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The true purpose of Soka youth is to stand up resolutely, without waiting for someone else to act first. The important thing is to become such an individual of dedicated commitment. I hope that all of you will rouse your courage, break through your inner limitations, and initiate dialogue aimed at spreading our movement, without worrying about what others do or say. — SGI President Ikeda

1· FLOW 725 SGI President Ikeda’s Words of Encouragement Now Is the Time for Spreading the Mystic Law (41)

But now … it is even more appropriate that such teachings [the teachings of the Lotus ] be propagated. Even though there are those who have no capacity to receive them, but who oppose them as water opposes fire, how can one fail to propagate them? Now, although one should meet with the kind of persecution experienced by Never Disparaging, they must be propagated; there can be no doubt of that. “On Reprimanding ” (WND-2, pg 931)

In this passage, Daishonin Through sharing our convictions declares with great conviction that the in faith with one person after time for spreading the Mystic Law has another, with unwavering arrived. Taking his words to heart, commitment like that of Bodhisattva the Soka Gakkai has created an ever- Never Disparaging, we can open growing network of people dedicated the way for fresh development in to peace and the happiness of all our movement. People around the humanity, undeterred by even the world are seeking the philosophy most daunting obstacles. The good of Nichiren . Let us now fortune and benefit accruing from enthusiastically reach out and engage these efforts are truly immeasurable. in inspiring dialogue with others. Advancing with the Gosho: Words of Encouragement from SGI President Ikeda From SGI Newsletter No. 9504 dated 07.12.2016

2· FLOW 725 CONTENTS

Editor-in-Chief Discussion Meeting Gosho Study Material Koh Sia Feai 2 Living a Life of Glory and Victory Based on the Editor Gosho Dinesh Chandren Assistant Editor Questions and Answers from the Discussion Meeting Goh Lim Erng 8 I want to introduce my friend to Buddhism Material Compilation (shakubuku), but I’m not persuasive. Tay Biby Young Women’s Division Gosho Study Art Director Is it acceptable to not understand the meaning Chew Meng Tatt 11 of the Gosho passage that we are studying? Designer Koh Wei Chaw Women’s Division Gosho Study Distribution 12 The Strategy of the Chai Siew Lin Ng Shy Huh Lions of Justice: Studying Soka Spirit 17 The Twenty-six Admonitions of Nikko (4) – Advancing Based on the Gosho

Buddhist Fundamentals for Youth 20 “An Indescribable Joy”

SGI President Ikeda’s Lecture Series Cover Photo Lee Chin Kuan 22 The Buddhism of the Sun — Illuminating the World (51) To My Friends of Each Division Engaged in Our Shared Struggle (Part 5): The Youth Division – Break through Limitations as the Flag Bearers of Fresh Development!

Buddhism in Life 35 Every Day is “Time without Beginning”

Subscriptions enquiries Gosho Study For enquiries on subscriptions, 38 On Prolonging One’s Life Span please contact: Email: Significant Dates in the Soka Gakkai [email protected] 47 June Tel: 03-9075 6876 / 018-388 4997

1· FLOW 725 Discussion Meeting Gosho Study Material

Living a Life of Glory and Victory Based on the Gosho

Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study. Without practice and study, there can be no Buddhism. You must not only persevere yourself; you must also teach others. Both practice and study arise from faith. Teach others to the best of your ability, even if it is only a single sentence or phrase. “The True Aspect of All Phenomena” (WND-1, pg 386)

Background and Outline the doctrine that substantiates Nichiren Daishonin wrote this the “enlightenment of all people” letter to Sairen-bo Nichijo while which is only expounded in the at Ichinosawa on Sado Island in Lotus Sutra. the fifth month of the tenth year This letter states that of Bun’ei (1273). For some reason “no phenomenon is in any Sairen-bo, a former priest, way different from the true was also in exile on Sado, where aspect”, that is, all beings he had been converted by the and environments in the Ten Daishonin. Worlds, from hell, the lowest, The “true aspect of all to , the highest, (all phenomena” is part of the sutra phenomena) are without exception passage of the “Expedient Means” manifestations of Myoho-renge-kyo chapter of the Lotus Sutra that (the true aspect). we recite during gongyo. It is This is followed by a

2· FLOW 725 Discussion Meeting Gosho Study Material

Main Points

• Buddhism is manifested in the action of those who persevere in the two ways of practice and study. • Exert yourself to the best of your ability to propagate Buddhism and expand Buddhist bonds.

description of the “Ceremony in devotion for all the people in the the Air” depicted in the Lotus Latter Day of the Law. Hence, the Sutra to explain the profundity Daishonin claims that “Nichiren of “the true aspect of all alone took the lead in carrying phenomena”. In the Ceremony in out the task of the of the Air, a colossal treasure tower the Earth.” (WND-1, pg 385) He emerges from beneath the earth further declares that the votaries and is suspended in mid-air. In of the Lotus Sutra who remain the tower, Shakyamuni Buddha his disciples and uphold the same takes a seat beside Many Treasures spirit as him in striving for kosen- Buddha. They entrust the mission rufu must be the Bodhisattvas of of propagating the fundamental the Earth. Moreover, there should great Law to which all Buddhas be no discrimination among those were enlightened – kosen-rufu in who propagate the five characters the Latter Day of the Law – to the of Myoho-renge-kyo, be they men innumerable Bodhisattvas of the or women. Earth who emerge from beneath The Daishonin further the earth. elaborates that at first only he Born in the Latter Day of the himself chanted Nam-myoho- Law, the Daishonin propagated renge-kyo, but then two, three, the Mystic Law which was and a hundred followed, chanting originally entrusted to Bodhisattva and teaching others, which Superior Practices, the leader of signifies “emerging from the the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, earth”. He shows his absolute and used the Ceremony in the conviction that kosen-rufu will Air to inscribe the Gohonzon certainly be realised. as the fundamental object of Finally, the Daishonin reminds

3· FLOW 725 Discussion Meeting Gosho Study Material his followers to firmly believe Buddhism. in the Gohonzon and exert The Daishonin teaches that themselves in the two ways of without practice and study, practice and study. there can be no Buddhism. The advancement of kosen-rufu stems from the actualisation of both Living a Life of Glory and practice and study. Victory Based on the Gosho The Daishonin further This Gosho passage elucidates the emphasises, “Both practice and fundamentals of faith, practice and study arise from faith. Teach study, as the correct attitude in faith others to the best of your ability, for the Bodhisattvas of the Earth who even if it is only a single sentence shoulder the mission of kosen-rufu or phrase.” in the Latter Day of the Law. Here, “to the best of your In the Gosho passage prior to abilities,” in the context of our this section, the Daishonin points attitude towards faith, may be out that upholding absolute and interpreted as “to exert all efforts.” doubt-free faith in the Gohonzon Soka Gakkai members who is the core. In the Gosho passage are awakened to their mission as we are studying, he teaches the Bodhisattvas of the Earth engage importance of the two ways of in dialogues for the sake of the practice and study. happiness of their friends wherever “Practice” means to actualise, they are. Through such steadfast and it comprises of practice for actualisation of faith, the SGI has oneself (Jpn jigyo) and practice for now expanded to 192 countries others (keta). Practice for oneself and territories throughout the means to perform gongyo and whole world. chant daimoku, while practice In this regard, Buddhism is for others is achieved through manifested in the action of those propagating the correct teaching, who persevere in the two ways of as well as carrying out various practice and study. kosen-rufu activities. SGI President Ikeda writes: “Study” means to study the Daishonin’s teachings, with the The writings of Nichiren Gosho as our basis, in order to Daishonin are teachings of deepen our understanding of hope. When we study these

4· FLOW 725 Discussion Meeting Gosho Study Material

writings and chant Nam- of practice and study that myoho-renge-kyo, our lives we lay the foundation for come to shine all the more victory for both our own brightly and overflow with lives and kosen-rufu.”1 courage, the wisdom of the Basing everything on the Mystic Law, and the power Gosho and being directly- of the Buddha. connected to the Daishonin – The Daishonin these are indeed the Soka Gakkai’s encourages us to talk to tradition and key to expansion. Let others about Buddhism. us create a golden history of our Let’s vibrantly reach out to own human revolution and kosen- others in dialogue. The more rufu through studying the Gosho we talk to others about our and expanding our dialogues of practice, the more people we encouragement every day. can help form a connection with the Daishonin’s Translated by Wong Kang Ying from the March 2020 Jiao Xue Yan Xi, the Taiwan Buddhism and the more Soka Association monthly study journal. benefit we can accumulate. It is through exerting ourselves in the two ways 1. FLOW No. 599 (01.03.2015), Cover 2.

5· FLOW 725 Discussion Meeting Gosho Study Material

SGI President Ikeda’s Guidance Excerpts

Let us advance courageously and joyously just as the Daishonin urges, following the great path of faith, practice, and study. And let us foster many talented individuals along the way. Sharing Buddhism with others is extremely difficult. But even if we don’t see immediate results, there is no need for us to be discouraged. Mr Toda declared: “Enabling people to free themselves from suffering eternally and on the most fundamental level is an extraordinary effort that can’t be achieved with ordinary motivation. No task is more important or challenging.” Filled with pride that we are carrying out the most sacred and noble work of the Buddha, let us continue striving joyfully, with confidence and good cheer, to engage people in dialogue aimed at expanding the sphere of happiness, hope, and peace.

