The passage from “The Teacher of the Law,” the 10th chapter of the Lotus Sutra, he cites here is quite extraordinary. In the letter, written about four months after Tokimitsu’s visit, Nichiren expresses his boundless hopes for the future of this young successor. He was truly delighted to see how Tokimitsu had grown into a fine young man who had inherited his late father’s Buddhist faith. Roughly a decade had passed since the Daishonin last met Tokimitsu, then still a child. Just two months later, in July, the 16-year-old Tokimitsu, out of his passionate seeking spirit, visited the Daishonin at his dwelling there. In May 1274, the Daishonin left Kamakura to take up residence on Mount Minobu. ![]() Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter in November 1274 to his young disciple Nanjo Tokimitsu, who had sent him sincere offerings, including mandarin oranges, konnyaku, burdock root and other items. (“On the Offering of a Mud Pie,” WND-2, 499) Whether you doubt or believe him is up to you. And if you should wonder who is making such a wild statement, it is none other than Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, himself. The point of this passage is that one will gain greater blessings by giving alms to the votary of the Lotus Sutra, who in the evil world of the latter age is so intensely hated, than by giving alms to the Buddha for a whole medium kalpa. ![]() And if one lauds and extols those who uphold this sutra, one’s good fortune will be even greater”. fourth volume of the Lotus Sutra states: “If there is someone who seeks the Buddha way and for the space of a kalpa presses palms together in my presence and recites numberless verses of praise, because of these the Buddha will gain immeasurable blessings. Heartfelt Delight at Nanjo Tokimitsu’s Growth First, let us study “On the Offering of a Mud Pie,” a letter expressing Nichiren’s infinite hopes for young people. Praying for the dynamic growth of all my dear friends of the young men’s, young women’s, student and future divisions, I would like this time to discuss two of Nichiren’s writings, focusing on the theme of youth and faith. July is the Soka Gakkai’s month of youth. We engage in Buddhist study in the Soka Gakkai so that together we can learn about the principles of Buddhism, develop our lives and ascend the summits of kosen-rufu and of attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime. This invitation to seek the truth of Buddhism together must have encouraged countless young people. I am not saying that I have reached the summit I am saying, let’s make our way to the summit together!” I’m just a step or two ahead, that’s all. Josei Toda continued: “I am walking the same path. Ascending the Summit of Kosen-rufu Together Toda’s voice ringing with affection and compassion. These are the words of a great educator who always warmly cared for and supported young people seeking the true way to live. And the higher they climb, the greater their joy, which is why once they join the Soka Gakkai, they don’t leave.” That pursuit leads them to climb higher and higher summits. “Youth,” he continued, “search for a life philosophy. ![]() During an interview for a Tohoku Broadcasting radio program, Josei Toda was asked, “Why does the Soka Gakkai have such a large youth membership?” His answer was very clear: “Because we have a profound philosophy.”
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