Peace – The Foundation for Lasting Human Happiness

Poem by Daisaku Ikeda

“To lead hope-filled lives, we need peace.

To lead happy lives, we must prevent war at all costs.

The purpose of life is to become happy.

The purpose of life is to fight against

and triumph over the darkness of misery.

Those who inflict pain and suffering on other

are wretched inside. Those who

win over themselves are happy.

I, too, advance with hope in my heart.

I advance with joy and vigor.

I will not be defeated!

I will not give up!

There is something vaster

than the wide open sky –

and that is, my life.

There is something deeper

than the fathomless sea –

and that is, your life.

There is something more precious

than all the treasures of the

universe –and that is, our lives.

That is why we must not condone

unscrupulous actions that harm

life;we must fight resolutely against

the devilish forces that seek

to destroy life.

Nothing is more barbarous than war

Nothing is more cruel.

How many tears

have mothers had to weep?

How many precious seasons of

youth have been ruined?

How much happy laughter of

children has been stifled?

Change history! Move the age!

Bring the world together!

If winter comes, can spring be far behind?

Now is the time to vigorously sing

a song of the springtime of peace.

The deeper the darkness,

the closer the dawn.

Now is the time to sound the bell

heralding the dawn of peace with all our might.

There is a path that birds follow

as they fly through the sky.

There is a path that fish follow

as they swim through the sea.

There is a path that the stars follow

as they travels the heavens.

And there is a path of principle

that human beings should follow.

This is none other than the path of peace.

Let’s begin with what we can do.

Let’s move forward, even if just an inch.

Let’s climb that mountain,

and cross this river!

Let’s dash over those fields

and traverse that hill!

Let’s race to that town

and talk with our friends!

We are ever filled with bring confidence

that wonderful like-minded friends

will someday follow in our footsteps!

If you have no hope, create some.

If the world around you is dark

be the sun that illuminates all.

Happiness is not something we attain

by chasing after it.

Happiness comes to those who live with

courage and tenacity.

Similarly, peace will come to human beings

when they lead lives

of wisdom and principle.

Peace is not something far away.

Peace is caring for and valuing

a single individual.

It is bringing joy, not suffering,

to our mother. It is reaching out

to those who are different from

us.It is having the wisdom

to reconcile after an argument.

And it is protecting our beautiful natural world.

It is fostering a rich culture.

It is refusing to build our happiness

on the misfortune of other.

It is sharing others’ joys and sufferings.

Those who can bring happiness to their friends

are experts in the art of happiness.

Those who can bring peace to their society

are emissaries of peace.

Refusing to tolerate bullying is part of the struggle for peace.

Refusing to tolerate discrimination

is part of the struggle for peace.

Refusing to tolerate lies and slanders

is part of the struggle for peace.

Refusing to tolerate the arrogance

of the powerful is part of the struggle for peace.

Absolutely and utterly refusing to

tolerate violence in any form –

that is the essence of the struggle for peace.

Do no remain silent.

Speak out courageously.

Peace spreads where voices resound in song.

Peace depends through friendly dialogue .

Peace endures when we are willing to learn

from each other. The struggle between happiness

and unhappiness is the story of human existence.

The struggle between peace and

war is the story of the human race.

And the power of truth and

justice for eternal victory

resides within us.

A wise person once said:

“When in doubt, choose the more challenging course!”

Hardships makes us strong.

Problems give birth to wisdom.

Sorrows cultivate compassion for others.

Those who suffering the most

can become the happiest.

The flowers are smiling.

Gentle breezes are singing.

The moon is watching over us.

The vibrant energy of a strong,

true spirit befriends the entire universe,

transforming everything into an ally.

Children of the world!

The world is one.

We are all brothers and sisters

in a single family; let’s live together

harmoniously and in peace.

Come, let’s make our way towards the future.

Let’s share the hand of the person

next to us. Let’s look into their eyes and share

honest dialogue. Let’s sing a joyous song together.

That’s the first great step towards

peace. Let’s build a land of peace.

Let’s connect with others

who love peace.

Peace

is the brilliant light that humanity seeks.

Peace is the sure path to a life of true humanity

and dignity.

Peace!

Peace! here we find the foundation

for lasting human happiness

and the joy of true human victory.”

Our Reflections

A Shared Pledge for a More Humane Future: To Eliminate Misery from the Earth

Daisaku Ikeda, president of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Buddhist association, has issued his 2015 peace proposal, "A Shared Pledge for a More Humane Future: To Eliminate Misery from the Earth."

In the proposal, Ikeda welcomes the ambitious scale of the United Nations' proposed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which call for putting an end to poverty "in all its forms everywhere." In the 70th year since the UN was created, he calls for a return to its founding spirit, as well as for increased collaboration between the UN and civil society.

