Happy New Year, and my sincere greetings to all members at the start of this new year of 2023!
We have gone through more than three difficult years of volatile changes and disruptions caused by the on-going pandemic, outbreak of wars, and the reeling effects of natural disasters worldwide. However, all of you have remained undefeated and triumphed over these daunting challenges with your indomitable faith and many of you have even emerged and bounced back stronger. Congratulations to all!
This year’s theme is “Year of Youth and Triumph”. Come November 18, 2023, we will be celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the completion of the Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu. Let us strive towards this significant milestone with resounding victories, both in our own endeavours and in the advancement of kosen-rufu in our respective communities.
At the commemorative prayer meeting marking the completion of the Hall of Great Vow for Kosen-rufu (in 2013), Ikeda Sensei shared in his message,
“The heart of the great vow for kosen-rufu and the life-state of the Buddhahood are one and the same. Therefore when we dedicate our lives to this vow, we can bring forth the supreme nobility, strength, and greatness of our lives. When we remain true to this vow, the limitless courage, wisdom and compassion of the Buddha flow forth from within us.”
Humanity is at a vital cross-road and many people including our members, are facing hardships due to the pandemic and the various unprecedented challenges of conflicts and divisions in the world. Our mission therefore is immense. It is time to envelop the world with the compassionate practice of this faith that can help them build an indomitable life. It is time to reach out to people around us and ignite courage, hope and joy in their hearts.
At this crucial moment, let’s be even more determined to carry out our mission based on the great vow for kosen-rufu and “to change poison into medicine”. All of us in the SGI are united in our endeavours to expand this network dedicated to the peace and happiness of the people based on the life-affirming philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism.
In this Year of Youth and Triumph, let’s strive to win every day by:
1. Sharing Buddhism and engaging in propagation (shakubuku) with youth taking the lead;
2. Challenging our human revolution based on gongyo and daimoku;
3. Studying the Gosho and Sensei’s guidance and applying them in our daily lives;
4. Basing on our vow to achieve kosen-rufu in our shared struggle with Ikeda Sensei; and
5. Fostering capable people by expanding our efforts to encourage others.
Our focus in 2023 will be the expansion of our movement, to have more friends participating in our activities, and reignite everyone’s passion for kosen-rufu and to enable all to practise faith joyously.
We shall make our discussion meetings, both at the district and at the chapter level, the main oasis of hope and friendship. Only when our members at the districts overflow with victories can we say we are truly victorious. Together, let’s build a triumphant bastion of capable people and successors at the districts! Let us win every day over the negativities and obstacles in our lives, and show great actual proof of victories through faith!
Wishing everyone and your family, good health, happiness, and victory in 2023!
