今日指導 二月二十日

一生慣徹信心到底.
因為信心的目的是要達到一生成佛, 只有一生貫徹信心, 才可以說是在正確地修行.
如果在半途退轉, 就不能算是真實的信心.

Maintain your faith throughout your life.
Beacuse the purpose of faith is to attain enlightenment in this lifetime, you can declare that you have practised faith correctly only when you have carried it out throughout your life.
If you should backslide halfway, you can by no means say that your faith was genuine.

今日指導 二月十九日

求道心代表行動.
受持御本尊, 勤行和唱題都是表現求道心的行動.
再者, 拜讀御書, 參加大小型的會議以及接受指導, 同樣的都是求道心的表現.

A seeking spirit means taking action.
Embracing the Gohonzon, doing gongyo and chanting daimoku to the Gonhonzon are all action which reflect one's seeking mind.
Moreover, reading the gosho, attending meeting, whether larger or small, and receiving guidance are, in a similar sense, expressions of one's seeking spirit.

今日指導 二月十八日

推進廣宣流布乃佛敕佛意, 也是最大的榮譽.
請確信這樣的做法將為你帶來永恆的福運.

To promote the cause of kosen-rufu, which is the Buddha's will, is in itself the greatest glory and honour.
Please be confident that doing so will lead to your eternal good fortune.

今日指導 二月十七日

如果忘記拜讀御書, 那麼你的實踐與指導就會傾向理想主義, 並開始反映自己的觀點.
在這方面, 讓我們誠懇地互相檢查以免大家的努力付諸流水.
切記我們可在御書中找到任何問題的解決方法及信心的基本原理.

If you forget to read the gosho, then your practice and guidance will tend towards idealism, beginning to reflect your own personal views.
Let us sincerely check each other in this regard so that we do not waste our efforts.
Please bear in mind that within the gosho you can find the way to solve any problem, as well as the fundamental principle of faith.

今日指導 二月十六日

要一人立起.
絕對不可被習慣驅使着.
每個人都必須建立一個堅固的中心体.

Stand alone.
Never be swept up along by force of habit.
Build a solid core in each individual.

青年よ座談会に勇んで集い合え

　戸田先生は出席した座談会で青年部が活躍している姿を見ると、心から喜ばれた。
　「ここの座談会は青年が集まる座談会だ！うれしい、うれしい！」
　青年がいれば、皆がうれしい。多宝の友も、元気になる。
　懸命に戦う青年ほど、美しいものはない。地域の方々にまで、さわやかな希望が広がる。
　青年部は、わが地域の座談会に、勇んで集い合っていただきたい。婦人部も、壮年部も、応援をお願いします！
　さあ新時代の2月闘争だ。青年部が座談会を軸にして、広宣流布を拡大する――戸田先生が、どれほど喜ばれるか。
　そして３・１６「広宣流布記念の日」の50周年を、新しき師子の陣列で、晴れ晴れと迎えていただきたい。
　昭和31年5月。私が指揮を執る大阪支部が「1万１１１１世帯」の大折伏を達成した。
　戸田先生は、かつてない拡大を、こう讃えてくださった。
　「この大阪の素晴らしい拡大の結果に学んで、他の地域でも、大阪のように座談会を主力にしてやろうという方針となった。その意気に燃え上がってきた所で、多くの弘教ができたのである」
　常勝の歴史は、座談会によって築かれたのだ。
　私は戸田先生の指導を、きちんと記録し、残してきた。
　先生は強調された。
　「座談会をやって、二人でも三人でもいれば、御本尊の話、学会の話をして、みな、感激に満ちて帰っていく。そこから、いまの組織が発祥し、できあがっていったのである」
　戸田先生が拡大の中心軸に据えられたのは、座談会であった。
　「われわれは最初、座談会をやったときは、一人か二人、あるいは三人のため、遠いところまで出かけたものである。その原点へもどって、まじめに、真剣に、会員を育ててもらいたい」
　今年、座談会に出た人は？＜「ハイ」と全員から元気な返事が＞
　座談会に行かなくなったら、もう折伏の陣列から離れてしまっている。
　戦後、出獄された戸田先生は、「学会の再建にあたっては、座談会の復活が根本である」と一貫して訴えていかれた。
　そして、こう言われていた。
　「百万言の耳当たりのよい理論よりも、一つの座談会の実践のほうが、はるかに広宣流布の歯車を回すことになる」
　多忙であっても、できるかぎり時間をこじあけて座談会に集い、広布の息吹を呼吸していくのだ。
　「本当に正しい折伏の場は、創価学会の座談会以外に絶対にない」
　「大聖人の仏法の座談会である。慈愛に）満ちあふれた、この世でいちばん楽しい会合であるべきだ」
　この先生の叫びを心に刻みたい。

新時代第15回本部幹部会での名誉会長のスピーチ㊤（2008年2月13日聖教新聞掲載）

今日指導 二月十五日

折伏致使他人放棄錯誤的觀念, 並對自己膚淺的'生活方式產生懷疑.
折伏是一項崇高的行為, 它教導他人真正的人生方式, 指示一條永恆正確的幸福人生之道.
除此, 沒有比這更偉大或更慈悲的行為了.

Shakubuku enables others to give up their attachments to mistaken views, causing them to entertain doubts about their shallow way of living.
It is a noble act through which we teach others a true way of life and show them the eternal, correct course to a happy existence.
There is no greater or more deeply compassionate practice for a human being.

今日指導 二月十四日

認真祈求是生命的韻律, 通過御本尊能使自身與宇宙的韻律冥合.
因而體驗功德, 並在生活中顯露才能, 這是與正確的祈求原理相一致的.

Earnest prayer becomes the rhythm of one's life, and through the Gohonzon, enables one to fuse with the rhythm of the universe.
As a result, one can experirnce benefit and manifest his capability in daily life, in accordance with the true principle of prayer.

今日指導 二月十三日

我們的生命染有宿業與命運的污迹, 履以一層長久以來累積着的而未被消除的貪, 嗔, 痴, 慢, 疑.
不過, 當我們歸命御本尊時, 妙法將滲入我們的生命, 並排除不幸的泉源.

Our lives have been stained by karma and destiny from the past and encrusted with a layer of greed, anger, stupidity, arrogance and doubt, that has built up over a vast period of time without being cleaned away.
When we devote ourselves to the Gohonzon, however, the law of Myoho will function to penetrate our lives and clear away the source of unhappiness.

今日指導 二月十二日

被宿命支配師最遺憾的.
不過, 當你繼續誠心地向御本尊唱題時, 你將能產生改善自身並建立一個朝向幸福人生的智慧.
這是同"以信代慧"的原理一致的.

To be swayed by one's destiny is most regrettable.
However, when you continue to chant daimoku to the Gohonzon sincerely, you will developthe wisdom to change yourself for the better and build a life that is directed towards happiness.
This is in accord with the principle of "substituting faith for wisdom"(ishin daie).

今日指導 二月十一日

御書曰: "須成心之師, 勿以心為師."
與其以自身善變的"心"為本, 我們應該以基本的, 不變的妙法作為心之師.
這就是佛法重要的教義.

The gosho states, "Even if one should become the master of his mind, he should not make his mind the master of his life."
Instead of basing ourselves on our mind, which easily changes from moment to moment, we should make the fundamental, unchanging principle of Myoho the master of our mind.
This is the essential teaching of Buddhism.