In order to lay the foundations for elimination of the human suffering caused by poverty and conflict, he stresses a need for the rehumanization of politics and economics based on a solidarity of ordinary citizens, for empowerment that enables people to overcome suffering and for a broadening of the sphere of our friendships and concern for others as a basis for building peace.

Ikeda makes specific proposals for protection of the rights of displaced persons and others living outside of their country of origin for economic reasons. He suggests including in the SDGs the protection of the dignity and human rights of all such people, and calls for regional cooperation toward the empowerment of displaced persons, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East, building on pioneering initiatives in West Africa. 

Regarding the abolition of nuclear weapons, a consistent theme of Ikeda's proposals, he applauds the fact that in October 2014, a total of 155 countries and territories signed the Joint Statement on the Humanitarian Consequences of Nuclear Weapons. Over 80% of UN member states have now clearly stated that nuclear weapons should be never used under any circumstances.

Ikeda asserts that while the gulf between the nuclear-weapon states and those calling for nuclear abolition appears great, there is common ground in the desire to avoid the horrific outcome of any use of nuclear weapons. He urges heads of government to attend the 2015 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference and calls on them to voice there the pledges of their governments to eliminate the danger posed by nuclear weapons.

Planning is underway for a World Youth Summit for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons to be held in Hiroshima in September as a joint initiative of SGI and other NGOs. Ikeda hopes a youth declaration pledging to end the nuclear age will be adopted, building momentum in support of a treaty to prohibit nuclear weapons.

In his proposal, Ikeda also calls for increased regional cooperation and youth exchange, specifically urging China, South Korea and Japan to come together to create a regional model for such collaboration.

He stresses the importance of reviving trilateral China-Korea-Japan summits and hopes that leaders of the three countries can mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II with a pledge never to go to war again and regional cooperation in support of the SDGs.

At the third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction to be held in Sendai, Japan, in March, Ikeda mentions that SGI will organize a workshop in which representatives of the three countries will discuss possible regional cooperation in disaster prevention, relief activities and post-disaster recovery.

He also hopes to see the establishment of a China-Korea-Japan youth partnership through which young people can cooperate in efforts to realize the SDGs and other trilateral initiatives.

Buddhist philosopher, author and peacebuilder Daisaku Ikeda (1928 - ), president of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) lay Buddhist organization, has issued a peace proposal offering ways forward in tackling global challenges every year since 1983.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of SGI in Guam on January 26, 1975. SGI now links over 12 million people in 192 countries and territories around the world who practice Nichiren Buddhism and contribute to their communities. SGI's activities to promote peace, culture and education are part of the longstanding tradition of Buddhist humanism.

The Art of Listening with the Eyes of the Buddha

I think the ability to hear ourselves, and the ability to see everything from the viewpoint of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, means to be able to view all of life from the standpoint of the law of causality.

THE GOHONZON IS NOT OUTSIDE US
I find that so many people still chant to the Gohonzon as if it were some God or some force outside of themselves. The attitude with which we chant, and the attitude with which we view the Gohonzon is most important, because if we have a distorted view, we will have a distorted practice, and it is that distorted practice and view, that we will teach to others.

We know from study that the characters on the Gohonzon represent the two sides of life and all of the positive/negative attributes that exist within life, including that fundamental darkness that coexists within every human life. Nichiren Daishonin says that there is no life that has one without the other. The characters representing both aspects of life are written on the Gohonzon. For me what is exciting is to know, that even without my being able to read it, Nichiren Daishonin wrote all of these characters on the Gohonzon, which represent every aspect of life, in such a way that every character is looking at the centre just like you and me. Every character is looking at Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. Think about the Ceremony in the Air. Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is the axis of the universe and we're forming a circle around that axis.

All of us are looking at Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. It is the centre that every character is looking at. Why? It is because Nichiren Daishonin is giving us a continual message every time we look at the Gohonzon. The message is that we must base our life on the Law and never on the person. It is the mystic law that has enabled every Buddha throughout eternity to be able to manifest their fullest potential, and that it is the key, which is the centre, for everything. We have to make Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo the center of our life and we have to base our life on Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. It means being able to see and to hear ourselves. It means that whenever we are facing a problem, we don't just try to use our brain to figure it out, or strategise how to fix it. Many members still do this, and after they have racked their brain as to what to do in order to get from Point A to Point B or to fix the problem, they then chant the solution to the Gohonzon to make it work! (laughter). I think that this is practicing incorrectly. Let me tell you why.

When we talk about the nine levels of consciousness, the first five are our senses. Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste and Touch. The sixth level is the conscious mind. The seventh is the unconscious mind. The eighth level is what we call the karma storage area, which is that area in our life that has accumulated every cause we have ever made throughout all existences. Below that is the ninth level of consciousness, which Buddhism says, is the one pure, unchanging reality of our life.

