Heartiest congratulations to all the SGS performers for putting up a spectacular performance in the 2026 Chingay Parade’s opening act, “Sparking of a Wish”. What is even more inspiring are the many victories achieved by the participants in their lives during the journey.
As we navigate life, questions, doubts, and moments of uncertainty naturally arise – both in our daily lives and in our faith and practice.
In his writing “The Difficulty of Sustaining Faith”, Nichiren Daishonin states:
“One accepts because of one’s power of faith and continues because of one’s power of constant thought.” (WND-1, p. 471)
This “constant thought” refers to the seeking spirit – the sincere and continuous desire to deepen one’s understanding of Buddhism, strengthen one’s faith, and advance in our practice.
Regardless of how long we have practised, when we continue to seek the correct way to practise, we draw forth our limitless potential and deepen our awareness of our mission to help others awaken to the same life state.
What matters most is not the absence of doubt, but how we respond to it. By approaching challenges with a strong seeking spirit and turning to the writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Ikeda Sensei’s guidance, and seeking encouragement from seniors in faith, we can find clarity and direction. This enables us to summon courage to stand up with renewed resolve, break through negativity and apathy, and achieve victory in our human revolution. Through it, we grow not only as practitioners, but also as human beings capable of contributing positively to others and society.
When we challenge ourselves based on faith – determined to keep growing and moving forward despite difficulties – our lives take on greater depth and meaning. In this way, we become true winners in life.
At the heart of developing such a life is the mentor-disciple relationship. In any field – academics, the arts, or professional pursuits – those who seek mastery require a mentor. Studying alone, we may encounter difficult concepts or develop misunderstandings about the subject. A genuine mentor helps us correctly grasp the teachings, encourages us to persevere, and inspires us to bring forth our inherent potential.
As members of the Soka Gakkai, our seeking spirit is expressed through chanting abundant daimoku, studying Buddhism earnestly, striving wholeheartedly, and continually asking ourselves, “What would my mentor do?” This question anchors our actions in courage, compassion, and sense of mission.
Ikeda Sensei explains the essence of the spirit of oneness of mentor and disciple, “Fundamentally, a mentor exists to bring forth everyone’s potential… Those who walk the path of mentor and disciple of kosen-rufu will never find themselves at an impasse.
Through my experience, I have concluded that when you are completely united in spirit with your mentor, unlimited strength wells forth.” (The New Human Revolution Volume 16, “Heart and Soul” Chapter)
As we commemorate March 16, Kosen-Rufu Day – the day the disciple inherits the vow of kosen-rufu, let us advance with a strong seeking spirit, with Ikeda Sensei in our hearts so that our faith and practice will remain vibrant and dynamic. This will enable us to continue to grow, transform our lives, and move forward with courage, hope and joy even in the most challenging circumstances.