今日指導 二月十日

如車之雙輪或鳥之雙翼, 題目應兼備信與行兩方面.
無疑地, 誠心向着御本尊唱題可得到功德.
但題目以外, 也應有正確的"行".
問題在於你是否能同樣地在廣宣流布上將自己奉獻於"行"這方面.

Your daimoku must include the two aspects of faith and practice, which are like the two wheels of a cart or the two wings of a bird.
Of course, it is important to chant daimoku to the Gohonzon with depth faith.
You will undoubtedly receieve benefit from doing so.
But it is also important that the daimoku you chant be accompanied by correct practice.
It is a question of whether you are equally devoted to practising for the sake of kosen-rufu.

今日指導 二月九日

無論你目前有多痛苦, 請確信, 有了御本尊, 你一定能在人生長遠的道路上累積福運, 獲得幸福, 榮耀與勝利.
因此我堅決地鼓勵你體會真正的信心在於無論如何都能貫徹佛道修行至臨終一刻.

No matter how much you may be suffering now, please be convinced that in the long run you will definitely accumulate great fortune, happiness, glory and victory in your life with the Gohonzon.
Therefore, I strongly encourage you to realise that true faith lies in carrying out your practice of true Buddhism until the last moment of your life, no matter what.

今日指導 二月八日

我們生於末法的五濁惡世, 對妙法的宣弘懷有熱忱的祈望.
大聖人曾說過"三障四魔競起, 賢者喜悅, 愚者退缩".
因為我們實踐信心, 因此障礙自然會出現.
如果我們以信心的立場來閱讀此段御文, 就會在生命深處感受到喜悅.

We were born onto the stage of this polluted world of the Latter Day of the Law, cherishing an earnest wish for the spread of Myoho.
The Daishonin stated, "The three obstacles and four devils will invariably appear, and the wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat."
Beacuse we practise faith, obstacles will naturally appear.
Then, if we read this passage from the standpoint of faith, we can feel joy in the depths of our lives.

今日指導 二月七日

勤行時, 應保持尊貴的姿態.
勤行的朗朗聲應充滿青春的氣息. 給予身為地涌眷屬的會友們勇氣與希望.

Your posture and attitude while doing gongyo should always be one of dignity.
Your gongyo should resound youthfully, giving courage and hope to your members who are followers of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth.

今日指導 二月六日

信心是充實內心, 豐富智慧以及引向一個美滿生活的原動力, 從而為地域的繁榮作出貢獻.
名譽, 學歷或外表都不是幸福的保證.
最大的財富在所唱誦題目.

Faith is the source of power which enables one to become rich at heart, rich in wisdom and lead a prosperous daily life, thereby contributing to the prosperity of one's community.
Honour or fame in no way guarantees happiness.
Neither does academic achievement or physical appearance.
The greatest wealth lies in chanting daimoku.

今日指導 二月五日

絕對不許縱容自己, 因為那將免不了會導致失敗的人生.
你必須在勤勵學習和不斷掙扎中, 加強信心, 磨練自己的生命.

Never allow yourself to be spoiled, for that way inevitably leads to defeat in life.
You must deepen your faith and polish your while studying hard and experiencing repeated struggles.

今日指導 二月四日

當你不自惜身命, 持續一生的信心時, 你可以達到一生成佛.
那麼你能以跨越一世又一世的佛界為根本, 建立一個永不崩潰的"我".
如果你在半途放棄信心, 這個本應永遠發出光輝的佛界將被消滅.

When you persevere in faith throughout your life, without begrudging your life, you can attain Buddhahood in this lifetime.
Then you can build an etenally indestructible "self" based on the condition of Buddhahood that spans lifetime after lifetime.
If you give up your Buddhahood, which should shine on for eternity, will be extinguished.

今日指導 二月三日

日日保持清新的生活並與時代齊驅.
這就是信心, 也是通往重要進展的道路.
一個疲憊的生命境涯表示自己已被擊敗.

Keep your daily life fresh and abreast of hte times.
This is faith, and the road to vital progress.
A tired life-condition means you are defeated.

今日指導 二月二日

正如人造衛星正確地跟隨一固定的宇宙軌道一般, 唱題與折伏將能使生命置於永恆的幸福軌道上.
因此, 為了你本身, 請繼續以希望與勇氣在信心的大道上邁步.

Just as a satellite percisely follows a fixed orbit in space, the practice of chanting daimoku and shakubuku will place one's life on an eternal "orbit" of happiness.
Therefore, for your own sake, please continue to travel the great path of faith with hope and courage.

今日指導 二月一日

只有那些在題目, 教學與其地域的座談會方面不斷努力的人才是學會真正與可敬的會員.
這是我所要定下的標準.

Only those who make consistent efforts in daimoku, study and dicussion meeting in their community are true and honourable Gakkai members.
That is the standard I would like to set.

今日指導 一月三十一日

儘管過去數年來, 為了廣宣流布而鞠躬盡瘁.
如果中途放棄信心, 那所完成的一切最終將功虧一簣.
事實上, 這就如一百乘以零等於零一般.

Regardless of the great pains which one may have taken for the sake of kosen-rufu over the course of many years, if at some point he abandons faith, everything that he has accomplished will in the end come to nothing.
In effect, it is like multiplying 100 by a factor of zero.

今日指導 一月三十日

日蓮大聖人的佛法是"下種"佛法, 其目的是在眾生的生命中播種成佛的種子, 即南無妙法蓮華經.
這種是為全人類創造永恆, 不崩潰的幸福的基礎的基本因素.

Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is the Buddhism of "sowing"; its purpose is to plant the seed of enlightment, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, in the lives of all people on earth.
Herein lies the fundamental cause to create the foundation of lasting, indestructible happiness for all people.

今日指導 一月二十九日

傲慢是生命的退化狀態, 而以法華經為榮是一種求道精神的表現.

Arrogance is a degradation of one's life, while pride in the Lotus Sutra is an expression of one's seeking spirit.

今日指導 一月二十八日

無論面對什麼困難, 侮辱或中傷, 身為地涌菩薩眷屬的我們必須不受憤怒或仇恨動搖, 沈着與慈悲地宣弘佛法的正確教義與意思.
你應確信唯有通過佛法的不間斷努力, 悟達的生命境涯--佛界, 才能在生命中涌現出來.

As followers of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, we must propagate the correct teachings and meaning of Buddhism with composure and compassion, untouched by anger or animosity, no matter what difficulty, insult or calumny we may face.
You should be convinced that only through your ceaseless effort of propagation will the world of Buddhahood, the life-condition of enlightenment, manifest itself within your life.

今日指導 一月二十七日

無論是個人或團體, 在工作場所的盡責表現, 會引向進步與繁榮.
相反地, 惡劣的表現無可避免地會導致失敗.

Conscientious performance in the work-place leads to progress and prosperity; be it for the individual or group.
In contrast, shoddy performance inevitably leads to failure.

今日指導 一月二十六日

唱誦題目與折伏將使你的生命處於永恆的幸福軌道上.

Chanting daimoku and doing shakubuku will set your life on an orbit of happiness which will last forever.

今日指導 一月二十五日

做任何事情都必須要有目標或目的.
若你在達成目標前就脫離軌道或半途而廢, 那麼, 無論你是如何認真地奮鬥, 你將無法感受完成任務的充實感.

