1. EVERYTHING is contained in the single word, faith.
It encompasses
truth,
courage,
wisdom
and good fortune.
It includes compassion and humanity
as well as peace, culture and happiness.
Faith is eternal hope;
it is the secret to limitless self-development.
Faith is the most basic principle for growth.
2. THIS is the age of self-indulgence.
Therefore, those who lack a clear direction in life inadvertently drift towards merrymaking
and pleasure-seeking.
The organization of kosen-rufu and SGI activities
direct one towards self-improvement
and towards realizing true fulfillment in life.
No action taken based on faith is wasted.
In every respect,
such actions will come to take on the greatest significance.
3. OPTIMISTS are raised by good mothers.
It is important for mothers to be optimistic
and not brood over their troubles.
Such cheerfulness,
while not only being beneficial for the mother herself,
will also become a source of strength for the children throughout their lives.
If a mother is full of vitality,
then her children will be also.
Thus, she will enable the whole family
and those around them to feel at ease
to go about their activities full of hope.
4. THERE are innumerable types of suffering.
What we should realize
is that the times when we suffer severely
are also when we challenge and change our karma,
and unlock the door to great good fortune.
True happiness means
to establish a condition in which we can gladly face
even the greatest suffering and overcome it.
This last quote speaks volumes to many of us. I am here in Ohio, and Ben's interview was moved to today. Yesterday my life-condition dipped and I felt angry and emotional. That's how we know our life condition is low - when everything makes us mad! I chanted last night and today I awakened very early, moved my body, and now I sit down to chant. There is no such thing as no hope!
I am chanting for all of you, and that each one of you reads something here in these many blogposts that strengthens and fortifies your mind of faith so you can USE that muscle of faith and make whatever you want happen!
