Youthfulness is not determined by age. It is determined by one’s life force. One who possesses hope is forever young. One who continually advances is forever beautiful.
Nichiren states, “The voice does the Buddha’s work” (Gosho Zenshu, p. 708). To chant the Mystic Law is to praise the Gohonzon. Hearing the sound of our daimoku, the heavenly deities will be set into motion and work to protect us. A weak and unclear voice will not move the heavenly deities. That is why it is important for us to chant daimoku with voices that are clear, strong and brimming with joy.
“Thank you” is a miraculous expression. We feel good when we say it, and we feel good when we hear it. When we speak or hear the words “thank you,” the armor falls from our hearts and we can communicate on the deepest level.