In anything you do, you must have an objective or goal.
No matter how seriously you may strive to achieve it, if you deviate from that course or give up your effort halfway before you achieve the goal, you will never make the exuberant feeling of accomplishment your own.

今日指導 一月二十四日

不應眼光短淺地只顧加強自己的力量與展示自己的才能.
這樣做, 會妨礙廣宣流布的流動.
使廣宣流布如海浪迭起般, 強而有勁地前進的方法, 在於尋找具有才幹的人, 培養他們, 並將他們引向廣宣流布的目標上.

One must not be so narrow-minded as to seek only to increase his own strength or exhibit his capability.
Doing so will obstruct the flow of kosen-rufu.
The way to bring out a dynamic and powerful advance of kosen-rufu, like waves building upon waves lies in finding capable people, raising them and diverting them towards the goal of kosen-rufu.

今日指導 一月二十三日

人生不乏考驗與苦難.
沒有障礙的生命是脆弱的.
不曾需要克服困難的人是不可靠的.

There is no such thing as a life without trials and tribulations.
A life without meeting obstacles is a weak one.
One cannot depend on someone who has not had to overcome difficulties.

今日指導 一月二十二日

除非是基於日復一日, 每時每刻, 穩健與勤奮的努力的積聚, 成功就絕不是真實的.

Success can never be genuine unless it is based on the accumulation of steady and strenuous efforts, expended day by day and from moment to moment.

今日指導 一月二十一日

在我們的組織中, 聽取那些不作勤行, 不參與廣宣流布活動的人所作出的批評是沒有必要的.
被他們的辱罵性言語所動搖是非常愚蠢的, 更何况, 這些言詞根本不值一顧.

In our organisation, there is no need to listen to the criticism of people who do not do gongyo and participate in activities for kosen-rufu.
It is very foolish to be swayed at all by their words, which are nothing more than abuse, and do not deserve the slightest heed.

今日指導 一月二十日

通過家庭訪問, 將信心之光帶給不能出席活動的會友.
持之以恆的鼓勵, 有一天, 將匯集成一股喜悅的急流.

Through home visitation, bring the light of faith to members who cannot attend meetings.
Constant encouragement will accumulate and someday become a rushing river of joy.

今日指導 一月十七日(補)

他人對你看法不應是你所關心的課題.
重要的是你如何評估自己以及對自己的生命感到幾份自豪, 當你以自己的信念, 誠懇地渡過一生, 你能以本身的存在作為最有價值的生活方式的典範.

What other people think of you should not be the object of your concern.
What is important is how you evaluate yourself and how much pride you can derive from your own life.
As you live your life sincerely according to your beliefs, you can exemplify the most valuable way of living to your own existence.

今日指導 一月十九日

擁有智識本身並不是幸福.
智識淵博其實個人對生命與社會發展的覺醒之基本條件.
然而, 你不應認為擁有智識與完全享有真正的幸福是相等的.

Having knowledge is not in itself happiness.
To have much knowledge is indeed, one essential condition for a personal awakening to life and the development of society.
Nevertheless, you should not consider having knowledge to be the same level as enjoying true happiness to the fullest.

今日指導 一月十八日

千萬別忘記若在每一種際遇中, 都持有責任感與抱負, 你將能比以往多創造出二或三倍的價值.

Never forget that you can create two or three times as much value as before when you face each situation with a sense of responsibility and aspiration.

今日指導 一月十六日

首先, 讓我們將心中的牆拆掉.
因為往往是我們本身決定自己的極限.

First of all, let's tear down any walls within our own minds.
For it is often the case that we ourselves determine our limits.

今日指導 一月十五日

生活在妙法的世界裡, 希望的太陽不斷地自我們心中升起, 使我們每刻都體會到生命的新黎明.
廣宣流布這一活動旨在建設一塊永恆和平之陽光照耀的輝煌之地.
它是一場擺脫痛苦與不幸的世界, 並換來幸福與平安之曙光的戰役.

When we dwell in the world of the Mystic Law, the sun of hope continually rises in our hearts and we experience a new dawning of life at each moment.
Kosen-rufu is an activity for the purpose of building a glorious land where shines the sun of eternal peace.
It is a battle to rid the world of misery and unhappiness, and call forth the dawn of happiness and security.

今日指導 一月十四日

無論遇到什麼困難, 你都應該繼續遵循自己希望與理想前進.
只要將此基本原理加以實踐, 在10年, 20年或50年後, 你將會發現, 憑藉妙法的力量, 你所有的祈願都已應驗.

No matter what difficulty you may encounter, you should continue to advance true to your hopes and ideals.
As long as you live up to this basic principle, ten, twenty or fifty years from now you will find that all your prayers have been answered thanks to the power of the Mystic Law.

今日指導 一月十三日

擁有真正的信心意指無論發生什麼事都堅決朝著廣宣流布的目標前進, 絲毫不懷疑妙法.

To have true faith means to advance resolutely towards the goal of kosen-rufu, no matter what may happen, without doubting the Mystic Law in the least.

今日指導 一月十二日

我們的人生目標與別人的迴然不同.
我們絕不被世俗的名譽與財富的追求所動.
對我們而言, 具有堅定的精神達成廣宣流布, 並且持著清新的信心態度, 使自己經常恢復生氣, 至為重要.

Our goal in life is completely different from that of others.
We are in no way motivated by the pursuit of worldly fame and fortune.
What matters to us is having the determined spirit to achieve kosen-rufu, always revitalizing ourselves with a fresh attitude in faith.

今日指導 一月十一日

有才能的人是一生獻身於信心的嚴謹態度與廣宣流布的人.

A capable person is one who embraces the rigours of faith and kosen-rufu with lifelong devotion.

今日指導 一月十日

日蓮大聖人說, 貫徹信心到底最為重要, 而且只是對信心持之以恆, 現在與將來的一切願望最終必將實現.
無論如何都要繼續唱題, 這一點絕不可忘記.

Nichiren Daishonin says that the most important point is to be consistent in your faith, and that as long as you are consistent, all your desires of the present and future will eventually be fulfilled.
The thing you should never forget is to continue chanting daimoku no matter what.

今日指導 一月九日

鍛鍊的意思即真誠地致力於行學二道.
未經嚴格鍛鍊的人, 無法發揮其全部潛能, 也無法在生命的關鍵時刻作出明智之舉, 或完成大事.
一個缺乏鍛鍊的人, 在長期之下, 將會被人輕視, 並遭受痛苦.

Training means to dedicate ourselves sincerely to the two ways of practice and study.
A person who does not undergo rigorous training cannot be expected to express his full potential and act wisely at a crucial moment in life or to accomplish major undertakings.
A person who lacks training will, in the long run, be disregarded by others and experience painful suffering.

今日指導 一月八日

希望你在信心與生活兩方面永遠保持著一顆真挚, 誠實的心, 也希望你持著正確的人生觀與信心, 成為胸襟寬闊的人.

I hope that you will always maintain a sincere and honest mind both in your faith and in your life.
It is also my hope that, with a correct view of life and correct faith, you will become a person with a broad and magnanimous mind.

今日指導 一月七日

在碰到艱巨的困難時, 你或許絕望地感到一切都完了, 進而放棄一切.
然而, 你絕不應屈服於生活中的這類困難. 你非勝不可.
若你勝了, 你稍後將能以一股滿足感回顧自己曾經拼命掙扎過的日子.

