LEARNING from the WRITINGS The HOPE-FILLED TEACHINGS of NICHIREN DAISHONIN SGI PRESIDENT IKEDA’S LECTURE SERIES “The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra”

President Ikeda Quotes his Mentor “When you are young, it is very important to believe in yourself.” “It is essential for young people to have something they can truly believe in. They need to trust their own hearts.” -- Josei Toda

Prudence, Courage and Firm Faith Kingo’s efforts to urge Lord Ema to embrace faith in the Lotus Sutra resulted in Kingo falling out of favor with his lord and being persecuted and threatened by his peers.

Prudence, Courage and Firm Faith Nichiren says Kingo’s survival was due to his prudence, courage and steadfast faith in the Mystic Law. Faith is a struggle between the Buddha and devilish functions. It’s crucial to have strong faith and keep working at strengthening it without cease.

Faith that Activates the Heavenly Deities We are responsible for improving our good fortune and increasing our karmic rewards. The workings of the heavenly deities: When we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we reveal our innate Buddha nature and in turn activate the Buddha nature in all life, which then functions to protect us.

The Mystic Law is the Source of All Wisdom The purification of the six senses means that through the power of the Mystic Law, we can overcome all hindrances and create the greatest possible value. Belief in the Mystic Law brings true wisdom regarding all affairs of society. Faith should spur us to do our very best, to apply ourselves with wisdom, dedication and energy.

The Essence of Buddhism: The Heart is Most Important Happiness is not determined by external conditions; it comes down to one’s heart or mind. A deluded mind is trapped in a descending cycle of negativity and misery while an enlightened mind carves out a path of optimism and hope.

The Essence of Buddhism: The Heart is Most important The potential for ignorance and enlightenment exists within us. A mind free of the fetters of ignorance is filled with the Buddha wisdom that enables one to rise above and overcome all ills and misfortunes.

Sharing the Same Commitment as the Mentor When we single-mindedly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with faith in the Gohonzon, it is like facing a mirror and seeing our towering life-state of Buddhahood clearly reflected back at us.

Sharing the Same Commitment as the Mentor “It is the heart that is important” means having: the heart of faith to actively propagate the Mystic Law; the heart of a disciple to actively support the mentor; and the heart of a lion to actively speak out for truth and justice.

The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra: Faith that Brings Absolute Victory The “strategy of the Lotus Sutra” refers to faith in the Gohonzon. Basing ourselves on the Gohonzon, we can overcome all that hinders us on the path to attaining Buddhahood.

The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra: Faith that Brings Absolute Victory Cowardice prevents us from seeing the truth and can cause minor hardships to seem like huge, immovable obstacles. Courage indicates the most robust, healthy spirit deriving from our inherent Buddha nature, which allows us to vanquish our fundamental darkness.

President Ikeda Calls Out Just as Mr. Toda called out 55 years ago, I call out to all the youth who are my true successors: “My young friends, how will you accomplish kosen-rufu? What are the challenges that lie before you? Where and how will you fight and win?” -- Daisaku Ikeda Notes from Ted Morino’s Lecture: We tend to take Ikeda’s guidance for granted because so readily available. When we speak of President Ikeda’s Lectures – how much are we really willing to do? Food for thought: Question: In beginning Daishonin praises Kingo because emerged victories: prudence, courage, and faith Nichiren Daishonin describes source of the protection – faith By faith – Nichiren Daishonin means the entirety of our attitude not just belief in mystical law, But our entire attitude – every aspect – of our life condition – toward daily life. Ultimate part of Nichiren Daishonin’s teaching – Strategy of Lotus Sutra End of writing Nichiren Daishonin says coward cannot have any of his prayers answered Beginning Nichiren Daishonin praising – End – trying to wake up Shoji Kingo Even though Shijo Kingo escaped attack this time – no guarantee he won’t encounter similar situation in future because surrounded by enemies and people with ill feelings toward him. Same scenario could occur – may encounter stronger enemy Because Shijo Kingo very careful and courageously using swordsmanship, faith in Gohonzon, and protection of heavenly gods. If Shijo Kingo becomes complacent in future and relies on swordsmanship as strategy, forgets faith, loses temper, Hot temper means his faith relaxed – if weakens means his faith not there. Faith every aspect toward life Nichiren Daishonin must summon power of faith – more than ever – he is challenging SK to strengthen faith so continue to have protection regardless what arises. This conviction Nichiren Daishonin tries to give Shijo Kingo If Shijo Kingo puts in other strategy, swordsmanship, if intimidated by enemies swordsmanship, his faith not there – may fail. Nichiren Daishonin teaching him how his life can be better – more fortunate and effective in swordsmanship Heart as strategy – as opposed to way of thinking – When based on Lotus Sutra then can overcome any enemy – lion king Right now going through incredible crisis in society – global economic – job loss Gosho key to solution current challenges – what is challenged is condition of our faith – what is called faith? When say you have no faith – that is your karma – cannot go further – not use that expression Our enemy is our anxiety or worry – if comes first Nichiren Daishonin say we have a problem in condition of our faith Regardless of condition of our environment. Our capacity or ability being challenged, need to start with resolution: No matter what I will not be defeated. This firm resolve will save us. So resolved we do powerful daimoku, honest prayers, tenacious action, for ultimate victory Because fundamental darkness occupies our society cannot be in sync with society we need to be on different level that condition of society We need to have firm resolve – key to success – and building fortune – key to winning Firm resolve is savior of our lives – activate powerful forces and our innate fortune Under such difficult circumstances if cowardly cannot have any of our prayers answered Then condition of society will take advantage. Powerful daimoku way to polish our hearts – minds – condition. Then fully prepared for hardship – that’s what strong faith means. President Ikeda gave guidance about how he could fight so hard for kosen-rufu “I chose to trust the Gohonzon.”