Excerpt from FLOW No. 391 (01.07.2006), pg 17.

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In his copy of the Gosho, Mr Makiguchi marked for special attention the page containing this passage about “the two ways of practice and study”. Mr Toda also cited this passage in his foreword to the Soka Gakkai edition of the Nichiren Daishonin Gosho Zenshu (Collected Writings of Nichiren Daishonin), and wrote:

Since its establishment by our first president Tsune- saburo Makiguchi, the Soka Gakkai has treasured these words of Nichiren Daishonin and, persevering in “the two ways of study and practice” based on pure and strong faith, has engaged energetically in efforts to propagate the Mystic Law just as the Buddha teaches.

6· FLOW 725 Discussion Meeting Gosho Study Material

This rigorous training, comparable to the training of a master swordsman, has become the tradition and proud hallmark of the Soka Gakkai.

The Soka Gakkai has kept the solemn and sublime spirit of the Daishonin alive by advancing steadfastly based on the “two ways of practice and study”… Practice and study – which we carry out ourselves and encourage others to do as well – are the heart of Buddhism. In , it is not enough that we practice for our own happiness alone. There is no such thing as a selfish Buddha who is satisfied with attaining personal enlightenment and cares nothing for anyone else. The wisdom of the Buddha exists to lead all people to happiness. The efforts in practice and study made by Mr Makiguchi and Mr Toda while in prison clearly attest that the Soka Gakkai is directly-connected to Nichiren Daishonin. The Soka Gakkai is an organisation eternally dedicated to Buddhist study that is put into action, just as this passage teaches. The Daishonin writes: “Both practice and study arise from faith. Teach others to the best of your ability, even if it is only a single sentence or phrase.” (WND-1, pg 386) Faith is expressed as concrete efforts in practice and study. “To the best of your ability” means exerting yourself to the fullest. There is no need to feel hesitant about talking to others about Buddhism because you are not good at Buddhist study. For instance, you could just share some words from the Gosho that you find moving or something you learnt through your Buddhist practice. Or you can tell someone, even with just a few words, that practising Nichiren Buddhism is enjoyable, and that it will enable them to make their wishes come true. Excerpt from FLOW No. 675 (01.05.2018), page 21–23.

7· FLOW 725 Questions and Answers from the Discussion Meeting

Q: I want to introduce my friend to Buddhism (shakubuku), but I’m not persuasive. Discussion Meeting Question Time The following is a dialogue between leaders and youth members at a monthly discussion meeting.

Characters featured in Lee Yan: In today’s discussion meeting, this discussion meeting I am determined to challenge myself in Mr Cheng shakubuku too as I was encouraged by (District men’s division leader) everyone’s effort in doing shakubuku.

Mrs Lim Pravin: I was also very moved by the (District women’s division leader) experiences of those who achieved victory Michael Tan by overcoming obstacles through faith. (Young men’s division member) I want to have a good experience too before Pravin I challenge myself in shakubuku. (Young men’s division member) Mrs Lim: Oh? What you are saying can also Lee Yan mean that you won’t be doing shakubuku (Young women’s division until you get one. (Laughs) The Daishonin member) states, “Teach others to the best of your ability, even if it is only a single sentence or phrase.” (WND-1, pg 386) Let us all talk about Buddhism even if it is “only a single sentence or phrase”!

Pravin: I have a bad feeling that my friends won’t respond well to me saying how great Buddhism is. How about you?

Mr Cheng: I know that feeling! I used to be like that, afraid of being challenged by

8· FLOW 725 Questions and Answers from the Discussion Meeting

friends. I would become nervous Michael Tan: I see… no matter how and overwhelmed. well I explain the ingredients and techniques used, people won’t Michael Tan: Frankly speaking, my know how delicious it is. I should friends seem to have achieved just tell them, “It’s really delicious! more at work and their family; I’m not joking!” and have them they don’t seem to have problems try it themselves. at all. I wonder if they would even listen to me should I embark on Mrs Lim: SGI President Ikeda shakubuku. said, “Now, in the Latter Day of the Law, all our efforts to tell Mr Cheng: The Chinese characters people about and spread Nam- for “shakubuku” can be taken as myoho-renge-kyo – the essence to persuade your opponent, or to of the Lotus Sutra – constitute refute and win an argument, but shakubuku.” “Buddhism is great!” that’s not really what shakubuku “SGM is amazing!” “We have a means. great mentor!” I think we should just share whatever we feel, just Lee Yan: Isn’t shakubuku all about the way it is. our friends understanding us?

Mrs Lim: In Buddhist dialogue, while Pravin: It can be interpreted as “If you it’s also important for our friend don’t eat this delicious cake you will to understand us, what is most definitely regret it!” Right? (Laughs) important is for them to be happy. Mr Cheng: That’s right! President Mr Cheng: Imagine you found a Ikeda said, “The key point is to shop that sells delicious cake, and pray that one's sincerity will be you wanted to tell your friends. understood by the other person … What would you do? While shakubuku is difficult, when we bear in mind that, through our Lee Yan: I think I will invite my actions, both the other person and friends and visit the shop together. we ourselves will definitely realise tremendous happiness and benefit, Mr Cheng: Right! You won’t dream up nothing could be more joyful.” of various excuses to explain how Let us joyfully challenge ouserlves delicious the cake is, would you? to do shakubuku.

9· FLOW 725 Questions and Answers from the Discussion Meeting

The key point is to pray that one’s sincerity will be understood by the other person… While shakubuku is difficult, when we bear in mind that, through our actions, both the other person and we ourselves will definitely realise tremendous happiness and benefit, nothing could be more joyful.

Mrs Lim: Let us cheerfully and Mr Cheng: That’s the spirit! sincerely carry out Buddhist dialogue with our friends, saying, A: Expressing our thoughts “Although I am currently still frankly and sincerely, and a novice in Buddhism, let us attaining happiness together attain happiness together through with our friends is the key to practising this faith, shall we?” shakubuku.

Pravin: Understood. Alright, I will Translated by Andrew Tay Yu Yan from invite my friends to savour the the February 2020 issue of the Daibyakurenge, delicious cake together! the Soka Gakkai’s monthly study journal.

10· FLOW 725 Young Women’s Division Gosho Study

Is it acceptable to not understand the meaning of the Gosho passage that we are studying?

The characters of this sutra are all without exception living Buddhas of perfect enlightenment. “Reply to the Lay Priest Soya” (WND-1, pg 486)

If you continue to read the Gosho, presented many lectures on the combined with regularly chanting Gosho to my fellow Soka Gakkai daimoku, all the words contained members. No matter how tired I in its writing will come to was when I got home at the end of manifest the power of the Buddha the day, I made it a habit to open and be vigorously absorbed into the Gosho and record in my diary your young lives. a passage that resonated with me. In the Gosho, we can see the Interestingly enough, you’ll Daishonin’s firm resolve to uphold find that those Gosho passages the correct teaching of Buddhism that you engrave in your life when and his powerful conviction that you are young will always remain all forms of hardship and adversity with you. Even if you don’t fully can be overcome without fail… understand them at first, their I remember writing in my meaning will eventually become diary (A Youthful Diary) as a clear to you … young man: “Read the Gosho. If you take to heart even one It is extremely difficult”; and Gosho passage, earnestly chant “Whenever I participate in a daimoku and continue to make [Gosho] study session, I feel I have steady efforts, your youth and not studied enough. Profoundly your life will definitely open up. aware of the importance of study.” Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda, Dialogue for the Future: I gave my all to learning under Travelling the Path of Victory Together with You, Mr Toda. On his behalf, I also (India, Eternal Ganges Press: 2015) pg 239–43.

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The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra

Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other. “All others who bear you enmity or malice will likewise be wiped out.” [Cf. LSOC23, pg 288] These golden words will never prove false. (WND-1, pg 1001)

Nichiren Daishonin wrote this Despite this upturn in letter in 1279 to one of his leading fortunes, hostile elements driven disciples, Shijo Kingo, who was by jealousy and resentment sought based in the heart of . to kill Kingo. Anticipating such a Kingo felt inspired to urge development, the Daishonin had his feudal lord Ema to embrace long warned his disciple to stay faith in the Lotus Sutra, which alert and take various precautions. gradually resulted in Kingo falling This was one of the reasons why out of favour with his lord. Kingo was able to prevail over his Eventually, Ema delivered an enemies and emerge unharmed from ultimatum demanding that Kingo an attack they had made on him. either give up his faith or leave Kingo had reported the his service with the clan. However, incident to his mentor, and “The Kingo continued to persevere Strategy of the Lotus Sutra” is with strong faith and devoted the letter the Daishonin wrote in himself earnestly to serving his reply. In this letter, the Daishonin lord, based on the guidance and lists three reasons why Kingo encouragement of the Daishonin. triumphed in his recent skirmish. Consequently, having succeeded The first is “usual prudence”. In in regaining Ema’s trust, he was other words, staying alert, taking granted landholdings three times careful precautions, paying close the size of those previously in his attention to what’s happening, and possession, thereby showing great never slackening for a moment in actual proof of victory. any of those efforts. The second is