When you encounter a severe difficulty, you may despairingly feel that it is the end of everything and give up.
However, you should never succumb to such difficulties in life. You must win by all means.
If you do you will later be able to look back with a feeling of satisfaction on your days of desperate struggle.

今日指導 一月六日

就是通過面對苦難的嚴峻考驗, 我們才可在生命內奧牢固地建立永不崩潰的佛界自我.

It is through the ordeal of facing hardships that we are able to firmly establish the indestructible self of Budddhahood in the depths of our lives.

今日指導 一月五日

無人可避免生, 老, 病, 死這四苦.
能夠平等地自一切眾生的生命中去除痛苦的就是妙法.
因此, 教導全人類御本尊體現妙法的法力與功德, 是我們的責任.

No one can avoid the sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death.
It is the Mystic Law that is capable of eliminating suffering equally from the lives of all people.
For this reason, it is our responsibility to teach all mankind the power and benefit of the Gohonzon which embodies the Mystic Law.

今日指導 一月四日

有些人認為, 就因為他們修行佛法, 他們的生意定會興隆, 他們就會成功.
這種短淺的想法顯示信心方面的懶散態度.
我們絕不應忘記, 只有繼續較他人更努力地工作與學習, 加強工作的掌握能力以及對生命充分了解, 我們的信心才能有所收穫.

Some people think just because they are practising Buddhism their business will prosper and they will succeed.
This kind of short-circuited thinking shows a lazy attitude in faith.
We should never forget that our faith will only bear fruit if we continue to work and study harder than other people to develop mastery in our work and a full understanding of life.

今日指導 一月三日

那些不管他人如何數說而依本身所選擇的信念之道生活的人, 才可嘗到生命的真正喜悅與幸福.

Life's true joy and happiness can only be savoured by those who live out the chosen path of their beliefs, no matter what others may say of them.

今日指導 一月二日

真正的勝利是臨終時所體會的勝利.
無論你在一生中取得甚麼勝利, 除非這能引向最後的凱旋, 否則就無甚意義.

True victory is victory that you experience at the last moment of your life.
No matter how victories you may be in the course of your life, unless it leads to final triumph, it will have little meaning.

恭賀池田先生八十大壽

2007年最後一天，是師弟會第一次集結，出席人數11人。

一年之內，各有困難，各有挑戰
一年之後，各有成長，各有勝利

弟子的一次又一次的勝利，不就是作為師匠的最佳禮物了嗎！

今天，是池田先生的八十生辰，作為弟子，充滿著決心，誓要與師匠一起迎向世界廣布第二幕，將日蓮大聖人佛法好好植根於自身心田，亦要把自己身在的廣布地區取得大勝利，成為佛國常寂光土。

衷心祝賀池田師匠與香峰子夫人
身體安康 福運滿盈

今日指導 一月一日

只有提高你的生命境涯, 才在生命中產生價值, 開發出勝利的光彩.
唯有在一生中為妙法與廣宣流布挺身而出才能讓你的存在綴以福運與功德.

Value is born and victory shines forth in your life only to the extent that you develop your life-condition.
Good fortune and benefit adorn your existence only to the extent that you live out your life exerting yourself for the sake of the Law and for the sake of kosen-rufu.

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 27

A person of faith seeks self mastery; a person of ambition or power seeks to control others.
A person of faith takes action, works hard and struggles to overcome his or her inner weakness; a person driven by a desire for power forces others to work for his or her own selfish purpose, never reflecting upon himself.

******
When we are aware that each gesture and step we take is truly mystical and lives with greater thought and care.

******
The highest offering to the Buddha is not to worship something reminiscent of the Buddha.
Rather, it is to inherit the Buddha's spirit.

******
Who answers our prayers?
We do--through faith and efforts.
No one does it for us.

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 26

It's important to remember that your prayers always reflect your state of life.
In that respect, prayer is a solemn means to raise your life-condition.
And to get exactly the results that you're praying for, it is crucial to make determined, single-minded efforts toward that goal.

******
When we hear of a friend struggling somewhere, or that those in some other region or community are in difficulty or facing a daunting challenge, we send them our prayers as earnestly as if praying for our own happiness.

******
Now, if you wish to attain Buddhahood, you have only to lower the banner of your arrogance, cast aside the staff of your anger, and devote yourself exclusively to the one vehicle of the Lotus Sutra.--Nichiren

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 25

You must practice faith with abundant, deeply appreciative of even the slightest improvement!--Josei Toda

******
In this egoistic world, to offer prayers and work hard for the happiness of others, as well as for oneself, is magnificent.

******
Amid this harsh reality, people yearn from the depths of their beings to live with dignity and for their lives to have meaning, and they make efforts toward that end.
The product of these human yearnings, these prayers, is religion.
Religion was born from prayer.

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 24

It's natural for prayers to center on your own desires and dreams.
There's no need to pretend that you're praying for something lofty when you're not.
By praying naturally, without affection or reservation, for what you seek most of all, you'll gradually come to develop a higher and more expansive life-condition.

******
Compassion is the very soul of Buddhism.
To pray for others, making their problems and anguish our own; to embrace those who are suffering, becoming their greatest ally; to continue giving them our support and encouragement until they become truly happy--it is in such humanistic actions that Nichiren Buddhism lives and breathes.

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 23

How, then, can we come to perceive that there is no difference between our minds and the Buddha's mind?
Only through our human powers of faith and practice.

******
A person of deep prayer is never deadlocked.

******
Buddhism aims to make people free in the most profound sense; its purpose is not to restrict or constrain.
Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is a right, not an obligation.

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 22

To pray each time we face a problem, overcoming it and elevating our life-condition as a result--this is the path of "changing earthly desires into enlightenment" taught in Nichiren Buddhism.

******
Faith is not dependent on ceremonies and formalities.
It is a struggle to transform our very being.

******
It is our efforts to pray for and help another person to become happy that represent the foremost popular movement and that directly contribute to the creation of a truly democratic society.

******
To effort prayers is to conduct a dialogue, an exchange, with the universe.

******
Therefore, we know that the prayers offered by a practitioner of the Lotus Sutra will be answered just as an echo answer a sound.--Nichiren

******
For people who embrace Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, to worry about friends and pray for their happiness comes naturally.
We should not forget just how noble such efforts are.

わが友に贈（12月27日）

会うことが人間革命。
語ることが広宣流布。
人のために尽くす
知恵と勇気の行動だ！
諸天は厳然と護る！

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 21

Buddhism means putting the teachings into practice.
Practice equals faith.
With sincere prayer and action, our desires cannot possibly fail to be fulfilled.

******
Earnestly pray to take action each day, encouraging people at every opportunity.
It is important to encourage those we come in contact with, even with just a single word or phrase.

******
Those who chant Myoho-renge-kyo [the title of the Lotus Sutra] even without understanding its meaning realize not only the heart of the Lotus Sutra, but also the "main cord," or essential principle of the Buddha's lifetime teaching.--Nichiren

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 20

Buddhism is not a religion that closes its eyes to people suffering; it is a teaching that opens people's eyes.
To turn away our eyes from the contradictions of society and rid ourselves of all worldly thoughts is not the way of Buddhist practice.

