The triumphant song of Soka resounded throughout 2017. I express my heartfelt appreciation and deepest respect to all our fellow members for your noble, dedicated struggles. Next year, too, let’s challenge our human revolution and create a history of brilliant achievement!
Month: December 2017
[To My Friends] THU 28 DEC 2017–Carelessness and overconfidence are the cause of accidents
When traveling to your hometown by car, make frequent rest stops! Carelessness and overconfidence are the cause of accidents. Now, more than ever, don’t neglect to take precautions when driving on snowy roads or late at night!
[To My Friends] WED 27 DEC 2017–Make safety a number one priority when making deliveries
Take precautions against the frigid weather and heavy snowfall. I pray for the absolute safety of our noble uncrowned friends–the organizational newspaper deliverers! With safety a number one priority, exercise good common sense and give yourself plenty of time to make deliveries.
[To My Friends] TUE 26 DEC 2017–Let’s dedicate ourselves to working for people’s happiness
Let’s dedicate ourselves to working for people’s happiness with deep pride as Bodhisattvas of the Earth. We can lead fulfilled lives through our indestructible, earnest resolve to tirelessly engage in our struggles [for kosen-rufu].
[To My Friends] SUN 24 DEC 2017–Let’s spend each day meaningfully.
Make safety your number one priority during the hectic, year-end holiday season! Let’s pray to absolutely not allow ourselves to become involved in accidents or incidents. Let’s spend each day meaningfully.
[To My Friends] SAT 23 DEC 2017–Cherish the time you spend with your children!
Cherish the time you spend with your children! Parents, do gongyo and chant daimoku together with your children and share your dreams and memories as a family. Spend the winter holidays strengthening your bonds and teaching your children about how the family came to practice Nichiren Buddhism!
[To My Friends] FRI 22 DEC 2017–Thank you, fellow members, for your dedicated efforts!
To all our noble fellow members who have protected the treasured castles of our communities, thank you for your dedicated efforts this past year! Your selfless actions and sincere spirit will cause boundless fortune and benefit to shine brilliantly in your life.
[To My Friends] THU 21 DEC 2017–Those who can smile are strong.
Those who can smile are strong. They are not defeated by adversity. Today, too, be cheerful! Be the sun that shines upon the family and the workplace!
[To My Friends] WED 20 DEC 2017–The lotus flower blooms in the muddy pond
Buddhism teaches the principle of lotus flowers blooming in muddy water.(*) Just like the lotus that blooms in the muddy pond, let’s show brilliant actual proof of happiness in the harsh reality of life! Daimoku is the foundation.(*)Reference: The Lotus Sutra and Its Opening and Closing Sutras, translated by Burton Watson, p. 263. The Buddhist principle teaches that like lotus blossoms that bloom in muddy water, our lives remain pure in this defiled world.
[To My Friends] TUE 19 DEC 2017–Win day by day and welcome a joyous and glorious spring!
To those who are studying diligently for school entrance exams– Your present arduous efforts will become the foundation of your victory in life without fail! Win day by day and welcome a joyous and glorious spring! Unofficial translation of “To My Friends” published in the Seikyo Shimbun, based on President Ikeda’s recent guidance, with universal value and application, put together by Seikyo staff.