Every single one of us has fortune and lack of fortune in our life. In the areas in which we have fortune, we can do the same things we see other people do and we can achieve our goals but in the areas of your life where you lack fortune, you can do the identical thing you see your neighbour doing, but the object of your desire seems to move further and further away (laughter), right?

EXCHANGING MISFORTUNE FOR FORTUNE
When we are dealing with problems in our lives, they have a causal connection to us. Many times they come from that place in our life where we lack fortune. And so, if we use our brain to strategize how to fix things, our brain can only go to the eighth level of consciousness, which is the karma storage. That is the area which stores up and accumulates all of the causes we have ever made, and it's seems to be the place in which; WE DO NOT SEEM TO HAVE FORTUNE (laughter). Our brain then devises a solution based on lack of fortune. By following this "mental" solution, we will keep reinforcing the same pattern of karmic tendencies over and over in our lives.
But what Nichiren teaches is that by chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo you can pierce through the eighth level of karma storage. Pierce through it, be unaffected by it, and you can reach the pure unchanging reality and infinite wisdom of your life that is unaffected by karma storage. That answer is the correct answer for your life. It's not affected by your karma in the area in which you lack fortune. And this is why I believe Nichiren Daishonin says we must become the master of our mind rather than allowing our mind to master us.

My point is this; when we pray, we need to start from a determination such as: "I will accomplish X," (whatever X is). We also have to understand from Buddhism that we create our life every moment through our thoughts, our words, and our behavior.

Prayer in Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is profoundly different from prayer in other religions. We are not praying to something outside of ourselves to bestow something on us. Instead, our prayer here is the determination that; "I will create the object or thing that I am praying for through my causes of thought, words, and actions. I am the creator of my life and I will take the responsibility to create the thing that I am praying for, and that after I have chanted this kind of determined daimoku, I will accomplish X." I then must come to a realization... "How in the world am I going to do this? That answer only exists inside of my life. I can tap my wisdom for the answer when I have the belief and conviction, that the answer exists inside of me." And I start chanting with the determination to pull that wisdom up from within my life to clearly see what it is that I need to do in order to create the thing that I'm praying for. That is why 

President Ikeda says:

"Benefit comes from you. Nobody gives you benefit."

Source: THE ART OF LISTENING WITH THE EYES OF THE BUDDHA - By Linda Johnson, SGI-USA WD Leader, Nov 2003 (Abridged), Edited by Adrian Mollica April 6th 2004

Animated Children's Stories by Ikeda

Daisaku Ikeda is the author of a number of children’s stories, some of which have been illustrated by the celebrated children’s book illustrator Brian Wildsmith and translated into several languages. The stories convey the importance of courage, hope, friendship and peace through the vivid adventures of children in different parts of the world. Twelve of the stories have been adapted and animated for television and broadcast in 25 countries. 

A short introductory video about the author, Daisaku Ikeda. 

Rainbow Mountain

Three friends climb a treacherous mountain to find out what is glittering at its summit. Faced with unexpected challenges, they learn the power of creativity and imagination, which will help them in their quest. 

The Princess and the Moon

The unhappy Sachiko can’t stand the sight of food and is becoming more and more frail and ill. The Moon, who watches over all the world’s children, sends a magical rabbit to intervene. 

The Two Princes

The haughty young prince of Jambe learns from a humble village boy what a true prince is. 

Kanta and the Deer

A story about the friendship between a lonely boy and a magical deer he saves from hunters. 

The Cherry Tree

In devastated postwar Japan, hope and courage are found in unsuspected places. Amidst burnt out buildings and blackened fields, a young boy discovers an aged man tending an old, apparently dead cherry tree. A story about the power of hope. 

The Princess of the Desert Kingdom

A princess and her animal companions venture into the formidable desert in search of a water source to save their ailing kingdom. In the course of their difficult journey, they discover the key to reviving their land.

Source: http://www.daisakuikeda.org/

5 Buddhist Thoughts on Bringing Out Your Best Self

 

by Jihii Jolly

Almost half a year ago many of us made resolutions for the new year.  Perhaps we resolved to do more or less of something, depending on if we were in a glass half full or empty kind of mood. For most, resolutions are born of the desire improve the quality of our lives and kick the habits that prevent us from being healthy, productive, and enjoying great relationships.
But to sustain these resolutions is no small feat; we may not even remember what our resolutions were. Bringing out your best self can be terribly challenging when faced with the daily grind of work, or school, topped with the endless cycle of negative media about tragedy, corruption, and war.
Can Buddhism help? Nichiren Buddhism is centered on the lifelong practice of human revolution or bringing forth our inner reserves of courage, wisdom, and compassion to all of our daily actions and interactions.