******
A coward cannot have any of his prayer answered.--Nichiren

******
The power of prayer is the decisive means for overcoming periods of stagnation or difficulty.

******
By continuing to pray, you can reflect on yourself with unflinching honesty and begin to move your life in a positive direction on the path of earnest, steady effort.

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 19

As human beings, let us reach beyond our small, limited selves and attain an all-encompassing state of being, our hearts communing with the vast universe.

******
There's no limit to how many things we can pray about.
It just means that the more desires we have, the more sincere and abundant our prayer will be.

******
To pray, ponder and move for the sake of people's happiness is to awaken real sincerity.

******
Prayer is the key.
The important thing is to pray with steadfast determination.
There is nothing more powerful than prayer.
This is not mere theory.
Without prayer, all our efforts will ultimately get us nowhere.

******
Prayer becomes manifest in action, and action has to be backed up by prayer.

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 18

When you bring forth your Buddhahood by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, your passionate nature will become your impetus for progress, a strong sense of justice and a burning desire to help other people.

******
The true spirit of meditation lies in manifesting our innate wisdom in society and resolutely struggling for the happiness of ourselves and others, and to construct a better society.

******
May all beings be happy!
Whether he stands, walks, sits, or lies down, as long as he is awake, he should develop this mindfulness.
This they say is the noblest living here.--Shakyamuni

******
When a stalemate arises we must first pray, then take action.

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 17

One thing is certain: That is that the power of belief, the power of thought, will move reality in the direction of what we believe and conceive of it.
If you really believe you can do something, you can.
That is fact.

******
Prayer are invisible, but if we pray steadfastly, they will definitely effect clear results in our lives and surroundings over time.

******
Compose your life patiently with the power of faith.
Direct your efforts into this channel.
Once you realize that complaining is useless, you can chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in earnest.--Jose Toda

******
There are many elements involved in a prayer being answered, but the important thing is to keep praying until it is.

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 16

The struggle we go through to have our prayers answered makes us stronger.
If we were to immediately get everything we prayed for, we would become spoiled and decadent.
We would lead indolent lives, devoid of any hard work or struggle.
As a result, we would become shallow human beings.
What, then, would be the point of faith?

******
There are no rules governing how we should pray.
There's no need to be something we aren't.

******
Buddhism is reason.
Our prayers cannot be answered if we fail to make efforts appropriate to our situation.

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 15

No matter how earnestly Nichiren prays for you, if you lack faith, it will be like trying to set fire to wet tinder.
Spur yourself to muster the power of faith.--Nichiren

******
We need a higher sense of purpose, and when we have a higher sense of purpose, our prayer about personal matters are more easily answered.

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Wisdom emerges through prayer.
Victory emerges through wisdom.

******
What was Shakyamuni Buddha's most ardent prayer?
It was for all people to become happy.

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 14

Because Buddhism entails practie, tenacious efforts are required, but these are all for your own sake.
If you want to have great benefits or to develop a profound state of life, you should exert yourself accordingly.

******
Prayer in Nichiren Buddhism is not something with which to merely console ourselves in the face of hardships or a diversion from worries; it helps us create genuine fulfillment from our innermost core and bring about concrete positive results in our daily lives.

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Even if your prayer doesn't produce concrete results immediately, you continual prayer will at some time manifest itself in a form greater than you had ever hoped.

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By chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we humbly praise the Buddha, which means we are automatically praising and reinforcing to the utmost our own Buddhahood.

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 13

Through intense prayer, we can significantly transform our destiny, as well as the destiny of our families and society.
It is vital to pray with resolute conviction.
Prayer stimulates wisdom and fills us with life force.

******
Those who are most strongly resolved to win will definitely do so in the end.
The power that fuels this resolve is prayer; it is our faith.

******
We practice Buddhism to make our prayers and dreams come true and to achieve the greatest possible happiness.

******
Prayer is a struggle to expand our lives.

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 12

Meditation for its own sake is absurd.
Shakyamuni clearly explains that true meditation is not solitary contemplation beneath a tree but playing an active role in society while embracing the truth.

******
Since the thoughts or ideas that come to mind as we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo represent issues that concern us at the moment, we should not consider them extraneous.
Instead, we should pray earnestly about each one, whatever it may be .

******
Nevertheless, even though you chant and believe in Myoho-renge-kyo, if you think the Law is outside yourself, you are embracing not the Mystic Law but an inferior teaching.--Nichiren

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Just as a soft voice can be transformed into a booming voice through the use of a good megaphone, when we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with heartfelt prayer, we can move the entire universe.

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 11

Genuine faith is a sword of belief and conviction that cuts through all suffering.
It is a bright light of hope that illuminates the darkness and confusion.

******
A sense of responsibility arises from prayer and action, which in turn further deepen our sense of responsibility.

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Though one might point at the earth and miss it, though one might bind up the sky, though the tides might cease to ebb and flow and the sun rise in the west, it could never come about the prayers of the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra would go unanswered.--Nichiren

******
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the wellspring of the universe and the fundamental power of life.
It is the ultimate expression of wisdom and the foundation of all laws and principles.

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 10

Life is a struggle with ourselves.
It is a tug of war between moving forward and regressing, between happiness and unhappiness.
Those short on willpower or self motiviation should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with conviction to become people of strong will, who can tackle any problem with real seriousness and determination.

******
Buddhism teaches that the same power which moves the universe exists within our lives.
Each individual has immense potential, and a great change in the inner dimension of one individual's life has the the power to touch the lives of others and transform society.

******
What are we praying for?
How are we praying?
A person's state of life is expressed in his or her prayer.
Become people who pray with a broad and deep resolve.
Those who pray in this way will amass tremendous good fortune.

一年の総仕上げを生き生きと！

　ある年、戸田先生は、弟子をねぎらいながら言われた。
　「師走といって、文字通り、”師も走って”いるのだよ。皆さんも多忙だと思うが、私も走っている。広宣流布のために、ひとつ頑張ってくれ」
　この言葉の通り、広宣流布のために走り続けた師匠であった。
　戸田先生のお心は、私もよく分かる。私も一年365日、毎日走り続けている。
　心が停滞した人生には充実がない。
　たとえば、勤行もそうである。やり終えた後には、充実感がある。しかし、さぼってしまったときには、楽でいいなと思っても、後になればどうも調子が悪い（笑い）。
　折伏も、和合僧の学会の会合も、同じであろう。
　師匠とともに、「広宣流布の大願」のために、生き生きと、心を勇み走らせていく。そうしたなかで、一年の総仕上げをしていきたい。
　ともあれ、人の何倍も忙しくとも、人の何倍も充実した人生。それこそが、勝利の人生である。その人こそ、偉大な人である。
　これは、戸田先生のご指導でもあった。
　もちろん、一年の終わりに、ゆっくりと、英気を養うのも、かまわない。大事なことは、人生の価値ある向上の坂を、悠然と上っていくことである。
　大文豪トルストイは、次のような箴言を引いている。
　「最上の幸福は、一年の終わりにおける自己を、一年の始めにおける自己よりも、よりよくなったと感ずることである」（原久一郎訳『人生読本』社会思想社）
　学会のいき方と共鳴し合う言葉である。
　我らの「人間革命」の前進こそ、一年また一年、まさに「最上の幸福」の年輪を刻んでいるのである。
　明年へ向け、心新たに出発していきたい。そうした決意の大事さを、戸田先生は教えてくださった。

新時代第13回本部幹部会での名誉会長のスピーチ㊤を引用
（2007年12月12日聖教新聞掲載）

Busshism for you -- Prayer 9

Just as a my morning walk or jog may be pleasantly exhilarating for both the body and the mind, please chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in a way that is personally satisfying to you--one that leaves you feeling refreshed and uplifted both mentally and physically.

