In the Gosho “The Opening of the Eyes”, Nichiren Daishonin quotes a passage from a sutra: “If you want to understand the causes that existed in the past, look at the results as they are manifested in the present. And if you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present.” (WND-1, p. 279)
This is a famous passage that teaches the law of the simultaneity of cause and effect that governs our life. Here, Nichiren Daishonin is teaching us the importance of the present. Ikeda Sensei states in his guidance:
“If the present is the inevitable result of past causes, then we can say that the present is defined by the past. Indeed, the present is a mirror reflecting the past. At the same time, however, the present is the starting point of the future, the active cause for creating a new future.
As such, we are always standing at the fundamental starting point of everything. Drawing forth the boundless life force of our inherent Buddhahood, we can dynamically transform ourselves and our lives where we are right now. This is the essence of faith based on the true cause – of always starting afresh from this moment on.
Nichiren Buddhism teaches the mystic principle of the true cause – meaning that a fresh cause can be made at each moment – and emphasises the present and the future. This, in other words, is the spirit of our faith and practice, always moving forward and continually growing – further today than yesterday, further tomorrow than today.
However, no matter how we may have exerted ourselves in our Buddhist practice in the past, if we allow our efforts to grind to a halt in the present due to whatever reason, we will eventually stop growing in faith. As the Daishonin teaches, ‘Not advancing is regressing’.”
Especially in the face of challenges and hardships, we need to look ahead with a positive attitude and joyfully take them on. Those with the “heart of a lion king” possess the courage to create and spread hope, no matter how adverse their circumstances. We can manifest inexhaustible life force and wisdom to overcome every obstacle and sever the heavy chains of negative karma. This absolute conviction is the spirit of true cause.
Whenever our members have encountered difficulties in life, they have roused ever stronger faith, regarding such moments as opportunities for growth and for transforming their lives. Overcoming one challenge tter anotner er, tney nave movec forward in their lives with strength and resilience and opened the way to a hope-filled future. How inspiring it is to the people around them!
With the Lunar New Year drawing near, I would like to wish everyone an excellent year ahead with good health, happiness and vibrant growth that creates many victories. I would also like to thank the Production Support Group which is responsible for the decoration for the Lunar New Year open house. Their display of ingenious creativity and dedicated efforts every year have livened up the SGS centres. Their spirit is truly admirable.
At the end of February, some 206 members from Regional Headquarters 3, 6, 8 and 9 and the Soka Youth Dance Crew will be performing in the opening act of this year’s Chingay performance. Let us look forward to their performance!
