for her happiness and marriage. To my surprise on 25^th April, she told that she was getting engaged on 2^nd May. This is a huge Victory for me before this May 3^rd Meeting that after praying and chanting for continuous 4 years, finally she is getting married. 

Here I would like take A Fresh Vow to propagate the Law. My favourite Gosho is “The Dragon Gate” and now I can feel that I am no more Carp, but have really become a Dragon”. I determine to develop my Block and spread the Happiness to all till the last moment of my life.

Thank you all.

Incredible May 3rd Guidance!

MAY 3 is our initial starting point, 
and simultaneously, 

the day we make 

our final declaration of complete victory. 

It is the grand anniversary which celebrates our efforts to realize a golden age of supreme spiritual triumph and glory. May 3 is invincible, unshaken by raging tempests. 

May 3 is filled with jubilation 

and ever-victorious hope. 

May 3 is the day which our friends around the world rejoice,
celebrate and deepen their determination to keep striving for
kosen-rufu. 


WHEN one dedicates himself/herself to the Gohonzon 
and advances in practice 
for the sake of his/her own enlightenment 
and for kosen-rufu, then, without doubt, 

he/she will become capable of truly loving others, 

and others in turn will say to themselves 

that there is something about him/her that shines.

BY arousing sincere faith 
in the Gohonzon of the Three Great Secret
Laws inscribed by Nichiren Daishonin,
and striving to chant daimoku and propagate the Law, 
you can tap the power of the Buddha and the Law
inherent in the Gohonzon and 
transform the negative karma in your life. 
Everyone can thus attain Buddhahood.


COURAGE and effort are extremely important, 
for they lead to glory and victory. 
Life is like a marathon. 
Even if you should fall a little bit behind the others 
during the race, 
there is no need to be impatient;
as long as you win in the end. 
The person who breaks the tape at the finish line 
is the true victor.


ONLY after surviving the harsh trial of winter 
can seeds burst into fresh growth in the spring time. Similarly, only by surmounting hardships 
can we be victorious in life and savor real, lasting joy.
Conversely, if we shun difficulties 
and lose our challenging spirit,

then all we will be left with in the end is failure and regret. Therefore, please blaze a trail 

through the "forest of difficulty" 

we find ourselves in and 

let's work again energetically for

kosen-rufu.

Source: Daily guidance by Daisaku Ikeda

Inspiring May 3rd Guidance!

MAY 3 is our initial starting point, 
and simultaneously, 

the day we make 

our final declaration of complete victory. 

It is the grand anniversary which celebrates our efforts to realize a golden age of supreme spiritual triumph and glory. May 3 is invincible, unshaken by raging tempests. 

May 3 is filled with jubilation 

and ever-victorious hope. 

May 3 is the day which our friends around the world rejoice,
celebrate and deepen their determination to keep striving for
kosen-rufu. 


WHEN one dedicates himself/herself to the Gohonzon 
and advances in practice 
for the sake of his/her own enlightenment 
and for kosen-rufu, then, without doubt, 

he/she will become capable of truly loving others, 

and others in turn will say to themselves 

that there is something about him/her that shines.

BY arousing sincere faith 
in the Gohonzon of the Three Great Secret
Laws inscribed by Nichiren Daishonin,
and striving to chant daimoku and propagate the Law, 
you can tap the power of the Buddha and the Law
inherent in the Gohonzon and 
transform the negative karma in your life. 
Everyone can thus attain Buddhahood.


COURAGE and effort are extremely important, 
for they lead to glory and victory. 
Life is like a marathon. 
Even if you should fall a little bit behind the others 
during the race, 
there is no need to be impatient;
as long as you win in the end. 
The person who breaks the tape at the finish line 
is the true victor.


ONLY after surviving the harsh trial of winter 
can seeds burst into fresh growth in the spring time. Similarly, only by surmounting hardships 
can we be victorious in life and savor real, lasting joy.
Conversely, if we shun difficulties 
and lose our challenging spirit,

then all we will be left with in the end is failure and regret. Therefore, please blaze a trail 

through the "forest of difficulty" 

we find ourselves in and 

let's work again energetically for

kosen-rufu.

Source: Daily guidance by Daisaku Ikeda

Daisaku Ikeda's Wise Words

THE path to attaining Buddhahood or true happiness consists alone in chanting daimoku to the Dai-Gohonzon of the Three Great Secret Laws and carrying through with the practice of faith for oneself and others.



BEAUTY has value, and the creation of value is our practice. The basis of beauty is the beauty of the spirit, which is cultivated by faith.


THOSE who apply themselves to the study of the great philosophy of Buddhism are truly respectworthy. Those who study the Gosho each day, even if just a little, constantly invite the winds of change and growth into their lives – refreshing breezes that nourish and strengthen their faith. The writings of Nichiren Daishonin are truly profound. On each reading, there are new discoveries and new determinations made.


MARA represents our own inner weakness and negativity, which function to obstruct our Buddhist practice. We have both a weak self and a strong self; the two are completely different. If we allow our weak side to dominate, we will be defeated. The thought, “I am still young and have a lot of time, so I can relax and take life easy,” is the seductive whispering of Mara, a function of our own weakness.


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.