******
Human beings have an undeniable instinct for prayer.
Religion first came into being in response to this.
Prayer did not come into existence because of religion; it was the other way around.

******
When we pray with appreciation immense vitality wells forth.
From the depths of our lives, we tap the wisdom to encourage others.
And our conduct translates into value-creating activities perfectly responding and of those around us.

******
In Nichiren Buddhism, it is said that no prayer goes unanswered.
But this is very different from having every wish instantly granted as if by magic.
All your prayers serve to propel you in the direction of happiness.

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 8

Become the happiest you can be based upon your profound and strong prayer.

******
Sometimes our prayers are realized immediately and sometimes they aren't.
When we look back later, however, we can say with absolute conviction that everything turned out for the best.

******
There is no set form or pattern for how we should pray.
Buddhism emphasizes being natural.
Therefore, simply pray earnestly, without pretense, just as you are.

******
Buddhist prayer is a ceremony in which our lives commune with the universe.
When we pray, we vigorously infuse the microcosm of our individual existence with the life force of the macrocosm, of the entire universe.

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 7

Religion is proof of our humanity.
Of all the animals, only human beings have the capacity for prayer, a most solemn and sublime act.

******
The most important thing is to build an indestructible palace of happiness within our lives.

******
From the moment we begin to pray, things start moving.
The darker the night, the closer the dawn.
From the moment we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with a deep and powerful Hope--prayer is the sun of hope.

強き「唱題の力」「語る力」で勝て

　戸田先生は女子部に指導された。
　「学会は（中略）世界最高の哲学を基礎として、民衆に幸福を与えるのであります」
　「それも、ことごとく若きみなさんの力によってなさねばならぬと確信するのです」
　「みなさんの責任は、重かつ大であると思うのであります」
　私も同じ心境である。
　また、インド独立の父ガンジーの言葉を、青年部に贈りたい。
　「自分の心を統御したら、森の王ライオンのように叫ぶことができます。その咆哮で敵となっていた者の心は裂けてしまいます」（田中敏雄訳『真の独立への道』岩波文庫）
　「百獣の王」の咆哮。それは広宣流布の戦いでいえば、「唱題の力」であり、正義を「語る力」であるといえよう。
　逆に、学会の恩を受けながら、仏法に反し、同志を裏切った者は、師子吼によって悪心を切られる。謗法によって心が裂けた者は、”生ける屍”のようになってしまうのである。
　昭和25年の年末、新橋駅近くの食堂で、戸田先生から、広宣流布の新聞を発刊しようとのお話をうかがった。これも忘れがたい思い出の一つである。翌年4月、聖教新聞を創刊。聖教新聞は戸田先生と私を中心に、師弟の手作りで始まったのである。
　また、皇居のお堀端を先生と歩いていて、雨が降ってきたことがあった。
　そのときは傘もなく、タクシーもなかなか来なかった。「二人で雨に濡れていこう」と歩いた。先生は、「あそこにマッカーサーがいるんだ」と指を指された。
　GHQ（連合国軍総司令部）本部の入っている、立派なビルである。
　当時の学会は、立派な車もない。むろん、大きな建物もなかった。先生の事業も、最も苦しい時だった。しかし、私は申し上げた。
　「私が働いて働いて、いい車を用意します。必ずビルも建てます。それまでは、どうか、長生きをしてください」
　先生は、ニッコリと笑っておられた。
　今、私が先生にお約束した通りの学会になった。創価学会は、激動の社会に輝く「勇気と希望の光」である。後継の皆さんの使命は、皆さん自身の想像よりもはるかに大きいということを、申し上げておきたい。

広布第2幕第3回全国青年部幹部会各部合同協議会での名誉会長のスピーチ㊤引用
（2007年12月3日聖教新聞掲載）

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 6

We have to make a determination, pray and take action.
Unless we do so, our environment will not change in the least.

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I am devoted to none but Truth and I owe no discipline to anybody but Truth.--Mahatma Gandhi

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The purpose of Nichiren Buddhism is to enable us to realize victory in life.
The fact that our prayers are answered is proof of the correctness of this teaching.

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Prayer in Buddhism deepens and expands our common sense regarding the affairs of dairy life and the world.
It reveals the Law of life that we need to follow in order to become happy.

本物よ出でよ

　今や、世界の心ある知性の人々が、創価学会を正しく評価し、讃え、守ってくださる時代になった。
　しかし、この麗しき民衆の団結を見下し、嫉妬の中傷を浴びせる人間もいる。増上慢の反逆の輩も出た。
　そうした人間とは、断じて戦うことだ。
　先ほど、男子部の諸君に、師子の像をお贈りした。
　「青年よ。師子となれ！」
　こう私は申し上げたい。
　本物の師子は今、いったいどこにいるのか。
　戸田先生は言われていた。
　「師子になれ。本物の師子にならなければ、広宣流布はできない。そうでなければ、栄誉栄達のための幹部になってしまう。学会はつぶれてしまうぞ」
　必要なのは「師子」である。一人になっても、正義を叫び切る「師子」である。
　学会の前進を支えてくださっている婦人部、女子部の皆様である。
　それを分からず、見栄っ張りで、陰で偉ぶり、「いざ戦い」となると、逡巡して、勝負することができない――そんな情けない人間に、なってはならない。
　師子となる。
　師子を育てる。
　これが広宣流布の極意であり、創価学会の使命である。
　私は一人、師子として戦ってきた。広宣流布を妨げ、戸田先生に悪口を浴びせる勢力とは、相手がだれであれ、一人で乗り込んででも戦った。
　青年部の諸君は、勇気を出してもらいたい。師子となっていただきたい！

――広布第２幕第三回全国青年部幹部会
　　　各部合同協議会での名誉会長のスピーチ㊤引用
　　　（２００７年１２月３日聖教新聞掲載）

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 5

There may be times when you grow impatient and anxious because it seems like your prayers will never be answered.
But all prayers that lead to your happiness will definitely be fulfilled.
There is absolutely no mistake about this.

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By praying, we can cleanse our lives of negativity and illusions.
We can push everything in the direction of happiness.

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There are two kinds of benefits from our prayers, those that are immediately apparent, or conspicuous, and those that we cannot see right away, or inconspicuous.
Inconspicuous benefit is the focus of Nichiren Buddhism, for it is what brings real happiness.