12· FLOW 725 Women’s Division Gosho Study

“courage”. Namely, the courage to hearts is one with the mentor and deal calmly with any crisis, along pray with a strong resolve to win, with the wisdom that derives we will be able to bring forth the from such courage. And third is wisdom and manifest to the fullest “firm faith in the Lotus Sutra”. limitless potential as well as turn That is to say, the strong resolve everything into the tailwind for to maintain steadfast faith in victory. the Mystic Law, no matter what happens. He emphasised that We’re Going to Open the Way firm faith is the foundation for Forward No Matter What everything else. No matter how outstanding It has been my long-cherished dream one’s military skills or tactics are, to send my only son to the Soka one needs to have good fortune High School but around the time of from embracing the Lotus Sutra the school’s entrance examination, in order to put one’s skills to my husband’s income decreased use to the fullest. The Daishonin significantly. I was deeply-troubled concludes that the “strategy of the but I recalled what happened when I Lotus sutra” refers to strong faith was in secondary school. in the Gohonzon and ultimately, At that point in time, the this is the best strategy on how we economy was in recession and can destroy all devilish functions my father had to close down his and open the way forward to business. As a result, he ended up absolute victory. accumulating a huge sum of debt. SGI President Ikeda shared Despite the dire situation, my the following encouragement, mother said, “We’re going to open “Let’s begin every undertaking the way forward no matter what.” with strong prayer. The Mystic Sharing this absolute conviction Law has the beneficial power to demonstrated by my mother, vanquish all devilish functions. It our family chanted wholehearted can activate the heavenly deities daimoku in unity. and turn anyone in any of the Ten When my elder sister and I Worlds into a friend or ally.” were about to sit for the entrance In the journey of kosen-rufu, exams to further our study at there will be different kinds of university, my father had a pay obstacles. However, as long as our rise. (After closing down his business,

13· FLOW 725 Women’s Division Gosho Study he began working at a company.) In letter, encouraging us to continue addition, one of the creditors was striving to our utmost best and moved by my father’s sincerity not give up. At that moment, in repaying a fixed amount on immense courage welled forth a monthly basis though it was a from the depths of our lives we meagre amount, and agreed to resolved, “We’ll not be defeated waive the remaining amount of no matter what!” and chanted debt. On top of this, there appeared daimoku earnestly and exerted a great supporter who offered to ourselves in Gakkai activities. help our family financially. As a My son overcame his issues result, my parents were able to although he had his ups and downs. send three of us to further our Having the good fortune of being studies at Soka University. guided by a very dedicated senior I told myself that now is my in the YMD, he is presently striving turn to open the way forward as towards his goals in high spirits. a mother of kosen-rufu. Together For myself, each time I with my husband, I chanted encounter an obstacle, I took on abundant daimoku wholeheartedly. the challenge to start a personal As a result, the new business that campaign to chant one million my husband started went smoothly times of daimoku. To date, I’ve and we were able to overcome our completed 113 rounds of one financial woes. It was double joy million daimoku. With profound for us when our son passed the gratitude for having been able to entrance exams and went on to open the way forward through study at Soka High School. daimoku and my mentor’s But this did not mean that encouragement, I shall continue to life was all smooth sailing strive to my utmost best for the thereafter. My son experienced kosen-rufu in Ibaraki. some human relations problem I am determined to achieve and was deeply-troubled. At the monumental victory based on darkest moment, my son and I fervent prayers to break through wrote a letter to President Ikeda my personal limitations and in which we expressed our conduct courageous dialogues to vow to never give up. We were turn even enemies into allies. completely taken aback when Article by Michiko Kodaka, Ibaraki general President Ikeda responded to our women’s division study leader.

14· FLOW 725 Women’s Division Gosho Study

SGI President Ikeda’s Guidance Excerpts

Activate the Protective Functions to Change the Impossible to Possible “Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other,” (WND-1, pg 1001) the Daishonin writes. At the beginning of 1956, the year of the Osaka Campaign when we made the impossible possible, I thought long and hard about the challenges ahead. Chanting resolute daimoku, I decided to make the strategy of the Lotus Sutra the guiding principle of my leadership. How much strength we brought forth through the diligent practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as if concentrating countless aeons of effort in a single moment of life! How much responsive wisdom we tapped through encouraging each other based on the Gosho, the writings of Nichiren Daishonin! How much poison we changed into medicine with a gentle and forbearing spirit that remained positive and fearless in the face of adversity! How many people we helped connect to Nichiren Buddhism through sincere behaviour modelled on Bodhisattva Never Disparaging’s practice of respecting everyone! Striving with lion-like courage, the dedicated members of Kansai and I worked together to activate the protective functions of the universe, making allies of all in our environment, including even the most negative and hostile forces, to achieve a victory that surprised all of Japan.

Excerpts from SGI President Ikeda’s message to the 40th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting, FLOW No. 696 (15.03.2019), pg 18–19.

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Supplementary Notes

The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra In its original sense, the term “strategy” refers to battle tactics, the science of warfare, or martial arts. Considered more broadly, it can be taken to mean a method for achieving better results in all areas – that is to say, for leading a victorious life of value creation. As Nichiren Daishonin teaches, the “strategy of the Lotus Sutra” refers to faith in the Gohonzon. It is faith that wins without fail through confident prayer and the boundless wisdom and courage that flow forth as a result. In other words, the “strategy of the Lotus Sutra” is the supreme strategy to open forth a victorious life. The Daishonin cites the passage from the “Medicine King” chapter of the Lotus Sutra: “All others who bear you enmity or malice will likewise be wiped out.” [Cf. LSOC23, pg 288] (WND-1, pg 1001) These words indicate one example of the immense good fortune that comes from embracing and propagating the Lotus Sutra. Being able to defeat all obstacles and negative forces through faith in the Mystic Law is the power of the “strategy of the Lotus Sutra.” Finally, the Daishonin teaches that the key to drawing forth the beneficial power of the Mystic Law is none other than strong faith.

Translated and adapted by Lim Sze Yin (SSA) from the April 2019 issue of the Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai’s monthly study journal.

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The Twenty-six Admonitions of Nikko (4) Advancing Based on the Gosho

Introduction

“The Twenty-six Admonitions of Nikko” teaches that the Gosho will always remain the basis for all teachings in Nichiren Buddhism. Nikko Shonin also teaches that only those who practise the spirit of these 26 admonitions are true disciples of Nichiren Daishonin who possess the heritage of faith. Since the time of founding president Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the Soka Gakkai has always advanced based on the Gosho and put the Gosho into practice, while remaining dauntless in the face of all persecution. The cowardly priesthood on the other hand has betrayed the Daishonin’s spirit and does not possess the heritage of faith.

SGM Soka Spirit department

Article 18: Even if a view instructs that any transgression, is set forth unanimously by even if the entire body of believers a conference (of believers), should endorse it, must be strictly the high priest should repudiated.” repudiate it if it goes against the Buddha’s Law. aaa

[Shin’ichi Yamamoto said:] “This “In other words, the essence of article is paired with Article 17 the Daishonin’s teachings is found (Do not follow even the high priest only in the Daishonin’s own if he goes against the Buddha’s Law words. This means that we must and propounds his own views). Here, base ourselves on the Gosho, the Nikko Shonin gives an example writings of Nichiren Daishonin. of a conference of believers Since President Makiguchi’s transgressing the teachings of time, the Soka Gakkai has made the Daishonin’s Buddhism. He the Gosho its foundation. And,

17· FLOW 725 Lions of Justice: Studying Soka Spirit because we have practised in the true lifeblood of faith – it is exact accord with the Daishonon’s not to be found in ceremonies or teachings, numerous persecutions formalistic rituals. Infusing these have assailed us. As a result, we articles in our hearts, let’s strive have been able to read the Gosho resolutely from today to propel with our lives and advance on the kosen-rufu forward with pride and correct path of faith as votaries of a sense of mission truly worthy of the Lotus Sutra. disciples of the Daishonin!” “For this very reason, the Excerpts from The New Human benefit of those who practise Revolution, vol. 2, “Training” chapter. faith as Soka Gakkai members is immeasurable. They can amass eternal good fortune and benefit. “What enabled Nikko Shonin, Let’s advance energetically towards the second high priest, to inherit kosen-rufu, making the Gosho a the of faith from Nichiren vital part of our lives.” Daishonin as his true disciple? It was because he had served the Daishonin aaa continually, endured persecutions by “Nikko Shonin wrote these 26 his side, and conducted propagation admonitions for the salvation activities boldly, exactly as his and protection of the people of mentor instructed. the Latter Day of the Law and “Practising faith in perfect all eternity. He urges the priests accord with the teachings of of later generations to observe the original mentor, Nichiren and practise these precepts, never Daishonin, and striving with harbouring doubts about their a spirit of selfless dedication validity. He declares that those are essential requirements for a who violate even one article are genuine Buddhist teacher fit to not his followers – and, obviously, inherit the Daishonin’s legacy. not the disciples of the Daishonin, “Without these qualifications, either. even the high priest, the chief “True disciples of the executive of the head temple, Daishonin, and followers of Nikko becomes no more than the Shonin, are those who uphold and political head of a clerical implement the spirit embodied bureaucracy far removed from in these 26 articles. Herein lies Buddhism’s true teachings. It is

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Practising faith in perfect accord with the teachings of the original mentor, Nichiren Daishonin, and striving with a spirit of selfless dedication are essential requirements for a genuine Buddhist teacher fit to inherit the Daishonin‘s legacy. utterly inconceivable that any trace silent prayers in gongyo, deleting of the heritage of faith could be portions of the Gosho, and found amid such circumstances. ordering the Soka Gakkai to accept “Some 600 years after the the , talisman. Daishonin’s death, the priesthood “He rose up with faith directly capitulated to the demands of connected to Nichiren Daishonin, Japan’s militarist government. from which he summoned forth “At that time, Tsunesaburo the immense power needed to Makiguchi, the first Soka Gakkai launch a struggle to refute the president, stood up resolutely to erroneous and reveal the true, initiate the widespread propagation exactly as the Daishonin had of the True Law in precise accord taught. He was arrested and with the Daishonin’s teachings. thrown into prison, where he died “Makiguchi always based a martyr. He truly read the Gosho himself on the Gosho. It was with his life as a disciple of the impossible for him to find a Daishonin.” mentor among the cowardly Excerpts from The New Human Revolution, priests who, fearing government vol. 2, “Courageous Endeavour” chapter. persecution, kowtowed to the authorities by changing the

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“An Indescribable Joy” From a speech delivered at the General Meeting, Tokyo, August 24, 1989.