Here are five Buddhist resolutions (for any time of year!) on bringing out your best self in a very fundamental way, as explained by philosopher Daisaku Ikeda.

1. Find the strength in your weaknesses.
We often lament our weaknesses. Every day we go over our laundry lists of things we’d like to change about ourselves: “I’m too quiet, slow, careless,” etc. What we don’t realize is that each of these shortcomings are actually also indicative of our strengths. “For example,” explains Ikeda, “a person’s shyness can be transformed into valuable qualities such as prudence and discretion, while someone’s impatience might be transformed into a knack for getting things done quickly and efficiently.” (Discussions on Youth pg. 97) What’s most important is that we don’t begrudge ourselves (or anyone around us) for seemingly undesirable characteristics, but instead, focus our energy and intention on making the best use of those characteristics.

2. Face the things that make you unhappy or uncomfortable.
Running away from the things that make us unhappy is actually what causes suffering. We have to “look unflinchingly at the people and things in our lives that are making us unhappy,” writes Ikeda (Discussions on Youth pg. 100). Anxiety, for example, often comes from uncertainty about our future. If we don’t look squarely at what is making us feel this way, our anxiety only grows. Looking at the source of our fears, which are often smaller and more manageable than we think, makes them easier to conquer.

3. Take the first step now, even if it’s a small one.
Buddhism is a philosophy of action. Getting into the habit of immediately taking the first step toward our goals or tasks, even if it’s uncomfortable, propels us toward the next one, and the next one after that. “Life is a struggle with ourselves,” writes Ikeda. “It is a tug-of-war between moving forward and regressing, between happiness and unhappiness.” (Discussions on Youth pg. 98) He encourages young people to try challenging some task--anything at all--and keep at it until they are certain they have done their best. This helps develop the habit of taking action, which is strengthened by the belief we gain in our capacity to actually get things done.

4. See people and situations for what they really are.
According to Buddhism, every person is endowed with the same limitless potential for enlightenment and happiness no matter who they are or what they’ve done. Their worth isn’t determined by social status, success or wealth. If we strive to view people in this manner, we free ourselves from the delusions of hate or jealousy, because we don’t evaluate the people around us as better as or worse than us based on superficial criteria. “[Buddhism] teaches us to look at a person through the eyes of the Law and the eyes of the Buddha,” writes Ikeda. “In other words, to focus on a person’s life, state of being and what is inside, just as it is, free of external embellishments... Truly respectable are those who based their lives on the truth--on the reality of things.” (Discussions on Youth pg. 30)

5. Courage is the key to developing compassion.
What we typically think of as an act of compassion- simply feeling bad for someone or writing a check to a favorite charity-appear not to require courage.  However, everyday forms of compassion such as checking in on a friend who hasn’t seemed like themselves lately or speaking out when you see someone being manipulated or used, require tremendous courage. As Ikeda shares, “Courage and compassion are two sides of the same coin. Compassion without courage is not genuine. You may have a compassionate thought or impulse, but if you don’t do or say anything, it’s not real compassion.” By mustering the courage to take action to relieve the sufferings of others, we manifest true compassion. In this way, Ikeda explains, “if we act with courage, we find that our compassion for others grows deeper.” (Discussions on Youth pg. 336)

One Daimoku can Permeate the Entire Universe

Even one daimoku can permeate the entire universe. 

How much greater then is daimoku's capacity to move anything when it is chanted with sincerity and determination! Daimoku chanted with the profound conviction that "my life is the entity of the Mystic Law" or with the resolve that: "I will dedicate my life to spreading the Mystic Law as an emissary of the Buddha" cannot fail to draw a response from the Gohonzon. 

Such daimoku cannot fail to permeate the universe. Invisible radio waves travel vast distances through space, reaching Mars and Venus. In the same way, our inner determination, which is unobservable to common mortals, activates the forces in the universe—the heavenly deities and the Buddhas throughout the ten directions—and appears as solid actual proof in accordance with the principle of 3,000 realms in a single moment of life. 

Faith means making 100 percent effort—in our daimoku and in our actions. When we practice in this way, the Buddhist gods will lend us their protection. We mustn't have a complacent, dependent attitude in faith, chanting haphazardly without definite goals, making only halfhearted efforts in the belief that we'll be protected automatically. Deep determination and unshakable character are vital. Those with these qualities are second to none in faith. 

