Daisaku Ikeda: "From the perspective of life existing throughout the three existences of past, present and future, we can move our life in the best possible direction, in the direction of happiness."

August 30, 2026

Good morning, Dear Friends:

Special Edition today. There are three essays by Daisaku Ikeda in the August 14th World Tribune focused on the theme of illness. I struggle with mental illness every day, and some of you--or friends/family members--are facing health challenges, too. Let’s see whether some thoughts here prove helpful. I will look at two of the essays today.

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo Is the Wellspring of Life Force is from a speech Daisaku Ikeda gave at a leaders training course in 2005. The key theme, according to the editors, is that “Daimoku is the wellspring that enables us to face illness and transform it into an opportunity for human revolution.”

Dr. Ikeda opens:

Some of our members may be struggling with illness. But being ill doesn’t mean one has to be unhappy or that one can’t take action for kosen-rufu. Those who embrace the Mystic Law are guaranteed to become happy.

This is very pertinent point for me. Earlier this month I described an episode adventure I had with my mental health. This time, however, I leaned into it, and it passed through me in a just few days due to the help of my doctors, Dee’s “treatments,” and the loving support of my family. Who said I was unhappy during this time? I wasn’t. I felt deep appreciation for the fortune to go through the waves in such a sturdy ship.

Dr. Ikeda continues:

The Swiss philosopher and educator Carl Hilty said, “Sickness is … just a passageway to a higher step in life.” Those who have experienced illness themselves are more considerate of others. The experience of illness makes us more compassionate. Illness teaches us many things. It makes us look death in the face and think about the meaning of life. It makes us realize just how precious life is. It is all just a passageway leading us upward to a more elevated life. It is a learning experience. And for those who base themselves on the Mystic Law, everything becomes energy for creating happiness, fuel for self-improvement.

Unbelievable, don’t you think?!?! I printed this paragraph up and taped it to shelf on which our butsudan is placed.

Dr. Ikeda next quotes Josei Toda:

[The benefit of the Gohonzon] is that it supercharges our life force. Such powerfully-charged life force transforms a state of mind in which we grumble and complain about our problems, suffering, poverty and other misfortunes into a state of mind filled with light and joy….The power of daimoku is colossal. It can transform a life imbued with painful karma into one that is like strolling in a beautiful garden, or like a pleasant dream.

Again, I find this so encouraging! What am I to do now? Dr. Ikeda suggests:

When you are suffering, chant daimoku. When you are stuck, chant daimoku. If you do, life force and courage will emerge, and you will be able to change your situation. Our Buddhist practice is the engine for victory in all things.

As I have been reporting, I am trying to accomplish what Dee calls “Daimoku Revolution.” It’s a time when I admit to being somewhat “stuck.” So I will hold tight to the banister, chant more abundantly, and break through.

Dr. Ikeda continues addressing the above theme in Turning Illness Into an Impetus for Growth (1988).

It is said that those who overcome a major illness deeply savor the taste of life. In Nichiren Buddhism, illness is regarded as an impetus for achieving the supreme objective of Buddhahood. The misfortune of a severe illness can become the stepping stone to a state of absolute happiness that endures for all eternity.

Friends, I am sure you have seen posts/comments in Sgiwhistleblowers like this. “Look, hahaha, SGI Old Longhauler top leader #2938QB47-9 got sick and passed away despite a long practice!” Then, in the comments, “I told you so! It's a no-honzon! It has no power!” Hahaha.

My question: Didn’t this imaginary poster ever study? Buddhism is based on the premise of the Four Sufferings: Birth, Aging, Sickness, and Death. We will invariably pass through these stages, and Buddhist practice doesn't sidestep or avoid them; it creates light through the process.

Dr. Ikeda next quotes a passage from the Daishonin’s writings:

Could not this illness of your husband’s be the Buddha’s design, because the Vimalakirti and Nirvana sutras both teach that sick people will surely attain Buddhahood? Illness gives rise to the resolve to attain the way” (WND- 1, p. 937).

“Illness gives rise to the resolve to attain the way”!!! He sent these words to a female follower whose husband was suffering from illness. I feel he is also sending it by Federal-Cross-Centuries-Express to JulieSongwriter in WNY. There is so much energy in these words. Nichiren is reminding me that I am not just needlessly suffering through my illness; I am changing my life at a more fundamental level.

Dr. Ikeda:

It is certainly true that a painful illness can motivate us to begin chanting daimoku more earnestly and abundantly than usual. Such times of suffering are precisely when we need to make the flame of our faith burn higher than ever. What matters is whether we make our illness a starting point for embarking on a course to greater happiness or the beginning of a decline toward misery.

Why did this “mental health adventure” happen to me at the same time our district is struggling to welcome “One Youth, Infinite Hope”? Putting aside the boost we got from our visiting SGI-USA staff members during the summer, the number of guests at our meetings has been low-to-no. But, take heed, Julie:

The power of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo not only produces a strong life force to help us overcome illness but also transforms the karma in the depths of our being. It elevates our inner “self” to the world of Buddhahood and enables us to attain immeasurable good fortune that leads to an indestructible state of absolute happiness.

We can then brilliantly transform the negative condition of illness beyond the neutral condition of health into a more expansive, positive condition—moving our lives in the direction of happiness. What enables us to draw forth that power is indomitable faith—faith that can courageously turn even adversity into a springboard for tremendous growth.

I think it is a good thing that my “suffering” right now is an inability to welcome a new friend to the district. But caring about other people is a higher order of suffering, isn’t it? It’s like I’m taking an elevator to a high floor...but the door has not opened, so I can’t walk out yet.

Dr. Ikeda continues:

Of course, faith cannot immediately cure every kind of illness. People have their own karma, and the strength of each person’s faith also differs. In addition, a struggle with illness can have a variety of profound meanings that cannot be fathomed by ordinary wisdom.

Friends, I wish that some of you would consider the above thought. Faith is a struggle, not a rose garden.

Dr. Ikeda:

As long as we have strong faith, however, there is not the slightest doubt that we can transform our condition in the direction of health, happiness and Buddhahood. From the perspective of life existing throughout the three existences of past, present and future, we can move our life in the best possible direction, in the direction of happiness.

My takeaway? Dr. Ikeda concludes:

It is important to continue chanting earnestly and to keep our passionate commitment to kosen-rufu burning brightly in our hearts as long as we live. Such strong, thoroughly forged determination in faith is the primary force for serenely overcoming the sufferings of birth and death.

I’m on it!

Just a wee bit of news around here.

The Twinettes are back home after their four-day Overnight adventure. They are not talking much about the experience yet, but I know many stories will come out over the next few days. Meanwhile, they are catching up on quiet hugs, sitting on laps, and playing with their brothers.

Erica and Eulogio will be home tonight and we are all very excited!