Introduction: Tsunesaburo Makiguchi began practising Noting that Mr Makiguchi Nichiren Buddhism at the age of 57, in began practising Nichiren 1928, the year I was born. He was by no Buddhism at a relatively means a young man. In terms of the average life expectancy at that time, he would have advanced age, President been considered elderly. In other words, he Ikeda highlights that started practising Nichiren Buddhism in the the founding president concluding chapter of his life, and yet he always lived his life with created an indelible record of achievement in a forward-looking spirit. the history of kosen-rufu. In his final years, he engaged in an unremitting struggle against Japan’s militarist authorities and died a noble death in prison for his beliefs. Describing how he felt when he embarked on the path of Buddhist practice, Mr Makiguchi wrote:

When I made that great decision and finally committed myself to practising Nichiren Buddhism, I came to fully comprehend and appreciate in my daily life the Daishonin’s words: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” (WND- 1, pg 376) With an indescribable joy, I completely changed the way I had lived for almost 60 years.1

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Mr Makiguchi uses the phrase Mr Makiguchi continued: “an indescribable joy.” Through “The anxiety that came from adopting the fundamental way searching in the dark for life’s of life of Nichiren Buddhism, answers completely evaporated he completely transformed how [once I started practising Nichiren he had lived up until then, and Buddhism], and my inborn reserve found himself able to freely and diffidence disappeared. My and energetically take action in goals in life became increasingly society. His words convey to us grander and loftier, and my fears his exuberance in asserting that dwindled.”2 nothing could compare to the joy So long as you live, do so of this experience. with confidence and courage, This is none other than the dedicated to a grand purpose! – benefit of practising Nichiren this was the spirit of the Soka Buddhism, and it is important Gakkai’s founder, Tsunesaburo that we continue to live with Makiguchi. such joy day after day, just as a I hope each of you will take river flows unceasingly. And it is his spirit deeply to heart and through deep, strong faith that proudly live true to your mission we are able to elevate and expand while striving to realise our lofty the joy in our hearts. That is shared goal. why Mr Makiguchi taught that Adapted and edited by we must let nothing destroy our the SGM study department joy, and also never let anyone or anything destroy our Buddhist 1. Translated from Japanese. Tsunesaburo faith and practice, the source of Makiguchi, Makiguchi Tsunesaburo Zenshu our joyful spirit and way of life. (Collected Works of Tsunesaburo Makiguchi), (Tokyo: Daisanbunmei-sha, 1984), vol. 8, pg 406. 2. Ibid.

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The Buddhism of the Sun — Illuminating the World (51) To My Friends of Each Division Engaged in Our Shared Struggle — Part 5

The Youth Division: Break through Limitations as the Flag Bearers of Fresh Development!

My mentor, Soka Gakkai 2nd the young men’s division and president Josei Toda, always had young women’s division were the highest hopes for young founded (on July 11 and 19, 1951, people, constantly encouraging respectively). them: “Young people’s strength It is also the month in which lies in their burning passion.” Nichiren Daishonin, at the risk “Youth, advance boldly into the of his life, submitted to the north wind!” “Youth, make it your ruling authorities his treatise of responsibility to create an ideal remonstration, “On Establishing Soka Gakkai!” the Correct Teaching for the Peace He knew that the noblest task of the Land.”1 in building a bright future was fostering youth, because they are 1. “On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the an inexhaustible source of value Peace of the Land”: A treatise of remonstra- tion that the Daishonin submitted to Hojo that will bring hope to humanity. Tokiyori, the retired regent but still the most powerful figure in Japan’s ruling clan, on July 16, 1260. In it, he predicts that, unless July – Month of Youth, Month the correct teaching of the Lotus Sutra was followed, the country would in the near of Mentor and Disciple future suffer the calamities of internal strife and foreign invasion – the only two calami- July is the Soka Gakkai’s month ties among the “three calamities and seven of youth – the month in which disasters” that had not yet assailed Japan.

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For the Soka Gakkai, which commitment, they stood up with is carrying on the great selfless an indomitable fighting spirit, struggle of the Daishonin, it is resolved not to be defeated. the month in which our 1st and Up to this day, they have 2nd presidents, Tsunesaburo continued to share my struggle, Makiguchi and Josei Toda, were always ready to take on a fresh arrested due to the persecution of challenge, and built a record of the Japanese militarist authorities unending victory. Their fearless (on July 6, 1943). It is also the advance and dauntless unity – month of mentor and disciple, based on the oneness of mentor commemorating the month and disciple and the spirit of when Mr Toda was released from “many in body, one in mind” – prison and I was jailed by the are a model of kosen-rufu that is authorities.2 an inspiration for members around the world. Striving Once Again with the Resolve Not to Be Defeated Carrying On the Invincible Kansai Spirit On this day of release and of imprisonment are Today, countless young people are carrying on the invincible found Kansai spirit that members there the bonds of mentor and have passed on to their children disciple.

At 7:00pm on July 3, 1945, Mr Toda was set free after enduring 2. On July 3, 1945, Soka Gakkai 2nd president two years in prison for his beliefs. Josei Toda, who had been imprisoned for Then, on the same date and his beliefs by the Japanese militarist authori- ties during World War II, was released from time 12 years later (1957), I was prison. By strange coincidence, on the same arrested on trumped-up charges day in 1957, his disciple and later succes- sor, SGI President Ikeda, then Soka Gakkai through an unscrupulous abuse of youth division chief-of-staff, was arrested by power. the Osaka Prefectural Police on trumped-up charges of election law violations in a House I will never forget the tears of Councillors by-election in Osaka in 1957. of outrage wept at that time by This incident later came to be known as the the pioneer Kansai members who Osaka Incident. July 3 has thus become a day on which tribute is paid to the mystic fought alongside me. Sharing my bonds of mentor and disciple.

23· FLOW 725 SGI President Ikeda’s Lecture Series and grandchildren, transmitting it across generations and throughout Japan, and reaches even the world. to the two islands of In this instalment, I would Iki and Tsushima. Those like to study with all of you – persons who have spoken young Bodhisattvas of the Earth slanderously of me will in who are the flag bearers of fresh time chant in the same development – the great stand- way; and everyone from alone spirit of kosen-rufu and the ruler on down to the the compassionate practice of multitude of common treasuring each person. These are people will, as described the essence of Nichiren Buddhism in the “Supernatural and the bedrock of the Soka Powers” chapter of the Gakkai spirit. Lotus Sutra, chant Nam- aaa myoho-renge-kyo with a single voice. Though the trees may desire to be still, In this entire country of the wind will not cease Japan, I am the only one to blow; though we may who has been chanting wish for spring to linger, it Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. I must give way to summer. am like the single speck (“The Blessings of the Lotus of dust that marks the Sutra”; WND-1, pg 672)4 beginning of Mt Sumeru3 or the single drop of dew that spells the 3. Mt Sumeru: In ancient Indian cosmology, the mountain that stands at the centre of start of the great ocean. the world. Probably two people, 4. This letter was written on Mt Minobu in three people, ten people, 1276 and addressed to a disciple known as Myomitsu, about whom there is little a hundred people will join detailed information. Since the Daishonin in chanting it, until it refers to him as “the Honourable Myomit- su” (WND-1, pg 673), it would appear that spreads to one province, he was a practitioner who had strong faith. Myomitsu and his wife also seem to have two provinces, and all made frequent offerings to the Daishonin the sixty-six provinces of at his small dwelling in the wilderness of Mt Minobu.

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Teaching the Stand-Alone Spirit (LSOC16, pg 269) for relieving the The first passage we will examine sufferings of all living beings. In is from “The Blessings of the Lotus other words, he alone stood up to Sutra,” in which the Daishonin open the great path leading to the illustrates through his own example enlightenment of all humanity into the spirit of standing alone. the eternal future. Here, he clarifies that he is This passage expresses the the one and only person who Daishonin’s powerful conviction has initiated a great struggle to that the chanting of Nam-myoho- propagate the Mystic Law in the renge-kyo, which he had initiated, Latter Day, the time for spreading was beginning to spread, and that the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra, the time would come when people Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which is throughout the land would chant the “highly-effective medicine” it together (Cf. WND-1, pg 672).

