You are the Buddha

(highlights from SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's Speech)

Soka Gakkai is an organization of the people, dedicated to propagating this great teaching. Through the supporting and encouraging ordinary people, and enabling them to bring forth their innate potential and strength, our organization has helped transform society. Nothing is stronger than the people.

Everything in the universe is a manifestation of the Mystic Law.

It thus follows that when ordinary people chant and spread the Mystic Law, which is the true reality of all things, they themselves are venerable Buddhas living in accord with that supreme Law.

The great life-state of Buddhahood, which is none other than Myoho-renge-kyo, the Law of the universe, exists within all people. The question is whether we realize this truth and can manifest it in our lives through strong faith in its existence. This is only difference between a Buddha and an unenlightened person.

Josei Toda, once said: “Attaining Buddhahood does not mean becoming a Buddha or trying to become a Buddha. It means believing wholeheartedly in the Daishonin’s teaching of the true aspect of all phenomena and that Buddhahood exists within the lives of ordinary people. Its mean awakening to the fact that you, just as you are, a Buddha, and that you have been one from the distant past and will be into the eternal future.”

We cannot be anything more than human beings, nor should we be. The point is for us to cause our humanity to shine forth as brightly as possible. This is really all that matters.

A deep understanding of this doctrine brings us to a humanistic philosophy that respects ordinary people. This is the people-centered teaching that all people possess the life-state of Buddhahood.

Mr Toda said that without our people of true integrity and character, kosen rufu would never be realized. It’s not about appearances. Those who make efforts to spread the Daishonin’s teaching work earnestly for kosen rufu, and contribute to the happiness of others are worthy of the highest respect.

The SGI is the great organization it is today precisely because it was built by infinitely noble ordinary people who didn’t necessarily have fancy academic backgrounds or important social positions.

The realm of faith has its own standards. Those who have a profound seeking spirit in faith are the noblest. To judge others based on their educational background or lack of that is not the way of faith. Nor is it the way of Buddhism or the Soka Gakkai. We should be wary of conceit and arrogance.

“It’s the heart that is important.” Faith in Buddhism isn’t about priests or the powerful. It’s about the ordinary people who are striving earnestly in their Buddhist practice.

That is why no member should ever feel ashamed for not having received a higher education.

Young people should be judged by their abilities, not by external trappings. It is by applying our true abilities that we win. It is by living with wisdom and integrity that our lives come to shine.

“The Law does not spread by itself: because people propagate it, both people and the Law are respect worthy.” (GZ, p856)

The Soka Gakkai itself can be likened to a university where people can develop their full potential and become truly well-rounded individuals. It’s a place of ongoing learning, open to all.

I hope that our bright young people will use their educations to serve others, becoming “people who protect the people”. I hope that they will be active in a wide variety of fields, striving tirelessly for the happiness of other s and the prosperity of society as a whole. Seeking higher education can also serve as a challenge for developing oneself as a leader who can genuinely contribute to people’s welfare.

Creating True Causes in Our Lives

(highlights from SGI President Daisaku Ikeda Study Essay Series)

In the ‘Opening of the Eyes, Daishonin cites the following passage from the Contemplation on the Mind-Ground Sutra:

‘If you want to understand the causes that existed in the past, look at the results as they are manifested in the present. And if you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present.’ (WND-1, p279)

Looking at out present circumstances, we can perceive the causes we have made in the past, as well as the effects or results that will materialize in our lives in the future.

In the other words, we can definitely transform in this existence the karma we have created in past life times. By striving for kosen–rufu and courageously taking on the three powerful enemies, we can break free of the karma that we have accumulated from the past.

(Three powerful enemies refers to arrogant lay people, arrogant priests and arrogant false sages, who persecute those who propagate the Lotus Sutra in the evil age after Shakyamuni Buddha’s death.)

Bad causes bring bad effects, while good causes bring good effects. No one knows the reasons for my situation better than I do. In the end, no one else is to blame. It is no one’s responsibility but my own.

From the perspective of the clear and penetrating Buddhist law of cause and effect, there is no reason to lament or bemoan our karma, rather, we should resolutely challenge it head-on. In deed, we should be determined to rewrite our destiny.

Faith in Daishonin’s Buddhism illuminates the path to happiness extending from the past to the present, and from the present to the future. To be bound by the causes of the past and lament their effects in the present makes for an unhappy life. While it is true in a certain respect that the present is the results of the past causes, by elevating our life-state in the present, our negative past causes are transformed into positive ones. There is no need for us to be prisoners of the past; in fact, we can even change the past.

Prayer to the Gohonzon, chanting daimoku, is not abstract or theoretical. It is a burning inner flame to be victorious. If the flame of resolve blazes in our heart, the instant we chant, we have already won.