信心の苦労が最も尊い

　仏法の世界は「平等大慧」である。特別な人はいない。皆が本来、仏である。皆が尊貴である。
　そのなかでも、私たちは、信心強く、広布のために苦労して戦う人を、最も大切にするのだ。
　万が一にも、社会的な肩書や立場、名声や人気などを重んじて、真面目な学会員を軽んずるようなことがあれば、清浄無比なる和合僧を破壊してしまう。
　後世のために、あえて、この点は厳重に戒めておかねばならない。
　釈尊の弟子の一人である耆婆は、名医であった。
　多くの難病を治療し、「医王」と讃嘆された。開腹手術や開頭手術も行ったと伝えられている。大国・マガダ国の大臣ともなり、社会的地位や名声も、大変に高かった。
　彼は反逆の提婆達多と戦った。また、阿闍世王を釈尊に帰依させてもいる。
　その耆婆が、ある時、師匠である釈尊と仏弟子たちを家へ招いたことがあった。
　しかし耆婆は、もの覚えが悪く、愚鈍とされている須利槃特だけは、わざと招かなかった。耆婆は須利槃特をバカにしていたのである。
　釈尊は、大切な弟子を見下す、耆婆の傲慢を戒めた。
　皆、かけがえのない尊貴な弟子ではないか。それがわからず、仏弟子を見下す者こそ愚かであり、自分自身を傷つけているのである。
　師の厳愛に、耆婆は目を覚まし、激しく後悔する。そして、同志とともに、師の広大無辺の境涯に学び、偉大な使命の生涯を全うしていったのである。
　創立の父・牧口常三郎先生がよく拝された御聖訓に、「上根（機根の優れた人間）に会っても、自分を卑下してはならない」「下根（機根の劣った人間）に会っても、憍慢になってはならない」（御書４６６㌻、通解）という一節がある。
　この御文を通して、牧口先生は言われた。
　「名門の人や、高位高官だからといって、へつらうのも法を下げる。
　いばって、信用をなくすのも法を下げることになる」と。
　戸田先生もまた、「傲慢」「慢心」を幾度となく戒めておられた。その一端を学び合いたい。
　「真の信仰にめざめたわれわれは、福運を消し、自分自身を破壊させる慢心の振る舞いだけは、けっしてあってはならない」
　「腹の中で学会員を小馬鹿にしたり、大した人間でもないのに自分を偉そうに見せたり、尊大ぶる愚劣な幹部もいる」
　「学会員を馬鹿にする者は誰であろうと、私は許さない！」
　「和合僧を尊重して、我見や増上慢の幹部や議員を叱り飛ばし、異体同心の理想的な広宣流布の前進へと戦う人こそが、信心強盛な仏法者である」

――婦人部最高協議会での名誉会長のスピーチ㊤引用
（２００７年１１月２７日聖教新聞掲載）

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 4

There is a marvelous Buddhist principle that teaches that the living, through their prayers and actions, can pass on to their deceased friends and loved ones the benefit of the good causes they have accumulated.

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Prayer functions like the sun.
It serves as the light that illuminates the darkness of suffering.

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Those of you who have problems or sufferings, pray earnestly!
Buddhism is a deadly serious win or lose struggle.--Josei Toda

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The religious spirit is a kind of mental capacity that turns nihilism into a bright future and despair into hope.

全員が幸福に

　病気がちの身であった富木尼御前に、大聖人は、こう仰せである。
　「それにつけても、命は鶴亀のように、幸福は月の満ち、潮の満ちるようにと、法華経に祈っています」（同㌻、通解）
　門下一人一人の状況に深く心を砕き、その幸福を願われる大聖人の深い御心が伝わってくる。
　わが同志が一人ももれなく、天月子が満ち、冴えわたっていくように、福徳の光を増していかれることを、私は祈ってやまない。
　「一家和楽」の信心である。「幸福をつかむ」信心である。
　「難を乗り越える」信心である。
　そして、「健康長寿」の信心であり、「絶対勝利」の信心である。
　この妙法を持ち、広宣流布に生き抜くならば、必ず幸福になる。最高に充実した、所願満足の境涯を築いていけるのである。
　御書には「一は万が母」（498㌻）とある。
　すべては、一人との出会いから始まる。一人を大切にすることが、万人への広がりに通じる。
　SGI（創価学会インタナショナル）の連帯が世界190カ国・地域へ広がったのも、婦人部の皆様方が、来る日も来る日も私と同じ心で、勇敢に誠実に、また忍耐強く、一人一人との対話に徹し抜いてくださったからである。

―婦人部最高協議会での名誉会長のスピーチ㊤引用
　（2007年11月27日聖教新聞掲載）

「本物の弟子」よ、踊り出よ！

　日蓮大聖人は、富木尼御前（富木常忍の夫人）に宛てて、こう御手紙を認めておられる。
　「私は今でも楽をしているわけではありませんが、昔、特に不自由であった時から御供養をお受けしてきたので、貴女の御恩をまことに重く思っています」（御書９９０㌻、通解）
　三障四魔、三類の強敵が打ち続くなか、来る年も来る年も、勇気ある信心を貫き、真心を尽くしてきた一人の女性の弟子を、大聖人は、このように讃嘆されている。
　信心とは、最極の心の世界だ。
　そして、その根幹こそ「師弟」である。
　いざという時、師匠にどう仕えたか。どう師匠をお護りしたか。
　そこに信心の実像が凝結する。
　広宣流布の大指導者である師・戸田城聖先生にお仕えし、先生をお護りし抜いたことが、私と妻の永遠の誉れである。
　”二人して広布へ進みゆけ！”――これが、私たちの結婚に際しての先生の指導であった。
　師匠が言った通りに生き抜く。師匠が言ったこをを実現する。これが弟子の道だ。
　師匠の教えをないがしろにするような者は、断じて弟子ではない。
　ただ「師弟」という一点で、私は戦い抜いた。1から100まで、師匠のため、学会のため。そしてすべてに勝利した。
　師匠を護ることが、学会を護ることになる。学会の全同志を守ることになる。
　そして、師匠を守ることが、広宣流布の前進である。私は、そう決めて戦い抜いた。
　戸田先生は、「私は本当にいい弟子を持った」と深く感謝してくださった。心から喜んでくださった。
　戸田先生と私の師弟の絆は、それは神々しいほどであった。太陽のように、そして、きょうの月天子のように――。
　戸田先生は牧口先生に対して、報恩の誠を尽くされた。私もまた、同じ決心であった。
　牧口先生と戸田先生。そして戸田先生と私。
　この三代を貫く師弟の精神こそ、学会の根幹である。初代、2代、3代の会長以外に、本当の「師匠」はいない。
　後世のために、明確に、言い残しておきたい。
　権力の魔性を打ち破り、学会は、ここまで大発展した。世界に広布の発展した。世界に広布の城をつくり上げた。
　仏法は実証である。私という、一人の「本物の弟子」がいたからこそ、戸田先生は勝利したのである。
　今また、歴史を開く「本物の弟子」が躍り出ることを、私は願っている。

―婦人部最高協議会での名誉会長のスピーチ㊤　引用（2007年11月27日聖教新聞掲載）

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 3

After we pray for something, we need to struggle with all our might to actualize it.
This is true faith.

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Be diligent in developing your faith until the last moment of your life.
Otherwise you will have regrets.--Nichiren

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It is important to become people who view things not in terms of tiny, selfish concerns but from a larger, more generous perspective.
We have to pray to become more broad-minded and tolerant.

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 2

Prayer is not a feeble consolation; it is a powerful, unyielding convicition.

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Prayer is the courage to persevere.
It is the struggle to overcome our own weakness and lack of confidence in ourselves.
It is the act of impressing in the very depths of our being the conviction that we can change the situation without fail.

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When we pray, we embrace the universe with our lives and our determinations.