“Young people’s strength lies in their burning passion.” “Youth, advance boldly into the north wind!” “Youth, make it your responsibility to create an ideal Soka Gakkai!” – Josei Toda

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The Flow of Kosen-rufu Starts presidents stood up to carry out from One Person the substantive realisation of kosen-rufu.5 And today we have The Law is the eternal truth entered a magnificent age of without beginning or end. But global kosen-rufu. unless someone who has awakened We see here an eternal to the Law stands up and begins formula. In all struggles for communicating it to others, kosen-rufu, there will be no humanity will never be able to progress without efforts grounded enjoy its benefits. in the stand-alone spirit. After Shakyamuni Buddha, the Though we may feel that our founder of Buddhism, attained life is as small and insignificant enlightenment under the bodhi as a speck of dust or a drop of tree in India, he hesitated as dew, when we stand up with to whether or not to share firm resolve and shine, we are with others the Law he had no longer a hidden speck of dust awakened to, because it was or a fleeting drop of dew, but such an unprecedented teaching. rather the “single speck of dust Eventually, however, he made that marks the beginning of Mt up his mind and stood up alone Sumeru” and “the single drop of to teach the Law for the sake of dew that spells the start of the people’s happiness. This stand- great ocean.” A speck of dust alone spirit is the unchanging and a drop of dew create the foundation of Buddhism that has grandness of Mount Sumeru and existed since its very beginning. the vast ocean. This accords with When the Daishonin first the principle of “three thousand established his teaching, he also realms in a single moment stood up alone to propagate it, fully aware of the great difficulties he would face. He observes: “In 5. The substantive realisation of kosen-rufu: this entire country of Japan, I This refers to propagating the Daishonin’s am the only one who has been teaching of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo of the Three Great Secret Laws in society. In other chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo” words, it is establishing happiness, peace, (WND-1, pg 672). and security in the real world based on the Inheriting the Daishonin’s great Mystic Law, through each individual carrying out their personal mission as a , the first three Soka Gakkai of the Earth.

26· FLOW 725 SGI President Ikeda’s Lecture Series of life.”6 This is the dynamic their Buddha nature will eventually transformative power taught in become active. Buddhism. The Purpose of Youth Is to The Daishonin’s Selfless Stand Up Resolutely Struggle to Propagate the Law Mr Toda said: “Kosen-rufu will Next, the Daishonin writes: definitely be achieved if even one “Those persons who have spoken young person is willing to dedicate slanderously of me will in time their entire life to it.” chant in the same way [as I do].” In accord with these words, (WND-1, pg 672) As he predicted, I fought wholeheartedly as “one people who had slandered him in young person” to lead the way the past had begun to open their towards the expansion of kosen- eyes to the truth of his words. His rufu. selfless, unremitting struggle in the The true purpose of Soka face of harsh persecution, as well youth is to stand up resolutely, as his behaviour and the actual without waiting for someone else proof he demonstrated, led many to act first. The important thing is people to become his followers or to become such an individual of transformed them into allies. dedicated commitment. The Daishonin further voices his great conviction that all people – “everyone from the ruler 6. Three thousand realms in a single moment of life: A philosophical system established on down to the multitude of by T’ien-t’ai of China based on the Lotus common people” (WND-1, pg 672) Sutra. The “three thousand realms” indicates the varying aspects and phases that life – will come to chant Nam-myoho- assumes at each moment. At each mo- renge-kyo. ment, life manifests one of the Ten Worlds – from hell through Buddhahood. Each of All people inherently possess these worlds possesses the potential for all the Buddha nature. It is therefore ten within itself, thus making one hundred possible worlds. Each of these hundred important that we continue to worlds possesses the ten factors and confidently and sincerely tell operates within each of the three realms others about the greatness of of existence, thus making three thousand realms. In other words, all phenomena are Nichiren Buddhism and the contained within a single moment of life, Soka Gakkai. Even if some lack and a single moment of life permeates the three thousand realms of existence, or the understanding and criticise us, entire phenomenal world.

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I hope that all of you will 21st century, worldwide kosen- rouse your courage, break through rufu has already become a huge, your inner limitations, and initiate irrepressible tide. dialogue aimed at spreading our As long as an ever-growing movement, without worrying number of young successors about what others do or say. The carries on the tradition of stand- foundation for today’s remarkable alone faith, our movement for development of kosen-rufu has kosen-rufu is guaranteed to keep been built through such earnest developing forever. This is the all-out efforts by our pioneering eternal perpetuation of the Law. It members who broke through all all depends on each one of you. limitations to set new records of As young people today, you achievement. When you challenge may find your environment very yourselves based on strong complex and demanding. I know prayer to engage in dialogue out some of you are struggling with of a wish for the happiness of difficult circumstances and others others, you will definitely pave battling storms of karma. the way for fresh breakthroughs But in every age, young people in expanding our movement for are the drivers of change. This is kosen-rufu. especially true of you who practice the wonderful Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin. Young people The Unstoppable Tide of who embrace the Mystic Law have Worldwide Kosen-rufu the inner strength and resilience The Daishonin writes: “Though to forge their way through waves the trees may desire to be still, of adversity and suffering, without the wind will not cease to blow; being swept away by them. Your though we may wish for spring stand-alone faith enables you to to linger, it must give way to bring forth that ultimate strength. summer.” (WND-1, pg 672) Just Mr Toda encouraged young as no one can halt the changing people: “As youth, please live with of the seasons in the natural joy in the place where you are world, once the tide of kosen-rufu now, whatever your circumstances. begins to rise substantially in the It’s important that you strive Latter Day of the Law, it will be to fulfil your mission. Even if unstoppable. In fact, now in the you face difficulties in life, stay

28· FLOW 725 SGI President Ikeda’s Lecture Series positive! On the stage of the mission entrusted to you, aim The “Introduction” to be the best in Japan and the chapter of the Lotus Sutra world!” speaks of how the Buddha aaa wishes “to rain down the rain of the great Law” [LSOC1, pg 46]. Now this Now when Nichiren chapter, “The Parable of and his followers chant the Medicinal Herbs,” Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, speaks of the plants and they are setting aside trees that “are moistened differentiation. by the same rain.” (From The twenty- The Record of the Orally eight chapters of the Transmitted Teachings, pg Lotus Sutra represent 64–65)8 differentiation [in terms of capacity to understand the teaching], but the Parable Highlighting the 7 five characters of the Buddha’s Compassion Wonderful Law [Mystic In addition to stand-alone faith, Law] are without it is just as important for young differentiation … people to carry on the Buddhist [The] “same rain” practice of compassion, of valuing or “single rain” [in the and caring for each individual. passage “Though all these plants and trees grow in the same earth and are 7. Myoho-renge-kyo is written with five Chi- nese characters, while Nam-myoho-renge- moistened by the same rain, kyo is written with seven (nam, or namu, each has its differences being comprised of two characters). The Daishonin often uses Myoho-renge-kyo and particulars” (LSOC5, synonymously with Nam-myoho-renge-kyo pg 135)] is the daimoku in his writings. 8. The Record of the Orally Transmitted unmixed with any other Teachings: Nichiren Daishonin’s oral tea- religious practice. chings on the Lotus Sutra, recorded and compiled by his disciple and successor Nikko Shonin.

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Now, let us examine the trees into small and large. “parable of the three kinds of In the parable, a dense cloud medicinal herbs and two kinds of envelops the world and sends trees” from “The Parable of the down life-giving rain equally upon Medicinal Herbs” (5th) chapter everything, including all the trees of the Lotus Sutra. This parable and medicinal herbs, without teaches the humanistic principle of discrimination. This symbolises treasuring each person as infinitely how the Buddha appears in the precious. world and impartially expounds You, our young men’s and the one Law for all living beings. young women’s divisions members, are courageous individuals The Flowering of Individuality committed to battling obstacles Based on Equality and safeguarding the people. You are leaders of peace who warmly The rain falls equally on all the embrace and accept all people. plants and trees, despite their I hope you will always strive to differences. Yet, receiving the rain, embody the they all grow, flower, and produce of compassion, wholeheartedly fruit according to their unique supporting and fostering the qualities and characteristics. potential of each individual. The Buddha’s teaching of the The “parable of the three kinds Law is the same. The Buddha of medicinal herbs and two kinds shows the same compassion to all of trees” illustrates the impartial living beings, without distinction. compassion of the Buddha. In “The Parable of the The mountains and rivers, Medicinal Herbs” chapter, valleys and plains throughout Shakyamuni says: the universe are home to a lush I look upon all things abundance of grasses, trees, as being universally equal, and medicinal herbs of many I have no mind to favour this different types, names, and forms. or that, The expression “three kinds of to love one or hate another. medicinal herbs and two kinds of I am without greed or trees” refers to the categorising attachment of medicinal herbs into inferior, and without limitation or intermediate, and superior, and the hindrance.

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Young men’s and young women’s divisions members, courageous individuals and leaders of peace, always strive to embody the Buddhist philosophy of compassion, wholeheartedly supporting and fostering the potential of each individual.

