A translation of SGI President Ikeda's encouragement.—DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT—
"What defines a truly great person? Josei Toda, the second Soka Gakkai president, once remarked: 'Truly great are those who live with a youthful vitality throughout their lives. Surely there are none more admirable as human beings than those who can maintain their original youthful spirit and hopes throughout their entire lives?' I engraved these words in my life. I think it's just as he says. "Embodying Mr. Toda's words, countless Soka Gakkai members—noble champions of the people, not least our pioneer members in the Many Treasures group—have won victory in life through maintaining unwavering faith. I would like to praise and applaud them with all my heart.
"It is only by maintaining our convictions throughout our lives, by not abandoning our beliefs, that we can prove them to be genuine; indeed, herein lies the essence of faith. Those who continue to uphold their beliefs through adversity are truly admirable; they are people of the highest caliber. They are honorable people of faith who would surely be praised by Nichiren Daishonin, the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law."
Source: SGI Newsletter No. 7702, Learning From the Gosho: The Hope-filled Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, [15] "A Warning against Begrudging One's Fief."
Dauntless Confidence and Conviction: The Invincible Path Of Mentor and Disciple, from the December 2008 issue of the Daibyakurenge, translated Feb. 4, 2009
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