Let's always lend an ear to our friends' sufferings and share the power and confidence of Buddhism with them. Chanting Daimoku of empathy, really making their suffering our own, is where the heartfelt sincerity of Soka members shines through. Let's become wise people overflowing with courage and compassion! 

Translation of "To My Friends" published in the Seikyo Shimbun, based on President Ikeda's recent guidance, with universal value and application

Nichiren Daishonin admonishes us to “believe continuously without ever regressing.”* Continuation is strength. With faith as pure as a clear stream, let’s spend each day brimming with satisfaction and vibrance.

*Two Kinds of Faith - WND 1, page 899

Translation of "To My Friends" published in the Seikyo Shimbun, based on President Ikeda's recent guidance, with universal value and application

To all those who are challenging and preparing for any decisive exams over this summer, please try to do your very best! All the efforts you have been so painstakingly making over time will certainly blossom into results. Let's never be defeated by any possible lack in confidence! 

Translation of "To My Friends" published in the Seikyo Shimbun, based on President Ikeda's recent guidance, with universal value and application

Constantly doing a vibrant gongyo is the source of good health and a fulfilling life. By using our wisdom to maintain a good rhythm in our daily lives, let's create value each and every day, cheerfully, happily and in good health! 

Translation of "To My Friends" published in the Seikyo Shimbun, based on President Ikeda's recent guidance, with universal value and application

To challenge ourselves is the source of our growth. Let's warmly encourage all of those members who are going to take the up-coming Buddhist study exams. Let's also, as their supporters, take this opportunity to train ourselves together with them! 

Translation of "To My Friends" published in the Seikyo Shimbun, based on President Ikeda's recent guidance, with universal value and application

I would like to express my utmost respect and appreciation to all of our SGI members who have victoriously begun a new era by sharing this Buddhism and raising so many new capable people. Let's praise each other's great efforts and celebrate this great advancement together and make it bloom with blossoms of good fortune and benefit! 

Translation of "To My Friends" published in the Seikyo Shimbun, based on President Ikeda's recent guidance, with universal value and application

It is because of the precious treasure castles that members so kindly offer for us to use for meetings that kosen-rufu can advance with great progress. Thank you so much for your constant kindness. May you all be filled with virtue and great good fortune! 

Translation of "To My Friends" published in the Seikyo Shimbun, based on President Ikeda's recent guidance, with universal value and application

Let's treasure the conversations we have with our children. A harmonious family is the very foundation of the transmission of the spirit of our practice from one generation to another. Let's create wonderful memories to adorn 
the 100th anniversary of the founding of Soka*! 

* In 2030, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the foundation of Soka Gakkai.

Translation of "To My Friends" published in the Seikyo Shimbun, based on President Ikeda's recent guidance, with universal value and application

Let’s be extra cautious in maintaining our good health during the summer time! It's especially important to prevent getting a heat stroke. With a steady fluid intake and good nutritional balance let’s advance by spending each day valuably!

Translation of "To My Friends" published in the Seikyo Shimbun, based on President Ikeda's recent guidance, with universal value and application

A new phase of development in our lives begins from a fresh new determination! Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism is the Buddhism of "true cause!"* Everything starts from now, this moment onwards! Let's lead a life of creating value!

*Regarding the spirit of true cause, SGI President Ikeda said in a dialogue with young people, "The past is the past and the future is the future. You should keep moving forwards with a steady eye on the future, telling yourself, 'I'll start from today!' 'I'll start afresh from now, from this moment!' This is the essence of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism of True Cause, the spirit of starting from the present moment. This is the heart of our daimoku" (World Tribune,November 1st, 1996, p.11)

Translation of "To My Friends" published in the Seikyo Shimbun, based on President Ikeda's recent guidance, with universal value and application