At all times, for all things view of humanity is that we all I preach the Law equally; possess a unique and precious as I would for a single person, mission, just like the “cherry, that same way I do for plum, peach, and damson.” (Cf. numerous persons. OTT, pg 200) (LSOC5, pg 140) The Buddha sees all living The Impartial “Rain” of Nam- beings as equals, wishing to myoho-renge-kyo elevate them to the same state of This passage from The Record of Buddhahood that he has attained. the Orally Transmitted Teachings The parable teaches respect for we are studying is part of the the individuality of each person Daishonin’s commentary on the based on a spirit of equality that passage in “The Parable of the does not reject or exclude anyone. Medicinal Herbs” chapter of the The deeply insightful Buddhist Lotus Sutra: “Though all these

31· FLOW 725 SGI President Ikeda’s Lecture Series plants and trees grow in the same Though we may be facing earth and are moistened by the such sufferings as illness, financial same rain, each has its differences troubles, or family discord, if we and particulars.” (LSOC5, pg 135) maintain a strong Buddhist practice In other words, the plants and based on faith in the Gohonzon, trees, though different and unique, we can establish the life-state of all grow from the same Mother Buddhahood, demonstrate the Earth, which does not reject their power of the Buddha, and realise a seeds. victorious life. “Moistened by the same rain”, meanwhile, means that the Buddha’s We Are All Infinitely Precious teaching (the rain) richly nourishes all people, without distinction. The Everyone is equal in front of the rain falls equally on all. Gohonzon. The Daishonin therefore states Mr Toda once said: “The that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the fundamental spirit of Nichiren fundamental teaching at the heart Daishonin is that everyone is a of the Buddha’s vow to revitalise child of the Buddha, everyone and bring hope to all people, is a treasure tower. That’s why each with their unique capacities. the Daishonin’s Buddhism can He teaches that chanting Nam- be called a true world religion myoho-renge-kyo is the source capable of leading all people to of compassion to embrace and enlightenment.” nurture all life and the wisdom to While there may be members invigorate and revitalise everything. who have stopped participating in Thus, for us, being “moistened Soka Gakkai activities or whose by the same rain” means chanting conviction in faith has waned, the the “same rain” of Nam-myoho- time is certain to come when they renge-kyo and causing a vibrant will reawaken to their mission and life force to well up from within. stand up again. The “same” of “same rain” Since my youth, I have can also be translated as “one” wholeheartedly encouraged or “single”, and in that sense members based on my firm belief indicates the one pure practice of that all are capable individuals and single-mindedly chanting Nam- my determination to help everyone myoho-renge-kyo. become happy.

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Encourage Even One More member households for Osaka Person Chapter in May, while also During the Osaka Campaign9 of winning an astonishing victory 1956, I chanted to the Gohonzon for the people with a result for as many people in Osaka as that everyone had declared was possible to join our movement impossible. and become our allies. I personally As I embarked on the Osaka took the lead, reaching out to one Campaign, I was firmly-resolved person after another and visiting to fight for my mentor, to give one home after another. my all for the sake of my fellow I used every spare moment to members, and to win through talk with those who came to the faith in the Gohonzon. Based Soka Gakkai Kansai Headquarters. on faith infused with my vow, I Together with local members, I strove wholeheartedly, encouraged travelled by bicycle far and wide. my fellow members, and realised Telling myself “There’s still time, victory through sincere and there’s still one more person to dedicated commitment. That is encourage,” I once visited more the spirit I hope to pass on to my than 20 meeting places in a single beloved youth division members. day. After returning to the Kansai Hopes for the Youth of Today Headquarters at the end of a long day of strenuous activity, I would Today, Soka youth are launching pray earnestly and then write fresh initiatives for peace all letters or postcards to members I around the world. Leading thinkers had encouraged or was concerned everywhere have expressed high about. In this way, in six months hopes for their efforts. I was able to personally encourage The American futurist Hazel some 8,000 individuals. I was extremely gratified that 9. Osaka Campaign: In May 1956, the Kansai members, uniting around a young Daisaku all our Kansai members responded Ikeda, who had been dispatched by Soka to the earnest prayers and struggle Gakkai 2nd president Josei Toda to support them, introduced 11,111 households to the of this “one young person” by practice of Nichiren Buddhism. In elections standing up to strive alongside held two months later, the Soka Gakkai- backed candidate in Kansai won a seat in me. Together we accomplished the Upper House, an accomplishment that the golden record of 11,111 new was thought all but impossible at the time.

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“Moistened by the same rain”, meanwhile, means that the Buddha’s teaching (the rain) richly nourishes all people, without distinction. The rain falls equally on all. The Daishonin therefore states that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the fundamental teaching at the heart of the Buddha’s vow to revitalise and bring hope to all people, each with their unique capacities.

Henderson affirmed that she shares as young people work together to with us the spirit of standing create a new age. alone and taking a courageous first Now, as a new era is dawning, step, followed by another and then we have a brilliant opportunity another. That, she said, is the way to set in motion a groundswell to blaze a trail.10 for peace and build a humanistic Argentine human rights activist society. Adolfo Pérez Esquivel voiced his Let us continue to forge ahead conviction that youth, who are the in the great struggle to realise the protagonists of this time, represent Daishonin’s ideal of “establishing the budding of a new age of the correct teaching for the peace peaceful coexistence and respect of the land” together with Soka for human dignity.11 youth across the globe who share Last year (2018), Dr Esquivel the mission of Bodhisattvas of the and I issued a joint appeal titled Earth! “To the Youth of the World: An Appeal for Resilience and Hope.” From SGI Newsletter No. 10410 dated 12.02.2020 Youth have the inherent strength to overcome every obstacle and hardship. 10. Translated from Japanese. From an interview article in the Seikyo Shimbun, February 26, 2012. Building a Humanistic Society 11. Translated from Japanese. From a feature article in the Seikyo Shimbun, November There will always be hope as long 17, 2012.

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Every Day is “Time without Beginning” Adapted from the dialogue The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, volumes 5 and 6, published in Japanese in September 1999 and August 2000.

Introduction: “Time without beginning” is synonymous In The Wisdom of the with “life without beginning or end”. It Lotus Sutra, President refers not to the dimension of time but to Ikeda touches on the innermost truth of life – indeed, to the life of the universe itself, which continues the concept of “time its activity without beginning or end. without beginning” In The Record of the Orally Transmitted with reference to Teachings, Nichiren Daishonin states: “Kuon Buddha’s eternal life [time without beginning] means something span. Explaining that that was not worked for, that was not each moment is “time improved upon, but that exists just as it without beginning,” he always has.” (OTT, pg 141) stresses the importance “Not worked for” means something that of faith based on the did not come about at a certain time but true cause – the spirit is inherent. “Not improved upon” means of always starting afresh the state of ordinary beings, unadorned from this moment on. by the “thirty-two features and eighty characteristics” that are the special marks of a Buddha. Inherent and eternal, and “existing just as it always has,” (Cf. OTT, pg 141) – this is time without beginning. Nam-myoho- renge-kyo and the Gohonzon are also of time without beginning. Therefore, each moment we chant to the Gohonzon is time without beginning. For us, every day in our lives is time without beginning. We are able to make our

35· FLOW 725 Buddhism in Life beings brim with the boundless – that happened, followed by that, life force of time without creating the present result. But to beginning. Every day, we make a have that perspective alone does fresh departure from the starting not engender hope. Instead, we point of life – time without should regard this present moment beginning. of life as the cause for manifesting That’s why the present moment a future effect. That cause is is the most important. We mustn’t the “true cause” penetrating the dwell on the past. There is no innermost depths of one’s life. It need to. To put all our energy into is not a superficial or outwards the present moment, with great cause. hope for the future – that is the The true cause sinks its roots mark of a person who is wise in deeply into one’s life of time the way of living. without beginning and, at the same time, pervades the entire aaa realm. It is Nam-myoho- renge-kyo, the great law that sets This moment is time without everything in the universe into beginning. Everything starts from motion, the boundless eternal now. life force that causes all things to The past no longer exists. The emerge and develop. Therefore, future isn’t here yet. All that exists each moment that we believe in is this present moment. And in the Gohonzon, chant the Mystic a flash, the present becomes the Law, and engage in Buddhist past. It both exists and doesn’t practice is itself time without exist. It is empty, or ku, the state beginning. of non-substantiality. In this state, The pure, boundless life force life continues, moment to moment. of time without beginning – “that It exists nowhere aside from the was not worked for, that was not moment. We experience happiness improved upon, but that exists and unhappiness only in the just as it always has” – wells up moment. within us. We can savour complete To regard our life in this freedom in the present and the present moment as the result of future. Nichiren Buddhism is the past causes is to view things from Buddhism of hope. the standpoint of the “true effect” Faith in the Mystic Law is

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Photo: Lum Heng

Only with all-out effort, with the determination to create something from nothing, can we understand genuine faith. a source of infinite hope. No with the determination to create matter how adverse your present something from nothing, can circumstances may be, even if it we understand genuine faith. seems you have been defeated, The intense, arduous struggle of it’s important that you stand up creating value – turning loss into with strong resolve to turn your benefit, evil into good, baseness situation around and demonstrate into beauty – is the Soka Gakkai the limitless transformative spirit and the essence of our potential of the Mystic Law. This practice of Nichiren Buddhism. is the essence of faith. Adapted and edited by Only with all-out effort, the SGM study department