When your determination changes, everything will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to he victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success. On the other hand, if you think, "This is never going to work out," then at that instant every cell in your being will be deflated and give up the fight. Then everything really will move in the direction of failure. Anyone who has ever made a resolution discovers that the strength of that determination fades in time. The moment you feel that is when you should make a fresh determination. Tell yourselves: "OK! I will start again from now!" If you fall down seven times, get up the eighth. Don't give up when you feel discouraged just pick yourselves up and renew your determination each time. 

Life is a struggle with ourselves. It is a tug-of-war between progress and regression, between happiness and unhappiness. Those short on willpower or self-motivation should chant daimoku with conviction to become people of strong will who can tackle any problem with seriousness and determination. 

Daisaku Ikeda

Mother and Child

"The influence of a mother on her child is like the air around him, invisible, but supreme in its power and importance. Even without words, a mother's outlook on life will naturally be communicated to her child and influence him."

 

by ~dloraas

The mothers of this world deserve the greatest respect because they have the greatest power and responsibility- that of bringing forth and nurturing new life. The well-being of each family member, every society or nation, even the entire world, ultimately lies on their shoulders. I wish to congratulate all mothers struggling to raise children- your precious work is actually creating the greatest possible value. I hope you take great pride in what you are doing.

Through contact with their mothers, children can learn how to bear up under difficult circumstance. They also develop the ability to tell right from wrong and the courage to stand up fo what is right. Children watch everything their mother does. If a child sees her mother telling a lie, and thinking nothing of it, that becomes his/her first lesson in how to be a skillful liar. On the other hand, if their mother is a always forward-looking and lively, though they may never win material wealth or social status, children will inherit the most valuable treasure- a spiritual strength that can never be broken, Such inner fortitude is what determines whether a child will lead a life of happiness or unhappiness.

And generally speaking, the more difficult her family's circumstances become, the stronger the mother is. If the mother is strong, her family will invincible, regardless of the hardships they face.

In The Grapes of of Wrath, John Steinbeck's famous novel about a family who travel westward across the United States in search of work during the Great Depression of the 19030s, the author describes the indestructible strength of  "Ma," the mother of the family. father asks of the move to the west, "can we, Ma?" She replies firmly, "It ain't 'can we?"- it's "will we?' As far as  'can', we can't do nothin', not go to California or nothin'; but as far as 'will,' why we'll do what we will."

The Grapes of Wrath

The land of their dreams turns out to be overcrowded with families desperate for jobs, and the family suffers a series of tragedies. Steinbeck describes ma's refusal to give up as follows: "Her hazel eyes seemed to have experiences all possible tragedy and to have mounted pain and suffering likes steps into a high calm and superhuman understanding." She let her soul shine though, like the sun high above dark clouds of suffering. "and since old Tom and the children could not know  hurt or fear unless she acknowledged hurt and fear she practiced  denying them in herself." So she conquered herself first, never being  impatient or complaining.

When the sun is obscured, so is the whole world. But when the sun smiles, the whole world sighs with relief. A mother is truly like the sun warning everyone, often suffering on behalf of others and even regarding doing so as a joy.

However, I do not feel it is always right to praise the showering of a mother's selfless, sometimes overpowering love on a child. Some mothers, because of their strong, blind love, indulge their children's wishes too much and in the end spoil them. What was originally meant for the child's happiness may actually make him/her miserable later on, as he/she will struggle to adjust once he/she interacts with other people, realizing that he/she is not the center of the world. Sometimes gentleness needs to be paired with discipline of a mother is to teach her child how to be truly human.

My Mom and I

An ancient Chinese tale describes how the mother of a powerful general scolded her son who had come home in triumph from battle. She refused to let him int her home. Through a messenger she scolded him. saying, "What have you done? Your soldiers were poorly fed while you were eating luxurious dinners. You sent people to die in battle while you sat in comfort in the General's chair. You may have won the battle, but your leadership was false. You are not my son.. I will not let you enter my house." Fortunately he listened to his mother's powerful words and developed into a stronger and wiser leader who cared for his people.

No matter how busy a woman is with work, household chores and parenting, it is also important never to neglect one's own growth as a human being. Children are looking for examples in parents, people they can respect and look up to. Hence, a mother's own inner development is a lifelong process that should not be forgotten. Effective mothers are not mothers who gain satisfaction from having sacrificed their lives for their children. Effective mothers are those who continue to polish and improve themselves.

A woman who has lost awareness of herself as an individual and has no desire to grow may be thanked for all she's dine, but her ability to inspire respect from her children will be limited. A mother's way of living- her character- is the most treasure she can give her children.

Almost every mother has loving arms and a brave heart, but what counts is how broad her outlook is. Only a woman who has love of justice and a desire for peace will have the courage and confidence to treat everyone with affection, and be able to raise children with a strong spirit, creativity and broad-mindedness. 

