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!

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!

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.

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].

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.

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 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.

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!

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.