When we determine to give our all and to win in our goals and endeavors for kosen-rufu, that resolve becomes the cause for expanding our life-state and bringing forth the power to achieve the impossible.

Practising Buddhism of True Cause means bearing in mind that every instant of our lives is a cause for the future. It means having a firm resolve to make every instant a cause for the future.

Mr Toda also said; "Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the way to transform our karma for the better. Through chanting, we are able to clean our slate of past causes and effects and reveal out true selves as ordinary people enlightened since time without beginning.”

62 years have passed since my first encounter with my mentor. Mr Toda said to me:

“Please keep on striving alongside me to see just how the results of our practice are manifested in the future.”

Today I am in the finest health, I have built friendships with leaders around the world, and I am advancing together with more than 10 millions members worldwide. The many honors and awards that I have received from institutions across the globe are all the splendid results of the chain of cause and effect that began from the moment I first met Mr Toda.

They are the rewards for having served such a great teacher and leader of kosen-rufu. I always dedicate such honours to Mr Makiguchi and Mr Toda with heartfelt gratitude. And I accept them with sincere prayer that the good fortune and benefits that they represent will flow on to all our members and to their descendants for generations to come.

With invincible spirit!

(extracted from SGI President Daisaku Ikeda March 2009 Editorial)

The nobility
of a smile
exuding invincible resolve
is the hallmark of
a brilliant victor

The German author Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) embodied the spirit of one who remains positive and overcomes any sense of inadequacy through tireless effort. Likewise, no matter what painful challenges we may face in life, we should turn them into opportunities to launch a bold counter attack.

Making one’s way through life actively avoiding hard work and tough challenges will produce nothing of true lasting value. Young people, in particular, need to throw themselves into their chosen task, roll up their sleeves, grit their teeth, and bravely weather all hardships and difficulties as they steadily work towards fulfilling their mission. That indomitable, invincible spirit is the highest honour a youth can earn.

Chanting is a diligent practice

(extracts from 'The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings and Youth, by SGI President Daisaku Ikeda.)

Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is just such a ‘diligent practice’. This is a profound statement. ‘Diligent’ (‘shojin in Japanese) here is comprised of two Chinese characters. The Chinese character for ‘sho’ means pure and refer to pure faith, while the character for ‘jin’ means ceaseless and refer s to uninterrupted advance. To diligently carry out this practice of pure faith and ceaseless advancement is the direct path by which we can attain enlightenment, or Buddhahood. For us, to continually move forward while making efforts for the sake of kosen-rufu is what it means to ‘exert millions of kalpas of effort’.

Our determination in the present moment is the key to victory.

The great Russian author Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) said to the effect that it is wise to live in the moment, to do our very best right now. In the other words, our focused resolve now can open the way to a brighter future. Though our resolve is intangible, it is manifested as action. The Daishonin writes that when confronted by obstacles, ‘the wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat’ (WND-1, p637). Faith means having the resolve to take on all of life’s challenges with courage and joy. And daimoku is the driving force that enables us to continue pressing ahead bravely.

Everyone experiences sufferings and problems. Sometimes we may face such things as financial difficulties or sickness. But those who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and strive tirelessly for kosen-rufu are able to attain Buddhahood. They can tap the wisdom and strength of that supreme inner life-state and thereby overcome any obstacle. Though the course of this challenge, they can deepen their lives and become as strong as pure as gold.

“Buddhism is a matter of proof.’ He used to say. ‘Without proof, it’s just abstract theory.’

Mr Toda also said: ‘We are born to struggle and challenge ourselves. We were born to progress in our lives and to win. This is the meaning of a life dedicated to happiness and peace. Life is for being victorious.’ And the key to victory is chanting daimoku, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

Gosho - The "Threefold Transformation of the Land".

extracts from SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's Lecture on Gosho - The "Threefold Transformation of the Land.


The continual efforts of each of us to carry out our individual human revolution, or inner transformation, as members of SGI in the midst of society, are the means by which we can transform the world around us. They represent a modern day expression of the “threefold transformation of the land”, a teaching expounded in the Lotus Sutra.

The wide spreading of the Mystic Law serves as the fundamental driving force for transforming the world into a realm of peace and prosperity. All of you, my comrades in faith, are working together with me to fulfill this great mission that we proudly share. This is the most admirable life possible and the way to accumulate boundless good fortune and benefits.

Viewing in terms of the principle of ‘three thousand realms in a single moment of life’, the land also has a state of being or life – condition. Because Buddhism views life and its environment as inseparable, when the hearts of people living in a certain place are troubled and unhappy, the land, their environment, will also be troubled and unhappy. When people’s hearts shine with inner strength and confidence, the land will also flourish and prosper.