And when women extend their motherly love, not only to heir own children but also to the whole society, and they unite with others mothers to speak out against the wrongs in society, I believe they will start to change the world,

i would like to share some lines from a poem of mine, called 'Salute to Mothers'

Salute to Mothers

Mother
you are sublime
noble, indomitable.

You are gentle
yet stronger than anyone.
Always smiling,
you can be engaging or
intimidating.

And while you
may appear child-like
you are a perceptive student of live
with a doctoral degree
in daily living

Through suffering, joy or sadness,
you always create a realm
of ease and comfort.

You are a brilliant physician in
healing the heart's wounds.

Your own heart
is deeper than the ocean,
with your open, truth-seeing eyes, your warm, familiar smile.

Forging bonds of joy
with everyone you meet,
you engage in compassionate
fight for human rights, for peace,
always advancing
one further step towards a better world.
no one can match or better you-
not the famous
not the politically powerful.

Completely unconcerned
by your lack of wealth,
your smile, serene and unperturbed.

You prepare your simple fare,
laughing, praising yourself,
'Better then the best restaurant!"
You celebrate cramped housing as
more efficient and easier to clean!'

When people slander, you know
who is a liar
who is a hypocrite
who is driven by jealously.
Your powers of perception
are unrivaled by
any prosecuting attorney.

never submitting
to the power of authority
or malicious lies,
you are a mother
of truth and justice.

To you, my gratitude.
To you, my most
profound respect.

Daisaku Ikeda
Mirror Weekly

SGI President Ikeda’s Message for May 3, 2013

(Scroll down after English version for translations in Japanese, Chinese and Spanish)

I would like to congratulate all of you, my dear friends of SGI-USA, on this glorious May 3—which is not only Soka Gakkai Day, but also Soka Gakkai Mothers Day, an occasion when we express our appreciation to all our wonderful women’s division members, the mothers of kosen-rufu.
 
I am delighted to be celebrating this May 3 in great victory with all of you, the
members of our Soka family around the world, and I would like to sincerely praise and thank you for your noble, dedicated efforts.
 
Inheriting the spirit of Nichiren Daishonin, the three founding presidents of the
Soka Gakkai have each made a vow to accomplish kosen-rufu and devoted their lives to realizing that goal. And May 3 is the eternal prime point of this shared vow of mentor and disciple. 

With the dawn of each May 3, let us—as SGI members joined by the bonds of
mentor and disciple—make the original and inherent brilliance of our lives shine forth even more strongly to illuminate the world and those around us.
On November 18 of this year, the long-awaited new citadel of worldwide
kosen-rufu, the Soka Gakkai’s central headquarters, will be completed. This will mark a new phase for the SGI as a world religious movement that offers hope to all humanity.
 
While in exile on Sado Island, Nichiren Daishonin declared:

There should be no discrimination among those who propagate the five
characters of Myoho-renge-kyo in the Latter Day of the Law, be they
men or women. Were they not Bodhisattvas of the Earth, they could not
chant the daimoku. At first only Nichiren chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo,
but then two, three, and a hundred followed, chanting and teaching others.
Propagation will unfold this way in the future as well. Does this not
signify “emerging from the earth”? (WND-1, 385)
 
It is the presence of our towering network of members in 192 countries and
territories—Bodhisattvas of the Earth who have appeared just as the Daishonin
predicted—that will make our new central headquarters shine with incomparable
brilliance.
 
Please remember that all of you here today are people of great mission who share profound and wondrous karmic ties and have a direct connection to Nichiren Daishonin.

With confidence in our mission as Bodhisattvas of the Earth, let’s set forth afresh on the great adventure of kosen-rufu, promoting our movement with pride, joy, energy and a youthful spirit!
 
The SGI is a “pillar” of peace—imparting hope and reassurance to the world. It is a “great ship” of culture—fostering a rich spirit of peace in the hearts of people everywhere. And it is the “eyes” of education—nurturing humanistic values centered on respect for the dignity of life.
 
When we chant and take action for kosen-rufu, we can manifest the same life-state as the Buddha. We can tap the same wisdom and strength as the Buddha. We can carry out the same work as the Buddha. There is no life more victorious or noble than this.
 
Please continue to advance together with me and all our members around the
world, brimming with courage and hope! As good citizens, please be active in your communities and societies and continue to forge bonds of trust and friendship with those around you. 

I offer this message with sincere prayers for the health, long life, happiness, and victory of all of you, my most dear and precious fellow members.


