Article Title: The Spirit Of The New Year’s Gosho.
To Celebrate The new year is to delight in growth and renewal.
I gather with friends and families to reflect on the year gone by and to set goals for the new year.
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With my friends, some pledge to quit gossiping red uce going out and read more often, exercise in the gym often and so on. It is a day of optimism and hope. It is a celebration of Spring, even in the heart of the winter.
Nichiren Daishonin writes: “A person who celebrates this day will accumulate virtue and be beloved By all, Just as the moon becomes full gradually moving from west to east and the sun shines more brightly travelling from east to west (WND.1,137.)
in the Daishonin’s time, the new year began closer to the physical beginning of Spring. Throughout the Gosho he speaks of Lotus-Flowers Blooming Cherry Blossoms emerging, the movement of the moon and other springtime metaphors. However, there is much more to this letter from Paying homage to the changing seasons.
In This letter, written to a lay believer, Nichiren Daishonin outlined an essential aspect of Buddhist practice in the SGI.
(1) To openly embrace responsibility for our happiness is one of the fundamental principles of Buddhism.
(2) We do not gather on New Year’s Eve to blame things in the year past for our troubles, instead we look to the coming year as an opportunity for change.
(3) Misfortune comes from one’s mouth and ruins one, but fortune comes from one’s heart and makes one worthy of respect. (WND. 1,137)
Likewise, the Lotus-Flowers emerge from the mud and the people who embrace the lotus sutra and chant Nam-Myoho-Renge- Kyo – are awakened to their Buddha nature. We who practice Daishonin’s Buddhism Know that we create our fortune just as surely as we are responsible for our suffering.
SGI-President Ikeda has often emphasised Buddhism in action, Buddhism in a sense, does not wait for winter to end it Jumps right into spring. It is in a constant state of reforms like wise, in our own hearts, in intimate relationships in ow Families and in the Sgi we are constantly growing.
For example, it is easy to say “I would be happy if only my wife was not so Lazy. I wish my boss treated me better, I would like my district if the meeting were not Boring.
Everyone has problems and dislikes, but to remain idle is not Buddhism. If we merely sit by the Sidelines and complain, we are not practising with the spirit of the new year.
On the other hand, if we sincerely chant for wisdom, openly engage those around us in dialogue and take action, we will surely overcome such minor difficulties and face all aspects of our daily lives with pride instead of Bitterness.
Occasionally the problems we face in life can be repetitive and discouraging, by find ourselves confronting the same difficulty over and over with seemingly no change in sight.
for example, I might desire to quit a destructive habit only to slip Back into it, attempt after attempt frustrating in such times, it is easy to slide into a swamp of pessimism and apathy. But we all know that no battle is won without the determination to win or not to be defeated.
Story by Asssumpta-Gahutu
Asssumpta’s voice carried a warmth that felt like a comforting embrace.
“My dear students, as the new year dawns, I’m reminded of a story from my own life. When I was much younger, I faced a difficult situation. There was a year when nothing seemed to go right. I struggled with my studies, felt disconnected from my friends, and even doubted myself. It was as if I was walking through a storm with no end in sight.
“One day, I sat down with my grandmother, a wise woman with a spirit like fire. She said to me, ‘Asssumpta-Gahutu, you cannot wait for the storm to pass. You must become the spring that chases away the winter.’ At first, I didn’t understand. How could I bring spring to my life when everything felt frozen?
“But then, she shared the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin with me. She said, ‘Life is like a lotus flower—it blooms even in the mud. Your struggles are not obstacles; they are the very soil from which you’ll grow. Chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, take action, and see how your world transforms.’
“I took her advice, and slowly, I began to find my strength. By the end of that year, I wasn’t the same person. I had grown in ways I never imagined. That year became my turning point. And now, as a teacher, I share this lesson with you: We create our fortune. With determination, even the harshest winter can bloom into spring.”
Dialogue: Asssumpta-Gahutu Her Students
Asssumpta-Gahutu: Good afternoon, my brilliant minds! I am Asssumpta-Gahutu, your teacher, guide, and—most importantly—your partner on this growth journey. Today, as we welcome a new year, I want us to talk about something vital: determination. How do we transform our lives in this new year? Let’s begin with your thoughts. What are your resolutions?”
Ayo: “Asssumpta-Gahutu, I want to spend more time with my family and help my mother with chores. But sometimes I get distracted by my friends.”
Asssumpta-Gahutu: “That’s a beautiful resolution, Ayo. And remember, distraction is just the mud around the lotus flower. You can overcome it with focus and action. Who’s next?”
Zanele: “I want to stop fighting with my younger brother. But honestly, Asssumpta-Gahutu, he can be so annoying!”
Asssumpta-Gahutu (smiling): “Zanele, I hear you! But let me share something Nichiren Daishonin wrote: ‘Misfortune comes from one’s mouth and ruins one, but fortune comes from one’s heart and makes one worthy of respect.’ What does that mean? It means peace begins within you. If you change how you react, you’ll also see a difference in your brother.”
Kofi: “I want to improve my grades, but every time I try, I get overwhelmed and give up.”
Asssumpta-Gahutu: “Kofi, that’s where determination comes in. Do you know what President Ikeda said? ‘Buddhism does not wait for winter to end; it jumps right into spring.’ Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start small, take action daily, and chant for courage. Your grades will improve as you grow stronger.”
Ayo: “Asssumpta-Gahuti, what’s your resolution this year?”
Assumpta-Gahutu :“Ah, Ayo, I love that question. I resolve to inspire young people like you to see the power you hold within yourselves. I want you to know that you’re not just students but changemakers, dreamers, and leaders. Together, we’ll make this new year unforgettable.
“Now, let me ask you all this: What will you do when challenges arise? When you feel like giving up, what will keep you going?”
Zanele: “I’ll chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and remind myself of the lotus flower.”
Kofi: “I’ll take small steps instead of getting overwhelmed.”
Ayo: “I’ll focus on my goals and not get distracted by what doesn’t matter.”
Asssumpta-Gahutu :“That’s the spirit! Remember, every effort you make, no matter how small is a step toward a brighter future. Let’s carry this determination into the year ahead. And like my grandmother said, ‘Become the spring that chases away the winter.’ You’ve got this!”
The students nodded, their eyes sparkling with resolve, ready to embrace the new year with courage and determination.
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