The power of one genuinely committed individual can surpass that of a force of one million. When we change the ‘single element of mind’ and thus transform ourselves, our environment changes. And when our environment changes, the world changes.

The darker and more confused the times, the brighter the wisdom of Buddhism and courageous action based on that wisdom, shine. Our progress for our country and for the entire world towards a better more hope filled future. That is why we must never stop moving forward.

Mr Toda declared: ‘Buddhism is a win or lose struggle, and genuine Buddhism is to be found in engaging in a whole heartened struggle in society.' To be true disciples of the Daishonin, true agents of change, we have to put Buddhism into practice in society and strive as hard as we can for the welfare of others, our country, and the world. That’s what the Soka Gakkai is all about.’

Kosen rufu is a momentous struggle that requires continuous effort and indomitable resolve. Our dedicated members everywhere have striven tenaciously with incredible courage and sincerity, amid storms of slander and abuse, to positively transform their environments and communities. Their endeavors truly resonate with the principle of the ‘threefold transformation of the land’.

The ‘threefold transformation of the land’ essentially represents the challenge of doing our human revolution to smash through the tiny shell of our lesser self. This means vigorously chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and courageously initiating efforts for kosen rufu with the same spirit as our teacher or mentor in faith. Victory lies in taking actions right here and now, not sometimes in the future.

Kosen rufu is the process of spreading the Mystic Law in this troubled strife filled world. Dedicating our lives to kosen rufu means taking on the struggle inherent in the ‘threefold transformation of the land’ – the struggle to fundamentally transform society – a place afflicted by the three poisons of greed, anger and foolishness – into a Buddha land.

Your unstinting efforts to talk with and encourage the members in your groups, districts, and chapters, helping them transform their lives, are all part of a wonderful drama of victory than embodies the spirit of the threefold transformation of the land’. Everything comes down to striving with a sense of joy at each moment, believing that the area we find ourselves in right now – no matter how small or how challenging it might be – is the shining stage on which we can make a difference in this life.

The mental strength and inner fortitude of the people is tremendous. Based on the principle of ‘three thousand realms in a single moment of life’, it is possible for us to tap this strength without limit. It is the Daishonin’s unshakable conviction that, if we each bring forth our inherent power as a Bodhisattva of the Earth, we will be able to manifest a strength greater than that of all of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas throughout the 10 directions and the three existences; we will definitely be able to change our karma and transform the world around us into an ideal land of peace and security, safeguarded by the protective functions of the universe,

Build a foundation of strong faith

(extracted from SGI President Ikeda's speech druing lasted 11 Nov 2008.)

Mr Toda said: “Nichiren Daishonin boldly propagated the Lotus Sutra unafraid of persecution by the Kamakura military government. We also need to rouse our courage, unite, and forge our courage on the great path of kosen-rufu!” Courage and unity are vital.

He further stated; “We possess the Gohonzon. The Lotus Sutra says that wherever people have strong faith, their land ‘remains safe and tranquil’ (LS16, p230). What have we to fear? We mustn’t be overly swayed or troubled by the passing tide of events. If we’re fainthearted, we won’t be able to accomplish the great undertaking of kosen-rufu.”

No matter what happens, let’s always proceed with the Gohonzon and faith as our foundation. We will definitely win in the end. We will definitely attain happiness. That is the purpose of faith in Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism.

The deeper the darkness that shrouds society, the brighter Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism shines-for it teaches us how we can transform anything negative into something positive, in accord with the principle of changing poison into medicine.

My mentor, second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda often said: “Unless we make earnest efforts to develop a foundation of strong faith, we will readily be swept away by the ever-changing tides of the times.”

He also said: “Let’s do our best! Stand firm, no matter what happens.” The important thing is to forge ahead decisively with the heart of a lion king.

Mr Toda also offered these warn words of encouragement to a member suffering from financial troubles: “Don’t panic. Just stay calm and keep challenging your situation. I’m on your side.”

The Daishonin writes: “When the dragon king’s daughter attained Buddhahood, it opened up the way to attaining Buddhahood for all women of later ages” (WND-1, p269). In other words, the victory of a single individual opens the way for others. That is why we need to value each person to the utmost.

Friendship

(SHaring from Discussion on Youth Chapter 5)

What is friendship?

The tie that links the intangible heart of one person to another. It is a relationship build on the genuine sincerity of those parties involved.

True friendship is NOT a relationship of dependence, but of independence. It is the enduring bond that connects self-reliant individuals, comrades who share the same commitment on a spiritual dimension.

What if people change?

Others may change but I will stay who I am. It is important to walk your own path, believing in yourself. If you remain constant and stay true to yourself, others will definitely come to understand your sincere intent one day.

People of conviction, people who stand alone, people who pursue their chosen path—Not only are such people good and trustworthy friends themselves but they can make genuine friends of others.