May 3, 2013 
Daisaku Ikeda  
President, Soka Gakkai International 

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(Japanese ) SGI President Ikeda’s Message for May 3, 2013

メッセージ

敬愛するＳＧI-USAの皆様、栄光輝く「創価学会の日」、そして、創価の偉大な母に感謝し、讃える「創価学会母の日」、誠におめでとうございます。 全世界の創価家族と共に、晴れやかに大勝利の「五月三日」を迎えることができました。全同志の尊いご健闘を讃えるとともに、心より感謝申し上げます。

御本仏・日蓮大聖人に直結し、「広宣流布の誓い」を立て、貫き通してきたのが、創価の三代の師弟であり、この「師弟の誓い」が永久に輝きわたる原点の日こそ、五月三日なのであります。

われら創価の師弟は、永遠に、「五月三日」の朝がめぐり来るたびに、元初の生命の旭光を放ちながら、いや増して強く、明るく、世界を、人々を照らし、輝いてまいりましょう！

いよいよ本年十一月十八日には、待望の世界広布の大殿堂である総本部が完成します。それは、創価の新しい出発であり、人類に応えゆく世界宗教としての大いなる船出となるでありましょう。

日蓮大聖人は佐渡の地で叫ばれました。「末法にして妙法蓮華経の五字を弘めん者は男女はきらふべからず、皆地涌の菩薩の出現に非ずんば唱へがたき題目なり、日蓮一人はじめは南無妙法蓮華経と唱へしが、二人・三人・百人と次第に唱へつたふるなり、未来も又しかるべし、是あに地涌の義に非ずや」と。

この御予言通りに出現した、一九二カ国・地域の地涌の同志の林立をもって、総本部を荘厳してまいりたい。 今、ここに集った、皆様お一人おひとりは、誠に不思議な縁深き、大聖人直結の使命の人です。

さあ、共々に、己が地涌の使命を確信し、広宣流布の大ロマンに胸を張って、楽しく、若々しく、生き抜き、戦い抜きましょう！
我がＳＧＩは、世界にとって、希望と安心の「平和の柱」です。 豊かな平和の心育む、人類の「文化の大船」です。 そして、生命尊厳の人間主義を担い立つ「教育の眼目」です。

広宣流布のために祈り、行動していく時、私たちには、仏と同じ生命が湧き現れます。仏と同じ智慧と力が出ます。仏と同じ戦いが出来るのです。これほど強い、これほど誇り高い人生は、どこにもありません。

どうか、これからも、私と共に、全世界の同志と共々に、希望に燃えて、勇気凛々と、進んでまいりましょう！ そして、良き市民として、それぞれの地域、社会で活躍し、信頼と友情の輪を更に大きく広げていって下さい。 大切な大切な、皆様方の益々の御健康と御長寿、そして幸福勝利を、心よりお祈り申し上げ、お祝いのメッセージと致します。

二〇一三年五月三日
創価学会インタナショナル会長 池 田 大 作
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(Chinese) SGI President Ikeda’s Message for May 3, 2013


SGI會長5·3賀詞 [Chinese]

敬愛的SGI-USA 的每一位同志，衷心祝賀光輝燦爛的「創價學會日」、及為感謝和讚揚創價偉大母親的「創價學會母親節」。

能夠與全世界創價家族一起喜氣洋洋地迎來勝利的「5月3日」，我在讚揚全體同志卓越奮鬥的同時，對各位深表由衷的感謝。

直結御本佛日蓮大聖人，立下「廣宣流布誓願」並貫徹至今的，是創價的三代師弟。而讓這「師弟誓願」永放光芒的原點之日，就是5月3日。

讓我們創價師弟，每逢「5月3日」，都將大放元初生命的旭光，更加堅強明朗地照耀世界和民眾!
今年的11月18日，翹首盼望的世界廣布大殿堂總本部就將落成。這對我們SGI來說，將是向著人類渴望的世界廣布的浩蕩新啟程。

日蓮大聖人在佐渡呼籲：「末法得弘妙法蓮華經五字者，不分男女，皆是地涌菩薩之出現，若不然，題目難唱也。日蓮一人，首唱南無妙法蓮華經，而二人、三人、百人，乃次第傳唱。未來亦當如此，此豈非地涌之義耶!」

誠如大聖人所言而出現的一百九十二個國家、地區的地涌同志陣容，使總本部的落成更莊嚴而有意義。
現在聚集這裡的你們每一位，都是不可思議、緣份深厚、直結大聖人的使命之人。
讓我們一起確信各自的地涌使命，胸懷廣宣流布的豪情壯志，歡欣雀躍、朝氣蓬勃地度過徹底奮戰的人生!

