Everything I say and do is based on his [Mr. Toda’s] spirit. Buddhism comes to life only when the hearts of mentor and disciple are united as one. Upholding the mentor’s teachings is the mark of a genuine disciple. This is the heart of the mentor-disciple relationship.
From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 288
Daisaku Ikeda
One can liken the unity of “many in body, one in mind” to a bamboo grove. Each bamboo stalk sprouts up independently, yet underground, their roots are intertwined. The world of faith is the same. Because we share the same “roots,” because we share a common spirit and purpose, each one of us can grow limitlessly, reaching for the sky in our personal development and achievements.
From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 159
Daisaku Ikeda
Buddhist practice is not something we can carry out on our own. For, as the Daishonin says, “The winds of fame and profit blow violently, and the lamp of Buddhist practice is easily extinguished” (WND-1, 1027). It is vital that we encourage and support one another as we make our way forward. We need to be positive influences, or “good friends,” to one another.
From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 153
Daisaku Ikeda