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On Prolonging One’s Life Span

When he came to see me in the Lotus Sutra. If you live even one day tenth month of last year, he told longer, you can accumulate that much me how grieved he was about your more benefit. How truly precious your illness. He said that you were probably life is! not overly concerned then because (WND-1, pg 955) your illness was not yet serious, but that it would surely become critical by Background and Outline the first or second month of this year. This letter was sent to the lay nun His words deeply saddened me. He Toki, the wife of Toki Jonin, who also said that Toki depends on you lived in Wakamiya, located in the as a staff to lean on and a pillar for Katsushika District of Shimosa support. He was very concerned about Province (present-day Ichikawa-shi you. He is a man who never gives in in Chiba Prefecture). Until now, this to defeat and who greatly values his letter was thought to have been friends. written in the second year of If you are unwilling to make (1279); recently the prevailing view efforts to heal yourself, it will be very is that it was written in the twelfth difficult to cure your illness. One day year of Bun’ei (1275). of life is more valuable than all the Toki Jonin had been active treasures of the major world system, as one of the central followers so first you must muster sincere faith. of Nichiren Daishonin from early This is the meaning of the passage on, and has received many of the in the seventh volume of the Lotus Daishonin's major doctrinal theses Sutra that states that burning a finger such as “The Object of Devotion as an to the Buddha and the for Observing the Mind.” It was Lotus Sutra is better than donating the lay nun Toki who supported all the treasures of the major world her husband earnestly, but at that system. A single life is worth more time, she was suffering from an than the major world system. You still illness. have many years ahead of you, and The Japanese title of this moreover you have encountered the Gosho contains the characters for

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fixed (or immutable) karma, which means karma that inevitably produces a fixed or set result, whether negative or positive. In this Gosho, the Daishonin uses fixed or immutable karma to practising the Lotus Sutra. mean “life span” in particular. In addition, he urges the lay “On Prolonging One’s Life Span” nun to have steadfast faith in the is a letter encouraging the lay Lotus Sutra, doing so by quoting nun Toki that fixed or immutable his actual proof of praying for karma, which is one’s life span, his mother’s illness to be cured can be prolonged through the and successfully having her life power of the Mystic Law. prolonged by four years. In this Gosho, the Daishonin Next, the Daishonin mentions encourages the lay nun that just Shijo Kingo, a disciple who is as a skilled physician can cure also an excellent physician, and even serious illnesses, one is able encourages the lay nun to seek to eradicate fixed karma, recover treatment from Kingo. from illness, and prolong one’s life The Daishonin also states that span through the great beneficial life is an irreplaceable treasure, power of the Mystic Law. so the lay nun must hasten to In this Gosho, the Daishonin accumulate the treasures of faith quoted the examples of King and quickly overcome her illness. Ajatashatru, Ch’en Chen, and Finally, the Daishonin Bodhisattva Never Disparaging, repeatedly teaches that life is more saying that if even men were valuable than all the treasures of able to prolong their lives by the major world system, and if practising the Lotus Sutra, women the lay nun lives even one day of the Latter Day of the Law will longer, she can accumulate that definitely be able to transform much more benefit, and concludes their fixed karma through this letter.

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Main Points for Study for me to intercede. Just No one can avoid illness, and ask his assistance yourself, getting sick is does not mean frankly and sincerely, one’s faith is defeated. This time, without an intermediary. we shall study the guidance of (WND-1, pg 955) Nichiren Daishonin on illness such The Daishonin expressed his as (1) the mentor’s compassion in heartfelt concern to the lay nun so encouraging his disciples; (2) faith that she can muster her faith and for defeating the devilish function quickly proceed to seek treatment of illness; and (3) to dedicate one’s for her illness. The part that life to kosen-rufu in each single follows the passage above is the golden day. passage we are studying this time. Please refer to SGI President Ikeda’s Guidance 1. The Mentor Who Cares for The Daishonin said the following His Disciples to the lay nun Toki, who had When he came to see me in the become dispirited due to illness, tenth month of last year, he told to encourage her to seek treatment me how grieved he was about from Shijo Kingo, a famous your illness … His words deeply physician: saddened me. (WND-1, pg 955) I could ask Shijo Kingo Here the Daishonin states, “His on your behalf, but, while words deeply saddened me.” In some people would prefer these words, we can sense the to be approached by an Daishonin himself taking action intermediary, others may to encourage and treasure each feel it reflects a lack of person to his utmost so that his earnestness on the part of disciples can stand up in faith. the individual concerned In another letter sent to the … Shijo Kingo is one who lay nun Toki, the Daishonin said, would feel offended if the “I am as concerned about the request came from anyone illness of your wife, the lay nun but the person directly Toki, as though it were I myself concerned, so in his case, who is ailing, and day and night it would not be advisable I pray to the heavenly gods

40· FLOW 725 Gosho Study that she will recover … I am transcending nationalities, beseeching the gods of the sun ethnicities, and generations. and moon that they will guard No one could ever create her life even at the cost of their another realm like it.1 own!” (WND-2, pg 666) Let us all strengthen this bond Throughout his life, the of human solidarity. Daishonin forged close bonds Please refer to SGI President Ikeda’s with each person and thoroughly Guidance 2. encouraged his disciples through prayer that moves the heavenly A Leader of Indomitable Spirit gods and benevolent deities. It is also clear from this letter He also said that Toki depends that Shijo Kingo also sincerely on you as a staff to lean on and treasured his comrades, embracing a pillar for support … If you are the same spirit as the Daishonin. unwilling to make efforts to heal The Soka Gakkai has inherited yourself, it will be very difficult to this realm of encouragement. The cure your illness. (WND-1, pg 955) essence of a humanistic religion Here, the Daishonin describes lies solely in the humanistic Shijo Kingo as “a man who never behaviour of mutually respecting gives in to defeat.” (Ibid.) It can each other. be said that the unshakeable In his message to the 42nd determination of Shijo Kingo in Headquarters Leaders Meeting of not retreating even one single step the New Era of Worldwide Kosen- for the sake of his comrades and rufu, President Ikeda wrote: the Mystic Law help established Inheriting this spirit of the his own victory. Daishonin, we have built In addition, through the words the wonderful realm of of Shijo Kingo, the Daishonin also the Soka Gakkai – a realm touches on the feelings of Toki of human harmony that Jonin who was anxious about his can only be described as wife. In this way, telling the lay miraculous. Nowhere else nun Toki that people around her can we find such beautiful were also worried about her illness bonds of global citizenship as the ones we have forged, 1. FLOW No. 712 (15.11.2019), pg 5.

41· FLOW 725 Gosho Study is also a way of encouraging her as expounded in the Life Span to quickly seek treatment. (16th) chapter of the Lotus Sutra There is no need to be afraid “to further bestow lifespan”, the of illness, but we must also not Mystic Law has immeasurable make light of it. The Daishonin beneficial power. Faith is the key continues to encourage the lay to whether or not one can draw nun saying, “you must hasten to out the benefit of the Mystic Law, accumulate the treasure of faith the great good medicine. and quickly conquer your illness” That is why the Daishonin and “to take action without urged the lay nun Toki to confront hesitation”. and quickly conquer her illness Please refer to SGI President Ikeda’s with faith, and not just lament Guidance 3. about it. Together with showing the Muster Strong Faith to Defeat power of the Mystic Law that the Devilish Function of Illness “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like One day of life is more valuable the roar of a lion. What sickness than all the treasures of the can therefore be an obstacle?” major world system … an offering (WND-1, pg 412) the Daishonin to the Buddha and the Lotus teaches, “But your faith alone Sutra is better than donating all will determine all these things. A the treasures of the major world sword is useless in the hands of system. (WND-1, pg 955) a coward. The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded To live a single day of life itself by one courageous in faith. Then is more valuable than all the one will be as strong as a demon treasures of the whole universe. armed with an iron staff.” (Ibid.) Based on the Bodhisattva Medicine When all is said and done, King chapter of the Lotus Sutra, what we must do is make faith the the Daishonin states that “even basis of our life. one day of life is worth more than Illness and the devilish all the treasures that fill the whole function of illness are two different major world system.” phenomena. Lamenting, disbelief, He also states that since life giving up and cowardice are signs is so precious, the lay nun should that show one has been defeated live even one day longer. Just by the devilish function of illness.