對世界而言，我們SGI是希望與安心的「和平支柱」。
是孕育豐裕和平精神的人類的「文化大船」。
是承擔生命尊嚴的人本主義的「教育眼目」。

我們為廣宣流布祈求、行動時，就會湧現出與佛同樣的生命，產生與佛同樣的智慧和力量，能展開與佛同樣的奮鬥。哪里還有如此堅強、如此自豪的人生呢！

望各位今後也與我一起、與全世界的同志一起，滿懷希望和勇氣，凜然地奮勇前進!同樣，請作為好市民，在各自的社區、社會踴躍奮鬥，更進一步擴展信賴與友情的網絡。
衷心祈願每一位寶貴的同志健康長壽，幸福勝利。

2013年5月3日
SGI會長 池田大作 1

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(Spanish) SGI President Ikeda’s Message for May 3, 2013

Mensaje del presidente Ikeda alusivo al 3 de mayo de 2013

Permítanme felicitarlos a todos, mis queridos amigos de SGI-USA en este glorioso 3 de mayo, cuando no solo celebramos el Día de la Soka Gakkai sino también el Día de las Madres de la Soka Gakkai y expresamos nuestra gratitud a las magníficas miembros de la División Femenina, madres del kosen-rufu.
No puedo ocultar mi inmensa dicha al festejar este 3 de mayo coronado de victorias junto a todos ustedes, mis camaradas de la familia Soka mundial, a quienes deseo elogiar de todo corazón y agradecerles por sus dedicados y nobles esfuerzos.

Los tres presidentes de la Soka Gakkai, herederos del espíritu de Nichiren Daishonin, han hecho el juramento de lograr el kosen-rufu y han consagrado su vida a hacer realidad esta aspiración. Y el 3 de mayo es el eterno punto de partida del juramento compartido por el mentor y sus discípulos.

Cada amanecer de un nuevo 3 de mayo, como compañeros de la SGI unidos por los lazos de maestro y discípulo, hagamos brillar más aún la luz primigenia inherente a nuestra vida para iluminar con mayor intensidad el mundo y a todos los seres que nos rodean.

El 18 de noviembre de este año, terminará de construirse el anhelado nuevo castillo del kosen-rufu mundial, la sede central principal de la Soka Gakkai. Esto marcará una nueva fase para la SGI, como movimiento religioso global capaz de infundir esperanza a toda la humanidad.

Durante su exilio en la isla de Sado, Nichiren Daishonin declaró:
“[E]ntre aquellos que propagan los cinco caracteres de Myoho-renge-kyo en el Último Día de la Ley, sean hombres o mujeres, no debería existir ningún tipo de discriminación. Si no fueran Bodhisattvas de la Tierra, no podrían entonar el daimoku. 

Al principio, sólo Nichiren recitó Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, pero luego lo siguieron dos, tres y cien más, que lo entonaron y enseñaron a otros. Así, de este mismo modo, se llevará a cabo la propagación en el futuro. ¿Acaso no es lo que significa «irrumpir de la tierra» [en referencia a los bodhisattvas]?1
La presencia de nuestra red colosal de miembros en 192 países y territorios,
1 Los escritos de Nichiren Daishonin, Tokio: Soka Gakkai, 2008, pág. 406.
--los Bodhisattvas de la Tierra surgidos en respuesta a la predicción visionaria de Nichiren Daishonin-- hará brillar la nueva sede central con majestuoso e incomparable esplendor.

Por favor, recuerden que todos los que hoy están aquí son personas de inmensa misión, unidas entre sí por místicos y profundos lazos del karma, cuya vida mantiene un vínculo directo con el Daishonin.

¡Con confianza en nuestra misión como Bodhisattvas de la Tierra, iniciemos una nueva partida en esta gran aventura del kosen-rufu, impulsando nuestro movimiento con orgullo, alegría, fuerza y espíritu juvenil!

La SGI es un “pilar” de la paz que imparte esperanza y tranquilidad al mundo. Es un “gran navío” de cultura que siembra en el corazón de todos los pueblos una firme devoción hacia la paz. Y representa los “ojos” de una educación que nutre valores humanísticos, centrados en el respeto a la dignidad de la vida.
Cuando entonamos daimoku y actuamos en aras del kosen-rufu, podemos manifestar el mismo estado de vida que el Buda. Podemos desplegar la misma sabiduría y fortaleza que el Buda. Y podemos llevar a cabo su misma labor. ¿Podría haber una forma de vivir más noble o triunfal que esta?

¡Por favor, sigan avanzando junto a mí y a todos nuestros miembros del orbe, con valentía y esperanza vibrantes! Participen activamente en la sociedad y en su comunidad como buenos ciudadanos, y continúen creando vínculos de amistad y de confianza con las personas que los rodean.

Les envío este mensaje con mis sinceras oraciones por la salud, la longevidad, la dicha y la victoria de todos ustedes, mis queridos y preciados compañeros de fe.

3 de mayo de 2013
Daisaku Ikeda
Presidente de la Soka Gakkai Internacional