The HOPE-FILLED TEACHINGS of NICHIREN DAISHONIN SGI PRESIDENT IKEDA’S LECTURE SERIES “The Dragon Gate” “My Wish Is That All My Disciples Make a Great Vow”- Carrying On the Great Vow for the Happiness of All Humanity

Point Youth -Pillar, eyes, great ship for the future -Hope for tomorrow -Shape the times -Steady flow of youthful successors March 16, Kosen-rufu Day – 50 th Ann.(2008) Life-to-life Transmission – Lotus Sutra Great Vow – Makiguchi, Toda, Ikeda

Buddhahood is Attained Trough Surmounting Difficulties At the height of the Atsuhara Persecution 21-year-old Tokimitsu protected his fellow practitioners Argeted by the authorities Nichiren praises his successor’s selfless efforts The great vow of mentor and disciple pulses in such actions

The Tale of the Dragon Gate The difficulty of attaining Buddhahood. Unity based on the bond of mentor and disciple “The spirit of many in body, one in mind

Toda at a Youth Festival

President’s Makiguchi’s Efforts to Provide Personal Encouragement The great vow of Buddhism Seeking to inspire Ecourage each person we encounter At a discussion meeting in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, 1942

Destruction Takes But An Instant; Construction Requires An All-Out Struggle The despotic conduct of Tiara No Kiyomori: "Unless a man is a Heike, he is not a human being." 250 years to reach its zenith, completely destroyed within several years of his death. Never forget the spirit of construction. Strive for peoples' happiness and to open the way for youth.

Be Wary of Negative Influences, or “Evil Friends” Shariputra was swayed by a Brahman. Workings of the devil king of the sixth heaven or fundamental darkness Defeated by negative influences or successfully attain Buddhahood. "The heart is what is most important." Whether we embrace the great vow

The Great Vow Our Foundation in An Age of Confusion The only way to repel this fierce attachment of the devil king is to base one's life on "a great vow" Truly profound and unshakable.

Living for The Happiness of Oneself and Others The great vow to strive for and realize the happiness of ourselves and others is the essence of Mahayana Buddhism.