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Wisdom arises from prayer.
Prayer gives birth to confidence and joy.

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Prayer is not of the realm of logic or intellect.
It transcends these.

Buddhism for you -- Prayer 1

Compassion is the very soul of Buddhism.
To pray for others, making their problems and anguish our own; to embrace those who are suffering, becoming their greatest ally; to continue giving them our support and encouragement until they become truly happy--it is in such humanistic actions that Nichiren Buddhism lives and breathes.

Buddhism for you -- Love 28

The only way to fufill the potential of the human race is to live just, kind, benevolent and compassionate lives.

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Mutual respect and trust are crucial for creating real friendship.
Naturally, there will be times when you have arguments and disagreements with your friends.
But there should always be an underlying spirit of respect and consideration for each other.
In friendship, we mustn't think only of ourselves.

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The most attractive person is one who can continue to make steady efforts to fulfill his or her dream even if others do not recognize their dedication.

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The flame of faith breaks through out tiny, confined state of life in which we are preoccupied solely with our own concerns and welfare.
Our friends' victories become our victories, and our victories become theirs.

Buddhism for you -- Love 27

Perhaps you have had your heart broken and felt unable to go on, your self-esteem in tatters.
But you must never think you are worthless.
No one can substitute for you, who are more precious than all the treasures in the universe put together.

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If you remain sincere in your interactions with others, you will one day find yourself surrounded by good friends.
And among those people, your friendships will be as strong and unshakable as towering trees.
Don't be impatient.
Work first on developing yourself, and you can rest assured that an infinite number of wonderful encounters await you in the future.

Buddhism for you -- Love 26

Great people never forget what others have done for them.
In fact, having a sense of appreciation makes a person worthy of respect.

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What is friendship?
True friendship implies a relationship where you empathize with your friends when they're suffering and encourage them not to lose heart, and where they, in turn, empathize with you when you're in the same situation and try to cheer you up.

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Compassion in not a Buddhist austerity .
It is something that should be expressed unconsciously and naturally in one's actions,
and in the workings of one's heart.
The Buddha knows no path of living apart from that of living with compassion.--Josei Toda

Buddhism for you -- Love 25

If your heart is closed, then the doors to other people's hearts will also shut tight.
On the other hand, someone who makes all those around him or her into allies, bathing them in the sunlight of spring, as it were, will be treasured by all.

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In our world it is not uncommon for hatred to underlie what is strenuously asserted to be love or for egoism to hide behind a mask of love.

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To take the love one feels for one's own children and extend it into a love of humanity is the spirit of a bodhisattva.

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Behind every great person is a great mother.
When a mother is advancing cheerfully on the great path of hope, which should be pursued with conviction, she can support her child in experiencing the greatest life.

Buddhism for you -- Love 24

Without respect, no relationship will last very long nor can two people bring out the best in each other.
I personally hope men will be extremely courteous and caring toward women, respecting them and doing their utmost to support them.

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The Buddha transmits the heart's sunlight universally to all beings.

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The Earth gives people life; nations throw it away. If nations are the product of men squabbling for territory and influence, then the Earth is the realm of mothers.
This realm of mothers, who love life, is far greater and grander than the nation-states created by men.

Buddhism for you -- Love 23

Truly praiseworthy are those who have a sense of gratitude and appreciation toward their parents.
The Buddhist sutras teach that the practice of Buddhism is the ultimate expression of devotion to one's parents, and the Buddha excels in such dedication and concern.

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The oppression of children stands in opposition to peace.
It is the responsibility of adults to love children's uninhibited life force and encourage their limitless development into the future.

Buddhism for you -- Love 22

If you use love as an escape, the euphoria is unlikely to last long.
However much we may try, we can never run away from ourselves.
We will never fing happiness if we don't change ourselves from within.

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Even married people were once strangers.
Without patience and the effort to understand one another, things are not likely to get well.
Patience is necessary for a couple to live together, earn a living, protect their home and educate their children while dedicating themselves for the sake of others.

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The important thing is to overcome the sorrow that accompanies any type of separation, such as death or divorce.
The vital thing is to continue advancing.
Do not look back.

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For the sake of these living being/I summon up a mind of great compassion.--The Lotus Sutra

Buddhism for you -- Love 21

If you have wisdom alone and lack compassion, it will be a cold, perverse wisdom.
If you have compassion alone and lack wisdom, you cannot give happiness to others.
You are even likely to lead them in the wrong direction, and you won't be able to achieve your own happiness.

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If you are neglecting things you should be doing, forgetting your purpose in life because of the relationship you're in, then you're on the wrong path.

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I ask parents to pour love upon their children like the sun nurturing sunflowers.
This is because people can live powerfully for the rest of their lives with the energy of love that they received in their childhood.

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More valuable than treasures in a storehouse are the treasures of the body, and the treasures of the heart are the most valuable of all.
From the time you read this letter on, strive to accumulate the treasures of the heart!--Nichiren

Buddhism for you -- Love 20

I am convinced that the only way to regenerate love in our world is for people to come to understand the meaning of their own lives, of the life the universe and of the relation between the two kinds of life.
This is true because it is possible to show understanding of the lives of other beings only when one has an understanding of one's own life.

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Compassion consists of two parts: imparting joy to others and relieving others' suffering.
These actions come naturally to the Buddha; they don't require forced effort.
Speaking, lending a hand to others, expounding the Law--these are all acts and deeds of compassion.
Someone who attains this state of life is hailed as a Buddha and enjoys the respect and trust of everyone.--Josei Toda

Buddhism for you -- Love 19

Buddhism teaches that the altruistic way of life glows with the flame of wisdom.
The bodhisattva way is to let wisdom put knowledge to use and to couple compassion with compassionate action.

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Human life is not a sad affair.
In all things use your intellect and power of reason.
Let your life be imbued with feelings that are based on pure love.--Josei Toda

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The love between husband and wife becomes more mature when the initial passion is elevated through wisdom to encompass spiritual love and humanistic compassion.
By so doing, the couple is able to walk along the tree-lined avenue of life hand in hand, enjoying the soft breeze of happiness.

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By expanding their love from the personal to the universal level, women can become a great force against war and for peace.

Buddhism for you -- Love 18

Having good friends is like being equipped with a powerful auxiliary engine.
When we encounter a steep hill or an obstacle, we can encourage one another and find the strength to keep pressing forward vigorously.

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A shallow person will have only shallow relationships.
Real love is not one person clinging to another; it can only be fostered between two strong people secure in their individuality.

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Let those who love what is right join hands, and let us have but one banner--the banner of action and virtue.--Leo Tolstoy

Buddhism for you -- Love 17

Even if someone is close by, their heart may be distant.
But if someone is far away, if there is a heart-to-heart bond, they could not be closer.
The heart is what counts.
In the world of the heart, there is no separation.

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Children are messengers from the future.
We have no choice but to entrust the world to our children.
I trust children; I believe in their in their to grow and develop.
Every child possesses a unique mission.
For this reason, I treat children with respect, and I give my all in doing so.

Buddhism for you -- Love 16

In life we will encounter separations of inexpressible sadness.
However, those who overcome such grief and continue to live with strength and courage will be cherished and respected by their juniors as kings and queens of life.

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I wish to protect and encourage all parents and children, and I will do whatever I can for their sake.
To protect life itself; it is to nurture peace and protect the future.