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2008 New Year's Address I extend my sincere congratulations to all Nichiren Shoshu priests and lay believers on this joyful occasion of the New Year, marking the early spring of the 756th Anniversary of the Establishment of True Buddhism. Currently in Nichiren Shoshu, the priests and laity are united as one, based on the principle of “many in body, one in mind” (itai doshin), and are advancing forth to successfully double the number of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth and to gather at the Great Assembly in 2009 at the 750th Anniversary of Revealing the Truth and Upholding Justice through the Submission of the Rissho ankoku-ron. I am truly pleased to see everyone courageously making systematic progress, one step at a time, toward this objective. I also rejoice that the preparations for the commemorative activities for this upcoming occasion, including the comprehensive renovation project for the Head Temple, which has been made possible by the precious Gokuyo offerings from the priests and lay believers of Nichiren Shoshu, and the commemorative publications are progressing smoothly, as planned. As we commence the “Year of Great Advancement,” only a year remains until the tremendously significant occasion coming upon us in 2009. This is a truly crucial year—a key determinant to achieving our objectives next year. I sincerely pray that the priests and lay believers in all regions will etch the following golden words in their hearts: If itai doshin (many in body, one in mind) prevails among the people, they will achieve all their goals, whereas in dotai ishin (one in body, different in mind), they can achieve nothing remarkable. (Gosho, p. 1389; MW-1, p. 153) I pray from the bottom of my heart that the priesthood and laity will form a solid, harmonious unity based on itai doshin, and be firmly convinced that their activities throughout this year are essential for the achievement of the ultimate goal of worldwide Kosen-rufu and the immediate objective set forth for next year. As a matter of course, when we press forward in our activities for righteousness and justice, devilish obstacles will arise one after another, without fail. Therefore, the Daishonin stated: If devils do not arise successively, there will be no way of knowing that this is the true teaching. (Gosho, p. 986) I ask you all to have great conviction in the immense benefits of the Dai-Gohonzon and to advance courageously to achieve our objectives, no matter what obstacles you may encounter. The Daishonin stated the following in his Gosho, “Teaching, Practice, and Proof” (Kyo gyo sho gosho)
Myoho-Renge-Kyo, the heart of the Essential Teaching of the Lotus Sutra,
is composed of the five characters that contain all the benefits amassed
by all the practices and meritorious deeds of all the Buddhas throughout
the past, present, and future. How can these five characters not include
the benefits gained by observing all the precepts? If the practitioner
once embraces this perfectly endowed mystic precept, he cannot break it,
even if he tries. It is called the precept of the diamond chalice. By
observing this very precept, all the Buddhas—the properties of the Law,
Wisdom, and Action—throughout the Three Existences became the Buddhas
without beginning or end.
I ask each of you to have absolute conviction in the Dai-Gohonzon of the Three Great Secret Laws, Myoho-Renge-Kyo, hidden in the depths of the Life Span (Juryo; sixteenth) chapter of the Essential Teaching of the Lotus Sutra—the original essence that brought forth not only Shakyamuni Buddha, but also of all the Buddhas and all of the sutras throughout the Three Existences and the Ten Infinite Directions. Furthermore, I ask you to believe in the immense benefits of embracing the Mystic Law (Myoho), which contains the virtues of the myriad practices and myriad good deeds of all the Buddhas throughout the Three Existences. I ask you all, based on this absolute conviction, to cultivate true courage, undaunted by any obstacles that you may encounter. Additionally, I ask you to develop solid, uncompromising unity based on the principle of “many in body, one in mind” (itai doshin). I would like to conclude my New Year’s address by sincerely praying that, without fail, you will emerge victorious during this “Year of Great Advancement,” and that you will proceed with ever-increasing faith and devotion, to accomplish our great objectives of Doubling the Number of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth and gathering at the Great Assembly. |