October 2022 Study
‘Advancing on the Great Path of Kosen-rufu with Unwavering Lifelong
Courage’
Quotes
Quote 1
In every city and country I visited, I chanted with the resolve to permeate the land with Nam-
myoho-renge-kyo. Speaking with and encouraging one person after another, I sowed the
seeds of the Mystic Law, thereby calling forth fellow Bodhisattvas of the Earth dedicated to
fulfilling their vowed mission for kosen-rufu.
Quote 2
In my speech on the occasion of the SGI’s founding, I noted that the continued precedence
humanity gave to the logic of military might, political power, and economic gain was a
hindrance to peace and kept the world in a state of constant tension. And I stressed that it
was the essential role of religion to overcome this situation and open an enduring path to
peace.
All our members, having had the good fortune to encounter this wonderful Mystic Law,
shared that belief and determination.
I concluded by saying: “As courageous, compassionate, and dedicated disciples of Nichiren
Daishonin who are fully committed to truth and justice, please live out your lives in a positive
and uplifting way, striving for the prosperity of your countries, the happiness of the people,
and the precious existence of humankind.”
Quote 3
Because I have expounded this teaching, I have been exiled and almost killed. As the saying
goes, “Good advice grates on the ear.” But still I am not discouraged. The Lotus Sutra [the
Mystic Law] is like the seed, the Buddha like the sower, and the people like the field.
(WND-1, 748; “The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood”)
Quote 4
In the portion of the “Expedient Means” chapter of the Lotus Sutra that we recite morning
and evening is the phrase “exerting themselves bravely and vigorously (Jpn yumyo shojin)”. It
can also be translated as “proceeding with courage and diligence” and is given as one of the
reasons why the Buddha himself has been able to attain enlightenment.
1
“Courage” (yumyo) means bravely grappling with difficulties and summoning all our wisdom
and creativity to achieve the impossible. The Great Teacher Miao-lo explains shojin (diligence)
as follows: “Sho (pure) means unadulterated and unsullied; and jin (exertion) means ceaseless
effort.” It means advancing straight ahead, undistracted by other things. The Lotus Sutra
declares that the Buddha himself attained enlightenment through “courage and diligence,”
or “exerting himself bravely and vigorously,” over many lifetimes.
Quote 5 – ED MATERIAL AFTER THEN 2015 EXPERIENCE
Mr. Toda lectured on “The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood” in study sessions open to all
members held at the Toshima Civic Hall in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.
Regarding the passage we are examining, he passionately stated: “‘Still I am not
discouraged’—that’s the key!” Everyone leaned forward, anticipating his next words. He
declared:
We are incredibly fortunate to be the disciples of Nichiren Daishonin. We are
Bodhisattvas of the Earth. And this is the heart of the Soka Gakkai spirit.
Unworthy though I may be, I, too, am striving for kosen-rufu with the spirit “Still I am
not discouraged.” Because we are carrying out the Daishonin’s instructions, we
naturally must be prepared for an endless succession of great difficulties. We must
have courage and perseverance.
His words still ring clear in my ears to this very day.
Quote 6
Of course, genuine selfless dedication does not mean disregarding our lives. As
revolutionaries of the Mystic Law, we live as fully and long as we can, dedicating ourselves to
kosen-rufu.
Quote 7 AFTER ED MATERIAL THEN MY 2ND EXPERIENCE
There are times when a prudent, flexible response is called for, just as when Bodhisattva
Never Disparaging ran to safety when people tried to attack him with sticks and stones. But
even after putting some distance between him and his attackers, he would turn toward them
and loudly recite the 24-character Lotus Sutra, expressing his respect for all people. As his
example illustrates, unshakable conviction and unremitting faith in the universal potential for
Buddhahood is the very essence of bodhisattvas who have vowed to lead all people to
enlightenment. Genuine bodhisattvas never give up. They keep trying until they succeed.
They strive to fulfil their mission, determined to create a world where all people can lead
victorious lives.
2
Quote 8
Buddhism teaches us how, in this corrupt age of the Latter Day, to elevate our life state, build
solid happiness, and help realize a safe and prosperous society. As we persevere unswervingly
in our Buddhist practice and expand our network of Bodhisattvas of the Earth, we move
closer, step by step, to creating a realm of peace and happiness for all.
Quote 9
Though I may be a person of little ability, I have reverently given myself to the study of the
Mahayana. A blue fly, if it clings to the tail of a thoroughbred horse, can travel ten thousand
miles, and the green ivy that twines around the tall pine can grow to a thousand feet. I was
born as the son of the one Buddha, Shakyamuni, and I serve the king of scriptures, the Lotus
Sutra. How could I observe the decline of the Buddhist Law and not be filled with emotions of
pity and distress?
(WND-1, 17; “On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land”)
Quote 10
In his opening words in “On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land,” the
host says to the guest: “Now that you have come, we can lament together. Let us discuss the
question at length” (WND-1, 7). Throughout the work, he speaks with the guest as an equal,
employing sutra passages and reasoning to correct the guest’s misunderstandings about
Buddhism and ultimately encouraging him to embrace the correct practice for his own and
others’ happiness. This is the beautiful essence of Buddhist dialogue.
As a disciple of the Buddha, the host calls on the guest to join him in learning, discussing, and
practicing Buddhism. For the host, the dialogue was a search for truth, an attempt to strike a
chord in the guest’s life through his attitude and respectful behavior.
Quote 11
In any sphere, great achievements and accomplishments are only possible through steadfast
commitment. The key is to what we are most deeply committed. As we strive to achieve the
unprecedented undertaking of kosen-rufu, let us advance boldly, with the dignified life states
of bodhisattva and Buddhahood, unperturbed by the praise and censure of those dominated
by the six paths.
Consistently engaging in compassionate dialogue is the heart of bodhisattva practice to help
all people attain enlightenment. It is a sure way to elevate our own and others’ fundamental
state of life.
3
Quote 12
From the grand perspective of the ten thousand years and more of the Latter Day of the Law,
we are just at the beginning of our movement. As we strive to fulfil our vow as Bodhisattvas
of the Earth, let us each, with awareness as a disciple of the Buddha, make tenacious efforts
in dialogue to realize a peaceful and prosperous world for all through the humanistic teaching
of the Mystic Law. By doing so, we will sow the seeds, nurture the saplings, and foster the
growth of magnificent trees of peace throughout the world.