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Thus, the Nichiren Daishonin Each day that we live for teaches what actions we can take kosen-rufu can be said to and how we can transform our be a golden day that has no determination, or ichinen, in comparison. defeating devilish functions. Please refer to SGI President Ikeda’s Guidance 5. Please refer to SGI President Ikeda's Guidance 4. Endless Encouragement Living Each Golden Day The painful condition of the lay nun Toki’s illness seems A single life is worth more than to have continued for a while the major world system. You still after this, with the Daishonin have many years ahead of you … consistently sending her letters of How truly precious your life is! encouragement. (WND-1, pg 955) “You also are a practitioner of The Daishonin states again that the Lotus Sutra, and your faith a single life is worth more than is like the waxing moon or the all the treasures of the major rising tide. Be deeply convinced, world system. On top of that, then, that your illness cannot the Daishonin is saying that the possibly persist, and that your lay nun Toki is not that old, and life cannot fail to be extended! moreover, she has encountered the Take care of yourself, and do not Lotus Sutra. burden your mind with grief.” Once again, Nichiren Daishonin (WND-1, pg 656) wants the lay nun to engrave The Daishonin asserts that in her life that as a person who there is no way that the votary of embraces the Mystic Law, she can the Lotus Sutra will ever lose to accumulate that much more benefit the devilish function of illness. He by living even one more day. encourages the lay nun to have “No matter what, please strong conviction not to be shaken cherish your precious life and live and defeated by the devilish with all your might to the very function of illness. end!” This was the Daishonin’s Through the Daishonin’s warm ultimate guidance for living, not encouragement, the lay nun Toki just for the lay nun Toki, but for went on to prolong her life span us as well. and complete her mission in life.

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SGI President Ikeda’s Guidance how we face illness, our attitude in dealing with it. 1. Rethinking Our Life and From SGI Newsletter No. 10449 dated Mission 14.04.2020; The Buddhism of the Sun – The Lotus Sutra also describes Illuminating the World, “Towards a Century of the Buddha as having some ills Health: The Wisdom for Leading a Long Life of Good Fortune and Benefit,” part 1 (of 4). and worries. (Cf. LSOC15, pg 254) Buddhas and bodhisattvas, 2. The SGI Network is the just like all people, embody “Precious Treasure of the principle of the “mutual Humanity” possession of the Ten Worlds” and as such cannot avoid “His [Shijo Kingo’s] words deeply the four universal sufferings saddened me,” (WND-1, pg 955) of birth, aging, sickness, and the Daishonin says to the lay nun death. As the Daishonin teaches, Toki in this letter. We can imagine “birth and death are originally these warm sentiments, filled with inherent in life itself.” (Cf. OTT, such concern for her well-being, pg 127) Illness is a natural part touching her deeply and inspiring of life. her to summon forth fresh resolve. Falling ill is nothing to be The Soka Gakkai is a beautiful ashamed of; nor is it a sign that realm of comrades working we have failed in some way. Yet, together for kosen-rufu – a realm some may start to have doubts, built through the all-out struggles wondering why they became sick of the first three presidents, in spite of practising Nichiren united by the bonds of mentor Buddhism, or berate themselves and disciple and carrying on the for falling ill at a particular time. spirit of the Daishonin. Through That is why it’s important to view the efforts of dedicated disciples things from the perspective of striving to fulfil the mentor’s faith that illness is “the Buddha’s vision, our SGI network, a design.” (WND-1, pg 937) Because precious treasure of humanity, will we embrace the great teaching of no doubt spread even more widely Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, there is throughout the world and far into no karmic suffering we cannot the future. overcome. We have no need for From FLOW No. 431 (01.03.2008) worry or fear. What counts is pg 26–27.

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3. The Mystic Law is the Highly vacillate about seeking treatment Effective Medicine when we are ill. Don’t put yourself Life is tenacious; it is endowed in a situation where you later have with the impulse to survive and the cause for regret because you were power to heal. The “highly effective reluctant or hesitant to take action. medicine” for drawing forth these The Daishonin urges the lay nun innate properties is the Mystic Law. Toki to act promptly. Buddhism Ultimately, it is we ourselves who always conforms with reason. cure our illness, while the decision From FLOW No. 432 (01.03.2008), pg 23. to undertake this battle to do so arises from faith. This is indicated 4. Transforming Karma in the writing we are studying by into Mission the Daishonin’s reference to the “treasure of faith.” (WND-1, pg Nichiren Daishonin is surely 955) watching over disciples who, To see illness as an opportunity though struggling with illness, to transform our karma – this continue to chant Nam-myoho- strong spirit and resolve can renge-kyo and base their lives on break through all obstacles and the Mystic Law. Therefore, we devilish functions, and open have absolutely nothing to fear. wide the path to happiness. Like The supreme power of a spaceship blasting out of the daimoku enables us to transform earth’s atmosphere, the passionate despair into hope, and karma into conviction of faith that comes from mission. viewing illness as an opportunity As the Daishonin declares, one to transform our karma can day of life is more valuable than become a powerful engine all the treasures of the universe. propelling us forward not only Making our lives shine their in this existence but throughout brightest with sincere and resolute eternity, enabling us to freely faith, let us once again today savour everlasting happiness. dedicate ourselves to fulfilling our “You must … quickly conquer vow for kosen-rufu. Let us create your illness.” the Daishonin limitless value! tells the lay nun Toki. Once we From SGI Newsletter No. 10162 dated understand how precious a single 07.03.2019; “Advancing with the Gosho: Words day of life is, there is no reason to of Encouragement from SGI President Ikeda”.

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5. Living a Life of Value What an empty, dreary, Creation Each Day and lonely life it will be if you Nothing is more precious than backslide. That is why those who living a single day embracing backslide will jealously attack the the Mystic Law. Everything can Gakkai organisation. be made the best use for value To us, every day is the creation. Spending a meaningless remotest past of beginning-less and regrettable day is a waste. time, and New Year’s morning. Waking up in the morning, Let us gallantly take action so and all day today, there are work that each and every day will be to do and mission to accomplish. fulfilling, and compose our golden Such a person is the happiest. “diary of life.” Such is the life of a Gakkai Tentative translation from member. The Complete Works of Daisaku Ikeda, vol. 86. In each and every single day of a Gakkai member, there are unsurpassed purpose in life and fulfilment.

Summary of main points

• The Soka is the realm of encouragement that has inherited the spirit of Nichiren Daishonin. It is a miraculous realm of human harmony. • Warm and continuous encouragement can help people overcome obstacles such as illness. • One day of life is more precious than all the treasures in the universe. Falling ill is not a sign of defeat but being defeated by illness is. Therefore, we must muster strong faith to defeat the devil of illness. • Each day lived for the sake of kosen-rufu is a golden day that is previous and irreplaceable. Therefore, we must cherish our lives and live with all our might till the very end. .

46· FLOW 725 Significant Dates in the Soka Gakkai

June This series, “Significant Dates in the Soka Gakkai,” discusses important dates in the history of Nichiren Buddhism and the Soka Gakkai.

June 6: Birth of First Soka essence of the Buddhist teachings, Gakkai President Tsunesaburo insisting that religion always exists Makiguchi to serve human needs. In July Tsunesaburo Makiguchi (1871– 1943, as a result of their refusal 1944) was a geographer, educational to compromise their belief in theorist and religious reformer Nichiren Buddhism, Makiguchi and who lived and worked during Toda were arrested by the Japanese the tumultuous early decades of military police. On November Japan’s modern era. He was born 18, 1944, Makiguchi died in on June 6, 1871, in the village of the prison of a combination of Arahama (in present day Niigata malnutrition, old age and the Prefecture, Japan). He trained to harsh treatment he received while become a teacher and began to imprisoned. He was 73 years old; teach geography in various schools however his spirit remain strong in Hokkaido. despite his circumstances. SGI Tsunesaburo Makiguchi is President Ikeda comments: best known for the publication of While in prison, two major works, The Geography founding Soka Gakkai of Human Life and The System of president Tsunesaburo Value-Creating Pedagogy. Makiguchi serenely wrote: Together with his closest “Concentrating intently on disciple Josei Toda, Makiguchi my faith is my work right founded the Soka Gakkai in 1930 now. If I can do that, I am and become its first president. not the least bit anxious … The same commitment to the Depending on one’s frame happiness of people can be seen in of mind, even hell can be his role as a religious reformer. enjoyable.”1 He rejected the attempts of the authorities to subvert the 1. FLOW No. 537 (01.08.2012), pg 23.

47· FLOW 725 Significant Dates in the Soka Gakkai

After Josei Toda was released Makiguchi’s educational ideas from prison, he set about rebuilding have been implemented by Toda’s the Soka Gakkai, vowing to create successor, Daisaku Ikeda, who an organisation that would put an has established a network of Soka end to war and violence. There schools from the kindergarten to are now more than 12 million post-graduate university level in members practising around the Japan and throughout the world. world. President Ikeda writes: Makiguchi’s theories of value- creating education have inspired a He [President Makiguchi] growing body of research as well would surely be delighted as innovative projects around the to see how our wonderful globe. Soka network has spread to encompass every continent of the globe, shining as a beacon of peace.2 2. FLOW No. 614 (15.10.2015), pg 17.

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“Exerting ourselves in faith, practice, and study, and upholding the correct teaching, directly-connected to the Daishonin, have been the tradition of the Soka Gakkai since its earliest days. Today, Nichiren Buddhism pulses vibrantly only within the efforts of Soka Gakkai members to compassionately propagate the Mystic Law based on faith, practice, and study.”

– SGI President Daisaku Ikeda

The key to the Soka Gakkai’s development as a world religion is no doubt due to its members dedicating themselves to faith, practice, and study in the same spirit as the mentor. Let us study earnestly study President Ikeda’s lectures on faith, practice, and study, and basing RM20.00 ourselves on the Gosho, which form List Price: part of the “The Buddhism of the Sun – Illuminating the World” series. FE725 RM2.50

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